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Artist FAQs

48 articles
Common Withdrawal Q&ABelow are the most common questions we get from users about withdrawals. For a complete revenue platform overview, click here. For instruc...
How can I choose the times for my release on Tik Tok?At this time, it is not possible to choose the times for your release on Tik Tok via the Distribution Dashboard. However, if you email our...
Change artist name(s) for active releasesIf you wish to change your Main Artist Name(s) on your Songtradr release(s), please consider the following before making this request:   M...
What are Neighbouring Rights?Recorded music contains two key rights. The composition and the sound recording (also known as a “master recording” or “master”). Royaltie...
Priority Release, Scheduling & How to Promote a ReleaseWe recommend scheduling your distribution release at least 1-month in advance from the release date.   As delivery time can vary, we reco...
Promote your upcoming release using Songtradr Distribution Pre-sale / Pre-save optionPre-sale / Pre-save gives you a pre-save link via email to promote your single/album before its release date. You will also have the abili...
What can/cannot be edited on your completed Songtradr release?Once a release has been uploaded and distributed to the streaming platforms, there is no guarantee that all stores will implement any requ...
Can I include the producer name in my song title for distribution?No, do not add producer information to the song title. You can, however, add the producer name in either the Featured or Contributing arti...
How much will I make from a sync license?Music license pricing varies depends on the scope and nature of the placement. There are many factors that determine the amount earned inc...
UPCs and ISRC codesIn this article you will find the following:  What is a UPC/EAN code and how do I get one? Can I provide my own UPC? Can I Provide ISRC ...
Why can’t I find my song in Songtradr search?Songtradr’s search algorithm is based on multiple factors such as genre, keywords, tags, moods, song activity, license history and more. L...
'Creative Casing' rules for distributionMost major platforms have a set style guide for casing of song titles and artist names. To ensure successful delivery, Songtradr may adjus...
What does it mean for a song to be 'fully-cleared'?For a song to be fully-cleared, means the song has been approved for licensing on Songtradr by rights-holders of both the sound recording ...
What is a 'blanket license'?A Blanket License provides the licensee rights to use multiple compositions/recordings for a particular use on agreed terms.   There are m...
If I'm signed up to CDBaby and TuneCore, can I still use Songtradr?The answer is, it depends.   You will have to contact your CD Baby or TuneCore representative and ask them if you have an exclusive synchr...
How much does Songtradr Pro cost?Becoming a Songtradr Pro offers reduced commission fees and unlimited distribution for up to 10 artists on your account. Starting at USD$4...
What is a 'composition'?What is a Composition? The notes, lyrics, structure, instrumentation, etc. as they do or  would appear on sheet music or other written do...
How should I pitch my music?Before pitching, research the TV show, film, advertisement or project you intend to send music to. Industry professionals appreciate pitch...
What information do I need to provide if I'm a songwriter?Songtradr recommends that all writers affiliate with a P.R.O. so that they can collect performance royalties. This will allow you to provi...
What is 'public domain'?In some countries, music is considered public domain fifty to seventy-five years after the composer's death. In other countries, such as t...
Why should I sign up to Songtradr?Songtradr provides a platform for artists, labels, publishers and libraries to connect with global licensing opportunities from film, tv, ...
Why should I upload Instrumentals and additional files?Let's say you come across a licensing opportunity asking for an acoustic guitar, mid-tempo track à la Singer/Songwriter, Richard Thompson ...
How do people search for my music?To give your music the best chance of being found by prospective buyers, we recommend adding genre, lyrics, keywords and mood. Metadata is...
If I distribute/license a song through Songtradr will I still receive royalties?Yes. If you license a song through Songtradr, you will receive 100% of your royalties. You will also receive a license fee less commission...
What is a 'Copyright', 'Writer' and/or 'Control' for song activation?Unlike Master Ownership which refers to the actual recording of a song, Copyright Ownership (also known as "Publishing") refers to the com...
What are 'ISRC' and 'ISWC codes'?Having ISRC and ISWC codes are two of the most important puzzle pieces for cataloging business transactions and for ensuring everyone gets...
Proper fade-ins or fade-outs for licensingVisual projects need the most flexibility when mixing a song into a scene, therefore, songs with a definite start and end are more prefera...
Are Songtradr licenses and services exclusive?Your music and any licenses through Songtradr are non-exclusive, meaning you can still take advantage of other opportunities!   There are ...
What is master ownership?A Master Owner is someone who owns the recording of a song.   If you have created the recording of a song in your own studio, you are by d...
What is a record label?What is a record label? Record labels are the companies that provide support to artists from writing and recording music to distributing ...
How will my songs be licensed and do I get to approve of usage?Buyers can potentially use your music in every kind of production, including label/artist releases, television, radio, Internet, film and ...
Can I request a takedown of my release?Yes, you can request that your music be removed from all stores by contacting our distribution team via email. Please provide the associat...
What is a P.R.O. or Performance Rights Organization, a P.R.O. Work ID and IPI/CAE Number?What is a P.R.O. or PRO? Pronounced as separate letters i.e. P - R - O, a PRO helps songwriters and publishers get paid for the usage of ...
Songwriter Splits or PercentagesIt's always a good idea to get into the habit of deciding on songwriter splits or percentages sometime shortly after a song is written. Th...
What happens with ownership invites?Any party who is a co-owner of the master and/or copyright of a song and has been added as a contact on a registered user's account.   Use...
Can I use Songtradr if my music is already distributed?All artists can access Songtradr's music licensing services, regardless of whether they use our distribution service or not! Our platform ...
What is a 'copyright' ownership for a song?What is a Copyright? A copyright is the exclusive legal right that grants ownership over an original work. A copyright gives the creator ...
Proper song titles for Songtradr servicesSongtradr provides all the tools to accurately enter all important song information which means the song title  can remain what it should ...
What is 'master' ownership for a track?What is a Master? The original sound recording of a song.​   What are Master Rights? Rights to own and control the original recording ...
What is 'music licensing'?  While music licensing is a complex and somewhat obscure topic in the music industry, it plays a huge role in our everyday lives.   Whene...
Can I monetize a song that is a remix or contains samples?It may be better to stay away from samples unless you have written permission from the owner(s). If you do have permission, you can upload...
What download pricing options do I have when distributing my music?Most streaming platforms have a Set Per Stream payment (i.e. Spotify, Apple Music). Other platforms offer Download Pricing (i.e. Deezer, A...
Are there any genres that get licensed more than others?Many different genres of songs are licensed for many reasons. Styles of music that lend themselves to supporting what is transpiring on sc...
What are 'streaming royalties'?What are streaming royalties?   Despite the music industry’s reluctance to music streaming, it has become clear that it is here to stay an...
What is considered an "Explicit" song and how to tag properly in the dashboardIf your track contains curse words, language, sounds or imagery that is sexual, violent or offensive in nature, it is considered explicit....
Can I use Songtradr if I'm signed to a label?Yes, however, you will be required to enter any master owner information for your songs, which would include your label if you have one.  ...
Can I use Songtradr if I have a publisher?Yes, however, you will be required to enter your publisher's copyright owner information for your songs.   Songtradr has a consent process...
Which streaming services does Songtradr distribute my music to?We distribute to all major digital distribution platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, Amazon, and more! We also h...