Catalog number (music)

A catalog number is an identification number assigned to a music release by a record label.[1][2][3][4]

A catalog number, 7 46015 2, used by EMI Records

Catalog numbers on music releases goes back as early as the early 20th century, around the same time as the 10" shellac records. Many catalog numbers are similar to the last digits of the barcode of the release, and is followed by a format code, a single digit defining the physical music format the recording is pressed on.

Most labels place a format code at the end of the catalog number to differentiate the release from other formats it's released on, all the while retaining the same catalog number or another close to it. However, some labels, such as Ariola Records, change the first few digits in their catalog number instead of using a format code on either the catalog number or the barcode.

References
  1. Schwartz, Daylle Deanna (2009). Start & Run Your Own Record Label: Winning Marketing Strategies for Today's Music Industry. Billboard Books. p. 129. ISBN 978-0-8230-8463-0.
  2. "What is a catalog number?". ReverbNation. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  3. "How to Organize a Record Label's Catalog". Interflow Records. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  4. Miles, Jenna (2016). The Beginner's Guide to Vinyl: How to Build, Maintain, and Experience a Music Collection in Analog. Simon and Schuster. p. 186. ISBN 978-1-4405-9897-5.
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