Different versions of a release may be added to the database if they meet our guidelines for unique submissions. This may be as obvious as having completely different artwork or as subtle as looking the same and having been manufactured at a different pressing plant.
Please be aware that some variance is not considered unique, such as minor variances in matrix numbers in the runout areas of discs. These should only be added when these variances show a different manufacturer, a different technician, or other similar notable differences. If you have any questions, please ask in the help forums.
Linking to a master release
When adding a new variant of a release to the Database, it will show as being a separate unattached release on the artist page.
This will need to be combined into the appropriate master release. A master release is very much like a folder that groups together different variants of the same release.
To add a unique release is from the master release page itself. Select `Edit Master Release` from the release page.
On the following page, select `Edit Master Release` again on the top left of the page. On that page, you can manually add the release IDs of the unique versions that need to be added.
What if there is no master release?
If there are multiple versions of a release listed with no master release to merge it into, you can create a master release.
To create a new Master release from an artist page click on the submission button, then click Create Master Release. You can't create Master releases on Label pages.
On the Create Master Release page you can enter in any notes for this Master release if needed. Then you need to enter the Release ID for the Key Release.
Try to select the Key release that best represents the title and image for all the releases in the Master release, with the title taking priority. The tracklisting will also be taken from this release for display on the Master release page - this is only a temporary measure until we code in the extraction of all track titles on all versions of the release, so please don't place very much importance on this at the moment.
Next is to add the list of all releases to be added to this Master release including the Key Release. After the list of releases is completed to your satisfaction, add a Submission Note if needed (this is NOT required for Master release, but please use it if you want to mention anything to other users) and click "Create". The system will run some error check on the format descriptions, and if all is well, reload the page with the Master release there.
Merging releases
The merge function is needed when a release page does not meet our guidelines for unique releases. When completed, this will revert the newer duplicate release to a draft and remove it from the active database. Please see this guideline for additional information.
When master releases are involved, both releases will need to be in the same MR (or both not in MR’s) before they can be merged.