The following collection of terms is the most complete music business and recording industry dictionary on the World Wide Web. Remember, understanding entertainment industry terminology is absolutely crucial to your success in the business. After reading this glossary, you will hopefully have a more thorough and complete understanding of the music business.

Acetate. The material in vinyl mastering used to produce a “master”
acetate record from which all duplicates are molded from.

A Side. The A Side is the single chosen by the record company for
radio play. It is expected to be “the hit.” The B Side is usually an album
cut that is not expected to have significant radio play.

Acetate Dub. A one-of-a-kind, individually cut record made of acetate
(not vinyl). Also known as a “dubplate” they generally wear out after 50
plays on a turntable

Acoustic. As in “acoustic guitar” or “acoustic version”: Instruments
that do not require a power source to be played and properly heard or that
is not electronically modifed (such as a non-electric guitar, drums, or wind
instrument). A recording arrangement that is entirely or primarily composed
of acoustic instruments.

Acoustics. The characteristics, such as how sound is reflected and
absorbed, that give a space such as a living room, concert hall, or cinema
an identifiable sonic “signature.”

ADAT. An 8-track digital tape, identical in appearance to a VHS
cassette. ADAT is the most popular digital tape-based recording format and
contains up to 44 minutes of 8-track audio per tape.

Administration. The supervision of all financial, copyright and
contractual aspects of either an entire catalog or a particular song.

Advance. Money paid before the recording or release of a song, to be
deducted against future royalties of that song.

Adult Contemporary. Also known as “soft rock” it is a music genre
targeted to the adult market (30+). It is often distinguished by orchestral
background music, conservative backbeats, and frequently features “love
songs.” Not quite as conservative as “Easy Listening,” it borrows generously
the emotive ballads that occasionally appear in “Pop.”

AF of M. An abbreviation for American Federation of Musicians.

Air. The Vamp, the Verse, if there is one, and the Chorus
(composed of “8s”), ending with the Rideout, constitute the component parts
of the printed sheet-music copy. But there is music that exists between the
sung lines (“fills”) that can be described as the “Air” in the song. If
“Air” is recognized as “music without words,” the Vamp and Rideout, too,
must be listed as “Air” pockets.

Air Checks. A recording made of a televised show on 3/4″ tape to be used
for demo reels.

Airplay. Radio or internet broadcast of a music recording.

Amplifier. An electronic device which increases the strength of an
electrical signal. For instance they take relatively small electric signals
and increase them to a strength powerful enough to drive a speaker. For
musicians, amplifiers are used with electric instruments and microphones to
increase volume and modify basic frequency sets (such as increasing bass or
treble tones, or adding distortion effects).

Analog. In a music and recording context, analog refers to a way of
sending information electronically using variable voltage. Very similarly to
the way AM and FM radio signals work, analog devices use a continous wave
signal as a carrier onto which information is encoded as electric pulses.
Analog signals are limited in the amount of data they can transmit. They are
also vulnerable to interference that causes distortion or other inaccuracies
to appear in an analog recordings. However, because the voltage oscillations
of analog signals are similar the wave qualities of sound, there are
arguments (of some merit) that analog can more faithfully reproduce sound
(but is much more difficult for editing and correcting recordings).

A&R. An abbreviation for Artists and Repertoire; record company
staffer or liaison in charge of selecting new artists, songs and masters.

Arrangement. The adaptation of a composition for performance by other
instruments and voices than originally intended.

Arranger. One who adapts a musical work to particular instruments or
voices.

Artist. An individual or group under recording contract.

Artist Management.
The task of developing an artists’ career.
The artist manager typically advises the artist on all business decisions
and attempts to promote the artist through all available means, including
demos, media coverage, person to person networking and internet promotions.

Assignment. The transfer of rights to a song or catalog
from one copy-right proprietor to another.

Audition. A formally arranged session (usually by appointment through an
agent) for an actor to display his or her talents when seeking a role in an
upcoming production of a play, film or television project, usually to a
casting director, director or producers.

Avail. A courtesy extended by a performer to a booking agent indicating
availability to work during a certain timeframe. Avails have no legal or
contractual status.

Backgrounds. Another term for backup vocals on a song.

Backline. Specific musical instruments and equipment needed for a live
performance. In certain circumstances, the “backline” refers to equipment
that is expected to be provided by the venue.

Balls. A deep and resonant vocal tone.

Bed. The soundtrack that goes under your voice-over. It may be a bed of
music or sound effects or a combination of both.

Big Five. A phrase that collectively refers to the five largest
corporations in the global music market: Universal, Sony, BMG, Warner, and
EMI.

Billboard. To emphasize or set apart a copy point is to “billboard” it.

