A distributor can deliver audio and metadata, but the label or rights holder is responsible for giving it accurate information. Before you schedule a release, make sure the recording is yours to distribute and every collaborator understands the deal.
Start with ownership and permission
Confirm who owns or controls the master recording. If the song uses a sample, beat lease, guest performance, or outside production, check the written license and confirm it allows your planned commercial release. Keep the signed agreement, split sheet, and final approved master together.
Approve credits and splits in writing
Collect legal or agreed professional names, writer and performer credits, producer details, and the agreed ownership or revenue splits. Do not guess another person's legal name or credit. Resolve disagreements before upload, not after a distributor flags the release.
Use identifiers from an authorized source
An ISRC identifies a sound recording; it is not a copyright registration or proof of ownership. Use an ISRC assigned by your national ISRC agency or authorized registrant. A catalog tool can validate its format and associate it with a recording, but cannot make an unassigned code official. UPC/EAN barcodes follow separate issuance rules.
Check every delivery field
Listen to the exact master file, confirm clean/explicit labeling, verify release date and time zone, artist spelling, artwork rights and dimensions, territories, and the correct version of each audio file. Save a copy of the distributor's submitted metadata and delivery receipt.
Know what a delivery desk does
This site's Release Desk securely stores private draft metadata and master files and exports a preparation manifest. It does not assign official ISRCs, register a release with distributors, deliver to streaming services, collect stream reports, or pay royalties. Use a distribution company whose terms, catalog tools, fees, and artist support you have evaluated.
Browse the practical artist resource library or open the private Release Desk.
