Album Preparation for Distribution: A Complete Guide for Artists
Releasing an album is more than just uploading songs. Proper preparation ensures your music is protected, properly credited, and monetized across all platforms. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the services and steps I handle to get your album ready for distribution.
1. ISRC Codes (International Standard Recording Codes)
What it is:
An ISRC is a unique identifier for each song. Think of it as a digital fingerprint for your recordings. Every track needs its own code so that streaming platforms, radio stations, and performance rights organizations can track plays and royalties.
Why it matters:
Ensures you get paid for every stream or play.
Prevents duplicate or misattributed recordings.
Maintains your ownership and control over your music.
Where to get your own ISRCs:
U.S. ISRC Agency: https://usisrc.org/
SoundExchange ISRC Resources: https://www.soundexchange.com/2024/01/09/all-about-isrcs/
2. Metadata Embedded in Your Files
What it is:
Metadata is all the information embedded in your audio files: song title, artist name, producers, songwriters, ISRC codes, and more.
Why it matters:
Ensures proper credit on all platforms.
Allows platforms to identify your music for royalties.
Helps your songs appear correctly in searches and playlists.
Embedding metadata correctly is crucial because errors can cause lost streams, royalties, or misattributed work.
Learn more about metadata:
SoundExchange Guide: https://www.soundexchange.com/2024/01/09/all-about-isrcs/
3. Register with a PRO (Performance Rights Organization)
What it is:
PROs collect performance royalties for songwriters and publishers whenever your music is performed publicly.
Why it matters:
Collects royalties from radio, TV, live shows, and streaming platforms.
Ensures you’re paid for public performances of your music.
Protects your rights as a songwriter and publisher.
Major PROs in the U.S.:
ASCAP: https://www.ascap.com/
BMI: https://www.bmi.com/
SESAC: https://www.sesac.com/
4. UPC Code (Universal Product Code)
What it is:
A UPC is a barcode for your entire album. While ISRCs identify individual tracks, the UPC identifies the complete project.
Why it matters:
Required for distributing your album to major platforms.
Tracks album-level sales and streams.
Helps your album qualify for charts and reporting systems.
Get your own UPC:
GS1 US: https://www.gs1us.org/
5. Split Sheet Contracts
What it is:
Split sheets document the ownership percentages for each song among all contributors, including writers, producers, and artists.
Why it matters:
Prevents disputes over royalties.
Serves as proof for licensing, publishing, and legal purposes.
Keeps everyone on the same page before release.
Split sheet templates:
SongTrust: https://www.songtrust.com/split-sheets
Music Law Contracts: https://www.musiclawcontracts.com/split-sheet
6. SoundExchange Registration
What it is:
SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties for non-interactive streaming platforms, such as Pandora and satellite radio.
Why it matters:
Ensures you get paid for digital performances of your recordings.
Covers royalties that PROs do not.
Directly supports the income of recording artists.
Register here:
SoundExchange: https://register.soundexchange.com/
7. Luminate Registration (formerly Nielsen Music)
What it is:
Luminate tracks your album’s performance, including sales and streams. This data is used for chart eligibility and industry analytics.
Why it matters:
Provides official tracking for sales and streaming reports.
Helps your album qualify for charts.
Gives industry recognition and credibility.
Register here:
8. Copyright Registration
What it is:
A copyright officially protects your music as intellectual property. This includes both the sound recordings and compositions.
Why it matters:
Legally establishes ownership of your music.
Protects against unauthorized use or sampling.
Strengthens your case in disputes or licensing agreements.
Register here:
U.S. Copyright Office: https://www.copyright.gov/registration/
✅ Why Album Prep Matters
Proper album preparation ensures:
You get paid fairly and on time.
Your music is properly credited and discoverable.
Legal rights and ownership are protected.
Your release meets industry standards for distribution and charting.
Skipping these steps can lead to lost revenue, misattributed work, and legal complications. By handling all of these steps professionally, your album is positioned for success from day one.
