Domain Knowledge
The electronic music industry glossary and domain-specific terminology that MavelPoint uses across all products and communications.
Glossary Usage Guide
How to read and apply the terminology tables throughout this page.
Reading the Glossary
UI / Marketing column
The artist-facing term used in the product interface and all marketing materials. Example: "gig" (not "event").
API / Developer column
The technical term used in the MavelPoint API, database schemas, and developer documentation. Example: "event" (not "gig").
ES (Spanish) column
The Spanish translation for localized content. Where the column says "keep EN," the English term is used even in Spanish-language contexts because it is the industry standard.
The Artist and Their Work
Core terms describing who artists are, what they create, and how their music is categorized.
Artist Identity
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJ | A performer who selects and mixes pre-recorded tracks live for an audience. | The primary performer role on MavelPoint. Most profiles are DJ profiles. | keep EN |
| Producer | Someone who creates original electronic music in a studio (DAW). Many DJs are also producers. | Distinct from DJ -- a producer may never perform live. Profile tag on MavelPoint. | Productor/a |
| Artist | Umbrella term for any creative professional on the platform -- DJ, producer, or both. | The default term in MavelPoint UI and marketing. Always prefer "artist" over "user." | Artista |
Performance Types
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set | A continuous DJ performance, typically 1-3 hours, mixing pre-recorded tracks. | The standard unit of a DJ performance. "She played a 2-hour set." | keep EN |
| Live set | A performance using hardware, synthesizers, or software to create/manipulate music in real time. | Different from a DJ set -- the artist is generating sounds live, not mixing pre-recorded tracks. | keep EN |
| B2B set | Back-to-back -- two or more DJs sharing the decks, alternating track selections. | Written "B2B" (uppercase). Listed as a distinct performance type in MavelPoint events. | keep EN |
| Hybrid set | A performance combining DJing with live elements (drum machines, synths, effects). | Increasingly common. Indicates technical versatility on an artist profile. | keep EN |
| Mix | A pre-recorded DJ set, usually released online for promotional purposes. | Published on SoundCloud/Mixcloud. Not the same as a live set at an event. | keep EN |
Music Releases
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track | A single piece of music. Always "track" -- never "song" in electronic music context. | The fundamental unit of music on MavelPoint. API entity: track. | Track / Tema |
| Release | A published collection of tracks distributed through official channels. | Umbrella term for singles, EPs, and LPs. API entity: release. | Lanzamiento |
| EP | Extended Play -- a release containing 3-6 tracks. The most common release format in electronic music. | Standard format for label releases. More substantial than a single, less than an album. | keep EN |
| LP | Long Play -- a full-length album, typically 8+ tracks. | Less common in electronic music than EPs. Usually marks a career milestone. | Album |
| Single | A release containing 1-2 tracks, often used as a promotional lead before an EP or LP. | Increasingly common on streaming platforms. May include a B-side or instrumental. | Sencillo |
| Remix | A new version of an existing track, re-produced by a different artist using the original stems. | Official remixes are cleared by the label. Commonly bundled with original releases. | keep EN |
| Bootleg | An unauthorized remix or edit of a track, made without stems or permission from the rights holder. | Cannot be officially released or sold. Played in DJ sets and shared as free downloads. | keep EN |
| Edit | A modified version of an existing track -- restructured, shortened, or adjusted for DJ use. | Less transformative than a remix. Often extends the intro/outro for easier mixing. | keep EN |
| Drop | Two meanings: (1) the release of a track or EP; (2) the moment of peak energy in a track after a breakdown. | Context-dependent. Marketing: "new drop" = new release. Production: "the drop hits hard" = peak energy. | keep EN |
| Demo | An unreleased track sent to labels, promoters, or A&Rs for evaluation. | MavelPoint supports demo submissions as a feature. Not publicly listed. | keep EN / Maqueta |
| Promo | A track sent to DJs and media ahead of its official release date for early play and review. | Labels send promos 4-8 weeks before release. DJs build hype by playing unreleased promos. | keep EN |
Career and Bookings
Terminology around gigs, booking processes, fees, and the professional materials artists use to get work.
