A
A company that collects and distributes music to multiple digital service providers (DSPs) on behalf of artists and labels. Mcarthur Records operates as a premium aggregator with direct relationships to 100+ platforms.
D
A platform that offers digital music streaming or downloading services to consumers. Examples include Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. Mcarthur Records distributes to 100+ DSPs globally.
I
A unique 12-character alphanumeric code assigned to each individual track. It serves as the digital fingerprint for tracking sales, streams, and royalties. Every track distributed through Mcarthur Records receives an ISRC.
U
A unique 12-digit barcode assigned to a release (album, EP, or single). It identifies the product across the entire supply chain. Mcarthur Records provides UPC codes for all distributed releases.
D
A global standard for exchanging metadata and rights information in the music industry. DDEX enables automated, error-free delivery of music to DSPs. Mcarthur Records supports DDEX 3.8.2 and 4.3 standards.
E
A DDEX standard format for notifying DSPs about new releases. It includes all metadata, audio, and artwork. Mcarthur Records uses ERN feeds for automated distribution to all platforms.
M
The descriptive information attached to a music file, including title, artist, genre, ISRC, UPC, and more. Accurate metadata is critical for royalty collection and discoverability. Mcarthur Records provides metadata optimization tools.
W
A distribution service that operates under a client's own brand name. Labels and distributors can use Mcarthur Records' white-label infrastructure to offer distribution services under their own branding.
C
A system that identifies and manages copyrighted content on digital platforms. For music, Content ID enables creators to track and monetize their music on YouTube and other video platforms. Mcarthur Records provides Content ID services.
M
Royalties generated when a song is reproduced or distributed, including physical sales (CDs, vinyl) and digital downloads or streams. In the UK, these are collected by the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS).
P
Royalties generated when a song is performed publicly, including radio play, live performances, and digital radio. Performance Royalties are collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like PRS in the UK, ASCAP/BMI in the US.
S
The process of licensing music to be used in synchronization with visual media, such as films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. Sync deals can provide significant revenue and exposure for artists. Mcarthur Records manages sync licensing opportunities.
P
An organization that collects performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. Major PROs include PRS for Music (UK), ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC (US), and SOCAN (Canada). Mcarthur Records can register you with PROs worldwide.
The UK's leading Performance Rights Organization, representing over 160,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers. PRS collects and distributes performance royalties for music used in the UK and internationally.
A
A US-based Performance Rights Organization representing over 900,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers. ASCAP collects performance royalties in the United States.
B
A US-based Performance Rights Organization representing over 1.3 million songwriters and publishers. BMI is one of the largest PROs in the world.
M
The UK organization that manages mechanical rights and collects mechanical royalties for songwriters and publishers. MCPS works closely with PRS to administer music rights.
P
The management of a songwriter's or publisher's rights, including registration with PROs, collection of royalties, licensing, and accounting. Mcarthur Records offers full publishing administration services.
M
The rights to the actual recorded version of a song (the master recording). The owner of the master rights controls how the recording is used, distributed, and licensed. Mcarthur Records helps artists retain their master rights.
P
The rights to the underlying composition (the song itself, including lyrics and melody). Publishing rights are held by songwriters and publishers and generate royalties from various uses of the composition.
A
The department within a record label responsible for discovering and developing artists. A&R professionals scout talent, oversee recording projects, and manage artist relationships. Mcarthur Records has a dedicated A&R team.
R
An upfront payment provided to an artist by a record label, to be recouped from future royalties. Mcarthur Records offers royalty advances to qualifying artists and labels.
The process by which a record label recovers its investment (advances, recording costs, marketing expenses) from an artist's future royalties. Mcarthur Records provides transparent recoupment tracking.
A
The process of nurturing and growing an artist's career through creative direction, branding, image consulting, and strategic planning. Mcarthur Records offers comprehensive artist development programs.
Related:
A&R
Record Label
Branding
D
An agreement between a label/artist and a distributor to deliver music to digital and physical retailers. Terms can include commission rates, exclusivity, and territory restrictions. Mcarthur Records offers flexible distribution deals.
P
The process of submitting music to playlist curators (editorial and independent) for consideration. Successful pitching can lead to significant exposure and streaming growth. Mcarthur Records provides professional playlist pitching services.
The inclusion of a track on a playlist, which can be curated by platforms (editorial), algorithms, or independent curators. Playlisting is one of the most effective ways to grow streams and audience. Mcarthur Records helps artists secure playlist placements.
E
A playlist curated by a DSP's editorial team. These playlists have significant reach and can drive massive streams. Examples include Spotify's RapCaviar, Apple Music's A-List, and Tidal's Hip-Hop.
