Distribution Guidelines
UPC And ISRC Codes –
Before we can deliver your catalogue you will need to allocate UPC and ISRC codes for each release, applying for ISRC codes and UPC codes is a very straight forward process and can be done online. If you don’t have the time or are unsure how to go about this, Futureproof distribution can set this up for you.
What Are UPC And ISRC Codes-
- The UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12 or 13 digit numbered code used to identify your Bundle/album/EP/single, just like a regular printed barcode on the back of a physical CD would do. The UPC is a unique code and must only be allocated for one individual product. The only time we would use the same UPC code twice would be if it was a double album consisting of two cds. If that were the case you would need to add the disc number to the end of the UPC separated by an underscore as a prefix.
Example: 504562568345_7_2
the above example shows that this is track 7 on the second disc on this particular double LP.
- The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is an alphanumeric code and unlike the UPC code a different ISRC is allocated for each individual track on an album. Thus a 13 track album will consist of 13 ISRC codes. Just like UPC codes ISRC’s can only be used once and once allocated they cannot be
re used as they are used to calculate royalty payments from the PRS. ISRC’s are always supplied on a recording basis and not a song basis so two different mix’s of the same track will have different codes.
Audio Submission –
You can submit audio using the following methods-- Audio CD - When Submitting Audio by CD’S make sure the CD is clearly marked using either pen, inkjet or thermal print. Please do not attach any separate track sheets on paper or use CD labels. Please note: as we need to retain all masters sent to us please do not send us your production masters. Please double check everything before you send it into us, make sure that your disc is in the correct running order and has been burned in the correct format, We only accept 16bit 44.1KHz WAV Files.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY OTHER FORMAT
When naming your audio the file should begin with the track number followed by an underscore as a prefix then the track name
Example: 01_.wav
- Portable Hard Drive- For larger catalogues we can accept audio on a portable hard drive or flash disk , once copied to our servers we will return your drive by post or you can collect in person
- FTP- You can also submit audio via our FTP. We prefer that you use this service for smaller releases such as singles / EPs . For anything larger than this we would prefer you use one of the above services.
Cover Pack Shots-
All cover art should be supplied as 1400x1400 pixels JPG at 300DPI. The Colour space should be set to RGB. If it is not possible to provide a jpeg we can scan most professionally printed CD sleeves. Please do not supply us with any poor quality low res artwork as this will be rejected from stores such as Itunes and will slow down the whole ingestion process. If you are unsure about the quality of your artwork or need a professional looking design created from scratch we have an in house graphic designer. Prices are negotiable depending on the type of design required and the size of the catalogue for which artwork needs to be created. For more information regarding futureproof graphic designer please contact us via the contact page.Metadata-
We would prefer you submit metadata using the Futureproof standard template; to request a metadata template send an email titled “metadata request” to distribution@futureproofrecords.com.Fill out all the relevant fields within the template, instructions and examples are provided within the form.
Once completed send to, distribution@futureproofrecords.com in the title, add the release name and date as a reference. Once we receive all audio, metadata and artwork, we will start working on your release straight away.
But In order to ensure a smooth delivery of your release please try to submit everything at least 4 weeks prior to the releases date. Make sure you have read these distribution guidelines thoroughly and have double checked all your audio and metadata before submitting, as once submitted, if anything is incorrect you may find it a slow and painful process to correct.
Additional Information-
It is advisable to include any press release’s /press photos / biographies and any other PR material that you have to hand when submitting your release. This will really help us sell your music by approaching download stores to negotiate exclusives , features and special offers.
