In the music industry, incorrect metadata can have severe consequences. It leads to lost revenues that rightfully belong to artists, denies hardworking songwriters the credit they deserve, and gives rise to various avoidable complications. To safeguard against these issues, prioritize submitting the most accurate and meaningful metadata possible. To assist you, here's a concise guide to walk you through the process.
How To Accurately Submit Metadata
Metadata encompasses vital information, such as the artist, genre, label, song title, album name, track number, and ISRC code. There are three key types of metadata that you should be aware of:
Descriptive Metadata
Ownership/Performing Rights Metadata
Recommendation Metadata
As a distributor, we handle the submission process, but it is crucial that YOU provide the correct metadata. To assist you, we have implemented processes to minimize common inaccuracies. Moreover, there are steps you can take to ensure the submission of accurate metadata. Here's what you can do:
Consult Official Metadata Guidelines
Small errors, like misspelled names or misplaced characters, can cause confusion throughout the industry and impact your ability to receive royalties. To avoid such issues, refer to official metadata guidelines available online, like the ones provided by the Music Business Association.
Thoroughly Check Your Metadata
Autocorrect can sometimes lead to unintended mistakes. Before submitting anything, carefully review your metadata. Seek input from others, such as publishers or entertainment attorneys, to ensure accuracy.
Have All Relevant Information Ready
Apart from basic details, make sure you have additional information ready, including featured artists, publishers, contributors, explicit content indication, language of lyrics, composition ownership, registration details, and language of distribution.
Review Split Sheets and Agreements
Define and review split sheets and agreements before any work is finalized. Ensure that all contributors agree on their respective credits and percentages, preventing disagreements after completion.
Proper handling of metadata is crucial in the music industry. Be diligent, thorough, and informed. By mastering metadata in this digital age, you empower yourself to navigate the complexities of the industry successfully. Share this knowledge and stay proactive in ensuring the accuracy of your metadata submissions. You've got this!
