Plan a physical music release: CD and vinyl preparation checklist

Define the edition before ordering production

Write down the format, track sequence, intended quantity, packaging, intended sales territories and how copies will reach listeners. Separate a confirmed supplier quotation from a possible idea. A digital album page does not decide the physical package, stock quantity, shipping cost or manufacturing schedule.

Use the single, EP and album decision guide for the artistic release strategy. This checklist addresses the separate physical project. It does not establish that DistroBolt manufactures, stores, ships or sells physical stock, or that physical production is included in a digital distribution plan.

Confirm the manufacturing audio handover

Ask the chosen manufacturer or qualified engineer which final files, track information and approvals are needed for that specific order. For CD, suppliers may distinguish an authored disc master from separate audio tracks. Disc Makers, for example, accepts replication-ready DDP sets and certain separate audio formats; its process asks for approved audio before upload. This is a provider example, not a universal DistroBolt intake rule.

For vinyl, discuss the side sequence, durations and proposed master with the actual production team. Solid Merch’s guidance explains that capacity and sound depend on the format and programme, and requests original-resolution source material rather than upsampling. Do not turn a supplier’s recommended side length or audio setting into a rule for every plant. Keep the accepted specification with the order.

Prepare a physical edition sheet

• Edition name, format and intended track order, including vinyl side allocation where relevant.
• Exact approved recording filenames and a note of any version different from the digital release.
• Track names, credited contributors and the identifier associated with each recording.
• Manufacturer, quote reference, agreed quantity and actual audio requirements.
• Selected package and the exact current artwork template or dieline.
• Who checks audio, written copy, artwork proof and any production sample.
• Production, packaging, freight, storage and fulfilment responsibilities.
• Open rights, tax, retail identifier and territory questions requiring confirmation.

This is an original handover record. It is not an order form, licence or supplier endorsement. Check that each approval refers to the final file rather than an older review export. Use the release-archive guide to keep the approved version and record together.

Keep recording identifiers separate from product identifiers

IFPI distinguishes the ISRC identifying a recording from identifiers for products containing that recording. A physical edition therefore needs a product-level identifier discussion as well as the correct track record. Do not use one ISRC as the barcode for a whole album or assume the digital product code is automatically suitable for every new edition.

If you are using the same unchanged recording, a physical format does not by itself create a different performance. If audio is materially altered or another version is being used, check the correct identifier treatment before manufacture. Use the ISRC guide and confirm any unresolved case rather than assigning replacement codes by guesswork.

Design for the actual package and review every surface

Get the current template for the exact selected package. Check the spine, labels, booklet or insert and other printed surfaces separately; the digital square cover is not a complete physical layout. Disc Makers provides package-specific templates and advises using the one associated with the saved project. Other manufacturers have their own process.

Proof artist and title spelling, credits, track order, identifiers and all printed contact or web details. Confirm image and design permissions for the actual print use. Use the cover-art guide as a related preparation step, then review the physical export against the actual manufacturer’s specification. A monitor preview is not a guarantee of final printed colour.

Check rights and the full cost before committing

Confirm authority to reproduce and sell the recordings, songs, artwork and other included material in the intended territories. Digital distribution permission does not by itself answer every physical reproduction or product question. Use the mechanical-rights guide as a starting point and seek appropriate advice for the actual works, use and jurisdiction.

Count more than the factory unit price: preparation, proofs, packaging, freight, storage, fulfilment, relevant tax and unsold stock can affect the project. A hypothetical artist planning 100 copies must account for the full batch and delivery work, not just anticipated sales of the first 20. No sales forecast, universal tax rate or manufacturing price is assumed. Compare the proposal with the release budget.

Approve, receive and check the edition

Agree what proofing or test stage exists before placing the order; do not assume every package includes a test pressing or another audio approval. Record who can accept the materials and what happens if a change is requested. Avoid promising a customer delivery date from an unconfirmed factory estimate.

When copies arrive, inspect the actual product and check the playback and printed information using an appropriate setup. Keep a record of problems and use the supplier’s agreed process. Coordinate the digital campaign through the release checklist without presenting a physical manufacturing milestone as confirmation that platform delivery is live.