Master Your Craft – Catalog Numbers

By Andile Nkosi

Pick up any original CD and scrutinize its spine. You will quickly realize that there are three common features with every CD. The artist name, the album title and a funny code made of letters and numbers. Some odd CDs would also contain the releasing record label name. This funny code is the catalog number.

Catalog numbers are the unique identification numbers you (as an independent record label) assign to each album or single even DVD you release. These days’ catalog numbers can even be digitally inscribed into the CD itself. As an indie label it is advisable to start constructing catalog numbers of your own and keeping these with your company documentation. A simple spreadsheet can suffice that tabulates the artist names, album titles, catalog numbers, release date, UPC (barcode), ISRC, country, available territories, publisher name, publishing territories, P-Line and C-Line.

There are no rules governing how you need to structure your catalog numbers however it is a good idea to stick to one standardized system. For example for 034 Music uses the format 034M CD 0??? for its releases, where only the last three digits of the catalog number change per release.  I have seen labels choosing to start with a higher number for their first release so they appear more experienced for example XYZ125.

The CD portion may be amended to LP or CS or MP to show the format of the release. In this case the same single can be named 034M CD 0002 when released as CD, and 034M MP 0002 when released as MP3, and 034M CS 0002 when released as cassette. As long as it makes sense to you and your team. Recently I’ve spotted labels that even give catalog numbers to their posters and events.

It is a good idea to also print the catalog number at the back of your CD sleeve next to the UPC, P-Line and C-Lines for easy access by record bars and music compilers. While the UPC is the scanable barcode that updates your database and help you keep track of the CDs you’ve sold; the (P) line shows for who owns the copyright in the sound recordings and is strictly structured in this format:

(P) <year the sound recording was first released> <owner of the sound recording>

e.g. (P) 2013 034 Music

The (C) line on the other hand shows who owns the copyright in the cover art (more or less) and is strictly structured in this format:

(C) <year the product was released> <owner of the copyright>"

e.g. (C) 2011 Just Chill Media

Catalog numbers are not mandatory however do show a level of maturity and seriousness when presenting your material to radio stations, distributors and media houses. Further, when it is time to do you bookkeeping, having a systematic catalog number goes a long way in identifying and administering your assets.