Frequently Asked Questions
1What is Digital Distribution?
Digital distribution is the method by which your music is distributed to various digital music stores which then sell downloads of your music in iPods,iPhones etc, or any other number of portable music devices. We will distribute digital copies of your music to stores such as iTunes, Spotify, Deezer,Google play and alot more.
Major digital music stores such as iTunes require artists and labels to use a digital distributor to make their music and content available in their stores.
2What music stores can you get my music into?
Currently, we offer digital distribution to all of the major music stores including: iTunes (All World Stores), Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, Tidal, Rhapsody, eMusic, xBox Live, Deezer, Shazam, and many more...
While iTunes continues to have the predominate share of the music download market, *Bata Music* is always in negotiations to provide even more distribution to other major online music stores to maximize our artist and label's sales
3What if my album contains cover songs, Can I still use your digital distribution service??
In order for us to distribute a cover song (ie: A song you didn't write) you must purchase a license from the owner or administrator of the song in order to use it on your album.
4How long does it take for my album to be made available online?
Once you have uploaded your album's assets (ie: Audio Files and Cover Art), it normally takes 1-4 business days for us to encode the audio, process the cover art, and digitally distribute all of the album's metadata to iTunes and the other music stores around the world. From there, each music store's time frame is different.
*Currently, we are seeing albums appear in the iTunes music store within only 24-48 hours of delivery.* The other music stores can take up to around 1-6 weeks. This delay is due to each music store's own unique ingestion queues and processes.
5Do I lose ownership of my music?
No Way! By utilizing our distribution service, you allow us to digitally distribute your music until you terminate the agreement. We do not take ownership of the music, but only help facilitate the process of spreading your music digitally.
6Is there a phone number I can call to talk with someone at Bata Music?
We regret that the nature of our business as well as our incredibly discounted payment rates do not allow for us to field a call center for questions pertaining to our digital distribution service. All questions must be submitted via the "Contact Customer Service" links located on our homepage or from within your Dashboard at Bata Music . Once an inquiry is received, a representative from Bata Music will e-mail you back.
7Will I be able to see how many songs have been downloaded?
Yes. detailed reports of your sales figures will be sent to you via email. We are working on a Dashboard in order to make reporting seamless and comfortable for you.
8What is an ISRC code?
An ISRC code is an internationally unique code for music which is needed to track your song through shops around the world.if you do not have one we will provide you one without extra cost.
9What is a Barcode?
An EAN/UPC code is an internationally unique product. there is a European system(EAN)and a US systems (UPC). If you do not have one,we will provide you one without extra cost.
10Can I place my Social media handles on my Artwork?
No you cannot. There are certain rules the stores have that dictate what can and cannot be included on your artwork.
Here’s what you CAN’T include:
-email addresses, URLS/websites, contact info (this includes Twitter handles), pricing,
-stickers from your artwork from a scanned copy of physical CD
-something that suggests format of the release “CD, DVD, Digital Exclusive, disc”
-cut off text or images
-an image that’s compressed into one corner with white space
-names of digital stores or their logos
-words that express temporality, like “new”, “latest single”, “limited edition” or “exclusive”
Also, this may sound like a given, but make sure the image isn’t blurry or pixilated. No one, including the stores, wants to have to squint to see your art.
If you do include some of those things in the list above, the digital stores will likely reject your release, and it’s tough to generate sales when your music isn’t in stores!