Question 1

Who is Code Group Music for?

Accepted Answer

We work with independent artists, bands, small labels, publishers, and rights holders who want institutional-grade label services without signing away their creative freedom or ownership. If you are making music that deserves to be heard, we want to help it earn what it is owed.

Question 2

What does publishing administration actually involve?

Accepted Answer

Publishing administration is delivered through CGM's partnership with SESAC, a major performing rights organisation. CGM prepares and submits your catalog metadata; SESAC registers your works with collection societies including PRS, ASCAP, SOCAN, APRA, and international equivalents. CGM then actively pursues royalty collection across performance, mechanical, synchronisation, and digital licensing channels. Most independent artists leave substantial royalties uncollected. We recover them.

Question 3

Do I retain ownership of my music?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Absolute ownership remains with you. We administer your rights on your behalf; we never acquire a share of your copyright or publishing. This is a service relationship, not a record deal. For publishing administration and digital distribution, CGM retains 15% of collected royalties — CGM only earns when you earn. Metadata Administration is a separate subscription-based service. In all cases, 100% of copyright and creative rights remain yours.

Question 4

What does your digital distribution service cover?

Accepted Answer

We distribute to 150+ DSPs worldwide including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and all major platforms, with rapid turnaround, high-quality metadata, and transparent monthly reporting. We also handle pre-save campaigns and editorial playlist pitching for marquee releases.

Question 5

Why does metadata administration matter?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect or missing metadata is one of the most common reasons royalties go unpaid. If your tracks are not correctly identified with ISRC codes, ISWC codes, writer splits, and label information, collection societies and digital platforms cannot route your money to you. We ensure every release in your catalog is unambiguously attributed.

Question 6

How do I get started with Code Group Music?

Accepted Answer

The best starting point is our free Catalog Assessment. Fill it in (it takes under five minutes) and a member of our team will review your situation personally and respond with honest, specific recommendations. No obligations, no sales pressure.

Question 7

What is the difference between a music publisher and a publishing administrator?

Accepted Answer

A traditional music publisher typically acquires a share of your copyright in exchange for their services. A publishing administrator like Code Group Music manages and collects your royalties on your behalf without taking any ownership of your music. You keep 100% of your copyright.

Question 8

How long does digital distribution take?

Accepted Answer

Standard releases are delivered to all major DSPs within 7 business days. Priority distribution is available for time-sensitive releases or landmark drops that require faster turnaround.

Question 9

What is an ISRC code and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for each of your sound recordings, the equivalent of a barcode for your music. Every track needs one to be correctly tracked across streaming platforms and to ensure royalties are attributed and paid correctly. We handle ISRC registration as part of our metadata administration service.

Question 10

Does Code Group Music work with artists outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we are based in Mayfair, London, we work with independent artists, labels, and rights holders worldwide. Our publishing administration service covers global collection societies and our digital distribution reaches 150+ platforms internationally.

Question 11

Is Code Group Music a record label?

Accepted Answer

No. Code Group Music is a music label services provider, not a record label. We do not sign artists, acquire masters, acquire publishing copyrights, or take any ownership stake in your music. We provide the administrative and rights management services that a label would normally provide internally - publishing administration, digital distribution, and metadata management - as a service you commission. You retain 100% of your rights.

Question 12

What is the difference between a music label services provider and a record label?

Accepted Answer

A record label signs artists, acquires rights to masters and publishing, and takes a significant share of income in exchange for funding and promotion. A music label services provider like Code Group Music delivers the same administrative functions - distribution, publishing registration, royalty collection, metadata management - without acquiring any rights. You pay a service fee or commission, retain full ownership, and commission only the services you need.

Question 13

Do you work with gospel and Christian music artists?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Code Group Music has specific experience serving gospel, Christian, and worship artists in the UK. CGM holds its own CCLI publisher portal and account, enabling direct registration of worship songs — not just coordination. We register your compositions with CCLI and collect church licensing royalties on your behalf, income that most independent Christian artists do not know they are owed. We also handle PRS and MCPS registration and distribution to Premier Christian Radio and UCB.

Question 14

Do you work with Caribbean, reggae, and soca artists?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have deep experience with the Caribbean music ecosystem, including JACAP (Jamaica), COTT (Trinidad and Tobago), and ECCO (Eastern Caribbean) royalty collection. For reggae, dancehall, soca, and calypso artists based in the UK with audiences across the Caribbean diaspora, we ensure PRS reciprocal agreements with Caribbean PROs are functioning correctly, that works are registered in both territories, and that Boomplay and Caribbean-specific platform delivery is included in distribution.

Question 15

Do you work with Afrobeats artists?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We distribute to Boomplay, Audiomack, and all major African-facing streaming platforms in addition to global DSPs. For UK-based Afrobeats artists with audiences in Nigeria, Ghana, and the African diaspora, we coordinate PRS registration for UK performance royalties, MCPS publisher account setup for mechanical royalties, PPL registration for neighbouring rights, and active pursuit of royalties from COSON (Nigeria) and GHAMRO (Ghana) under reciprocal agreements.

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