DDP Master – DDP (Disc Description Protocol) is a digital format for audio masters and is now the industry standard. It is the only master format that the pressing plants that we work with will accept so, by extension, it is the only master format that we can accept. If your mastering engineer cannot provide you with a DDP file set, we can create one from a master disc for you.

Barcode Allocation – If you are intending to release your music commercially, you will require a barcode. Stores and online outlets will not be able to accept your music for sale if your release does not have a barcode. Birnam can provide a barcode number, a barcode graphic, and even place your barcode for you if required.

ISRC Allocation – ISRCs (International Standard Recording Code) are required if you intend to release your music digitally. One code is required for each track on your release.The codes need to be added to your master. Birnam can allocate the codes and, if necessary, add them to your DDP master.

We manage and coordinate large and smaller scale projects for many of our clients. We regularly compile sampler albums for music trade shows, magazine covermounts/downloads and other promotional purposes so we’re well used to working with multiple artists and labels to hit tight deadlines.

MCPS Application – In order to release a body of music within the United Kingdom, or in order to have music products manufactured by a UK-based company, an MCPS license is required. This is non-negotiable and that fact cannot be overstated. If required, Birnam can complete an MCPS application on your behalf.

*Please note: This service is included free-of-charge for clients using our design service.

IPR – IPR stands for “Intellectual Property Rights”. Before we can produce your discs, you must confirm that you own the Intellectual Property Rights to the material you would like us to copy. To do this, you complete and sign an “Intellectual Property Rights Declaration” and send it to us. It’s a very straightforward form. We’ll send you a link to the form and are very happy to guide you through completing it if required.

Download cards are popular as a promotional tool and are useful for artists releasing vinyl records – a download card can be included in the vinyl packaging. If you would be interested in these, please give us a call.

** Please note: GDPR Privacy laws came into force 25th May 2018 and the download service will no longer include the option to collect customers’ email addresses.

When a CD is inserted into a computer, that computer’s media player will often bring up the album title, artist name and track titles. Despite popular belief, this information is not encoded onto a CD itself and is instead drawn from an online database. We can submit the information on your behalf to the online database so that the correct information is always displayed.

*Please note: This service is included free-of-charge for clients using our promotional service.

Looking to promote your new album, tour, gig or event? We work with a range of digital and hard copy magazines and can design and place your advert. We also offer a combined ads initiative, splitting the costs and making it more affordable to have a visible presence in main music magazines.

Do you have a concert coming up in a week’s time and desperately need copies of your new album to sell ahead of its release? Are you about to embark on an international tour but have run out of CDs? Birnam offers a short-run rush service that can be fulfilled in under a week. You can split your order and order enough rush CDs to get you through the interim whilst the main bulk of your order is processed.

If you would like to get your CDs into stores across Scotland, Birnam works with Scotland’s main distributer Highlander Distribution. We can arrange for Highlander Distribution to stock and distribute your CDs across Scotland and further afield. This service is not available for all genres of music.