1 Introduction

This document defines Part 3: Duplicate ISRC Clusters of the Entity Cluster Message Suite (ECM) standard and was developed by the member organisations of the Digital Data Exchange, LLC (DDEX). Any organisation wishing to implement this (or any other DDEX standard) is required to apply for an Implementation Licence. The terms of the licence and an application form can be found here and here.

The ECM standard is composed of multiple parts, with this Part 3 defining the message structure and protocols related to communicating data about Duplicate ISRC Clusters as defined in Clause 4.1. It establishes the messaging framework that enables two parties to exchange structured and interoperable data relating to sound recordings and music videos that are identical in substance but associated with different identifiers. Specifically, it defines a cluster type that enables organisations to group multiple International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs) that have been allocated to a single sound recording in a way that is not conformant with ISO 3901 and its associated rules. (The term “sound recording” here and in the remainder of the introduction is intended to also cover music videos, as these can also be identified with an ISRC.)

ISO 3901 stipulates that each sound recording should be identified by one, and only one, ISRC. In practice, however, it is possible for two or more ISRCs to be allocated to the same sound recording, or to recordings that are identical with respect to the ISRC disambiguation criteria but differ in some other way, and for such duplicate ISRCs to propagate through the global music industry value chain. Such situations may arise for a variety of commercial, financial, operational, or administrative reasons.

The cluster type defined in this standard provides a mechanism to communicate to business partners that multiple ISRCs are duplicates and identify the same sound recording according to ISRC disambiguation criteria.

The cluster type defined herein does not cluster different sound recordings, instead, it clusters two or more identifiers for a single underlying sound recording.

The exchange of cluster data represents a statement of truth, as determined by the message sender, at a specific point in time. The accuracy and appropriateness of any cluster can ultimately only be verified by the relevant rights holder(s).

However, verification of the accuracy, completeness, or legitimacy of cluster data is outside the scope of this standard and shall be addressed through separate governance, contractual or operational processes. The communication of clusters according to this standard does not imply any modification, revocation, or replacement of ISRCs. Rather, it provides a mechanism for communicating relationships between two or more ISRCs that are understood, by the message sender, to identify the same underlying sound recording within the global music value chain.

Further information, including best practices on how to implement this standard, can be found on the DDEX knowledge base.