Rita Ora came to control music through Prince’s influence.
The “Hot Right Now” hitmaker signed a deal with record label BMG last year, and as part of the deal she was given control of her own master. .
In a preview of an upcoming interview with Wonderland magazine, she famously reflected on Prince, saying, “If you don’t own the master, the master owns you.
Rita said, “He told me that when I was with him, but I didn’t think it was possible for me. I was like, ‘I can’t help it. I am now in a position to own my own master and control where I go and what I publish.”
The 32-year-old star began his career with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, but eventually sued the label for “unenforceable” contact, which they eventually settled after they counterclaimed.
And Rita admitted that in her early years, she was “taught” not to rock the boat.
she said: I was taught to do what other people want. ”
The “I Will Never Let You Down” singer was also inspired by a dispute over the rights to her early master recordings with Taylor Swift, which led her to re-record the song herself.
She said, “Taylor really inspired me. This deal was a huge leap…it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Rita now offers to offer advice to new artists who are unsure of how to protect their work.
she said: Up-and-coming artists who really want to ask me about it, I’m here for it.