Music Terms Glossary A-H
This page contains links to music industry terms starting with letters A-H. Click on any link below for a more in depth definition of the term.
I-P || Q-Z
I-P || Q-Z
360 Deals
360 deals are becoming an increasingly common deal structure for major label contracts, but not every thinks they give the artist a fair shake. Learn more about these multiple rights deals and why they're so controversial.
360 deals are becoming an increasingly common deal structure for major label contracts, but not every thinks they give the artist a fair shake. Learn more about these multiple rights deals and why they're so controversial.
A&R - Artist and Repertoire
A&R people hold a lot of power at a record label; they have the power to make and break deals. Find out more about artist and repertoire.
A&R people hold a lot of power at a record label; they have the power to make and break deals. Find out more about artist and repertoire.
Agent
Agents - you've heard about them, but what do they actually do? Find out what to expect from an agent as a band - or what to expect to be doing if you think you might want to become an agent.
Agents - you've heard about them, but what do they actually do? Find out what to expect from an agent as a band - or what to expect to be doing if you think you might want to become an agent.
Backline
If you're an aspiring agent or manager, or if you're a band who books their own gigs, "backline" is a word you'd better get used to. Find out what it is, and whose job it is to worry about it.
If you're an aspiring agent or manager, or if you're a band who books their own gigs, "backline" is a word you'd better get used to. Find out what it is, and whose job it is to worry about it.
Big Four Record Labels
EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, Warner Brothers
EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, Warner Brothers
Buy-On
A tour buy on is the way some musicians get the chance to open for big name acts. Learn more about concert tour buy-ons.
A tour buy on is the way some musicians get the chance to open for big name acts. Learn more about concert tour buy-ons.
Buy-Out
A band buy out us something you might come across a music promotion contract when you are booking a show. Learn more about what a music buy-out is and how it figures into the contract.
A band buy out us something you might come across a music promotion contract when you are booking a show. Learn more about what a music buy-out is and how it figures into the contract.
Catalog Number
In discussions about record labels, you might hear the term catalog number being used a lot - and if you want to have your own record label, catalog numbers are something you're going to have to become very familiar with. Learn more about music catalog numbers - CD catalog numbers, record catalog numbers and more.
In discussions about record labels, you might hear the term catalog number being used a lot - and if you want to have your own record label, catalog numbers are something you're going to have to become very familiar with. Learn more about music catalog numbers - CD catalog numbers, record catalog numbers and more.
Demo
A music demo is one of the most basic tools of the music industry. Find out what a demo is and how one is used.
A music demo is one of the most basic tools of the music industry. Find out what a demo is and how one is used.
Digipack
Digipack sleeves may look nice, but they're not the answer for every release. Find out more about this style of CD packaging.
Digipack sleeves may look nice, but they're not the answer for every release. Find out more about this style of CD packaging.
Digital Distribution
Many people think that it is just a matter of time before digital music distribution surpasses traditional, physical distribution. Learn more about this music distribution option.
Many people think that it is just a matter of time before digital music distribution surpasses traditional, physical distribution. Learn more about this music distribution option.
Distribution
Distribution is the key to getting an album into the shops. Find out what is involved and what kind of distribution deals are common.
Distribution is the key to getting an album into the shops. Find out what is involved and what kind of distribution deals are common.
Doors
Doors is a slang term used in concert promotion and concert booking. Find out more.
Doors is a slang term used in concert promotion and concert booking. Find out more.
Door Split
Door split is a term you might hear from a promoter when you're booking a gig. What does it mean, and what makes a fair door split deal?
Door split is a term you might hear from a promoter when you're booking a gig. What does it mean, and what makes a fair door split deal?
Gatefold Record Sleeves
Want to make your records look even cooler? Then a gatefold sleeve might be in order. Gatefold record sleeves look great, but they can get pricey. Find out if they're right for you.
Want to make your records look even cooler? Then a gatefold sleeve might be in order. Gatefold record sleeves look great, but they can get pricey. Find out if they're right for you.
Guest List
Concert guest lists can be a lot of fun for the musicians and a big headache for whoever is in charge of it. Learn more about what a guest list is and if being on the guest list means the same thing as having a backstage pass.
Concert guest lists can be a lot of fun for the musicians and a big headache for whoever is in charge of it. Learn more about what a guest list is and if being on the guest list means the same thing as having a backstage pass.