Why do I need a barcode?
- All major digital music outlets require your album to have a barcode.
- More information about the UPC Barcodes here: cdbaby.net/barcode
- It doesn't have to be on your CD artwork. It just has to be in our computer, so we can tell it to these companies.
- If you already have a barcode, but we sent you an email asking for it, that means you just didn't type it into our computer yet. In that case, log in to your account and click [EDIT ALBUM INFO] next to your CD - then edit the “OPTIONAL” thing at the bottom of the list.
What IS a cover song? (“YES” in the menu)
- A cover song is your recording of a song that you didn't write
... assuming that song had previously been released in the USA
... with consent of the copyright owner (the songwriter/publisher)
- Examples: You recording your version of a Bob Dylan or Cole Porter song.
- A song you have to pay the publisher (copyright owner) to create copies of.
What is NOT a cover song? (“NO” in the menu)
- A song you wrote
- A song you co-wrote with someone
- A song someone gave you permission to record and release, but has *never* been recorded and released before.
- An old song that is now in public domain (like classical music or songs before 1900)
- An old traditional song (like Ave Maria or Amazing Grace)
- A song you don't have to pay to create copies of.
NOTE: If it's a cover song, the PUBLISHER info is VERY important!
What do you mean “PUBLISHER”?
- The publisher is the owner of the copyright to a song.
- (The song, not the recording. Just the words and music. Melody, harmony, lyrics.)
- If you or a songwriter you know has never signed away their publishing rights to a publishing deal, then the songwriter IS the publisher.
- Don't get this word confused with a sheet music publisher or CD manufacturer. It has nothing to do with that. In this case “publisher” just means “copyright owner of the song itself”.
Why do you say ASCAP, BMI, or Harry Fox are not the Publisher?
- ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, Harry Fox, SOCAN - are NOT publishers!
- ASCAP, BMI and SESAC are three companies in America that collect the broadcast (“performing rights”) money for songwriters, so they can get paid for their music being used on radio and TV broadcasts.
- We don't need to know if a song is ASCAP or BMI. They don't matter here.
How do I find the publisher?
- It's usually listed in the album credits in the original (or cover) version of a song.
- Example: go to ascap.com and type “Purple Rain” (with NO quotes!) in the search box, change the check box to say “Titles”, and click [search]
- In this case, the song “Purple Rain” has two co-publishers: Controversy Music c/o Universal Music Publishing Group - and W B Music Corp c/o Warner Bros Inc
NOTE: We're forcing you to find these for your own good!
- We didn't NEED to be so strict about this.
- The contract you signed said you had taken care of all of this already AND gotten permission from the publisher!
- ... but we realized a lot of people didn't actually get permission first, so we're trying to help keep you out of trouble.
- The copyright police might not break down your door and stop you from burning a CD of you singing “Purple Rain”, but they will find you much easier and even sue you if you released your version of “Purple Rain” without sending notice to Controversy Music c/o Universal Music Publishing Group - and W B Music Corp c/o Warner Bros Inc - and paying your 9.1 cents per copy sold.
