"Labels" used for handling special cases

In a number of situations, it was convenient to create "phony" Labels entries in the database, to deal with some special cases.

SpecialPurposeLabels are similar in intent and functioning to SpecialPurposeArtists.

Please note that you shouldn't create any new SpecialPurposeLabel all by yourself without prior discussion about it with other editors, usually on the style MailingList.

List by case use

Special cases

[no label]: White labels, auto-releases and other "no label" releases (usually bootlegs) should all be stored under the [no label] entry in the database.
[unknown]: The [unknown] label is one of these things we just can't prevent from appearing... At least acknowledging it exists helps us steering on it (via LabelSubscriptions). Please note that you mustn't use this label. If you don't know what the label is for a given release, just leave the label entry blank in the release event.

Informal special cases

There are no informal cases at that time.

Incorrect collection labels

There are no incorrect collection listed at that time.

Advanced informations

About white-labels

Note that in a number of cases white labels releases are actually possible to track down to a proper label (either from informations engraved in the vinyl, or from third party sources). While such research is not expected from casual editors, and while it's perfectly legit to add such releases to [no label], editors willing to go further can certainly use the proper label instead, if any.

About auto-releases (or self-releases)

In some (somewhat rare) cases there is an imprint on the release (possibly the artist wants to give his "label" an identity). You may use that instead of [no label].

Labels suggested readings

Labels in MusicBrainz are an important and relatively complex topic. It's recommended that you first start familiarizing yourself with the basic concepts in the General information category of the navigation bar (up that page).

You may then consult the documentation pertaining to AdvancedRelationships and labels, which are listed on the LabelRelationshipClass page.

Editors who want to do more researches, may consult one of the items listed under Advanced documentation.

If you still need help, you may ask your question on the UsersMailingList, the MusicBrainzForum, the IRC channel, or the LabelDiscussion page.

If you're interested in either the future or the past, you may additionally consult/contribute to LabelFuture (suggest enhancements, list problems and limitations, or propose a new masterplan), or LabelHistory (for a list of fixed tickets and some interesting insight into the old days)

CategoryTerminology CategoryDiscussion CategoryMetadata CategoryLabel