Biography. A concise account of an artist or group’s industry related
experience or background.

Booker. An agency employee who sets appointments for talent/models.

Booking. A confirmed date for a live performance or studio session.

Booking Agent. One who finds employment for artists from buyers of
talent.

Borderless. A photograph that takes up the full space of the paper with
no white edges.

Boom Mike. A microphone on the end of a pole, held above actor’s heads
to record dialogue.

Boot Legging. The unauthorized recording and selling of a performance of
a song.

Bullet. Designation of a record listed on the charts, referring to
increased record sales.

Buyout. A one-time payment for shooting and airing a commercial.

Cans. Studio term meaning headphones.

Cartage. A gear management and transportation service provided to
professional musicians by private companies. Cartage companies are
responsible for bringing all of an artist’s musical equipment to a studio
for a session.

Catalog. All the songs owned by a music publisher considered as one
collection.

Charts. Lists published in the trade magazines of the best-selling
records. These are separate charts for pop, soul, country western, etc.;
musical arrangements.

Chord. Three or more notes sounded simultaneously that imply a harmonic
function.

Chorus. A section of the song that repeats itself at certain intervals.
At the turn of the century, and continuing into the sixties, Choruses were
compared and shaped within thirty-two bars of music.

Clearance. The right of a radio station to play a song.

Clearance Agency. Same function of a performance rights organization,
such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC.

Click Track. A perforated sound track that produces click sounds that
enables one to hear a predetermined beat in synchronization with the movie.

Clipping. A condition where the dB (decibel) level of a track is too
high and causes sound distortion. Clipping can also occur if the dB levels
of two tracks combine with each other to cause distortion.

CMYK. An abbreviation for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. The
colors used in the printing process in which four distinct color plates are
printed one on top of the other which combines the colors to make
photo-realistic images.

Collaborator. One of two or more partners in the writing of songs.

Commercial. Regarding the music industry, the potential to sell, or that
which has mass appeal.

Commission. Percentage of income paid by actors to their representative.
If it is an agent, the amount cannot be over 10% for a union contract; if it
is a manager, the percentage is unregulated, but is traditionally 15-20%.

Common-Law Copyright. Natural protection of a song based on common laws
of the various states. Was superseded by a single national system effective
January 1, 1978.

Composer. One who writes the music to a song.

Composite. A type of head shot popular in the commercial industry which
positions several different images of the subject together on one 8″ x 10″
spread giving casting directors a quick way to determine how the subject
will look in different settings.

Composition. A musical work; the art of writing music.

Compulsory License. Statutory mandate given to a copyright owner to
permit third parties to make sound recordings of the copyright owner’s song
after it once has been recorded.

Console. The audio board or control panel that allows the engineer to
direct the audio signal to the recorders, and to combine the various audio
components into the final mix.

Consignment. An arrangement through which a retailer takes possession of
an artist’s product, such as CDs or t-shirts, and only pays the artist for
inventory that is sold. Essentially, when a sale occurs, the retailer
purchases product from the held inventory to meet the order. This system is
common among online retailers of independent music.

Consumer Publication. Entertainment oriented periodicals written and
published for a general public readership, i.e., Rolling Stone,
Spin.

Control Room. The room from which producers direct musicians and
engineers operate recording equipment during a session. The control room
contains the bulk of a studio’s recording equipment, including the mixing
board and multitrack recorder. Control rooms are typically separated from
the live studio in which musicians perform by a soundproof glass panel.

Co-op Advertising. Retail advertising partly or fully paid for by a
record label and/or distributor. Can also refer to a group of retail
advertisers pooling funds to jointly advertise.

Co-Publishing. The joint publication of one copyrighted work by two
publishers.

Copyright. As a noun, means the exclusive rights granted to authors and
composers for protection of their works; a song or musical composition; as a
verb, to secure protection for a song by filling the proper registration
forms with the Copyright Office.

Copyright Infringement. Stealing or using somebody else’s copyrighted
song.

Copyright Notice. Notice comprised of three elements.

1. The symbol of copyright, the word “copyright,” or the abbreviation “Copr.”

2. The year the song has been registered for copyright or the year of first
production of the work.

3. The copyright owner’s name

Copyright Office. Federal government department, one of whose main
purposes is to file and supply information regarding copyrights.

Cover Record. Another artist’s version of a song already recorded.

Cover Set. Set which is always ready for shooting on a moment’s notice.
If a film crew is scheduled to shoot outside, and it rains, they move to the
cover set.

Co-Writing. Joint authorship of one work by two or more writers.

Craft Service. The food table on a music video set, or refers to the
person(s) who handle the food.

