You bring the song.
Let’s sort out the details.
We’ll help you get your single ready for CD TEX. If a credit or ISRC is unfamiliar, start here. Please don’t guess.
PRO — Performing Rights Organization
A PRO (Performing Rights Organization), such as BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, Global Music Rights (GMR), AllTrack or Pro Music Rights, collects certain payments when songs are played publicly and pays its songwriter and publisher members. These payments are called royalties. “Affiliation” means which PRO a writer or publisher belongs to.
US PROs include BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, Global Music Rights (GMR), AllTrack and Pro Music Rights. Membership requirements differ. If you already belong to a PRO, use that affiliation, including an organization outside the US. If you wrote the song and have not joined one, review its songwriter membership information before applying; you do not need to join all of them.
If you only sing the song, ask its songwriter for the writer and publisher credits. You do not need to invent a songwriter affiliation for yourself.
What is a publisher? Is it my record label?
A music publisher helps manage the rights and income from the song’s words and music. A record label works with the recorded performance. They can be connected, but they are not automatically the same company. BMI or ASCAP is a PRO name, not a publisher name.
Ask the songwriter (or co-writers), publisher or person who registered the song with a PRO what publishing credits apply. If no publisher applies, leave the publisher boxes blank. If unsure, use the help option. Don’t invent a company name.
ISRC — where do I find it, or get one?
An ISRC is the identification code for a specific recording. Ask your studio, producer or record label: “Has an ISRC been assigned to this exact recording?” Use the existing ISRC if one has been assigned. Do not get another just because you’re submitting to CD TEX.
If you own the recording and it does not have an ISRC, start with the US ISRC Agency application. Outside the US, use IFPI’s agency guide. PRO membership and a song’s publishing registration do not assign an ISRC.
You can search SoundExchange and compare the artist, title and version. A missing search result does not prove the ISRC is invalid. The US ISRC Agency’s resources explain the system.
I am doing this on my own. Where do I start?
Start with what you know. Save your draft while you find the missing information. You do not need to invent a manager, publisher or company name. If you cannot find a required credit or recording code, email CD TEX and tell us the artist and song name and what is missing. We can help you understand the next step before you submit.
What should I ask my recording engineer for?
Ask for your final WAV or uncompressed AIFF master at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit. Use the exact version you want radio to receive. Changing an MP3’s filename to “.wav” does not restore the original quality.
CD TEX checks file settings, listens to the recording and reviews it before approval.
Cover art and banner — what’s the difference?
Cover art is the square release image, at least 500 × 500 pixels. The banner is a separate wide graphic, 468 × 125 pixels. JPG, PNG and PDF are accepted; PDF artwork needs staff review.
If you choose CD TEX banner creation, provide your single cover art, and we will create the banner. If you only have a photo, use the help option to ask what artwork is needed.
Will you rewrite my biography or description?
No. CD TEX uses your description exactly as submitted. Editing and proofreading are not included. Check spelling and the preview before submitting. Line wrapping may vary by email app; the wording stays yours.
What does the no-AI music policy include?
CD TEX accepts music created and performed by human musicians and vocalists. AI-generated music, vocals, instruments and backing tracks are not accepted, even when the lyrics were written by a person. Read the full policy and service requirements.
How do I request my second mailing?
Your single delivery includes two mailings: the initial send and one complimentary repeat during the life of the single. Contact CD TEX, ideally a week before your preferred date, with the artist, song and a short, accurate headline. We confirm the date. The repeat is not automatic, and there is no fixed 12-week cutoff.
Does this put my music on Spotify or guarantee airplay?
This service delivers your music for radio and promotional consideration. Spotify and Apple Music links point to music already available there; adding a link does not upload your song to those services. Radio stations decide what they play. No airplay or chart result is guaranteed.
What permissions do I need?
Before delivery, confirm that you have authority to submit the recording and the necessary licenses for the song and recording. A previously released song is not automatically free to record or distribute. US cover-song licensing can have specific conditions; see the US Copyright Office’s guidance and ask your rights adviser if unsure.
The help box below offers answers from this guide. You can also attach a help request to your completed form, or email CD TEX if you cannot finish. Saving a draft does not send us a message.