A music catalog is a comprehensive collection of songs, albums, and recordings owned by an artist, record label, or music publisher. It serves as a database that organizes and manages the rights to these musical works, making it easier to track usage, sales, and licensing opportunities. Music catalogs can include various genres and formats, from digital downloads to vinyl records. They are essential for artists and companies to monetize their music, as they provide a way to license songs for use in films, advertisements, and other media, ensuring that creators receive proper compensation for their work.