Santiago Cortes & Unlicensed Music

Why Unlicensed Bodies of Work Are Not Accepted at AudioWave Records

A statement on originality, compliance, and artist responsibility

At AudioWave Records, we operate with a clear and non-negotiable principle:

Only fully original, properly licensed works are accepted for release.

This is not a stylistic preference or an internal rule made for convenience. It is a foundational requirement that protects the label, our artists, our partners, and our distribution infrastructure.

Recently, we made the decision to remove Santiago Cortes from the AudioWave Records roster after a second breach of this principle. While individual circumstances vary, this case provides an important opportunity to clarify our position publicly and transparently.

What constitutes an unlicensed body of work?

An unlicensed body of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Tracks containing copyrighted lyrics without permission

• Covers released without mechanical or publisher licensing

• Derivative works or interpolations presented as originals

• Works designed to closely mirror existing recordings in title, lyrics, or phrasing

• Any submission that risks misleading DSPs, rights holders, or listeners

Even where there is no direct audio sampling, the use of protected lyrical content or recognisable elements from an existing song can still legally constitute a cover or derivative work.

Why this matters — legally and operationally

Attempting to release unlicensed material exposes both the artist and the label to serious consequences, including:

• Immediate DSP rejection or takedown

• Rights-holder claims or legal action

• Breach of distribution partner agreements

• Suspension or termination of distribution accounts

• Financial liability and reputational damage

For a label operating at scale, a single release that breaches licensing rules can trigger scrutiny of the entire catalogue, affecting artists who had no involvement in the issue whatsoever.

This is why AudioWave Records cannot — and will not — “take chances” on compliance.

The Santiago Cortes decision

In the case of Santiago Cortes, material was submitted that did not meet our originality and licensing requirements. This occurred despite explicit prior instruction that only fully original works were to be presented.

Given that a similar issue had previously placed our distribution relationships at risk, the decision was made to:

• Order the takedown of released material

• Terminate the artist’s contract

• End all future working relationships

This decision was not personal, punitive, or public-facing. It was a necessary step to protect the wider ecosystem of artists and partners who rely on AudioWave Records operating responsibly.

Our responsibility as a label

AudioWave Records exists to support artists, not expose them to avoidable legal risk.

That support comes with responsibility:

• Artists must understand what they are submitting

• Artists must be honest about source material

• Artists must respect copyright and licensing frameworks

We provide guidance, clarity, and transparency — but the obligation to submit compliant work ultimately rests with the artist.

Zero tolerance, clear communication

To be absolutely clear:

• Submitting unlicensed or misrepresented material will result in removal from the label

• Repeated breaches will result in immediate termination

• No release will proceed “on goodwill” or assumption

This policy is applied consistently, without exception, regardless of genre, experience level, or perceived intent.

Final word

AudioWave Records is building a sustainable, artist-focused ecosystem designed to last — not a short-term distribution funnel that cuts corners.

Respect for originality, licensing, and transparency is not optional.It is the price of admission.

Artists who share these values will always find support here.

Those who do not will not remain part of the label.