Cross Collateralization. Means of recouping the money spent on one song
or recording against the earnings of another song or recording.

Crossover. A song which receives airplay in more than one market.

Cue (musical). Another term for the talk back system in a recording
studio usually conducted through headphones. It can also mean an audible or
visual sign that tells you when to begin reading.

Curriculum vitae. Short account of one’s career or qualifications.

Cut. (Musical) To record; a recorded selection.

Cuts. Lines, speeches, songs, or any other element in a printed script
left out of a particular production.

DAT. An abbreviation for Digital Audio Tape.

Date. A recording session or live engagement.

dB. An abbreviation for Decibel, a comparative unit of
measurement of “loudness.” 1 dB is approximately equal to the smallest
change in loudness that can be detected. 0 dB is the threshold of hearing,
65 dB is a normal speaking loudness (at 3 feet), 130 dB is the threshold of
pain (rock concerts are often about 120 dB).

Demo. A recording that demonstrates the talent and music of an artist to
potentially interested parties, such as booking agents or A&R
representatives. As the cost of professional-grade recording has decreased
as a result of improving technology, the production standards applied to
demos have generally been raised.

Diaphragm. The lower part of the lungs, filling the abdominal space,
that supports the voice when actors and singers breathe correctly on stage.

Diction. Clear, sharp pronunciation of words, especially of consonants.

Discography. A catalog or list of recordings made by a particular band
or artist as well as the related information such as the playing time,
recording date and label.

Distributor. Company that handles the sales and shipment of a record
company’s product to retail outlets and one-stops for a certain territory.

DJ. An abbreviation for Disc Jockey.

Donut. A type of spot that has prerecorded material at the beginning and
at the end with a “hole” in the middle for the voice part. The parts can be
reversed as well, with the voice being the donut and the pre-recorded
material in the hole.

D.O.R. Dance-Oriented Rock; a categorization of popular music utilized
by radio stations.

Downstage. The area of the stage closest to the audience.

Dub. An audio or video copy. Also called a “dupe” (short for duplicate).

DVD. An abbreviation for Digital Video Disc. A disc that uses
optical storage technology similar to a CD. DVDs can hold high quality
video, digital audio, and computer data (up to 4.7GB per side). With
widespread support from virtually all facets of the entertainment industry,
DVDs are positioned to render all other formats (video tape, audio CD, video
cartridge) obsolete.

Dynamic Range. The range between the loudest and softest sounds a
soundtrack and/or sound system can reproduce properly.

Editorial print. Editorial print work involves photographs used to
compliment the story line of an article in a magazine.

8 x 10 Glossy Pictures. The primary calling card to the people who will
be calling you in for interviews and auditions, and casting you in their
productions.

Engineer. Individual who operates studio equipment during the recording
of a song.

EP. An abbreviation for Extended Play or Extended Play Record.
This expression designates a recording longer than a single, but shorter
than a full-length album, or LP. Often EPs are promotional releases by a new
band and contain only four to six songs.

EQ. An abbreviation for Equalization. Electronically boosting or
dampening the level in certain frequency ranges relative to other
frequencies from the same source. Equalizers are processing units that
adjust the strength of specific frequencies.

Exclusive Songwriting Contract. A contract which prohibits the
songwriter from writing for more than one publisher.

Fader. A control on a console or amplifier that changes the strength of
a signal. Faders are often sliders or knobs that can be adjusted quite
gradually to modify the signal intensity. The most basic example would be
the volume control knob on a stereo.

Feedback. When sounds or vibrations from speakers are picked up by
microphones (or other input devices), and are amplified by the sound system
(often re-output though the speakers to create a vicious cycle). In a
recording environment, it is usually heard as “rumble,” in a performance
environment it is heard as a dreadful, screeching, high-pitched squeal
through the PA system

Filter. An electronic network that allows certain frequencies to pass
while blocking others. Active filters contain powered components such as
operational amplifiers (op-amps) and are normally inserted before the main
amplifier. Passive filters do not contain any powered components and are
normally inserted between the amplifier and the loudspeaker.

Flanging. An effect in which a signal is delayed between 0 to 20
milliseconds and combined with the unaffected, initial source signal. The
effect is similar to chorusing (with only one replica signal), but the
effect has a distorted, “doppler-effect” sound (like the sound of a jet
engine passing overhead and receding in the distance). The term “flanging”
comes from a time when the effect was achieved by playing back the replica
signal on a reel-to-reel tape deck and pressing on the flanges. Today’s
technology creates the effect using a variable comb filter.

