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CSEN

Glossary

184 terms from music distribution, metadata, copyright, collective management, royalties, platforms and production. Explained clearly, with links to laws, guides and official sources.

A

Album Distribution and releasing A longer release, usually with 7 or more recordings and 30 minutes or more. Also: LP, full-length

C

Compilation Distribution and releasing A release made of recordings already released elsewhere – a selection, a best-of or singles merged into an album. Also: compilation album, best of

D

Deluxe edition Distribution and releasing A new release of an original album expanded with bonus recordings, with its own UPC/EAN. The original recordings keep their ISRCs. Also: deluxe edition, expanded edition, anniversary edition Digital distribution Distribution and releasing Delivering music (recordings, artwork and metadata) to streaming platforms and stores through a distributor. Also: music distribution, digital music distribution Distribution chain Distribution and releasing The path that music and money travel between the distributor and the platforms. Part of the royalties stays in it. Also: aggregator, distribution chain, intermediaries Distributor Distribution and releasing The company that delivers music to platforms and collects and pays out royalties. For Bez Labelu clients it is Bez Labelu. Also: digital distributor, music distributor

E

Ending the cooperation Distribution and releasing Leaving Bez Labelu completely – free of charge at any time, including taking releases down and paying out the balance. Also: account closure, termination EP Distribution and releasing A shorter release, typically with 4 to 6 recordings and up to about 30 minutes long. Also: extended play

O

Original release date Distribution and releasing The date the recordings were first released – filled in only for releases that came out earlier elsewhere. Also: original release date

P

Pre-orders Distribution and releasing The option to buy or pre-add a release in a store (mainly iTunes) before the release date. Also: pre-order

R

Re-release Distribution and releasing Releasing content that came out before – for example after switching distributors, as a remaster or a deluxe edition. Also: reissue, re-release Redelivery Distribution and releasing Sending an already released release to the platforms again so that changes in metadata or artwork take effect. Also: redelivery, metadata update Release date Distribution and releasing The day the release goes live on the platforms (usually at midnight local time). Also: live date, street date Release Distribution and releasing A unit published on the platforms under one UPC/EAN – a single, EP, album or compilation. Also: release, product

S

Single Distribution and releasing A release with one to three recordings, typically up to about 10 minutes long. Also: single Switching distributors Distribution and releasing Moving already released music to a new distributor while keeping statistics, playlists and profiles. Also: switching distributors, catalogue migration, transfer

T

Takedown Distribution and releasing Removing a release from the platforms on the distributor's instruction – it stops being available to listeners. Also: takedown, removal from distribution