De-esser
De-esser Type: noun, processor Pronunciation: /de-ess-err/ What does De-esser mean? A processor that reduces sibilance (the “S” sound). Sibilance is the sound of an “s” in words and de-esser reduces it. Example sentence: “We added a de-esser to the vocals.”
Dead Room
Dead Room Type: noun Pronunciation: /ded-room/ Also spelled or known as: Dry Room Plural: Dead Rooms Related: Recording Studio What does Dead Room mean? A recording space with little natural reverb. A Dead Room absorbs reflections, making recordings sound dry, controlled, and close. Dead Room synonyms: Dry Room, Absorptive Room, Low-Reverb Room Example sentence: “The […]
Dead Wax
Dead Wax Type: noun Pronunciation: /ded wax/ Also spelled or known as: Runout Groove Plural: Dead Wax Areas Related: Vinyl Records What does Dead Wax mean? The area between the final groove and the label on a vinyl record. Dead wax often contains matrix numbers, signatures, or manufacturing information. Dead Wax is next to the […]
Deal
Deal Type: noun Pronunciation: /deel/ Also spelled or known as: Music Deal, Record Deal, Publishing Deal Plural: Deals Related: Contract What does Deal mean? An agreement between parties involving music rights, services, money, or business terms. A Deal is a formal or informal agreement between two or more parties regarding music, entertainment, publishing, licensing, management, […]
Debut
Debut Type: noun, verb Pronunciation: /day-byoot/ Also spelled or known as: First Release Plural: Debuts Related: Release, Premiere What does Debut mean? A first public appearance, release, or performance. In music, a Debut may be an artist’s first single, album, video, show, or chart entry. Debut synonyms: First Release, First Appearance, Introduction Example sentence: “The […]
Decay
Decay Type: noun Pronunciation: /de-kay/ Plural: Decays Related: A.D.S.R., ADSR What does Decay mean? Decay is the time it takes for a sound to reach sustain level from the attack peak. How fast a sound fades from a certain loudness. Decay is the time from the initial falling off to the sustain level. Example sentence: […]
Decibel
Decibel Type: noun Pronunciation: /des-e-bull/ Also spelled or known as: dB Plural: Decibels Related: dB What does Decibel mean? The main unit of volume measurement. A dB is relative, as there are several different “scales” of dB’s that are used in audio (most popular dB-FS, along with dB-VU, dB-RMS, & dB-LUFS). Each and every dB […]
Deductions
Deductions Type: noun Pronunciation: /dih-duk-shunz/ Also spelled or known as: Royalty Deductions, Discounts Singular: Deduction Related: Royalty Statement What does Deductions mean? Amounts subtracted from gross revenue or royalties. Music deductions may include fees, expenses, reserves, taxes, recoupment, commissions, or chargebacks. Deductions synonyms: Royalty Deductions, Subtractions, Expense Deductions Example sentence: “The artist questioned several deductions […]
DeeJay
Deejay Type: noun Pronunciation: /d-j/ Also spelled or known as: D.J, D-J, DJ, Disc Jockey What does DeeJay mean? Disc Jockey/DJ: A person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. Example sentence: “Trey Keysor is a great deejay.”
Deep Cut
Deep Cut Type: noun, slang Pronunciation: /deep-kut/ Also spelled or known as: Deep-Cut, DeepCut, Album cut, Hidden Gem, Non-single Plural: Deep Cuts Related: Catalog Music What does Deep Cut mean? A lesser known song by an artist that is usually not released as a single or major hit. A Deep Cut is a lesser known […]
Deezer
Deezer Type: noun, streaming Pronunciation: /dee-zer/ Also spelled or known as: Deezer Streaming Plural: Deezer Accounts Related: Streaming Service What does Deezer mean? A music streaming platform offering access to recorded music and playlists. Deezer operates in multiple territories worldwide. Deezer synonyms: Music Streaming Service, DSP Example sentence: “The single was distributed to Deezer.”
Def Jam
Def Jam Type: noun Pronunciation: /def jam/ Also spelled or known as: Def Jam Recordings Related: Record Label What does Def Jam mean? A legendary Hip-Hop and Popular music record label. Def Jam is associated with influential rap, R&B, and pop artists and is one of the most recognized label brands in Hip-Hop history. Def […]
Delay
Delay Type: noun, effect, technique Pronunciation: /dee-lay/ Related: Echo What does Delay mean? A technique that takes recorded audio and plays back delayed and duplicated to create echoes. Example sentence: “The delay sounds so good on this song.”
Delivery
Delivery Type: noun Pronunciation: /dih-liv-er-ee/ Plural: Deliveries Related: Rap, Recording Contract, Delivery Requirement, Vocal Delivery What does Delivery mean? 1. The process of getting music or content to a record label, distributor, streaming platform, or audience. 2. The way lyrics or vocals are said and performed. In music contracts, Delivery may include recordings, albums, masters, […]
Demo
Demo Type: noun Pronunciation: /dem-oh/ Also spelled or known as: Demonstration Recording Plural: Demos Related: Recording What does Demo mean? An example, early, or rough recording of music; may not be mixed, mastered or completed. A demo is usually made to prepare for a proper full recording. Demo synonyms: Demonstration Recording, Rough Recording, Song Sketch […]
Demo Deal
Demo Deal Type: noun Pronunciation: /dem-oh deel/ Also spelled or known as: Demonstration Recording Deal Plural: Demo Deals Related: Artist Development What does Demo Deal mean? An agreement involving the creation of demonstration recordings for a record deal. A Demo Deal is an agreement between an artist and a record label where the record label […]
Derivative Work
Derivative Work Type: noun Pronunciation: /duh-riv-uh-tiv werk/ Also spelled or known as: Adapted Work Plural: Derivative Works Related: Adaptation What does Derivative Work mean? A new creative work based on or adapted from an existing copyrighted work. A Derivative Work is a new creation that is based on, modifies, transforms, or adapts an existing copyrighted […]
Development Programs
Development Programs Type: noun Pronunciation: /dih-vel-up-ment proh-gramz/ Also spelled or known as: Artist Development Programs Plural: Development Programs Related: Artist Development What does Development Programs mean? 1. A program where music distributors offer marketing support or financial investment in return for royalties. 2. Organized programs designed to help artists or creators improve their skills and […]