FM Radio. “FM” stands for “frequency modulation” which describes the
radio wave signal of a broadcast — audio signals are conveyed through the
changes in frequency of a carrier wave. FM broadcasting is a hi-fidelity
medium that can broadcast in stereo.

Folio. A collection of songs offered for sale to the public.

Four Color Process. A printing process in which four distinct color
plates (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black — collectively known as CMYK) are
printed one on top of the other which combines the colors to make
photo-realistic images. Typically, an image is created on a computer, the
images is converted to CMYK and is output as four, separate, film
separations. A separate plate is made from the each film separation. Colored
ink is applied to each plate. Each plate is stamped on paper, one at a time,
creating the final printed image.

Free Goods. A fixed percentage of product deducted from the total in a
shipment to account for “giveaways” and promotional copies distributed for
free. No royalties are paid to the artist for “free goods.” Example: A
distributor sends 1000 CDs to a retail chain, but only charge for 900, the
artist does not get paid for the 100 “free” CDs. The 10% will also likely be
a charge-back (the label’s loss will be deducted from the artist’s
royalties). Therefore, an artist’s lawyer should negotiate a limit on the
quantity of free goods the record company may distribute (it is often capped
at 15% on albums; 30% on singles).

Generation. The process whereby each time you copy a piece of film or
tape it losses some clarity.

Gig. A catchall phrase used as a term for performance at a venue. Often
used for shorter events as opposed to a “concert” which implies a large
venue and a long musical set.

Gold Album. Certification by the Recording Industry of America that a
album has sold half a million units.

Gold Single. Certification by the Recording Industry of America that a
single has sold half a million units.

Groove. Rhythm or tempo that helps create the “feel” of the song.

Harmony. The combination of musical notes to form chords that serve to
enhance the melody line; the art of combining notes into chords.

“Head” Arrangements. An arrangement devised spontaneously. No chords are
prepared for instrumentalists and vocalists. Instead, they read off lead
sheets and an arrangement is made from various experimental styling devised
at the studio.

Heads Out. Manner in which a reel-to-reel tape is stored, with
the loose end at the beginning of the tape, enabling the tape to be played
immediately.

Heavy Metal. Musical category characterized by high-volume, maximum
guitar presence.

High Note. The highest note sung in a particular song which varies
according to the musical key of the song.

High-Speed Dub. A tape copy that is made at several times normal speed.
Often used in reference to tape duplication. High speed dubs are often less
costly and have a quicker turn-around time than real time or at speed dubs.
They can be susceptible to problems, so always check your dubs before
releasing them to prospective clients.

Hook. A phrase or melody line that repeats itself in a song; the catchy
part to a song.

Hot Mike. A microphone that is turned on.

IFPI. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry
is the organization that represents the interests of the international
recording industry. It comprises a membership of 1400 record producers and
distributors in 76 countries. It also has national groups in 46 countries.
The IFPI headquarters is in London. Regional offices are maintained in
Brussels, Hong Kong, Miami, and Moscow.

Impresario. An entertainment entrepreneur.

Indie. Industry slang for “independent.” The term is vague and is used
to variously refer to smaller record labels, smaller publishing companies,
artists signed to these labels and companies, unsigned artists, and the
music produced by all of these.

Insert. A mix engineering term referring to an external EQ or processor
that is being “inserted” on an individual track.

Inserts. The artwork that accompanies a CD in the form of a booklet or
fold-out pamphlet in the CD jewel case. The front panel is typically 4.695
inches in height and 4.75 inches in width. The insert contains all liner
notes, song titles and times, and sometimes lyrics, photos or other artwork.

In The Can. A phrase borrowed from the film business and used in
voice-overs. When a good take is achieved, it is considered ready for
processing or “in the can.” It generally means that the director has the
take he wants.

Intellectual Property. Conceptual ideas that can be transferred or fixed
on to a tangible medium, such as a song, book, film, Web site. The
“intellectual” component of a work is the expression of ideas, the
“property” refers to the physical form or manifestation of it.

J-Card. The artwork on an audio cassette box named for the shape it
makes when folded to fit in the box.

Jacket. The packing for a vinyl album. Usually cardboard to protect the
record from damage, as well as a paper or plastic sleeve that fits over the
actual disc to protect it from scratches.

Jewel Case. The clear plastic case that houses a CD and its accompanying
artwork. It typically has a hinged cover and a tray where the CD sits snugly
to protect it from dust and scratches. Standard jewel cases are
approximately 3/8″ in thickness. CD singles are often sold in “slim” cases
which are about 1/4″ thick and contain less artwork (smaller inserts).

Jingle. A short phrase of music usually accompanied by lyrics used to
convey a commercial message.

Label. A record company.

Larynx. The human voice box containing the vocal chords.