Gigs and Booking Roles
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gig | A paid performance at a club, festival, or event. The standard UI term on MavelPoint. | UI: "gig." API: event. Always "gig" in marketing and artist-facing copy. | Bolo (ES) / Fecha (LatAm) |
| Booking | The confirmed engagement of an artist for a gig, including agreed fee and terms. | The process and the result. "She got a booking" = confirmed gig. API: booking. | Reserva / Contratacion |
| Residency | A recurring booking at the same venue, typically weekly or monthly over a season. | A mark of status and consistency. Shows venue trust. Listed on artist profile timelines. | Residencia |
| Lineup | The list of artists performing at an event, usually in order of appearance or billing. | Displayed on MavelPoint event pages. Hierarchy matters -- headliner is listed first or largest. | Cartel / Lineup |
| Headliner | The main act or biggest name on a lineup, typically playing the peak-time slot. | Largest name on the flyer. Highest fee. Plays the primetime slot (usually 1-3 AM in clubs). | Cabeza de cartel |
| Warm-up | The opening DJ slot, building energy gradually before the headliner. | A skill in itself. Lower BPM, less intense. Career stepping stone for emerging artists. | Apertura |
| Closing | The final DJ slot, winding down energy at the end of the night. | A respected slot. Requires reading the room and bringing the night to a satisfying end. | Cierre |
| Support | A mid-card slot between warm-up and headliner, or any non-headlining performance. | Often local DJs supporting a touring headliner. Listed on flyers in smaller type. | Soporte / Apoyo |
Fees and Business
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | The amount an artist charges for a gig. Negotiated per booking. | Confidential. Ranges from free (emerging) to six figures (headliners). Handled in booking flow. | Cache |
| Deposit | An upfront partial payment (typically 50%) to confirm a booking. | Industry standard is 50% on confirmation, 50% on the night or within 30 days. | Deposito / Senal |
| Rider | A document specifying the artist's requirements for a gig (technical and hospitality). | Attached to every confirmed booking. Two types: tech rider and hospitality rider. | keep EN / Rider |
| Tech rider | Technical requirements: equipment (CDJs, mixer model, monitors), signal flow, and stage setup. | Sent to the venue's sound engineer ahead of the gig. Critical for live and hybrid sets. | Rider tecnico |
| Hospitality rider | Non-technical requirements: travel, accommodation, food, drinks, green room provisions. | Varies by artist stature. Can range from "bottle of water" to flights and 5-star hotels. | Rider de hospitalidad |
Professional Materials
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPK | Electronic Press Kit -- a digital portfolio containing bio, photos, music, stats, and press coverage. | MavelPoint's core product is a living EPK. Replaces static PDFs and scattered links. | keep EN |
| One-sheet | A single-page summary of an artist -- the "quick glance" version of an EPK. | Often a PDF. MavelPoint generates these automatically from profile data. | keep EN |
| Biog | Short for "biography" -- the artist's written bio, typically in third person, 150-300 words. | Part of the EPK. Industry convention uses "biog" (not "bio") in professional contexts. | Biografia |
| Press kit | A collection of press-ready assets: high-res photos, logo, biog, and key quotes or press clippings. | Broader than an EPK -- includes downloadable assets for media use. Part of MavelPoint profiles. | Kit de prensa |
The Event
Types of events, venue terminology, and the physical spaces where electronic music happens.
Event Types
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Any organized occasion where DJs or producers perform. The API-level term for a gig. | API: event. UI: prefer "gig" when addressing artists, "event" for industry professionals. | Evento |
| Club night | A regular event series at a specific venue, often with a brand name and resident DJs. | Example: "Circoloco" at DC10, Ibiza. The brand outlives any single event. | Sesion / Noche de club |
| Festival | A large-scale, multi-artist event, usually outdoors, spanning one or more days. | Multiple stages, higher production, larger lineups. Key career milestone for artists. | Festival |
| Rave | An underground or semi-legal dance event, often in unconventional locations (warehouses, forests). | Carries cultural significance. Can be legal or illegal. More grassroots than club nights. | Rave |
| Afterparty | A smaller event that follows a main event, typically running from late night into the morning. | Often more intimate. Can be official (promoted) or unofficial. Different venue from main event. | After / Afterparty |
Venue and Space
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | The physical location where an event takes place -- a club, warehouse, festival ground, or bar. | API entity: venue. MavelPoint has venue profiles with maps, capacity, and event history. | Sala / Venue |
| The booth | The DJ performance area, containing decks, mixer, and monitors. The artist's workspace during a set. | Sacred space. Only the performing DJ and crew should be in the booth. | La cabina |
| The decks | The DJ equipment -- turntables or CDJ players used to play and mix tracks. | "On the decks" = currently performing. "Behind the decks" = in the booth playing. | Los platos |
| Dancefloor | The area where the audience dances. The focal point of any club or event space. | One word in scene usage (not "dance floor"). The energy of the dancefloor drives the DJ's set. | Pista |
| Green room | The backstage area where artists wait before and after their set. | Part of the hospitality rider. Quality varies wildly from venue to venue. | Camerino |
| Sound system | The full audio setup: speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, and processing equipment. | Defines a venue's reputation. Funktion-One, Void, Pioneer are common brands. Critical detail for artists. | Sistema de sonido |
Event Operations
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage times | The scheduled start and end time for each artist's set during an event. | Shared with artists in advance. Displayed on MavelPoint event pages for attendees. | Horarios |
| Curfew | The mandatory time by which music must stop, set by the venue license or local law. | Hard constraint on event planning. Varies by city and venue. Missing curfew = fines/license loss. | Toque de queda / Hora limite |
| Load-in | The scheduled time for equipment and crew to arrive and set up before the event. | Relevant for live acts with hardware. DJs typically just need to show up before their slot. | Montaje / Carga |
| Soundcheck | A pre-event session to test and calibrate the sound system for the performing artist. | Essential for live acts. DJs rarely soundcheck unless they have specific monitoring needs. | Prueba de sonido |
Production and Studio
Technical terminology for music creation, from software tools to production workflows.
