Music Industry Glossary: 80+ Terms Every Artist Should Know (Part 1)

An A-to-Z Breakdown of Industry Jargon Every Artist Should Have in Their Back Pocket

‍

Let’s be real — the music industry has its own language. If you’re just getting started, it can feel like everyone’s speaking in acronyms and insider slang. And even if you’ve been in the game for a while, a little refresher never hurts.

‍

So I put together this glossary to help break things down. Whether you’re navigating label deals, setting up your EPK, or just trying to understand how PROs work, this guide will help you make more informed moves.

‍

This is part one of an A-to-Z rundown. Some terms come with extra links so you can dive deeper, whether that’s reading expert insights or checking out more focused mini-glossaries on streaming, recording, and distribution. Let’s jump in.

‍

🎯 360 Deal

‍

A “full circle” contract between an artist and a record label where the label takes a percentage of all income streams — not just music sales or streams. This usually includes merch, touring, publishing, sponsorships, and more.

‍

👀 A&R (Artists and Repertoire)

‍

These are the folks at a label or publisher who discover and sign new talent. They also help shape an artist’s sound and career strategy while they’re signed.
Read More: [How Emerging Artists Can Stand Out with A&R Reps]

‍

🧠 Artist Manager

‍

This is your right-hand person in the music business. A manager helps guide your career, make big decisions, negotiate deals, and generally has your back so you can focus on making music.
Learn More: [What to Look for in a Manager]

‍

💸 Advance

‍

Money fronted to you by a label or publisher — either when you sign or to fund a project (like recording an album). Keep in mind: this isn’t free money. Advances are usually recoupable, meaning the label will collect it back from your future earnings before you see more income.

‍

🏢 Big Three

‍

Refers to the world’s top three major record companies:

‍

• Sony Music Entertainment
• Universal Music Group
• Warner Music Group

‍

These guys run the global music show (for now).

‍

📜 Blanket License

‍

A license that gives an entity (like a radio station, restaurant, or streamer) permission to play any song from a PRO’s entire catalog for a certain time period. Super common in public performance situations.

‍

💻 Digital Service Provider (DSP)

‍

Streaming platforms or digital stores where fans can listen to or buy your music — think Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.

‍

📀 EP (Extended Play)

‍

An EP is a “mini-album,” usually clocking in at 3–6 songs. Perfect for when you want to drop something more substantial than a single, but not ready for a full album.

‍

📬 EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

‍

Your digital resume and promo kit rolled into one. An EPK typically includes your bio, high-res images, latest singles and videos, links to socials, and a highlight reel of your stats and career wins. Super important for media, bookers, and labels.

‍

🧢 Merch

‍

Short for merchandise — basically, anything you can sell to fans with your name, face, logo, or art on it. From t-shirts and posters to vinyl and cassette tapes, merch is a great way to build your brand and boost your income.
‍

🕹️ Metaverse

‍

Think of it like a virtual concert venue or social space — a 3D digital world where fans can interact, hang out, and experience music in new ways (with avatars and all).

‍

🔗 NFT (Non-Fungible Token)

‍

A one-of-a-kind digital collectible. In music, NFTs can include exclusive tracks, art, or access to special experiences — and ownership is verified via blockchain. They can be a new way to connect with fans and monetize your work.

‍

🎼 Song Identifiers

‍

Every track you make comes with a set of unique IDs that help track its ownership and usage:

‍

• IPI – identifies the songwriter/composer
• ISWC – identifies the song/work itself
• ISRC – identifies the specific recording
• IPN – identifies the performers
• ISNI – links all the above

‍

If you’re releasing music, these codes matter — especially for royalty tracking and rights management.

‍

📄 One Sheet

‍

A single-page summary that showcases your latest release along with your bio, key stats, and achievements. It’s a go-to tool for pitching to media, promoters, or anyone who can help you level up your career.

‍

🏛️ Performance Rights Organization (PRO)

‍

These organizations make sure songwriters and composers get paid when their music is played in public — like on the radio, in a bar, or during a TV show. In the U.S., that includes ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. Outside the U.S., every country has its own version.
‍

🧳 Per Diem

‍

Latin for “per day.” It’s a daily allowance for artists on tour to cover meals and basic expenses. Not glamorous, but super useful — especially when you’re on the road for weeks.

‍

This is just Part 1 — we’ve got a whole lot more music industry jargon to break down in the next installment. Stay tuned, and keep this glossary handy whether you’re booking gigs, dropping tracks, or signing deals.

‍

‍