Leader. Conductor or person in charge of the band.

Lead Sheet. A musical notation of a song’s melody along with the chord
symbols, words and other pertinent information.

Leader Tape. Reel-to-Reel tape which contains songs separated by white
tape for easy access.

Liner Notes. Musician, songwriting and production credits printed on the
packaging of a recording.

Lithography. A printing process as opposed to a photographic process
used to inexpensively reproduce a large quantity of headshots.

LP. An abbreviation for Long Play or Long Playing. This
expression dates from the recording discs developed by Thomas Edison in the
1920s. Although others had been producing discs for twenty years before
that, Edison’s LPs had the “longest play” (20 minutes each side). When music
was primarily distributed on vinyl records, LP simply meant any full-length
album. The term is less common now, but it is still occasionally used to
refer to full-length CDs.

Lyrics. The words to a song.

Lyric Sheet. A (typed) copy of the lyrics to a song.

Lyricist. The writer of the words to a song.

Manager. The person or organization responsible for developing an
artist’s career. The manager typically advises the artist on all business
decisions and attempts to promote the artist through all available means,
including demos, media coverage, and person-to-person networking.

Market. Selling place; medium where only one type of record is played
(i.e., pop, R&B, E&W, Rap, etc.)

Marketing. The process of increasing product sales by generating public
interest in an artist’s music through various promotional means, including
exposure in print, television, radio, and the Internet.

Master. The original recording. The tape from which dubs are made. Also,
a finished recording of the song from which records are pressed and
distributed to radio stations and record stores.

Mastering. Final preparation of a recording for mass duplication. This
includes evening out audio levels (so that loudness is consistent throughout
the album) and polishing the audio quality of the recording.

Master Use License. A license granting permission to use existing
recorded material, including but not limited to: vocals, music, TV or film
dialog, speeches, and sound effects. For sampled material, a Master Use
License is required regardless of the length or amount of material that is
used.

Mechanical License. A license granted by a copyright owner for the use
of copyrighted material on a recording. Mechanical licenses are required any
time a copyrighted composition is used. Other licenses may also be required,
depending on the nature and medium of the project.

Mechanical Rights Organization. Collection agency for copyright owners
of money earned from the mechanical reproduction of their songs.

Mechanical Royalties. Moneys earned for use of a copyright in mechanical
reproductions, most notably records and tapes.

MIDI. Abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A
standard digital language/interface for transmitter-receivers (Universal
Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, UART) that enables electronic instruments
and editing devices (synthesizers, computers, drums machines, etc.) to
communicate with each other.

Mike. Attaching a wireless transmitter to an actor’s body or clothes to
record dialogue.

Mix. The final audio product combining all the elements into one
composite soundtrack. “Mix” also applies to the act of creating the mix.
This is sometimes referred to as the “mixdown.”

Mixer. A control panel that allows the engineer to combine the input
signals from several channels (each channel could be a different input
device — guitar, synthesizer, microphone, etc.) into one or more output
channels. The mixing board gives the sound operator level control and basic
tone control of the input signals, as well as the volume and tone control of
the combined (mixed) output. The goal of mixing is to get a well-balanced
level set. Mixing also refers to the process of equalization which uses more
advanced mixing boards that can achieve a greater audio quality.

Modulate. To change from one key to another in a song.

Monitor. A speaker for use in recording studios.

Mono. Short for Monophonic. A descriptive word for sound systems
that have only one sound channel.

MOR. “Middle of the Road”; songs that may be classified as easy
listening.

Motif. The shortest significant melody of a song or theme.

MP3. Abbreviation for MPEG Audio Layer-3, it is a compression
system for digital audio. The MP3 format is one of three compression systems
derived from MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) technology. The MP3 format
compresses digitized audio data. The MP3 reduces the number of “bytes” (unit
amount of digital data) in an audio file by a factor of 12. This reduces the
file size of an audio file (to 1/12 its original size) so that it can be
quickly and efficiently transmitted over the Internet. An MP3 may be
downloaded in minutes rather than an uncompressed CD audio file which could
take hours.

Music Publisher. The individual or company who: Screen songs and gets
them commercially recorded, Exploits the copyrights, Protects the
copyrights, Collects income from performance, mechanical synchronization and
printing rights both in the United States and in foreign countries.

Neutral Demo. A demo that doesn’t sound like it’s for one particular
artist, but best represents the song whereby it can be recorded by anybody.

Nondestructive Editing. Nondestructive editing means that all of your
original audio files remain completely intact, even though in Jam it appears
as though they have been changed. All editing features in Jam are completely
nondestructive.