Studio Terms
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAW | Digital Audio Workstation -- the software used to produce music (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio). | The producer's primary tool. Ableton Live dominates electronic music production. | keep EN |
| BPM | Beats Per Minute -- the tempo of a track. Defines genre boundaries and mixing compatibility. | House: 120-130. Techno: 125-145. DnB: 170-180. Displayed on track metadata in MavelPoint. | keep EN |
| Stem | An isolated audio component of a track (e.g., drums only, bass only, vocals only). | Used for remixes (label sends stems to remixer) and live performances (stem-based mixing). | keep EN |
| Sample | A short audio recording used as a building block in a new track. | Can be original (recorded) or sourced from sample packs. Clearing samples is a legal concern. | keep EN / Muestra |
| Plugin / VST | Software instruments and effects used within a DAW to generate or process sound. | VST is the technical standard. "Plugin" is the common term. Synths, effects, mastering tools. | keep EN |
| Mixdown | The process of combining all individual tracks/stems into a stereo audio file. | The step before mastering. Balances levels, EQ, effects, and spatial positioning. | Mezcla |
| Master | The final stage of audio processing: optimizing loudness, clarity, and format for distribution. | Done by a mastering engineer. The last step before a track is sent for distribution. | Master / Masterizacion |
| Collab | A collaboration between two or more artists on a track or release. | Common in electronic music. MavelPoint supports collab credits and linked profiles. | Colaboracion |
Industry and Business
The business side of electronic music -- labels, distribution, royalties, and the people who run the industry.
Labels and Distribution
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| A&R | Artists and Repertoire -- the person at a label responsible for scouting talent and curating releases. | A&Rs evaluate demos and EPKs. A key audience for MavelPoint profiles. | keep EN |
| Label | A record label that signs, produces, and distributes music. Ranges from bedroom labels to majors. | API entity: label. MavelPoint supports label profiles with rosters and catalogs. | Sello |
| Roster | The list of artists signed to or represented by an agency or label. | Agencies display their roster publicly. A large roster signals industry reach. | Roster / Plantilla |
| Distribution | The process of getting music onto stores and streaming platforms (Beatport, Spotify, Apple Music). | Done via distributors (DistroKid, Label Worx, Horus). Labels handle this for signed artists. | Distribucion |
| Royalties | Ongoing payments earned from music sales, streams, and licensing. | Split between artist, label, and any collaborators. Governed by the release contract. | Regalias |
| Splits | The percentage breakdown of royalties among collaborators on a track. | Must be agreed before release. Common: 50/50 for two producers, or label takes 15-30%. | Reparticion |
| Sync | Synchronization licensing -- placing music in film, TV, ads, or games. NOT "synchronize" in MavelPoint context. | A revenue stream. "Got a sync" = track was licensed for media. Growing income source for artists. | Sincronizacion |
| Catalog | The complete body of released music by an artist or on a label. | A label's catalog is its primary asset. Artists build catalog value over time. | Catalogo |
Key Platforms
The external platforms that define the electronic music ecosystem and connect to MavelPoint.
