The Ultimate Guide to

Music Metadata

A comprehensive resource for indie artists and record labels.

Metadata

This guide is designed to equip independent labels and DIY artists with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively gather, organize, and utilize metadata for their releases.

From understanding the basics to mastering the intricacies of various metadata types, this resource will help you navigate the digital landscape with confidence and precision, ensuring that your music gets the recognition it deserves.

What is Metadata?

Metadata refers to the information and data that describe various aspects of a music release, including details about the song, the artists involved, and the technical specifications of the recording.

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What Metadata Do You Need?

Download my FREE Metadata Checklist

I’ve broken them down into 4 categories… Basic Metadata; Creator Metadata; Technical Metadata; Marketing Metadata.

Basic
Metadata

  • Title

  • Artist Name

  • Release Date

  • Lyrics

Technical
Metadata

  • ISRC

  • UPC

  • Bpm

  • Key

  • Duration

Creator
Metadata

  • Songwriter(s)

  • Producers

  • Musicians

  • Copyright

Marketing
Metadata

  • Cover Art

  • Release Notes

  • Genre

  • Mood/Theme

Where is Metadata Used?

Release metadata is stored in various locations and systems throughout the music distribution process.

Here are the primary places where release metadata is typically stored or where they are most commonly used and requested:

Music Distribution Platforms:

  • Digital Service Providers (DSPs): Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and others store metadata to manage and display music correctly on their services. This includes information for categorization, searchability, and playlisting.

  • Content Aggregators: Companies like TuneCore, DistroKid, and CD Baby that distribute music to DSPs also store metadata and ensure it is correctly formatted and transmitted to each platform.

Music Industry Databases:

  • PROs (Performance Rights Organizations): Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the U.S., or PRS in the UK, store metadata to track performances and distribute royalties.

  • Mechanical Rights Organizations: Entities like the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) in the U.S. handle mechanical rights and store relevant metadata.

  • SoundExchange: An organization that collects and distributes digital performance royalties, storing metadata for accurate royalty distribution.

Label and Artist Management Systems:

  • Record Label Databases: Labels often maintain internal databases or use specialized software to manage and store metadata for their releases.

  • Artist Management Software: Tools and platforms like Songtrust, Jaxsta, Infinite Catalog, or other music business management software allow artists and managers to store and manage metadata.

Music Metadata Services:

  • MusicBrainz: 

  • AllMusic

  • Discogs: 

Metadata in Digital Files:

  • ID3 Tags: Metadata tags embedded directly into MP3 files. These tags can include information like title, artist, album, year, genre, and more.

  • Other File Formats: Similar metadata fields exist in other digital audio formats (e.g., FLAC, WAV), where metadata can be embedded directly into the files.

music metadata

How do you add Metadata?

Tips for adding and embedding the metadata to your music tracks…

  1. Mastering Engineer: Your mastering engineer can embed metadata in the MP3 versions of your master files.

  2. Audio Software: Use software like Audacity, Audition, or ProTools to fill in metadata fields when exporting your song as an MP3.

  3. Music Aggregators: When uploading your music to aggregators (TuneCore, Symphonic, CD Baby), you'll add metadata during the submission process. This information is included in your songs on DSPs. On platforms like Bandcamp, release details get embedded into the music files downloaded by fans.

  4. Metadata Software: Use tools like Mp3Tag, Tagr, or even iTunes to edit and add metadata to your tracks.

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Music

Metadata

Explained

Music Metadata

GLOSSARY

Title - The official name of a song or album.

Artist Name - The name of the primary performer(s) of the song or album.

Release Date - The scheduled date when the song or album will be made available to the public.

Songwriter(s) - Individuals who composed the music and wrote the lyrics of the song.

Producer(s) - Individuals responsible for overseeing the recording and production of the track.

Musicians - Performers who played instruments or contributed vocals to the track.

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) - A unique code assigned to each individual recording for the purpose of tracking and royalty payments.

UPC (Universal Product Code) / Barcode - A unique code assigned to an album or single, used in retail and digital distribution to track sales and inventory.

Copyright Information - Legal information that identifies the owner(s) of the song and the year the copyright was established.

Publishing Information - Details about the music publishers who manage the rights and royalties for the songwriters' compositions.

Mechanical Rights - Rights that allow for the reproduction of the music in physical or digital formats.

Genre - A category that describes the style of the music (e.g., pop, rock, hip-hop).

Mood/Theme - Descriptive terms that capture the emotional or thematic essence of the music (e.g., happy, sad, inspirational).

Language - The primary language(s) in which the song's lyrics are performed.

Lyrics - The complete text of the song's words.

BPM (Beats Per Minute) - The tempo of the song, indicating how many beats occur in one minute.

Key - The musical scale in which the song is composed (e.g., C major, A minor).

Duration - The total length of the song, measured in minutes and seconds.

Audio Quality - Technical specifications of the audio file, including bit rate, sample rate, and format, which affect the sound quality.

Cover Art - The visual image associated with the album or single, used for marketing and branding.

Release Notes - Additional information or commentary about the release, often included in press materials.

Marketing Information - Data used to promote the release, such as target audience demographics and promotional strategies.

Digital Service Provider (DSP) Information - Details of the platforms where the music will be available for streaming or download (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music).

Streaming Codes - Unique identifiers used to track the performance of the song on streaming platforms, important for analytics and royalty calculations.

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