What is CDDB?

CDDB stands for CD DataBase and is the the world’s largest internet database of compact disc information.  The CDDB is powered by the Gracenote Media Recognition Service, an Internet-based service that is licensed to software and hardware developers for use in their CD players, CD burners, MP3 players and encoders, catalogers, jukeboxes, cell phones, car audio systems, and home media center applications (among others). The service allows these developers to display artist, title, track lists, and other music-related information automatically and instantly in their applications.

For example, when you insert a music CD in your computer, the software player application on your computer uses the Gracenote service to first identify the CD, and then display the artist, title, track list, and other information. Most commercial music CDs do not contain any of this information on the CD itself.

GrooveHouse is an authorized Gracenote Content Partner, which means that we have the ability to accurately input detailed information about your new release into the CDDB.  If you order CDDB submission service from us, your title will be submitted to the Gracenote database and will then be recognized by any one of the thousands of consumer electronic devices and media software applications that look up the information on the database, including iTunes, WinAmp, Creative, Roxio, Sony, Sony Ericsson, LG, Ford, Mitsubishi and many more.
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How do I get my song titles displayed on iTunes?

In order to have your CD information listed, your CD has to be submitted to the CDDB database.  (CDDB stands for Compact Disc Data Base.)  The CDDB service is licensed by Gracenote to developers of software for such applications as CD and MP3 players. The licensed service enables the devices to display artist, title, track list, and other music-related information automatically and instantly in applications such as iTunes, WinAmp, Napster, LaLa, and more.

We offer automatic CDDB title addition as a service for $49 - simply note it on your order form.

How do I fix incorrect track info on iTunes?

If you need to make a correction to a track already added to the CDDB, contact us with the correct information and we will update the CDDB using the Gracenote software.

I ordered CDDB from you, but it’s not showing up in iTunes.

We do not submit titles to the CDDB until a replication order is complete.  It then takes up to 48 hours for Gracenote to process an entry.  Wait until you have received an email from us letting you know that your order has been processed.

If this is not the issue, then you may need to clear your cache (temporary internet files) from your browser. Here’s how:
Firefox (Mac): Preferences > Advanced > Network > Cached Web Content > Clear Now
Firefox (PC): Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Cached Web Content > Clear Now
Safari (Mac): Safari > Empty Cache
Chrome (Mac & PC): Settings > Show Advanced Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data > Empty the Cache
Internet Explorer (PC): Tools > Delete Browsing History > Temporary Internet Files > Delete Files

Finally, you may need to force your media player to re-query the information from the CDDB service:
From iTunes, with your disc inserted: Options (upper right) > Get CD Track Names

If you still cannot see the track names, contact us.

Why don’t I see my album cover on iTunes?

The Gracenote/CDDB system is only for text-based metadata only, not album art.  In order to get images onto iTunes and other sites, you need to submit the album to the All Music database.

How do I get my CD submitted to the All Music website?

Some music players such as Windows Media Player subscribe to the All Music (AMG) engine for CD metadata.  If you would like to add your information to allmusic.com, send a CD along with promotional and biographical information to:

Artist Submissions
All Media Guide
1168 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Click here for more information.

I had my mastering engineer add CD-Text to my master, but the titles don’t show up.

Many of our customers ask us why the song titles aren’t showing up on their discs when they put them in a computer or CD player. Was the CD-Text not included in manufacturing? Did my mastering engineer do something wrong? 

Actually, CD-Text is an old technology introduced in 1996 that never really got off the ground.  Only a few CD players these days can still recognize it (namely JVC players), and probably more importantly, computers don’t recognize it at all. It is being replaced by an internet technology called the Gracenote CDDB, which uses a fingerprinting process involving calculations on track start times, track duration and total length information stored in the table of contents of the CD. This identifier is then stored in an online CD database (aka CDDB) that is queried either without the user knowing or because the user initiates it. If a computer or player is connected to the Internet, the software will usually start the search automatically as soon as a CD is inserted in the computer.

If your song titles have been entered into CDDB, then it will return the titles to the user’s computer where they will be stored and will appear every time the disc is inserted. Most people use this service without knowing it when they use the “Get Track Names” function in iTunes.  Many car stereo and home entertainment systems now include Gracenote MusicID which allows for automatic access to the CDDB.

