Music Metadata & Credits Checklist

Ensure your music is ready for distribution and sync with our comprehensive metadata checklist. Don't leave your royalties to chance.

The Professional Music Metadata Checklist

Use this structure to organise your data before uploading to your distributor or The Musical Road.

1. Basic Release Information

• Release Title: Exactly as it appears on the cover art.
• Version Info: (e.g., Radio Edit, Remix, Acoustic). Leave blank for standard versions.
• Primary Artist: The main artist(s) credited.
• Featuring Artists: Artists appearing on the track but not owners of the project.
• Genre & Sub-genre: Be specific (e.g., 'Melodic Techno' rather than just 'Electronic').
• Release Date: Ensure this aligns with your Music Marketing Plan.

2. Technical Identifiers

• ISRC: (International Standard Recording Code) for each track. Use our ISRC Validator if you're unsure.
• UPC/EAN: (Universal Product Code) for the entire album or single.
• BPM: Essential for DJ-focused promotion and club play.
• Key: (e.g., C Minor) helps curators and DJs mix your track into sets and playlists.

3. Rights & Credits (The 'Money' Data)

• Songwriters: Legal names only (no stage names/aliases).
• Publishers: The entity that owns the composition rights. If self-published, list your own publishing entity.
• Split Percentages: Must total 100% for both lyrics and music.
• PRO Information: Mention if you are with APRA AMCOS (standard for AU/NZ), or international bodies like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS.

4. Creative Metadata

• Lyrics: Clean text without time stamps (unless requested for synced lyrics).
• Explicit Content Tag: Yes/No. Be honest to avoid takedowns from stores like Spotify or Apple Music.
• Language: The primary language of the vocals.

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Pro Tip: The 'Sync-Ready' Standard

If you want your music featured in film, TV, or Aussie advertising, music supervisors require 'Description Metadata'.

• Moods: (e.g., Uplifting, Dark, Cinematic)
• Instruments: (e.g., Analog Synth, Acoustic Guitar)
• Vocal Gender: (e.g., Female Vocals, Instrumental)

Need help organising your next campaign? Use our AI Music Promotion Campaign Generator to turn this metadata into a high-converting press blast.