Recording - September 2017 - 63

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It's a good idea to put your website in here, writers' splits
This way, programs like iTunes don't separate the song from
if you don't put them in Composer, the key, time signature,
your others, creating organizational havoc for your listeners.
or any songs or artists the song sounds like. Also helpful is
Album Artist might be different, say, if you're a guest on a
any identifying info from your performing rights organization,
compilation or something.
such as BMI number or ISWC (an international
Fill in the Year, Track Number if the song is
standard song identifier), or even the ISRC,
part of an album, and if the album is some sort
which is a unique identifier connected to a
of multi-disc set, fill in the Disc Number. This is
Common Metatags
given recording. Another useful thing to do if
important when releasing a physical product like
Title
you're pitching for licensing is include a link
CDs, but unnecessary for digital-only releases.
Artist
to an instrumental version somewhere on the
If you fill in your Genre, make it as accurate
Album
web. The Comment section is limited, so be
as possible, and don't overload it. Use no
judicious with your character count.
more than three genres (most of the time, it's a
Album Artist
BPM, or tempo, can be important for anyone
dropdown anyway). Especially when it comes
(could be different than
the track artist)
looking to use your music in a video production,
to licensing, your agent or music supervisor or
or for DJs who'd like to work your song into
indie filmmaker needs to be able to find you in
Grouping
a set. If the song is published, or you have a
a genre search and not be way off.
Composer
publishing company, you can enter that info
Grouping was intended originally for moveYear
and your copyright info (you can do this even
ments in classical music, but you could use this
if you have yet to register). You may find a
for subgenres. Some people use it to identify
Track Number
separate URL tag. Use that, but also put your
the companies clearing the mastering and
(# of #)
website in the Comment section.
publishing sides of a song, which just means
Disc Number
Album Cover is super important. Imagine
who a person has to deal with in order to pay
(# of #)
when you open an MP3 from a pro-there's
for a license.
Genre
always an image. Make sure, if your track is
In the Composer section, you can list all the
Comment
for sale or any kind of public consumption,
composers or the main composers, and (if you
that you put some kind of cover image in
have it) writer information, such as writer's
BPM
there. A square image is best. Pro tip: Album
percentage and performing rights identification
Publisher
Cover, Title, and Artist are the only things you
number. This is also a good place to identify
Copyright
will see in every MP3 player.
a public domain song, or the original writer if
URL
Of course, lyrics are also an option. It's up to
it's a cover.
you
whether to include lyrics, but if you intend to
Comment may be the most useful section.
Album Cover
pitch the song, the lyrics are quite helpful, and
Here's a good place for contact information,
Lyrics
it's a nice thing for fans to have. Not all players
which is especially important if you'd like
will show the lyrics, but iTunes does.
somebody to license your music and pay you!
RECORDING September 2017

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