We offer submission of your title to the CDDB for $49, which we do early in production before manufacturing.  This allows us to accurately add your track titles, artist name, genre and other metadata to the CDDB so that it will be available when you receive your new discs.

What is an ISRC code?

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code.  It is a unique international identifier for tracks on sound and music-video recordings. Comprised of a 12 character alpha-numeric code, the ISRC functions as a digital “fingerprint” for each track.

Like a UPC code, the ISRC is basically an inventory control number for digital “stores” to keep track of transaction.  The difference is that the ISRC is tied to individual tracks and not the carrier of the track (such as a CD). When a track is purchased as a download that number identifies the sale and ensures that the correct artist gets paid. The ISRC remains allocated to a track regardless of changes in ownership. It is a powerful tool for royalty collection, administration, and anti-piracy safeguards in the digital arena.

When should the ISRC be assigned to a track?

The ISRC should be allocated to a recording when a master is completed and the decision to release a recording has been made.  It is not applied during the manufacturing stage.

How do I get ISRC codes for my tracks?

ISRCs can be obtained from GrooveHouse for $49 for your entire recording.  You must contact us BEFORE your tracks are mastered so that we can give the codes to your mastering engineer.  We can also give you codes post-production if you need them for digital distribution purposes.

How do I get a UPC code?  Why do I need one?

If you order CD/DVD replication or vinyl pressing, we will include a barcode for free, and place it directly into your artwork.  We also offer barcodes a la carte for Fast Tracks and DIY duplication orders at a cost of $19.  In this case, we generate the EPS image and email it to you or your designer.  If you already have a UPC code, you can supply us with the number and we’ll place the image into your artwork.

A barcode is essential if you plan on selling and tracking your product at the retail level or online. Most retailers will not sell your product without one.

Is the UPC barcode you offer legitimate?

Absolutely. We are an authorized UPC reseller which means that your barcode will contain our manufacturer prefix, with a suffix assigned uniquely to your product. Be assured that we do not own your project in any way or possess any royalty claims as a result of loaning our prefix to you. In addition, we have systems in place which prevent your number from being assigned to any other customer, and you can use it to register with companies such as SoundScan. You will need to fill out and submit a SoundScan Title Addition Sheet.

If you are starting a label or company of your own, or if you plan on releasing more than title, you may wish to obtain your own barcode number prefix directly from the Uniform Code Council. When you receive your bar code number from the UCC, GrooveHouse can generate the image and place it into your artwork.

Can I get a UPC (bar code) with my Fast Tracks order?

Yes.  A UPC code is available as an add-on when you place your order.  The cost is $19.

What is the difference between a UPC and ISBN?

UPC stands for universal product code.  In our industry the number is 12 digits long.  The first 1st – 6th digits are the manufacturer’s ID, the 7th – 10th digits are the item code, the 11th is a product identifier (2=CD) and the 12th digit is a checksum generated when the code is created.  A UPC is necessary for selling a CD, DVD or vinyl record in retail outlets (including some online vendors such as Amazon).  It is solely used as a means to give the product a unique identifier.  You can obtain the number directly from the UCC or from us.  If you are a record label planning on releasing several titles, we recommend that you purchase your own prefix from the UCC.

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number.  It is a unique 10-digit identifier for books (and books-on-disc) intended to be used commercially.  We do not offer them to our customers – they need to be obtained by the publisher.  However, we can generate and place the code for you if you provide us with the number.

What is a top spine label?

A top spine label is a white sticker that is applied over the top edge of a closed jewel case, DVD case or Digipak. Almost all major label releases use them for retail visibility. It includes the following information: band/artist name, release title, catalog number, UPC number and UPC image.

Top spine labels are not required, but they are a good option for those who do not want to place the bar code into their artwork but still need a bar code. We charge $0.07 each and you can order as few or as many as you wish.  There is no set-up charge.

What is a download card?

Download cards are pre-printed cards containing a unique code that allows the purchaser to directly download your music to their computer so they can load it onto mobiles device. They are perfect for your fans who prefer to buy music via download. You decide how much to sell the cards for, or give them away as promos if you prefer. Many of our vinyl customers add value to their product by having us package the download cards along with the records and applying a sticker promoting them.

