How does Download Records work?

Simple; you Sign up and send us your music, we encode and deliver it to the internet stores and they sell it. They pay us quarterly (minus their small percentage) then we pay you, charging you nothing on your sales. You get the full amount we receive from the stores. ( 100% net )

Why should I do this?

The music industry has radically changed. Digital distribution is the furture of all music sales.
Internet stores, mobile phones, MP3 players and broadband have completely changed how we experience music. The tradtional model that existed in the industry 10 tears ago has changed, no longer can the majors lables exist and recoup their advances. artists are now in control of their music. Our accessible service delivers your music to the best internet stores giving you immediate exposure to millions of users. All this without a big investment and without having to share your royalties with a music label.

Why should I use download records?

There are other digital distribution companies but we offer the easiest route to distribution. This means: no contracts so there are no legal fees, there is no need to encode your music in multiple formats, there are no hidden costs, we take NO commission on sales - you will not get a better payment deal anywhere else, plus we also arrange your UPC and ISRC codes - essential for tracking the sales of your music in the future.


What are UPC and ISRC codes?

Digital music requires codes to identify who owns them and are also used to register sales for charts.
UPC: A Universal Product Code (UPC) is nothing more than a unique group of numbers that are exclusively associated with your release e.g a barcode. ISRC :Each one of your songs needs its own unique International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) code to keep track of how many copies it has sold. If you already have UPC or ISRC codes simply inform us when supplying music. If you don't have them we supply free of charge.

What are the fees and how do I pay them?

Unlike other distribution services we only offer TWO packages. Pro lite and Pro +.
Each give you distribution to 1000's of fans.
Pro lite package : £40.00 per track per release

UK Chart Registered via catco

sales via -download records artist shop & I-tunes GB only.

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Pro + package : £50.00 per track per release

Chart registered via catco -mcps/prs- PPl

Worldwide distribution (unless other wise directed)

on all partner sites. i-tunes, e-music, tune tribe, napster , rhapsody, etc

How do I deliver my music to download records ?

Send 2 regular audio CD’s of the album with song titles in the correct running order on the cover. Do not send MP3s or AACs (M4A) on a CD; send only regular audio CD's or CD-R's. Make sure you include your name, the band/artist name and the title of the CD. Mail the CD's to:

Download Records, 78 Alcester rd. Moseley,Birmingham, B13 8BB. United Kingdom.

E-mail admin@downloadrecords.co.uk the album cover artwork as a .GIF, or .JPG file with a resolution of 600 x 600 to Again, include your name, the band/artist name, and the title of the CD. If any songs on the album contain explicit lyrics, the album requires an advisory notice. Failure to indicate an album has explicit lyrics may cause your album to be rejected. Also include the genre of music, for listing purposes, and the account info such as PayPal, or band info address where you want to receive your payments.

What constitutes an album?

An album can hold no more than 74 minute's worth of songs, no matter how many songs it's divided into. All music is organized into albums and that is anything from one song to as many as you want.


Can I submit an EP or a single?

Absolutely. If you have a single, it is still registered as an album with one song.


How long until my music shows up in the stores?

It should be up for sale within eight to ten weeks. Once we have encoded and delivered the music to the stores, we have no direct control over when your music will appear for sale, that is down to the specific store.


How do the sales and payments work?

Once we receive payment from the stores we will pay you quarterly through your banj account / PayPal account. If you have sales of less than £50 it will be bought forward to the next quarter.


What do I get when my music sells from iTunes?

As a rule of thumb download sites after their commission, tax,publishing, conversions etc, leaves typically 50-55% of gross price. Expect between 34-45p per sale depending on digital e-commerce provider.


Can I submit cover versions as part of my release?

Yes, but you need to find out who owns the song and who to pay royalties to. This responsibility is left entirely up to you and you will need to pay the royalties to the artists. Organisations such as PPL, MCPS BMI, or ASCAP

How long will my music be available in the stores and how does the automatic renewal work?

Unlike other distribution companies your music will stay online until you request otherwise.

We don't charge an annual renewel fee.

What changes can I make at a later date?
None. The only way to change anything about a release once it has been delivered is to take it down and resend it and this will incur all applicable takedown and delivery fees.

How do I notify download records that I want my music removed from the stores?

e-mail admin@downloadrecords.co.uk

Will download records promote my music?

We promote your music via our site and our partners media players ( such as the student music network player. www.studentmusicnetwork.com ) Its still down to you to promote and sell your music. This can be achieved through traditional routes like gigs, physical music press and media promotion. You should also be deep linking your music via website links - your website and community sites like MySpace - mailing lists of fans. Links to your tracks on iTunes can be found by using the Apple ITMS linkmaker. Remember to use every opportunity to make it clear where your music is on sale. If your fans know were to buy it then they can help your sales. Your music will also be avalible in our very own downloadrecords store.



If you have any other questions then please email info@downloadrecords.co.uk