At No Dead Records, our mission is to breathe new life into forgotten sounds and preserve the legacies of incredible artists. However, "archival" does not mean "unowned."

While we celebrate the history of these recordings, it is important to clarify the legal status of our catalog. The music in our archive is not in the public domain.

What is Protected?

Every release in our catalog is protected by copyright law. This includes:

• Master Recordings: The specific audio files and physical masters owned or managed by No Dead Records.

• Underlying Compositions: The lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions (the "song" itself).

• Visual Assets: All supporting materials, including archival photographs, liner notes, and video footage.

Why Licensing Matters

Using these works without permission—whether for a film, a sample, a social media advertisement, or a remix—constitutes copyright infringement. Proper licensing ensures that:

1. Artists and Estates are Paid: Royalties go back to the creators or their heirs.

2. Legacy is Protected: We ensure the music is used in a way that respects the artist's original intent.

3. Future Preservation: While we don’t currently charge artists licensing fees, artist donations from these help fund the restoration of more lost recordings.

Need to use our music?

We love seeing our catalog find new audiences! If you are interested in using any of our assets for your project, please reach out to us directly to discuss synchronization or master use licenses at licensing@nodead.org