Tips, Insights & Industry Secrets

Album Barcodes: How to Get and Check the Right Code

An album barcode identifies a release, but the number used for digital delivery and the scannable symbol on physical stock serve different purposes. Learn how to choose, submit and check the right code.

US Copyright Registration Fees Are Going Up on November 11. Here’s What to Do Before Then

The US Copyright Office is raising its fees on November 11, with some music-related services more than doubling in price. Here’s what’s changing, who it affects, and what to do before the deadline.

Laptops for Music Production: Choose One That Fits Your Sessions

Choose a music-production laptop by testing your real workload, checking software and interface compatibility, and spending on the parts that solve your bottlenecks.

The RAYE Royal Albert Hall Incident, Explained

RAYE says AI bots flooded her Royal Albert Hall presale with hundreds of thousands of fake sign-ups. Here’s what happened, and what artists selling their own shows can learn from it.

What Happens to Your Music When Your Distributor Gets Sued

Universal Music Group has sued DistroKid, and independent artists are watching their own human-made releases vanish from streaming platforms. Here’s what happened and what to check now.

Electronic Music Genres: How to Hear and Use the Differences

Recognise major electronic music genres by their rhythm, bass and arrangement, then use those listening clues to make and describe your own track.

How to Earn Money From a Spotify Playlist

Owning a Spotify playlist does not earn royalties. Learn how independent musicians can use one to bring genuine listeners to their music, assess promotion costs and consider a separate paid-review route.

Best Headphones for Audiophiles: A Musician’s Buying Guide

Choose headphones for recording, mixing and critical listening. Compare six wired options, test them with your own music and check the final export.