The Music Gladitator Manual
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A must read for any artist or label wanting to succeed in the music industry
13 CD COVER INFORMATION “And so it is written” CD COVER NOTES Look at other artists’ album notes for examples and ideas, as you can get pretty creative at times. Nonetheless, you should include the following information on your album or demo cover. While there are a few items which are legally required to be added to your CD cover notes, it’s probably a good idea to include most, if not all the following. Cover • Artist name • Album title • Artwork/pictures Parental Advisory Explicit Content notice (if applicable) Spine • Artist name • Album Title • Record label • (if applicable) UPC code numbers Back Cover • Track numbers, song titles and length of songs • Credit • Typically for the producers, but may also be for the artist, songwriters, musicians, producer, engineer and others who helped put the album together • Songwriter credit should be given for each song, unless the same artist or the entire band wrote all the songs, in which case “All songs written by [artist].” should be sufficient. Make sure to include this information for cover versions and samples as well. Note: While you are only legally obligated to give credit to those who have required it in a contract with you, such as producers, managers and labels (although you should give credit to songwriters regardless of contracts), it’s a nice gesture and will go far with the people who are assisting you in reaching your dream. Publishing information: • “© [year] [publishing company name] ([ASCAP, BMI, SESAC.])” Copyright notices. • “© [year] [artist name]” This denotes the copyright in the lyrics and music on the album. This symbol should be used whether or not you have registered the work with the S Copyright Office. • “(P) [year] [artist name or record label]” (the P should be in a circle just like the © symbol and denotes a copyright in the sound recording) this denotes the copyright in the sound recordings on the album. This symbol should be used whether or not you have registered the work with the U.S. Copyright Office. • If the copyright in the lyrics and music and the sound recordings belong to the same person or entity (which is often the case), the following should be placed on the album “(P)(C) [year] [artist name or record label]” • “All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.” “All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.” • “Manufactured in USA.” (but only if this is actually the case) • Artwork/pictures. Be sure to give credit to the artist(s). • “[Artwork or Photographs] by: [artist]” or “[Artwork or Photographs] © [year] [artist]” • Website • UPC bar code (Contact the Uniform Code Council at www.uc-council.com or (937) 435-3870 for more information.) • Thanks. This is where you thank everyone (from your mom to your manager) who has helped you get where you are. • Contact information (especially if this is a demo or the artist has a fan club). You may want to include this information on the back cover of the album and/or on the reverse side of the album cover. Liner Notes • Track numbers and song titles • Credit • For the artist, songwriters, musicians, producer, engineer, label and others who helped put the album together. Songwriter credit should be given for each song, unless the same artist or the entire band wrote all the songs, in which case “All songs written by [artist].” should be sufficient. Make sure to include this information for cover versions and samples as well. Other Forms of Media • Artist name • Album title • Artwork/picture • Song titles and length of songs • Website • Copyright notices • “© [year] [artist name]” This denotes the copyright in the lyrics and music on the album. This symbol should be used whether or not you have registered the work with the U.S. Copyright Office. • “(P) [year] [artist name or record label]” (the P should be in a circle just like the © symbol and denotes a copyright in the sound recording) this denotes the copyright in the sound recordings on the album. This symbol should be used whether or not you have registered the work with the U.S. Copyright Office. • If the copyright in the lyrics and music and the sound recordings belong to the same person or entity (which is often the case), the following should be put on the album “(P)(C) [year] [artist name or record label]” • “All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.” • “Manufactured in USA.” (but only if this is actually the case) • UPC code numbers • Compact disc symbol • Record label name/logo (if applicable) • Contact Information (but only if this is a demo) Make sure to give proper credit to trademarks where applicable (either ™ or ®). Use ® only with federally registered trademarks, as, unlike with ©, you must have a federal registration to use the ® symbol. You may use ™ to indicate your claim trademark rights in a word or logo which you have not registered or if your federal trademark registration is pending. Also, you need to remember to obtain the following before releasing your recording or recordings: Work for Hire Agreements Anyone you hire to work on your album (such as studio musicians, engineers and cover artist) should sign a short “work for hire” agreement assigning all their rights in their contributions to prevent any potential future claims (this should be done before recording begins). Publicity Release/Permission You should get permission or a release if your album artwork contains a photo or artistic rendering of someone outside of your group, if the artwork was created by a third party, or if any third party trademarks or logos appear in your artwork. Producer Agreements If you use a producer outside of your group, you should have a written agreement setting forth compensation and royalty terms among other issues (this should be done before recording begins). Production Credits If you have contracts with anyone involved with your album, make sure their album credits conform to any contractual requirements. Internal Band Agreement: If a group creates the album, a written agreement should be created (if not a more formal agreement or corporate entity) setting forth at least how the recording project will be financed, if not other pertinent band issues (such as band name ownership). Investors: If investors are involved in the album, you will want to have an attorney prepare documents which will comply with federal and state securities laws. Copyright Original Material File copyright applications promptly for sound recordings, original songs, and original artwork on the album. You may be able to file an SR form application for both the sound recording and musical composition in some instances. Register Original Songs with ASCAP, BMI or SESAC If you have written a song(s) on the album and are affiliated with ASCAP or BMI, file title registration forms for each original song appearing on the album (enabling the society to monitor airplay of your songs). Copyright Notices Correct: copyright notices for original and cover songs, including publisher and performing rights society information, should be included in the liner notes. Trademark Notices/Registration: Make sure any trademarks you use have the proper trademark notice attached. You should also verify if you have the right to use the group (or label) name, and you may want to file a trademark application for the group, label and/or individual performer’s name(s) and logo(s) as well. Obtain a Bar Code You can obtain a bar code from the Uniform Code Council or through most CD duplicators. Register with SoundScan If you want to attract the attention of record labels or anticipate numerous album sales, you should register your album with SoundScan. |
Complements of JaHMa.net Written by; Kenneth Bosket
M.B.A.
| COPYRIIGHT 2007 - 2008 JaHMa ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
A person must be
willing to put forth
effort, energy and
commitment in
completing tasks,
regardless how
insignificant it may
be.
Because the road
to success is not
one of enjoyment
or satisfaction until
he or she have
reached their
destination.
willing to put forth
effort, energy and
commitment in
completing tasks,
regardless how
insignificant it may
be.
Because the road
to success is not
one of enjoyment
or satisfaction until
he or she have
reached their
destination.
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