ISRC Numbers:

What is ISRC?

The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the international identification system for sound recordings and music video recordings. Each ISRC is a unique and permanent identifier for a specific recording which can be permanently encoded into a product as its digital fingerprint. Encoded ISRC provide the means to automatically identify recordings for royalty payments.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recommends that all music producers use ISRC.

Each ISRC number is unique and contains twelve characters in a combination of letters and numbers. For example: US SB5 0501001. PLEASE NOTE: ISRC numbers only relate to individual tracks. For collections of tracks such as an EP or CD or merchandise you will need an EAN or UPC number see EAN / UPC section.

Benefits of using ISRC

The ISRC system is the key to royalty collection for recordings in the digital information age.

ISRC is a unique, reliable, international identification system.
ISRC provides a unique tool for the purpose of rights administration.
ISRC is a useful identification tool in the electronic distribution of music.
ISRC coding is compatible with standards developed in the field of consumer electronics and is readable by hardware already used in the recording industry.
ISRC is cost effective - it can be put into operation without requiring special investment in equipment or technologies.

If you already have an ISRC number:

Simply enter each song's ISRC into the appropriate box on the Track Edit page (Manage Site Content/Music Bin/Track Edit).

If you do not have an ISRC number:

Contact Arkade ( support@arkade.com ) with “ISRC request” in the subject line. Arkade has been authorised by PPL UK to issue you with an ISRC number. You will need to provide us with details of the track (Artist Name and Track Title) and abide by the standard terms and conditions that govern our issuing this number to you.

www.ifpi.org/content/section_resources/isrc_assignment.html

PLEASE NOTE:

At present this service is not provided for music videos as music videos can currently only be linked to the Arkade site and not offered for sale.
Each track and any subsequent versions of a track (I.e. remixes) will require their own unique ISRC number.

Once you have been issued with an ISRC number (which proves your track is commercially available) you must contact repertoire@ppluk.com providing them with the ISRC number which you have been issued and they will supply you with login and password details to register your track on their database.

UPC and EAN Numbers:

A UPC (12 Digit Universal Product Code number) or EAN (13 digit European Article Number) is simply a number which can be exclusively associated with your Album, EP, Single or Merchandise Item. Unlike an ISRC number which is used to identify an individual recording a UPC or EAN number is used to identify a group of recordings or a physical product.

The cost of obtaining a UPC number can be prohibitive as it requires joining an issuing agency and paying annual membership fees. Arkade therefore recommends that you use an EAN number which can be purchased for a small charge without requiring that you become a member of an issuing agency. This single licence option has been designed for independent music makers and small labels. For an application form please visit http://www.gs1uk.org/solutions/music/single_licence.asp

When issued the unique EAN number is automatically added to a global registry and therefore internationally recognised. Once you have your EAN number you will be able to generate a barcode which allows physical stores to order your products easily and enables sales of your physical product to be tracked. The EAN number can be used in the same way for digital items.

A wide range of software options to generate barcodes are available and GS1 provide a free service to check the validity of your barcode. For more information on UPC, EAN and barcodes visit the GS1 site at http://www.gs1.org/

If you wish to purchase a UPC number the following link will enable you to access a local agency. http://www.gs1.org/contact/worldwide.php

Once you have obtained your UPC or EAN number, you should enter it in the box provided;

· For Music Bundles: Manage Site Content / Music Bundles / Edit

· For Merchandise: Manage Site Content / Merchandise / Product Bin / Edit)

PLEASE NOTE: Each product must have an individual UPC or EAN number. Numbers cannot be shared for different products.