What is a Release in details?
In the music business, a Release is what people talk about when an artist "drops a new album" or "puts out a new single." It marks the start of a commercial campaign — combining music, visuals, marketing, and distribution across platforms and formats.
In details, a Release represents that full project: it’s the central container for everything tied to the launch — from the recordings to the metadata to the marketing context. Whether you're managing a debut EP, a deluxe reissue, or a compilation series, this is where the project comes together.
• Products (CD, vinyl, digital editions)
• Original tracks plus Remixes (with licensing, ISRCs, metadata etc.)
• Artwork, an overall Release Date vs specific product street dates
• Optional assets like merchandise (e.g. T-shirts) or concert tickets linked to the campaign
A Release groups all project components and defines the top-level structure in details.
Hierarchy in details: Release > Product > Track
Important: A Product can only belong to one Release.
► OVERVIEW
Use this tab to edit the core setup of a Release.
- Release Title
- Release Artist(s)
- Release Type (e.g. Album, EP, Single, Compilation, Promo, Merchandise, Audiobook, Book, Movie)
- Status (custom: e.g. Active, Back Catalogue, Promo)
- Release Date (plus optional street dates per product)
- Release Code (e.g. DET010, often root of product codes)
- Label (A Release always belongs to exactly one label)
Additional options:
- Add genres using [+ Add New Genre]
- Add related contacts (e.g. artist, manager, designer) using [+ Add Related Contacts]
- Add external links (e.g. Spotify, Dropbox, Apple) via [+ Add New Related Link] with title and description
- Write notes in the [Notes] field
► RELATIONS
This tab shows all linked elements of a Release:
- Contracts & Royalty Accounts – including shares & contracts
- Products – each product belongs to only one Release
- Tracks – can appear in multiple Releases (e.g. compilations)
- Licenses – sync & third-party licenses are also included in reporting
- Artists – connections help track collaborations
- Manual Matches – store external naming (e.g. Bandcamp variant codes)
Clicking a blue-colored content opens the related entry.
► TASKS
Each Release has its own TASKS tab. You can create tasks manually or load a predefined task template group.
To learn more, check out:
► SALES
Use this tab to analyze income and costs related to your Release.
- Release Report: Overview of all revenue streams (physical, digital, licenses, subsidies), costs, and break-even point
- Update Report: Generates charts and sales insights (e.g. per shop or channel)
► COSTS
Use this tab to log and manage project costs not covered elsewhere. This may include:
- Studio rentals
- Mixing & mastering costs
- Marketing & promo campaigns
- Artwork or video production costs
These costs feed into the break-even analysis shown in the SALES tab.
You can upload proof documents using the small cloud icon next to each entry — this helps keep all relevant files connected to your reporting. A blue cloud means a file is stored.
► OTHER INCOME
Use this tab to add alternative income streams not directly linked to sales, for example:
- Grants or public funding (e.g. Initiative Musik)
- Sponsorship income (e.g. brand collaborations)
- Merchandise or ticket bundles
Entries here can be factored into your financial reports.
You can upload proof documents using the small cloud icon next to each entry — this helps keep all relevant files connected to your reporting. A blue cloud means a file is stored.
► INFO
Use this tab to manage descriptive and visual material related to the Release:
- Add info texts (in English and one other language)
- Upload artwork and cover images
- Attach files like MP3s, WAVs, contracts or infosheets via [+ Add New File]
Files can be reused for automated sheet generation.