Non-Linear Editing. Putting scenes together on a computer using film
editing software capable of moving them around, and/or out of order, for
ease in building a demo tape, or a scene in a movie or commercial.

Off-Card. A union musician working on a non-union project is known to be
working ‘off-card.’

One Sheet. A marketing document created by a record label that
summarizes in marketing terms, the credentials of an artist or band; as well
as describing in summary form, the promotion and marketing plans the label
has developed to help sell the record. It also includes interesting facts
about an act’s fanbase and target audience, as well as all the essential
promotion, marketing, and sales tactics that the label will use to help
convince a distributor to carry and get behind a new release.

One Stop. Wholesale record dealer that sells the records of several
manufacturers to juke box operators and record sores.

Option. Acquiring the rights to a story, such as a current events,
true-life story, that guarantees that no one else can work with the party
who sold the story. Options typically last for a year or less.

Out Takes. Parts of an original recording or taping that will not be
used in the finished product.

Overdub. The addition of instruments or voices to pre-existing tracks.

P.A. A production assistant who usually gophers and manages the extras.

Packager. One who selects and combines talent for shows.

Pan. A very bad review from a critic.

Payola. Secret payment to broadcasters to play certain records.

Pen. To compose or write.

Per Diem. Money given to performers and crew when on tour to cover the
expense of food and other personal incidentals.

Performing Right. Rights granted by U.S. copyright law which states that
one may not publicly perform a copyrighted musical work without the owner’s
permission.

Performing Rights Organization. Society whose purpose is to collect
monies earned from public performances of songs by users of music and to
distribute these to the writers and publishers of these songs in a
proportion that reflects as accurately as possible the amount of
performances of each particular song.

Performance Royalties. Monies earned from use of one’s song on radio,
television and other users of music.

Phase. Two sound waves are said to be “in phase” when their frequencies
are synchronized. This will produce “constructive interference” that will
boost the level of that frequency. Two sound waves are said to be “out of
phase” when their when their frequencies are non-synchronous. This will
produce “destructive interference” at the points where the respective waves
have opposite polarities. Destructive interference is a “cancelling out” of
sections of the combined sound.

Phonorecord. Any device which transmits sound other than that which
accompanies a motion picture or other audio-visual work.

Photo-Offset Reproduction. Reproduction of musical manuscript by
printing press.

Pick. A song that has been reviewed by the trades and projected to have
success.

Pipeline. A listing or schedule of music projects in some stage of
production.

Pirating. The unauthorized reproduction and selling of sound recordings
(i.e., records, tapes, CDs).

Platinum Album. Certification by the Recording Industry Association of
America that an album has sold a minimum of one million units.

Platinum Single. Certification by the Recording Industry Association of
America that a single has sold a minimum of one million units.

Plug. Broadcast of a song; to push for a song’s performance.

Plugola. Secret payment to broadcasters for free mention of products on
the air.

Points. A percentage of money producers and artists earn on the retail
list price of 90 percent of all records sold.

Pop. A term derived by shortening “popular” music. It describes a music
genre that has the greatest audience appeal. It appeals both to younger
audiences as well as adults, but tends to be marketed toward the younger
(and more profitable) demographic. Pop often includes crossover hits from
R&B, Country, Rock, AC and some of their sub-genres. The music classified by
“pop” has catchy hooks, memorable melodies, energetic backbeats and a
structure repetition through a verse and chorus pattern (usually).

Post. A short form of “post production.” This is the term applied to all
the work that goes into a production after the talent leaves. This includes
such processes as editing, multi-tracking, music selection, adding special
effects and mixing.

Presence. A performer’s ability to command attention onstage, even when
surrounded by other actors.

Press. The manufacture of a large quantity of records duplicated from a
master for commercial sale.

Press Kit. A presentation including newspaper clippings, review of
movie, television, musical and theater productions, a biography, headshot
and resume given to the media and interested industry professionals. Also
called a press package.

Print. Producer’s cue that an engineer’s final mix is good enough to
“print” or use.

Printed Edition. A song published in the form of sheet music.

Producer. The individual who oversees the making of a single or long
playing record, radio, television or stage show from inception to
completion.

Production. The technical aspects of the music industry, including sound
systems and lighting requirements as well as video and recording process.

Professional Manager. The person in charge of screening new material for
music publishers and of obtaining commercial recordings of songs in his
company’s catalog.

Program Director. Radio station employee who determines which songs
shall be broadcast.

Promoter. One who secures talent from an agent for the production and
presentation of a performance; the primary risk taker in the event.

Proof Sheet. After a roll of film is shot and developed, it is printed
onto sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 or 11 x 14 inch paper, holding up to 36 exposures.
Use a photographer’s loop to check the lighting and focus.

