Resources
Get it right before you submit.
The specifications, rules and vocabulary behind a clean release. Everything here matches exactly what the Release Portal checks.
Release checklist
Everything you need in hand before you start a submission.
- WAV and/or MP3 of every track
- Cover artwork, square, 3000x3000 or larger
- Lyric file for each track
- At least one promotional photo
- Full legal names of composer and producer
- Split percentages and emails for featured artists and producers
Artwork specification
What platforms accept, and the mistakes that cause rejections.
- Square, minimum 3000x3000 pixels
- JPG or PNG, RGB colour
- Artist name and title must match your submission exactly
- No URLs, social handles or pricing on the cover
- No logos you do not have the rights to use
Metadata guidance
Getting credits right the first time saves weeks.
- Composer must be a full legal name, not a stage name
- Mark collaborators as "featuring" on the artwork
- Using "x" instead makes them a primary artist on every platform
- Keep spelling consistent across releases — it affects your artist page
- Explicit content must be flagged per track
Scheduling rules
Why the dates are what they are.
- Singles: at least 3 weeks notice
- EPs and albums: at least 4 weeks notice
- Release days are Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
- Pre-order windows must close before release day
- More notice means more pitching, radio and press
Splits and credits
Agree it up front, record it once.
- Splits are captured per track, per contributor
- Featured artists and producers each need a name and email
- A track total cannot exceed 100%
- Splits record the agreement — Dvpper Digital does not hold money
- Get agreement before you submit, not after release
Glossary
The terms that come up in every release conversation.
- ISRC — the unique code identifying a recording
- UPC — the code identifying a release as a product
- DSP — digital service provider, i.e. a streaming platform
- Sync — licensing music to film, TV, advertising or games
- Mechanical royalty — income from the composition, not the recording
Still unsure
Ask before you submit, not after
A five minute question beats a rejected release. The team would rather hear from you early.