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  • What is a PRO (performing rights organisation)?

    A PRO licenses the public performance of songs to radio, TV, venues and streaming services, collects the fees and pays them to songwriters and publishers. Here is what that means, with IPRS, ASCAP, BMI and CISAC as the reference points.

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  • What is a split sheet?

    A split sheet is a short written agreement that records who wrote a song and what percentage of it each writer owns. Here is what goes on one, when to sign it, and why missing or conflicting splits hold up royalties.

    Workflows

  • What is a UPC (or EAN) for a music release?

    A UPC is the barcode that identifies a whole release, such as a single, EP or album, as one product; the number it carries is a 12-digit GTIN, and an EAN is the 13-digit version. Here is how the number is built, what GS1 charges, and why most independent artists take the free one from their distributor.

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  • What is an ISRC?

    An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character code that identifies one sound recording or music video, not the song behind it. Here is how the code is built, who issues it, where Indian labels get a prefix, and why it matters for getting paid.

    Workflows

  • What is an ISWC?

    An ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) is the permanent ID number for a song as a composition, not a recording. Here is what it looks like, who issues it and what it does not tell you.

    Workflows

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