Beatport
The leading digital store for electronic music. DJ-oriented, sells individual tracks and stems. Chart positions on Beatport are a key credibility signal for artists and labels.
MavelPoint integrates Beatport chart data on artist profiles.
Resident Advisor
The primary editorial and listings platform for electronic music. Event listings, artist profiles, reviews, and the annual DJ poll. Known as "RA" in the scene.
RA links and rankings are displayed on MavelPoint EPKs.
SoundCloud
Audio streaming platform popular for DJ mixes, unreleased tracks, and emerging artist discovery. Play counts and reposts are social proof metrics.
MavelPoint pulls SoundCloud stats and embeds mixes on profiles.
Bandcamp
Artist-direct sales platform where fans buy music (digital and physical) with the artist keeping the majority of revenue. Popular with independent labels.
Bandcamp links are included in artist EPK release sections.
Mixcloud
Streaming platform specifically designed for DJ mixes and radio shows. Legally licensed so DJs can upload full mixes without copyright issues.
MavelPoint supports Mixcloud embeds on artist profiles.
Genre Taxonomy
The classification system for electronic music genres and subgenres used across MavelPoint.
Broad Genres
Top-level genre categories used for artist profiles, event tagging, and search filtering on MavelPoint.
House Subgenres
| Subgenre | BPM Range | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Deep House | 118-125 | Warm, lush chords, soulful vocals, mellow grooves. Smooth and atmospheric. |
| Tech House | 122-130 | Merges house grooves with techno's drive. Percussion-heavy, rolling basslines. |
| Progressive House | 120-128 | Long builds, layered melodies, epic breakdowns. Journey-like song structures. |
| Afro House | 120-128 | Organic percussion, African rhythms, tribal vocals. Rich polyrhythmic patterns. |
| Minimal House | 120-128 | Stripped-back, repetitive, hypnotic. Few elements, maximum groove. |
| Acid House | 120-130 | Defined by the squelchy Roland TB-303 bassline. Raw, psychedelic, euphoric. |
| Soulful House | 118-125 | Gospel and soul influences, strong vocals, uplifting and emotional. |
| Jackin House | 124-130 | Funky, sample-heavy, choppy edits. High-energy dancefloor music. |
Techno Subgenres
| Subgenre | BPM Range | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Melodic Techno | 125-135 | Emotional melodies over driving beats. Cinematic, atmospheric, crowd-pleasing. |
| Hard Techno | 140-155 | Aggressive, fast, relentless. Industrial textures, distorted kicks, intense energy. |
| Minimal Techno | 125-135 | Stripped-down, repetitive, percussive. Subtle variations over long passages. |
| Industrial Techno | 130-145 | Dark, metallic, mechanical. Noise elements, dystopian atmosphere. |
| Detroit Techno | 125-135 | The original sound. Futuristic, soulful, machine-driven. Rooted in Belleville Three legacy. |
| Dub Techno | 120-130 | Spacious, reverb-drenched, echo-heavy. Meditative, deep, and immersive. |
| Acid Techno | 130-145 | TB-303 squelch meets techno's relentless drive. Hypnotic, raw, psychedelic. |
Trance Subgenres
| Subgenre | BPM Range | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Trance | 128-136 | Melodic, building, layered. Long progressive structures with emotional peaks. |
| Psytrance | 138-150 | Psychedelic, complex, fast. Rapid-fire basslines, hallucinatory textures, trippy FX. |
| Uplifting Trance | 136-142 | Euphoric, anthemic, big breakdowns. Soaring synth leads and hands-in-the-air moments. |
| Tech Trance | 135-142 | Trance melodies with techno's edge. Driving, techy, high-energy. |
Drum & Bass Subgenres
| Subgenre | BPM Range | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid DnB | 170-178 | Melodic, smooth, soulful. Musical basslines, lush pads, emotional vocals. |
| Neurofunk | 172-180 | Technical, complex, heavy. Intricate sound design, aggressive bass, clinical precision. |
| Jump Up | 170-178 | Energetic, bouncy, crowd-focused. Simple but effective basslines, party-oriented. |
| Jungle | 160-175 | The precursor to DnB. Chopped breakbeats, heavy bass, ragga and dancehall influences. |
How Bookings Work
The 7-step booking workflow from initial discovery to final settlement.
Booking Workflow
The standard industry process for booking an artist. MavelPoint facilitates steps 1-4 and tracks the full lifecycle.
Discovery
Promoter finds the artist via MavelPoint profiles, Resident Advisor, social media, word of mouth, or hearing them at another event. The EPK is the first impression.
