Glossary
International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI)
International Standard Name Identifier ISNI is the ISO certified global standard number for identifying the millions of contributors to creative works and those active in their distribution. An ISNI is assigned to the public name(s) of a researcher, ...
Interested Parties Information(IPI)
The Interested Parties Information (IPI), previously called CAE number (CAE stands for: Composer, Author and Publisher) is an international unique identifying number assigned to each Interested Party in musical rights management. IPI numbers are ...
Global Release Identifier (GRid)
A GRid is the Global Release Identifier. GRid provides a system for the unique identification of "Releases" of music over electronic networks, so that they can be managed efficiently
EP
An extended play record, often referred to as an EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single, but is usually unqualified as an album or LP
Engineer
An engineer helps to produce a recording or a live performance, balancing and adjusting sound sources using equalization and audio effects, mixing, reproduction, and reinforcement of sound. They record, edit, and mix sound through their choice of ...
Distributor
This is a company that sells recorded works (digital products, CDs, vinyl, etc) on behalf of a record label or artist, to online retailers, DSPS or record stores. They will usually charge the label or artist a fee upfront and/or collect a percentage ...
Digital Service Provider (DSP)
A service that sells or streams music online such as Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, etc.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is an electronic device or computer software application for recording, editing and producing audio files such as songs, musical pieces, human speech or sound effects.
DDEX
DDEX stands for Digital Data Exchange. DDEX is a consortium of leading media companies, music licensing organizations, digital service providers and technical intermediaries, focused on the creation of digital supply chain standards. To support the ...
Database
A database is an organized collection of data, stored and accessed electronically. In other words, a database is used as a method of storing, managing and retrieving information
Common Works Registration (CWR)
Common Works Registration (CWR) is a standard format for the registration and revision of musical works. CWR provides a means for publishers and societies to send and receive essential information on a work or musical composition, including copyright ...
Credit
Publicly acknowledge a contributor's role in the production of (something published or broadcast)
Cover
A recording or performance of a musical work by an artist who is not the original copyright owner(s). It is still essentially the same work, even though it may differ from the original song in terms of structure, feel, tempo, style, key signature or ...
Copyright Owner
This is the creator and owner of a musical work. Only the original copyright owner(s) or their Publisher can exert control over the use of their work and be paid royalties for any earnings or revenue it might generate. All copyright owners of an ...
Copyright
Copyright encompasses a number of different rights which the law grants to owners of copyright works exclusively. Copyright Acts and Laws specific to each country will give songwriters and composers the right to: - reproduce your own work in material ...
Contributor
A Contributor is a person who participated in the creation of a Work, Recording or a Release. Everyone from writers to performers to engineers and release marketing staff can be associated with Works, Recordings and Releases. An ISNI is an ...
Composer
The composer is the creator of melody and/or accompaniment in a musical work.
Certification Organization
A certification organisation is an authority that certifies the music recording industry's intellectual property rights based on the total units sold, streamed, or shipped to retailers. These awards and their requirements are defined by the various ...
Awards Organization
An awards organization is an authority dedicated to celebrating and honoring musicians, producers, recording engineers, and other recording professionals in recognition of their excellence.
Author
The author is the writer and creator of lyrics in a musical work.
Artist
The artist or band name associated with a recording or release. This can be a band, solo artist, or featured performer. Think of an artist as the person(s) that would be featured on the spine of a CD, Vinyl Record or Cassette. For example, a bass ...
Arranger
A person who takes an existing work and arranges it in a new way to suit a different performing artist or style.
API
API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. An example of this would be a streaming service using the API to add full album details to their existing ...
Album
A collection of recordings issued as a single item on CD, record, or another medium.