In this article, we detail how to fill in release metadata correctly, both at the album and track levels. With a special focus on releases classified as Singles.
Release
The metadata corresponding to the release level is located within each release, in tab 1. Release info
Version
This field is optional unless you are using the Remixer artist role (or vice versa). When filling it in, please take into account the new validations of the platform, which details not allowed words and possible validation errors among other data.
If the release is a Single and you fill in this field, make sure to enter the same value in tab 3. Tracks.
Language of the Title
All releases must have a language assigned to them, which you can consult and select from the drop-down list in the 1. Release info tab or in the following article: Album and track languages.
If the desired language is not available, we recommend indicating the most phonetically similar or geographically close language.
Again, the Language must be the same at album and track level if the release is a Single.
Release type (Format)
You must choose one of the options among the formats: Single, EP and Album. If you have any doubts about which format to choose, you can consult the Format section of the Sepulchral Silence Content Style Guide.
Cover Art
Just to the right of the cover, the minimum requirements for the file and the content to be uploaded are detailed. Here you can find more information about the Cover art requirements.
Genre
At the album level, at least one main genre must be entered, with the option of adding a secondary genre. In both fields, the list of available genres is the same.
Please note that some of the available channels may have genre restrictions, so you may encounter warnings before distributing content. The genres accepted by each channel can be consulted from Distribution > Channels, entering the information of each channel.
Remember that in releases that are Single, this field must be the same at the album and track level.
Credits (Artists)
The Artist field requires at least one Primary Artist to be entered in order to validate the release. Additionally, different roles can be added for the artists who have participated in the album. It is always advisable to include the Composer in releases, as well as to avoid adding more than four Primary Artists.
In case the release is a Single, the artists listed must match at album and track level. For an EP or album, all artists should be listed at track level and only the primary artists at the album level.
Label
To add a label, it is possible to select one of the available labels from the drop-down list, where you can find the labels already created by the user and the public and default labels of the platform.
In case you want to add a new label, just type the name in the text field and click on the "Add a new label" button. We recommend that before creating a new label, you check the list of available labels, in order to avoid duplications and future problems with the label authorization.
UPC code
For the UPC code, the platform marks by default the option of I don't have one, assign a UPC code to this release automatically. If you want to enter one manually, simply uncheck the box and enter it in the available field.
Reference number
The reference number works in the same way as the UPC code, except that this field refers to the user's internal catalogue. By default, the automatic assignment is selected and to fill it in manually, just uncheck the box.
Track
To access the metadata of each track, navigate to tab 3. Tracks, by clicking on the pencil icon for each track. You can also search/create the track from Catalog > Tracks and then add it to the release by selecting "Add From Catalog."
Version
This field works the same as at the release level, it is optional unless the Remixer artist role is used (or vice versa). We recommend consulting the new validations of the platform to avoid disallowed words.
Please note that if this field has been filled in at release level, you will have to enter the same value here.
Available separately
This field applies only to channels that offer Downloads of the content, as in the case of Amazon Music. If this option is not checked, the tracks will not be available individually on that platform.
Audio
To upload an audio file for the tracks, click on the Upload Audio button and select the desired file from your computer. Accepted formats and minimum requirements are indicated, and for more information, you can consult the Audio files requirements.
Start Point Time
In this box, you should indicate the minute at which the track should start playing. Please note that this only applies to channels that support this specification, more information here: TikTok Audio Start.
Genre
As is already the case at the album level, it is mandatory to enter at least one main genre, and adding a secondary genre is optional. Here you will find all available Genres.
Remember that there're channel restrictions on some genres that also apply to the track level. You will find the genres accepted by each channel in the Distribution > Channels section of the platform.
Keep in mind that if the release is a Single, both genres must match at the track and album level.
Credits (Artists)
It is necessary to enter at least one Primary Artist and one Composer (except if the genre is Spoken Word) in order to validate the track and, consequently, the release. Other roles can also be added for the other artists who have participated in each track.
Please note that if the release is a single, the artists listed must match on both the album and track level. When it comes to an EP or album, all artists should be listed at track level and only the primary artists at the album level.
Language of the lyrics
For the tracks, it is also necessary to indicate the language, here you will find more information: Album and track languages.
Please note that the desired language may not be available in the list of languages on the platform. In this case, you will have to indicate a linguistically or geographically similar language.
If the release is a Single, the album and the track must have the same language.
Explicit content
In the drop-down for the Explicit Lyrics field, you must choose between Not Explicit, Explicit and Clean Version. Be sure to consult the Explicit Content section of the Sepulchral Silence Content Style Guide if in doubt.
Lyrics transcription
Adding lyrics to your tracks is optional. Before adding them, we recommend consulting the iTunes Lyrics Policy in the Sepulchral Silence Content Style Guide. This will avoid being penalized by the channel, as this field is only sent to iTunes.
ISRC code
The ISRC code works in the same way as the UPC at the album level. By default, I don't have one, please assign an ISRC to this track.
If you already have one, just enter it in the available field and uncheck the corresponding box.
℗ Legal Owner of the Recording
This field by default is set to the current year. In addition, there is a text field to add the name of the owner of the publishing rights.
If the release is a Single, the value entered must be the same as at the album level, located in tab 2. Licenses.