However, we have summarized the most important and most common terms for you here:
What is the difference between track and release?
- Track = refers to a single track of a production (e.g. just the vocal recording, the bass, etc.). In most cases, however, it refers to an entire song. In digital distribution, the track consists of the audio file of the song and the associated metadata.
- Release = contains one or more tracks. The terms release, album or bundle are used synonymously.
Is my planned piece of music an EP?
Basically, there are three different formats for the first release of a piece of music, depending on the number and length of your tracks:
- LP = Long Play or Album. This contains over 7 tracks with a total length of over 30 minutes.
- EP = Abbreviation for Extended Play. Contains 1-3 tracks, 1-2 of which are over 10 minutes, with a total playing time of less than 30 minutes. Or 4-6 tracks all under 10 minutes, total playing time under 30 minutes.
- Single = also called Maxi Single. With 1-3 tracks, all under 10 minutes, total playing time under 30 minutes. 1-track bundle is used colloquially when there is only one track on the release.
What is a compilation?
Compilation stands for the German word Zusammenstellung. However, a playlist is not a compilation, a distinction must be made here:
- UGC- Compilation = User Generated Content stands for collected user-generated content. With UGC or 3rd party compilations, tracks from other artists, bands or labels are licensed and used in addition to your own tracks. These are published complete with a new EAN.
- Playlist = the playlist is very similar to the compilation, but anyone can create it in the portals. The tracks in it usually have a specific genre or theme.
Are there article numbers for my track and my release?
There are various numbering systems for tracks and releases, which regulate digital billing and allocation, among other things:
- ISRC = International Standard Recording Code, in German: Internationaler Standard-Aufnahmecode is effectively the chassis number of a track. The globally valid twelve-digit code can be used to determine who the rights holder is.
- EAN = European Article Number, is the European article number of a release. Alternatively, the UPC(Universal Product Code) is also used for releases. The complete processing of billing, delivery and listing of the portals runs exclusively with this.
Which roles of contributors can and must I assign?
There are various contributor roles for tracks. A role is selected according to the type of contribution.
- Performer = also interpreter, is the performer in the track. The name in it is the stage name with which the artist performs.
- Featuring = also "with", is a contributor in a release. The role is abbreviated as feat. and is used for the artist who makes a guest appearance or supports a song.
- Remixer = the role of the artist who reinterprets an existing track. This means a different background, melody and/or arrangement, but you can hear similarities.