Upload an audio release in Backstage

If this is your first release, you may be asked to enter your ISRC root before you start the release creation. 

There are two methods for creating releases in the Backstage:

1. Easy Entry (for a single, album or a few products)
2. XLS metadata template (from 1 release to 300 releases)
3. XML importation (for catalogs containing more than 300 releases)

Choose the appropriate method, according to the number of releases you're planning to ingest. Both methods are accessible through the main menu on the left corner of your Backstage.

Individual release upload

This method is ideal for uploading one release or a few releases. It allows you to create your releases one by one, to have a quick overview of your album, add your files and fill-in all the information in the different tabs.

To create your release using this method, follow the steps below:

1. Click on One Release in the left corner menu of your Backstage.
2. Select your release type (Audio, Video or Ringtone) and click on "Next"
   
3. Select the genre (Any Genre, Western Classical or Jazz) of your release and click on "Next"
   
4. Indicate the title of your release and click on "Create"
   
5. Fill in the information of your release
6. Create the track(s) attached to the product
7. Upload your audio files via the Uploader (faster than the FTP, that should only be used for larger catalogs)
8. Upload your cover artwork
9. Choose the price and release date
10. See the overview of your release on the submission tab and click on Submit

All the mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk. Please make sure to check the accepted audio and cover art formats before uploading them.

Multiple releases upload via XLS

Made for larger catalogs, this upload method allows you to integrate a large number of releases at once (up to 300 releases). We usually advise that you upload your releases by batches of 50 to facilitate the organization of the workflow.

To create your release using this method, follow the steps below:

1. Click on Multiple Releases in the left corner menu of your Backstage
2. Download our Excel template
3. Fill in all the mandatory information
4. Upload the filled-in template to your Backstage in this same section, which will create all your releases on your "Catalog" section. These releases will have all the information you provided in the Excel template, but no audio or cover artwork.
5. Add cover artworks to the releases
6. Upload the audio files using one of the following methods:
   • Opening the uploader on each individual release
   • Uploading your audio files via FTP
7. Individually, on each release, go to the Submission tab and click on Submit

Multiple releases upload via XML

Made for extensive catalogs, this method allows you to integrate a large number of releases, but requires some technical knowledge regarding the XML DDEX. It's important to note that the XML method includes a test phase on Believe's side, which makes it longer than the other upload methods. At least a month is to be expected before the automatic import, which allows you to upload as many releases as you wish, is set on your account. Be aware that Classical and Jazz Music genres are excluded from this ingestion method. If you wish to use this solution, follow the steps below :

1. Ask us for the XML DDEX documentation and read it with all its specificities
2. Prepare a test batch (5-10 products) and upload it onto your FTP respecting the expected format
3. Wait for the feedback from Believe regarding the products
4. If there are errors regarding your batch, correct them and upload a new test batch (until no errors are indicated).
5. If your batch contains no errors, Believe will open the automatic import on your account
6. Deliver your products through the XML DDEX

Modifying releases after delivery

Once your release is submitted to the Stores, you are not able to modify the information or audio files in your Backstage. Currently, you can only replace cover artworks directly in Backstage.

If you wish to apply any changes to your release after its delivery, contact your local Support team.

To make sure that we secure the best visibility for your next release, read more about the Perfect Pitch on Backstage.