A
A playlist generated by algorithms rather than human curation. Examples include Spotify's Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mix. These playlists are personalized based on listener behavior.
S
A single URL that directs fans to a music release across multiple streaming platforms. Smart links can also include pre-save/pre-order functionality and analytics. Mcarthur Records provides smart links for all releases.
Related:
Pre-save
Marketing
Distribution
P
A campaign that encourages fans to save an upcoming release before its official launch. Pre-saves help build anticipation and can improve algorithm performance at release. Mcarthur Records offers pre-save functionality.
E
A digital portfolio containing an artist's biography, music, photos, videos, press coverage, and contact information. EPKs are essential for pitching to media, promoters, and industry professionals. Mcarthur Records helps build professional EPKs.
Related:
Marketing
Press
Artist Branding
A
The use of artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically master audio tracks. AI mastering can provide professional-quality results quickly and affordably. Mcarthur Records includes AI mastering tools in its Artist Pro and higher plans.
Related:
Mastering
AI
Production
An artificial intelligence-powered tool that helps artists and labels with various tasks, including marketing strategy, metadata optimization, and promotion. Mcarthur Records offers AI Assistant in its Artist Pro and higher plans.
Related:
AI
Marketing
Technology
R
A programmatic interface that allows developers to integrate with Mcarthur Records' distribution and analytics systems. The API enables automated uploads, catalog management, and reporting. Available on higher-tier plans.
A
A set of protocols and tools for building software applications. In music distribution, APIs allow integration with Mcarthur Records' systems for automated catalog management and reporting.
A programmatic interface for accessing real-time streaming data, audience insights, and performance metrics. The Analytics API enables custom reporting and integration with business intelligence tools.
An AI-powered tool that automatically generates short video clips (30s/60s) from a full-length song. These clips are optimized for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Related:
AI
Social Media
Marketing
C
The exclusive legal right to reproduce, distribute, and perform a creative work. In music, copyright protects both the underlying composition (song) and the master recording. Mcarthur Records helps artists understand and protect their rights.
I
A broad category of intangible property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents. In music, IP is critical for protecting songs, recordings, and brand identity.
T
A recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services of a particular source. For artists, trademarks include stage names, logos, and other branding elements.
C
The process of obtaining permission to use copyrighted material. In music, clearance is required for sampling, cover songs, and synchronization. Mcarthur Records assists with clearance and licensing.
S
The process of obtaining permission to use a sample (portion) of another artist's recording. Sample clearance requires approval from both the master rights holder and the publishing rights holder.
D
A US copyright law that provides a framework for protecting copyrighted material in the digital environment. The DMCA includes provisions for notice-and-takedown procedures, which Mcarthur Records manages on behalf of its clients.
C
The complete collection of an artist's or label's recorded music. A back catalog refers to older releases, while the front catalog includes current and upcoming releases.
R
Any piece of music made available to the public, including singles, EPs, albums, and compilations. Each release has a unique UPC and can include multiple tracks with their own ISRC codes.
A detailed report provided by a distributor or label showing the earnings generated from a release. Royalty statements include streams, sales, and deductions. Mcarthur Records provides transparent royalty statements.
Related:
Royalties
Distribution
Accounting
D
Data and insights provided by digital service providers about how music is being consumed. This includes streaming numbers, listener demographics, and playlist placements. Mcarthur Records offers advanced DSP analytics.
M
One of the three largest record labels: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. These labels have extensive resources, distribution networks, and market power.
I
A record label that operates independently from the major label system. Independent labels often offer more artist-friendly terms and creative freedom. Mcarthur Records is an independent label with global reach.
D
A company that delivers music to digital platforms and physical retailers. Distributors handle the logistics of getting music to market and often provide marketing and analytics services. Mcarthur Records is a premier music distributor.
S
A publisher that represents a music publisher's catalog in a specific territory. Sub-publishers handle local licensing, administration, and royalty collection. Mcarthur Records has sub-publishing relationships worldwide.
A method of delivering audio or video content over the internet. Streaming allows users to listen to music without downloading files. Most music consumption is now via streaming platforms. Mcarthur Records optimizes distribution for streaming success.
The amount paid per stream, which varies by platform and user subscription type. Typical rates range from $0.003 to $0.008 per stream. Mcarthur Records tracks streaming rates and provides detailed reporting.
L
Audio files that are compressed without losing any quality, such as FLAC or ALAC. Lossless audio provides the best possible listening experience and is increasingly supported by major DSPs like Tidal and Apple Music.
H
Audio files with a higher sample rate and bit depth than standard CD quality (44.1kHz/16-bit). Hi-Res audio includes formats like 96kHz/24-bit and 192kHz/24-bit. Mcarthur Records supports high-resolution audio distribution.
