Spinlet, Africa’s largest music streaming service has been appointed as the first International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) manager from Nigeria. This status which is conferred by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, IFPI, an organization representing the recording industry internationally enables Spinlet to assign unique ISRC codes to recordings on behalf of its clients including artists, labels, and other producers of sound and video recordings in Nigeria.
International Standard Recording Code is the international identification system for sound recordings and music video recordings. It is required by most digital distribution companies and download sites to sell content online. Each individual recording is given a unique 12-digit identification code based on country, registrant, and year, removing ambiguity and simplifying the management of rights when recordings are used across different formats, countries, distribution channels, and products. Spinlet’s appointment as an ISRC manager will also see the company engage with the recording industry to ensure that local practitioners further understand the benefits of this internationally standardized identifier.
Reacting to the positive development, Nkiru Balonwu, CEO of Spinlet said “International Standard Recording Code is hugely beneficial in music identification, particularly in digital. We have for some time now been looking at ways of adding value to the local music industry – and growing its capacity in terms of reach and standards.”
Nkiru further added that one of the ways which Spinlet has consistently contributed to the growth of the industry was through seminars and workshops which it will continue to do. “I am particularly proud to announce that Spinlet has been appointed as Nigeria’s first ever ISRC Manager, and look forward to helping to implement this valuable system,” Nkiru said.
In 2014, digital music formats were reported to have generated more revenue globally than physical formats. The growth in digital music distribution and sales accelerated by the shift to streaming, means that digital royalty tracking in the music industry is becoming more important than ever before. Each ISRC gives a unique and permanent identifier for a specific recording, regardless of the format on which it appears (CD, audio file, etc.) and can be used to automatically identify recordings for royalty payments. Since the creation of the system, the International ISRC Agency has appointed National Agencies in 57 territories.