CD Packaging Checklist Intro
This was taken from the New Brunswick
Sound Initiatives (NBSI) website, with some modifications
made by myself. http://www.gnb.ca/0131/sound/index.asp
Many of you are preparing to release your new
CD. In the excitement of finishing your studio
work, you may forget some important details regarding
your CD packaging. As with everything, first impressions
do count! Consider that your press kit and CD
will often get separated, so the CD itself should
provide all necessary information.
Make sure you include the following details regarding
your CD packaging.
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These should be printed on the back of your CD jacket:
- Track list with tracks numbered, and length
of each song given (especially if you will be
shipping to radio)
- Your copyright notice (indicating the year of
production, your name, and the © symbol),
also, copyright notice referring to who owns the
master recording (indicated with the (P) symbol)
- A statement prohibiting reproduction e.g. "All
Rights Reserved. Warning: Unauthorized Reproduction,
Copying and Rental of this Recording is Prohibited
by Law."
- A bar code - necessary if distributing to retail
outlets. (Your manufacturer can usually obtain
this for you.) It's not advisable to place a bar
code into the design yourself - as manipulation
may effects its "readability" by electronic
scanners. You need to obtain separate bar codes
for CDs and cassettes (as they are two different
items and two different prices).
- The MAPL logo - necessary if shipping to radio
in Canada.
- Logos of any agencies from which you received
funding, along with any other sponsors' logos.
- Your catalogue number (a.k.a. release or matrix
number - on the album's spine) should be placed
on ALL elements of your album. You make up your
own, unless your label has assigned one. It identifies
your disc at the manufacturing plant, and is used
by record stores for cataloguing.
- The Distributor's name if you have a distribution
agreement in place.
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These items should be printed on the CD itself:
- Artist name and CD title
- The MAPL logo (if it's Canadian content)
- Your copyright notice (see above)
- The "compact disc" logo MUST be clearly
seen
- Your catalogue number
- "Made in Canada" / "Fabriqué
au Canada"
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These should be printed on the CD insert:
- If you can afford it, printing the lyrics out
is really handy for those who will review your
CD or consider it for airplay.
- Songwriters, musicians and producers should
be clearly indicated for each track.
- Writer and publisher credits (copyrights)
- Contact info - address PLUS email or phone is
best
- Acknowledgments. Appropriate credits should
be given to people, companies that have contributed
to your recording.
- Production Team and Studio Information should
be clearly indicated.
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And on the front cover:
- Artist name and title of CD. Make it obvious
which is which. Think about how your product is
displayed on retail shelves.
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