Download cards are custom printed with your album artwork on the front and the unique code on the back. The cards can be designed to tie in with your CD graphics, including liner notes and pictures.

How do download cards work for the purchaser?

The back of the card includes instructions for the card holder to visit a specific link, where they enter their card’s unique access code. That access code takes them to a page where they can easily download your album. Each card is valid for one complete album download, and cannot be reused once the album is downloaded.

How do I order download cards?

The minimum order size is 300 cards. See our Download Cards page for pricing and details. Order must be placed at same time as CD replication or vinyl pressing order. You supply the art and MP3 or wav files.

Can download cards be ordered a la carte?

No.  You can only purchase Download Cards from Groove House in conjunction with a CD replication order (500 or more units) or vinyl manufacturing order.

How do I get my music distributed by iTunes?  Who do you recommend for digital distribution?

In order for your music to be offered on iTunes, Apple requires that you have distribution with an established distributor.  There are several such companies out there, but you should make sure that yours offers a non-exclusive licensing agreement.  You want to continue to own all rights to your own music.  If in doubt, talk to an experienced entertainment lawyer. You also want to ensure that the pay cut is fair—average payout is around 60 cents per download, and most digital distribution services will take a 9-10% cut.

For digital distribution, we recommend Tunecore, which is run by industry veterans with solid reputations.  They deal only in digital distribution.  You just upload your art, upload your music and pick your stores.  A single costs $9.99/yr and a full album is $49.99/yr. Online stores include iTunes worldwide, eMusic, Spotify, iHeartMusic, Amazon MP3, Myspace Music, among several others.

We also like earBuzz, which allows artists to keep 100% of the purchase price if sold on their site, and $0.89 per song for digital downloads on other sites. Membership is $2 per month, with a $25 processing fee per CD title. EarBuzz will get you into iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon MP3, LaLa, Myspace Music and more.

How can I tell if my master or replicated disc has ISRC codes on it?

If you have a Mac computer, there is a simple way to determine if you have ISRC codes embedded in a master or replicated disc:

1) Put the disc in your drive.
2) Go to your spotlight search field on the upper right and type “terminal”. Click to open the Terminal utility.
3) Type “drutil subchannel | grep ISRC”, then press “return”.  Your ISRC content will show up if it has been assigned.

Be patient.  This can take some time since all your subchannel data will be scanned.  To stop the process, click Command-Q.

I got CDs from another company. Can you still sell me download cards?

Sorry - we cannot.

I’m a fan, and lost my card.  What do I do to get a replacement?

Unfortunately, we don’t track the download cards and cannot offer replacements.  We suggest that you contact the artist that you purchased the card from.

What percent of recycled material is in your products?

The paper for our CD/DVD inserts, wraps, folders and booklets is a minimum of 50% recycled material.  The remaining virgin paper is FSC-certified (see below).

White Enviroboard™ stock is 100% recycled (50% post-consumer and 50% post-manufacturing material).

Brown chipboard stock contains up to 100% post-consumer recycled material.

White SBS board stock contains up to 35% recycled material.

Our recycled Digipak trays are 100% recycled polystyrene plastic (containing 35% post-consumer waste and 65% post-manufacturing waste).

Are your inks environmentally-friendly?

All of the inks used for our replication and vinyl paper products vegetable-based and the coatings are water-based and biodegradable.  In addition, our ink and fountain solutions are disposed of in a safe, controlled manner and the solutions used to clean printing presses and blankets contain the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) available.

Is your shrink wrap recyclable?

Our replicated products are wrapped in recyclable low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which is designated a “4” and can be recycled in many municipal programs.  The shrink wrap used for our duplicated products and vinyl is not recyclable.

What does FSC-certified mean?

This means that the timber for any of our virgin paper content is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council. It comes from a well-managed forest and complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market.  FSC is the only global forest management certification system that requires regular yearly controls of each forest management operation certified to its standards.  Don’t be misled by “green-washing” statements made by some of our competitors.

Do you comply with the Consumer Product Improvement Act of 2008?

All of our CDs, DVDs and print packaging, including inks, plastic, and varnishes, produced through our facilities comply with the Consumer Product Improvement Act of 2008.  Here’s a copy of our official compliance statement.