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I was wondering if anyone had thoughts or suggestions about how you organize your portfolio.


By music portfolio, I mean three things:

File formats. Sure, it is convenient to keep info in mp3 metadata. And it is easy to edit in iTunes. But what about lossless files? For WAV files, where do you maintain the metadata? Is it better to start using FLAC or AIFF so it is tied to the file? Even then, you still need some way to peruse the data in your files, which brings up...

Programs. Where do you edit song metadata, manage playlists and convert formats (and play files)? I've been using iTunes, but it was so harsh when v11 stopped letting you export/import XML playlists, there must be a more civilized way to actually manage a music library. I've read some folks' enthusiasm for Tunesmith in the entering metadata thread http://forums.taxi.com/topic127045.html
Is that the only other program worth checking out for managing metadata and organizing files?

Publishing. Where do you keep info about instrumentation, lyrics, the listing (if it was written for a specific listing), whether the track has been published (and to where), submitted, forwarded, placed, available for non-exclusive submission, available for exclusive submission, or if it is signed, when does the exclusive deal sunset? Which musicians are on the track, the PRO info and splits. Is there a way to reconcile this with PRO statements?


I suppose this all could be done with spreadsheets and iTunes. But maybe there is a more integrated system?


If this has been discussed already, please let me know the treads where I can catch up.



Thanks,

This has been covered in a few other threads. I'm sure if you search for spreadsheets or library more than a few posts will come up.

For me, I use a combination of folders on my computer for the actual program/Logic files. Once I finish tracks, I put them in a folder grouped by library, and placed in an archive folder. Usually at the end of the week, I transfer those folders to my archive hosted on Amazon S3 servers for cold storage. I leave them in my local hard drive folder for 6 months or so, and then remove them. I also back them up via Crashplan, and burn them to a DVD before deleting them.

Most of my audio files I track with iTunes for metadata.

I have been using Tunesmith and I really like it, but I am transitioning to using a spreadsheet because there are so many more things I can do with it. I built a spreadsheet to monitor; how many total tracks I have, how many in each library ( which also tells me what percentage is in each library) , my income from each library ( again also tells me the percentage) and my income from US and foreign placements. I'm thinking about adding a page for network placements, but haven't done it yet.

The thing I like about spreadsheets is you can continually add data and have it spit out anything you care to know. And you can set up graphs.....

Hope that helps
Cheers
kc

kc,

Yes, thanks for sharing your process. It is very helpful.

As is the suggestion to search threads for "spreadsheets".
I will take a look...