Music Terms Glossary A-H
I-P || Q-Z
Commercial Radio
What is commercial radio and how is it different from non-commercial radio? Get the scoop on commercial radio and find out they decide what to playlist in this commercial radio definition.
EP Definition
What is an EP? Not quite a single and not quite an album, EPs can be an important part of your music promotion strategy. Get an EP definition and find out why they matter.
Music Industry Glossary: Avails
What is an avail in the music business? If you are in the business of booking concerts, you're likely to hear people talking about avails. Get the definition of avails in this entry in the About.com Music Careers music industry glossary.
House Band
Becoming the house band can spell lucrative, steady work for musicians. Get the definition of a house band and find out how becoming the house band means a reliable paycheck.
Compilation Album
What is a music compilation album? Compilation albums, or comps, as they are often called, are an important music industry tool. Find out what a compilation album is in this entry in the Music Industry Glossary.
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.
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.
All In Record Deal
If you are signing a record deal, you need to understand if it is an all in record deal. These kinds of record deals could leave you holding the bag if you are not careful. Learn more about all in record deals.
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.
Arts Council
When you're looking for music career loans and grants, you're likely to come across arts councils. What is an arts council and what does an arts council do? Learn more about arts councils and how they can help you find music industry funding.
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.
Big Four Record Labels
EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, Warner Brothers
BPI
BPI, the British Phonograph Industry, represents music businesses in the UK. Find out more about BPI.
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.
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.
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.
Chart Eligibile
What is a chart eligible album? Find out what makes an album chart eligible and why it matters.
Commercially Acceptable
In a record contract, you might encounter a provision that your recording has to be commercially acceptable. Find out what commercially acceptable means in record contracts.
Compuslory License
Music compulsory licenses are an important concept in music publishing and music royalty collection. Get the answer to the question what is a compulsory license.
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.
What is a record label demo policy? Get the answer to your question about demo policies and find out what a record label demo policy matters to you.
Digipack
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.
Direct to Fan
Direct to fan is a music industry buzz term, but what exactly does it mean? Learn what direct to fan means in this glossary definition of direct to fan.
Direct to Fan Marketing
Direct to fan marketing is a major music industry buzz idea, but what is direct to fan marketing? Learn more about direct to fan marketing and what it means to your music career.
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.
DIY - Do It Yourself Music
DIY music releases are an important part of the music world. Learn more about what makes an album DIY.
Doors
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?
Electronic Press Kits
Electronic Press Kits, also known as EPKs, are becoming more and more popular in the music industry. Find out what is an electronic press kit and find out if an electronic press kit needs to be part of your music promotion package.
Firm Album
If you are offered a record deal, you may encounter the term firm album. Find out what a firm album is and how a firm album may impact your music career.
Folios
One important part of music publishing is sheet music, and folios are an important type of sheet music sets. Learn more about sheet music folios in this folios definition.
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.
Gold Record
What is a gold record? What started out as a marketing ploy has now become an important means of recognizing record sales. Learn more about gold records, how a record goes gold and how many records you have to sell to get a gold record.
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.