If you're trying to get started in the music business, it can sound like everyone is speaking a different language, with all of their demos, promos, one sheets and whozits and whatzits. Don't know the lingo? Don't sweat it! These basic music industry terms will give you all of the vocab you need to talk like an old hat music biz pro. If you want to know more about any of the terms here, just click on the word and you'll go to a more in depth definition.
Jewel Case
Traditional plastic CD case, also sometimes called a jewel box.
Longbox
The cardboard boxes that manufacturers and distributors send out CDs in - 25 to each longbox.
Manager
Essentially the business manager of a band. Duties vary wildly depending on the level of the band, but generally managers try to seek out new opportunities for the band while being the contact person for all other people (agents, promoters, labels, etc) dealing with the band.
Mechanical Royalties
Royalties paid to the songwriter per album pressed (or sold, depending on the deal). Also sometimes called "mechanicals."
One Sheet
The info sheet for a release - can contain info about the band, the recording or anything else significant about the release. Also gives the release date. One sheets are used by labels and distributors to sell a new release. They get their name from the fact that they are (or at least they should be) one page long.
P.D.s
Also PDs. Short for "per diems," which means "per days." This refers to the stipend paid daily to band members and crew on a tour (or sometimes when out of town for recording) for their personal expenses, such as food and drinks.
PR
Technically means "press relations" but is also used in a slang way to refer to a person who works in press relations. PR is also known as "publicity." PR companies/PR people are usually hired to work on a campaign basis to promote a new album, single or tour. Some PR people only promote to print media, some only to websites, some only to TV and some to a combination of mediums. Some PR people also work in radio plugging, but often radio is treated as a separate entity.
Performing Rights Royalties
Royalties paid to a songwriter when a song they have written is performed.
Playlist
The list of songs played by a radio station. For some radio stations, the playlist is up to the DJ. Other radio stations have set playlists of songs that have to be played. Often these radio stations have tiered playlists, such as A list, B list and so on, that dictate how many times a day a song has to be played.
