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.

Artificial intelligence systems that can compose, produce, or assist in music creation. Raises questions about copyright and artist compensation.

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.

A comprehensive license that allows a venue or broadcaster to use any music from a PRO's catalog for a set fee, rather than licensing individual songs.

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

When an opening act pays to be added to a headliner's tour. Controversial practice where emerging artists pay for exposure.

Audio processing that reduces the dynamic range of a signal, making quiet parts louder and loud parts quieter. Essential for controlling levels in modern music 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.

Software used for recording, editing, and producing audio (e.g., Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools). The central tool for modern music production.

Digital Data Exchange - a set of standards for exchanging music metadata between distributors, platforms, and rights organizations. Ensures consistent data across the music supply chain.

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

A work based on one or more preexisting works, such as a remix, cover, or sample-based composition. Requires permission from the original copyright holder.

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.

A spatial audio technology that allows mixing in 3D space with overhead channels. Increasingly adopted by streaming platforms for premium audio experiences.

A payment arrangement where artists receive a percentage of ticket sales revenue after expenses, rather than a fixed guarantee. Common for emerging artists.

The release of new music, often accompanied by coordinated marketing efforts. Can refer to the specific release date or the act of releasing music.

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

The percentage of listeners who interact with a track beyond just playing it (saving, sharing, adding to playlists). High engagement rates improve algorithmic placement.

The process of adjusting the balance between different frequency components in an audio signal. Used to shape the tonal character of instruments and mixes.

A legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like criticism, comment, news reporting, and education.

The minimum amount an artist is guaranteed to be paid for a live performance, regardless of ticket sales. Usually negotiated per show.

A mechanical licensing agency that issues mechanical licenses and collects mechanical royalties in the U.S. Now part of SESAC.

International Federation of the Phonographic Industry - global organization that represents the recording industry worldwide. Publishes global music market reports.

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

International Standard Musical Work Code - a unique identifier for musical compositions (lyrics and melody), separate from the ISRC which identifies recordings.

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.

Permission to reproduce and distribute a musical composition. Required for cover songs, streaming, and physical sales. Can be obtained through services like Harry Fox Agency.

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.

A protocol that allows digital instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and control musical performance data. Not audio, but performance information.

The number of unique listeners who have played your music within a calendar month on streaming platforms. Key metric for measuring audience size.

A professional who selects and licenses music for visual media. Key contact for sync licensing opportunities in film, TV, and advertising.

Rights related to the performance of sound recordings, separate from composition rights. Includes public performance royalties for master recordings in many countries outside the US.

Organizations like SoundExchange that collect and distribute digital performance royalties for master recordings. Different from PROs which handle composition rights.

Non-Fungible Tokens representing ownership of music or music-related assets. Can represent master recordings, publishing rights, or limited edition digital collectibles.

A promotional document containing key information about a release (artist bio, release info, marketing plans). Used by distributors and labels to pitch to partners.

A copyrighted work whose owner cannot be identified or located. Creates challenges for licensing and use in new projects.

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.

The total number of followers across all playlists that include your music. Important metric for measuring playlist placement success.

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.

Works whose copyright has expired or been forfeited, making them free for anyone to use without permission or payment. Typically enters public domain 70 years after creator's death.

Services that manage songwriting catalogs, register works with PROs, collect royalties, and handle licensing for a fee (typically 15-25% of collections).

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.

Recording Industry Association of America - trade organization that represents the U.S. recording industry. Certifies Gold and Platinum awards.

A list of requirements for a live performance, including technical equipment, hospitality needs, and security requirements. Part of the performance contract.

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.

The percentage of listeners who save your track to their library after hearing it. High save rates indicate strong listener engagement and improve algorithmic placement.

The planned sequence of songs for a live performance. Often curated based on audience expectations, venue type, and show length.

A production technique where the volume of one track (like a bass) is automatically reduced when another track (like a kick drum) plays. Essential for modern electronic music mixing.

The percentage of listeners who skip your track within the first 30 seconds. High skip rates can negatively impact algorithmic recommendations.

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

The process before a performance where artists test and adjust audio settings to ensure proper sound quality in the venue.

The principal digital performance rights organization in the U.S., collecting and distributing royalties for master recordings from satellite radio, internet radio, and streaming services.

Three-dimensional audio technology that creates immersive listening experiences. Apple Music and Amazon Music offer spatial audio formats.

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

A promotional tool where artists agree to a 30% reduction in royalty rate in exchange for increased algorithmic promotion. Only available to artists who control their publishing rights.

The government-mandated royalty rate for mechanical licenses in the United States. Currently $0.091 per reproduction for songs under 5 minutes, adjusted periodically for inflation.

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

The total number of times your music has been played. Different from monthly listeners as one listener can generate multiple streams.

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

Financial assistance provided by a label or publisher to help an artist tour. Usually recoupable like an advance.

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.