Prosody. The marriage of words and music.

Publication. The printing and distribution of copies of a work to a
public by sole or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease or
lending.

Public Domain. Unprotected by copyright due to an expired copyright or
caused by an invalid copyright notice.

Publicist. A person hired to create awareness of a person or project.

Queued Up. Previewing a tape and having it set to start playing at the
beginning of a song.

Range. The vocal extent of a singer’s voice, from its lowest note to its
highest.

Rave. An extremely good review from a critic.

Red Book Standard. The format standard for the audio CD that allows
universal compatibility with any Compact Disc and any CD player. The format
stipulates that the audio be recorded in stereo at 44.1kHz sample rate with
a 16 bit word, among other things.

Reel. A video tape compilation of an actor or director’s best work.

Regional. A commercial airing in a part of the United States.

Release (marketing). The issuing of a record by the record company, or a
film by a studio.

Release (legal). Legal document releasing producer from liability,
usually refers to talent allowing the producer to use his or her likeness on
film and soundtrack.

Retouching. A photographic process whereby certain flaws in a picture
are covered up or removed.

Reverb. Reverberation is caused by repeated echoes of sound that
gradually fade away. The echoes are too quick, too numerous, and too
irregular for the ear to distinguish individually. This occurs in
environments that allow persistent echoes to occur such as a room or hall
with hard-sufaced walls. A reverberation unit is an electronic device that
can simulate natural reverbaration (and can do so accurately enough to sound
like the source is in different kinds of rooms, from a small concert hall to
a cathedral). The individual echoes are repeated randomly and the quantity
of the echoes is increased as they fade away.

The Rideout. The Rideout is the music that begins on the downbeat of the
last word of the song. Just as all songs have a Vamp, every Chorus comes
packaged with a Rideout.

Rider. A contract between a performance venue and an entertainer
detailing the finalized (negotiated) terms and conditions of a performance,
such as performance length, compensation (i.e. travel expenses, lodging),
profit share, and payment.

Road Manager. Traveling supervisor hired by artist to coordinate details
of concert tours on behalf of the artist.

Roomtone. The sound a room makes without anyone in it. Everyone has a
different sound, so recording in the same room is sometimes critical when
trying to match voice parts from one session to another.

Royalty. Money earned from use of the record or song.

Sample clearance.  The authorized use of a copyrighted sound recording
to be incorporated into a new composition.

SASE. Means “self-addressed, stamped envelope.”

Scansion. The analysis of verse to show its meter.

Score. The compilation of pages of sheet music that contains all the
music for a show.

Scoring. Music added to help fill scenes or dialogue cut by a director
during post-production.

Self-Contained Artist. An artist who writes and performs his or her own
material. Also refers to artists who require no production or personnel
assistance from promoters.

Session. Meeting during which time musicians and vocalists make a
recording.

SFX. Abbreviation for sound effects. Sometimes also written as EFX. or
FX.

Sheet Music. The pages containing the music and lyrics to a single song,
as opposed to a score containing all the music for a show.

Showcase (musical). A presentation of new songs and/or talent.

Sibilance. A drawn out or excessive “S” sound during speech. In extreme
cases, the “S” sound is accompanied by a whistle. Sibilance is annoying and
a hindrance to some voice actors. “S” is a popular letter with copywriters
and is found in most lines except the last one.

Signature Song. A song that is primarily associated with a single famous
singer, as “Singing In the Rain” was with Gene Kelly.

Single. A small record played at 45 rpms containing two selections, one
on each side; record released because of the expectation by the record
company that “A” side would achieve success.

Song Plugger. One who auditions songs for performers.

Song Shark. One who profits from dealing with songwriters by deceptive
methods.

S/PDIF. An abbreviation for Sony/Philips Digital Interface, a
standard audio transfer file format. It is usually found on digital audio
equipment such as a DAT machine or audio processing device. It allows the
transfer of audio from one file to another without the conversion to and
from an analog format, which could degrade the signal quality. The most
common connector used with an S/PDIF interface is the RCA connector, the
same one used for consumer audio products. An optical connector is also
sometimes used.

Spec. Short for speculative. It usually means volunteering your services
and postponing payment until a project sells.

Speed. Exclamation that indicates the film and the audiotape are running
simultaneously at the correct speed.

Split Publishing. When the publishing rights to a song are divided among
two or more publishers.

Spot. A commercial for radio or television.

Standard. A song that continues to be popular for several years.

State-of-the-Art. Contemporary or current.

Statutory Copyright. Status acquired by a composition when it is
registered with the Copyright Office or is published with the proper
copyright notice.

