Introduction
This article explains the contributor crediting requirements for releases delivered to Apple Music via FUGA. It outlines the mandatory contributor roles for all products with an Original Release Date on or after the date the release is approved and delivered, in line with Apple Music's updated policies.
Overview of Apple Music Contributor Requirements
Apple Music requires detailed contributor metadata to improve discoverability and provide proper credit to those involved in a recording. To comply with these standards, FUGA has made it mandatory for clients to assign at least one contributor per track in each of the following three categories:
- Composition / Lyrics
- Performing Artists
- Production / Engineering
Note: Primary and Featuring artists do not fulfill the requirement for the "Performer" credit.
This requirement applies to:
- All new releases with an Original Release Date on or after the approval/delivery date.
- Any updates made to previously approved or delivered products.
You will encounter system validations in the FUGA Interface that alert you to missing contributor roles. Products cannot be approved until all contributor-related warnings are resolved.
Required Contributor Role Categories
Composition / Lyrics
Valid contributor roles:
- Adapter
- Arranger
- Composer
- Librettist
- Lyricist
- Orchestrator
- Writer (Songwriter)
Performing Artists
Performer credits include:
- Actor
- Assistant Conductor
- Band
- Choir / Choir Conductor / Chorus
- Conductor
- Dancer
- DJ
- Ensemble
- MC
- Narrator
- Orchestra
- Rap
- Remixer
- Sampled Artist
- Sound Effects
- Spoken Word
- Tape
- Vocal Effects
- Instrument (any supported instrument)
Note: A complete list of supported instruments is available within the FUGA Interface contributor selector.
Production / Engineering
Accepted roles include:
- Assistant Mastering Engineer
- Assistant Mixing Engineer
- Assistant Producer
- Assistant Recording Engineer
- Camera Operator
- Co-Producer
- Creative Director
- Engineer
- Executive Producer
- Mastering Engineer
- Mixing Engineer
- Producer
- Recording Engineer
- Set Designer
- Special Effects
- Studio Personnel
- Tonmeister
- Video Director / Video Producer
- Vocal Producer
Contributor Guidance in the FUGA Interface
When creating or editing a product in the FUGA Interface, the system will notify you if a contributor role is missing. These warnings must be resolved before product approval. Notifications will highlight incomplete metadata under the relevant asset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to update my back catalogue?
No. Releases with an Original Release Date before the approval and delivery date are exempt.
How does this apply to compilations?
If the compilation includes older tracks, ensure the product is tagged as a compilation in the FUGA Interface
I have a draft release—do I need to update it?
Yes, if the Original Release Date is on or after the date of delivery. We recommend proactively applying these requirements for consistency.
What if I edit an approved or delivered product?
Contributor compliance is mandatory for any product updates made after the effective date.
Does this affect uploads via the Metadata Ingestion Self-Service Tool (MISS)?
No. However, you must still update contributor roles in the FUGA Interface before approval.
Do API or XML ingestions need to comply?
Yes. Missing contributor roles will result in validation errors during approval or delivery.
Can a single person fulfill all required roles?
Yes. One contributor can be credited across all categories if applicable.
Can a compiler be credited as the sole Primary Artist?
Yes, if they are not a performer on any individual track but are listed as a compiler at the product level.
If you have further questions, contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel at support@fuga.com.