Release Readiness Checklist: My New Single
Generated via Music Business Hub (`musicbusinesshub.com`) • Status: 0% Complete
Stage 1: Songwriting & Composition
Define joint work ownership and secure co-writing split sheets
Execute Songwriter Split Sheet Contract
⚖️ 17 U.S.C. § 201(a)Document exact writer and publisher percentage splits with all co-writers before master recording.
Collect IPI/CAE Numbers & PRO Affiliations
Gather 9-digit IPI numbers and PRO details (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS) for all song contributors.
Clear Producer Beat Lease / Master Rights
Confirm non-exclusive beat lease stream limits (e.g. 50k streams) or execute an exclusive buyout contract.
Stage 2: Audio Engineering & Metadata
Generate ISRC codes and embed production metadata tags
Generate Unique ISRC Code for Master
Assign a 12-character International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) to the finalized master audio file.
Embed ID3 Metadata Tags
Embed song title, artist, composer, ISRC, contact email, and BPM directly into 24-bit/44.1kHz WAV & 320kbps MP3 files.
Stage 3: Legal & Copyright Office Filings
Register copyrights with US Copyright Office within statutory window
File Form SR / PA with US Copyright Office
⚖️ 17 U.S.C. § 412Submit eCO registration within 3 months of release to preserve statutory damage remedies (up to $150,000 per willful infringement).
File Notice of Intention (NOI) if Cover Song
⚖️ 17 U.S.C. § 115Obtain compulsory mechanical cover song license via mechanical licensing agent if releasing a cover.
Stage 4: Distribution & DSP Delivery
Deliver assets to digital distributors and pitch DSP editors
Upload DDEX Metadata to Digital Distributor
Submit master audio, high-res 3000x3000px artwork, ISRC, ISWC, and writer credits 3 weeks prior to release date.
Pitch Spotify for Artists Editorial Team
Submit track pitch via Spotify for Artists dashboard at least 14 days prior to release to secure algorithmic & editorial playlisting.
Stage 5: Collection Agency Sweeps
Register catalog with The MLC, SoundExchange, and PROs
Register Song Title & ISWC with The MLC
Register musical work composition metadata with The Mechanical Licensing Collective to collect US streaming mechanicals.
Register Master Sound Recording with SoundExchange
⚖️ 17 U.S.C. § 114Claim non-interactive digital performance royalties (Pandora, SiriusXM) for Master Owner (50%) and Featured Artist (45%).
Register Composition Works with ASCAP / BMI
Register composition work titles, writers, publishers, and ISWC with your Performing Rights Organization.
Stage 6: Post-Release & Live Performance Sweeps
Log live performance setlists and conduct 10-step royalty audits
Submit Live Setlists to ASCAP OnStage / BMI Live
Log live performance gig setlists, venue details, and tour dates to collect live performance royalties.
Conduct 10-Step Royalty Audit
Verify that mechanical payouts, SoundExchange statements, and PRO distributions match expected streaming yields.