Stereo. Short for Stereophonic. The separation of recorded sound
onto two distinct channels. Different audio tracks are split and sent to two
different channels. When played back through two different output channels
(two separate speakers), the result more effectively imitates the acoustic
quality of a live performance than a “monophonic” recording (where all sound
comes through one channel).

Storyboard. A frame-by-frame artist’s drawing of key scenes (with the
lyrics printed underneath) serving as a rough plan for the way a music video
should appear and what camera angles the director should use.

Strike. To remove something from a set, or tear it down.

Studio (sound). An audio isolation room where the talent performs, with
an adjoining control room.

Stylus. A needle made of steel or gemstone (diamond) that is housed in a
magnetic cartridge on the arm of a phonograph.

Subpublisher. The company that publishes a song or catalog in a
territory other than that under the domain of the original publisher.

Subpublishing. When the original publisher contracts his song or catalog
to be handled by a foreign publisher for that territory.

Subwoofer. A speaker designed to produce the lowest audio frequencies at
an adequate volume. Most subwoofers, or “subs” as they’re commonly called,
are designed to operate from 80 Hz downwards, as the ear can usually
pinpoint the source of any higher frequencies. The bass units of small
three-piece systems are commonly referred to as subwoofers, but they often
have limited output below 50 Hz or so.

Sweeten. The addition of new parts to existing rhythms and vocal tracks
and horns.

Synchronization. The placing of music in timed-relation to film.

Synchronization Right. The right to use a musical composition in
(timed-relation to) a film or video tape.

Tails Out. Recording tape wound on a reel so that the end of the
soundtrack is on the outside. A tape wound “tails out” is usually marked
with blue adhesive tape, while one wound “heads out” is usually marked with
red adhesive tape.

Take. The attempted recording of a musician or vocalist. The “attempted”
refers to the usual circumstance in which it usually takes several takes to
get the recording right from the musician, producer and sound mixers
standpoint.

Talkback. The system that allows people in the control room to talk with
the talent in the studio.

Tear Sheets. An actual copy of a print ad torn out of a newspaper or
magazine and put in an artist’s portfolio.

THX. A set of technologies from Lucasfilm first developed for the cinema
and subsequently for the home. In the theater, THX standardizes the sonic
environment by stipulating not only the acoustics required but the playback
equipment as well. In the home, both electronic and speaker strategies are
employed in order to have the program material more closely match that of
the dubbing stage.

Time Reversion Clause. Contractual agreement in which a publisher agrees
to secure recording and release for songwriter’s material within a certain
period of time. Failure to secure recording and release triggers reversion
of the song rights to the writer.

Top Forty. Radio station format where records played are only those
contained in lists of the best-selling records.

Top One Hundred. Lists published in the trades of the top selling
singles for a particular market.

Track. One of the several components of special recording tape that
contains recorded sounds, which is mixed with the other tracks for a
finished recording of the song; the recording of all the instruments or
voice of a particular music section; music and/or voices previously
recorded.

Trades. Industry newspapers and magazines read by all professionals to
keep up with trends and news in the entertainment business.

Transparencies. The slide form of a photograph.

Union Scale. Minimum wage scale earned in employment by members of AFTRA,
AF of M, SAG, etc.

Upstage. The rear area of the stage farthest from the audience; also
used to describe an actor’s attempt to distract audience attention from what
another actor is doing.

Vamp. All printed copies of songs begin with a few bars of music called
the Vamp or Intro. It is recognizable as the first musical statement at the
top of the copy and it is further identified by the absence of a logic.

Verse. The selection of a song that precedes the chorus or is the A
section in AABA pattern songs. The Verse follows the Vamp and is the first
vocalizing of the text of the song. The Verse seldom contains heavyweight
musical material. Since it is so scored in order to give preeminence to the
information contained in the lyric, most often Verses can be ad libded
without effort.

Voice Over. The act of providing one’s voice to a media project. Called
voice-over because the voice is usually mixed over the top of music and
sound effects.

Walla. The sound of many voices talking at once, such as at a party or
in a restaurant. Also known as “walla walla,” this old sound effects term is
derived from the idea that if a group of people got together and just kept
saying “walla” over and over, it would create a good sound ambiance for a
crowded scene.

Wet. A voice or sound with reverb added to it.

Windscreen. A foam cover or fabric guard placed over a microphone to
help prevent popped “P’s” and other plosive sounds. Sometimes called a
“windsock” or “pop filter.”

Work-For-Hire. Contractual basis whereby a record label or production
company employs a composer or lyricist to create music or songs for a movie
with copyright ownership to be retained by the producer or company.

Writer’s Signature. Unique style of the writer