Music Industry Glossary

A record contract where the label takes a percentage of all artist revenue streams including touring, merchandise, and sponsorships, not just recorded music.

An upfront payment from a label or publisher against future royalties. The artist doesn't receive additional royalties until the advance is 'recouped' from earnings.

Playlists automatically generated by streaming platforms based on listening history (Discover Weekly, Daily Mix). Driven by engagement metrics and listening patterns.

The number of bits used to represent each audio sample. Higher bit depth (24-bit vs 16-bit) provides greater dynamic range and lower noise floor.

The tempo of a song measured in beats per minute. Essential for DJ mixing, syncing tracks, and setting the energy level of a production.

YouTube's automated system that scans uploaded videos against a database of copyrighted content, allowing rights holders to claim revenue, block, or track videos using their content.

The time interval between the original sound and its delayed repetition, typically measured in milliseconds. Tempo-synced delays are calculated based on BPM.

A service (like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) that delivers music to streaming platforms on behalf of artists and collects royalties. They typically charge either a flat fee or take a percentage of earnings.

Playlists curated by platform staff (Today's Top Hits, RapCaviar). Placement requires pitching through official channels and typically offers higher visibility.

International Standard Recording Code - a unique 12-character identifier assigned to each recording. Required for digital distribution and used to track plays and royalties.

Loudness Units Full Scale - the standard measurement for perceived loudness used by streaming platforms. Spotify normalizes to -14 LUFS, Apple Music to -16 LUFS.

The original recording of a song from which copies are made. Ownership of the master determines who receives recording royalties from streams and sales.

The final stage of audio production where a mix is optimized for distribution. Includes loudness normalization, EQ adjustments, and format conversion.

Royalties paid to songwriters and publishers when a song is reproduced (streamed, downloaded, or physically manufactured). In streaming, mechanicals are typically a portion of the per-stream rate.

The average amount paid per individual stream on a platform. Varies significantly by platform, listener location, and subscription type (free vs premium).

Royalties generated when a song is publicly performed, broadcast, or streamed. Collected by PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC and distributed to songwriters and publishers.

The process of submitting unreleased music to Spotify's editorial team (via Spotify for Artists) or independent playlist curators for potential playlist placement.

A marketing strategy where fans 'pre-save' an upcoming release to their streaming library before launch, boosting day-one streams and algorithmic visibility.

Organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SOCAN) that collect performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers when music is publicly performed or broadcast.

The payment model used by most streaming platforms where all subscription revenue is pooled and distributed based on total stream share, rather than paying artists directly from their listeners' subscriptions.

Rights related to the underlying composition (lyrics and melody) of a song, separate from the master recording. Publishers collect royalties on behalf of songwriters.

The process by which a label recovers its advance and investment before paying the artist their royalty share. Until recouped, the artist is 'in the red.'

Spotify's algorithmic playlist that delivers new releases from artists a user follows, updated every Friday. Getting on Release Radar depends on pre-saves and follower engagement.

The time it takes for a reverb to decay by 60 decibels. Longer decay times create larger, more ambient spaces while shorter times suit tighter mixes.

The number of samples of audio carried per second, measured in Hz or kHz. CD quality is 44.1kHz, while professional audio often uses 48kHz or higher.

A single URL that directs fans to a release on their preferred streaming platform. Services like Linkfire and ToneDen create these landing pages.

A document that outlines the ownership percentages of a song among all contributors (writers, producers). Essential for ensuring proper royalty distribution.

Individual audio tracks or groups of tracks exported from a session (e.g., drums stem, vocals stem). Used for remixing, mastering, or sync licensing.

Permission to use a song in visual media (film, TV, ads, games). Requires both master recording and publishing clearances, often negotiated separately.

Universal Product Code/European Article Number - a barcode identifier for releases (albums, EPs, singles). Required for distribution to most platforms.

An alternative payment model where a listener's subscription fee goes only to artists they actually stream, rather than being pooled. Deezer and SoundCloud have experimented with this approach.

An agreement where the creator gives up all rights to their work in exchange for a flat fee. Common for session musicians and some producer arrangements.