Music Industry Guides for Independent Artists
Practical knowledge on codes, formats, manufacturing, and selling music directly to fans.
What Is an ISRC?
International Standard Recording Code explained — how ISRCs work, how artists register tracks, and why they matter for streaming, distribution, and royalties.
Read guide →What Is a UPC for Music?
Universal Product Code for music albums explained — how UPCs work, who assigns them, and why your album needs one for physical and digital distribution.
Read guide →Vinyl Manufacturing Guide for Artists
How vinyl records are manufactured, print-on-demand vinyl options, pricing, formats (7"/10"/12"), and how to sell vinyl directly to fans.
Read guide →Cassette Manufacturing Guide
The cassette tape resurgence — how cassettes are manufactured today, print-on-demand cassette options, and how independent artists sell cassettes directly.
Read guide →Direct-to-Fan Music Sales Guide
How independent artists sell music directly to fans — revenue comparison with streaming, platform options, and how direct-to-fan storefronts work.
Read guide →How Artist Storefronts Work
A complete guide to artist storefronts: setup, pricing, format availability, payouts, and why direct-to-fan storefronts outperform streaming for indie artists.
Read guide →Leerecs is built for independent artists who want to own their music, understand the industry, and sell directly to fans. These guides cover the practical mechanics that streaming platforms obscure: how recordings are registered, how physical media is manufactured, and how artists earn real income from direct sales.
Whether you're releasing your first album or expanding from digital to physical formats, these resources give you the foundation to make informed decisions about distribution, manufacturing, and fan engagement.