Inquiry
Promoter reaches out to the artist or their agent with event details: date, venue, slot, and budget range. First contact is usually via email or DM.
Negotiation
Fee, travel, accommodation, rider requirements, and billing position are negotiated. Agents handle this for represented artists. Can take days to weeks.
Confirmation
Both parties agree to terms. A contract is signed and a 50% deposit is paid to lock in the date. The booking is now official and can be announced.
Advance Prep
Tech rider is sent to the venue. Travel and accommodation are booked. The event is promoted with the artist on the lineup. Promo assets are exchanged.
Performance
The artist arrives, checks the booth and equipment, and plays their set. Hospitality rider provisions are fulfilled. The gig happens.
Settlement
The remaining 50% of the fee is paid (on the night or within 30 days). Expenses are reconciled. The booking is complete and logged in the artist's history.
How Releases Work
The 8-step release workflow from production to chart performance.
Release Workflow
The standard lifecycle of a music release in electronic music, from the studio to the charts.
Production
The artist produces the track(s) in their DAW. Includes writing, arrangement, sound design, mixdown, and initial quality checks. Can take days to months.
A&R / Pitching
The artist sends demos to labels for consideration. A&Rs evaluate the music based on quality, fit with the label's sound, and the artist's profile.
Signing
The label accepts the release. A contract is signed specifying royalty splits, rights, exclusivity terms, and the release timeline.
Mastering
The final mixdown is sent to a mastering engineer for loudness optimization, tonal balance, and format preparation. The last technical step.
Promo Period
4-8 weeks before release. Promos are sent to DJs and media. Premieres are arranged with blogs or YouTube channels. Social media teasers build anticipation.
Release
The track goes live on Beatport, Spotify, and other platforms. Social media pushes, artist reposts, and label promotion drive first-day sales and streams.
Support
Other DJs play the track in their sets and chart it. DJ support is the primary growth driver in electronic music. More support = higher chart positions.
Chart Performance
Sales and streams determine chart positions on Beatport, Traxsource, and other stores. A Top 10 Beatport chart position is a significant career achievement.
How EPKs Are Used
Different industry stakeholders evaluate EPKs for different reasons. Understanding these perspectives drives MavelPoint's profile design.
Promoter / Event Organizer
Evaluating whether to book the artist for their event.
- • Genre fit -- Does the artist's sound match the event's vibe?
- • Following -- Will the artist draw a crowd? Social stats, play counts.
- • Fee range -- Is the artist within budget?
- • Availability -- Is the artist free on the event date?
Booking Agent
Deciding whether to add the artist to their roster.
- • Career trajectory -- Is the artist growing? Upward trends in gigs and releases.
- • Professionalism -- Is the EPK complete, well-organized, and up to date?
- • Market gaps -- Does the artist fill a niche not already on the roster?
Label A&R
Evaluating the artist for a potential release.
- • Music quality -- Does the production meet the label's standard?
- • Stats -- SoundCloud plays, Beatport chart history, Spotify streams.
- • Press -- Has the artist been featured in RA, DJ Mag, Mixmag, or blogs?
Media / Press
Writing a feature, review, or interview piece.
- • Bio -- A well-written third-person biography, ready to copy-paste.
- • Photos -- High-res, press-ready images with proper credits.
- • Quotes -- Pull quotes or notable press mentions for editorial use.
Festival Buyer
Curating a multi-stage festival lineup with diverse programming needs.
- • Draw -- Can the artist fill a stage? Name recognition, social proof, ticket-driving potential.
- • Uniqueness -- Does the artist offer something different from others on the lineup?
- • Stage fit -- Which stage (main, underground, ambient) does the artist belong on?
Local Circuit
Terminology for MavelPoint's community-powered feature connecting local promoters with emerging artists through voting-based editions.
Core Terms
| Term | Definition | Context | ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Circuit | MavelPoint feature that connects local promoters with emerging artists and their communities through voting-based editions. | All contexts | keep EN |
| Edition | A time-limited competition created by a promoter where local artists register and their community votes to support them. | All contexts | Edición |
| Voter | A community member who votes for an artist in a Local Circuit edition. Not necessarily a MavelPoint user before visiting. | All contexts | Votante |
| Community Vote | The public voting mechanism in Local Circuit where fans support their favorite local artist. | All contexts | Voto de la comunidad |
| Lineup Winner | The artist who wins a Local Circuit edition and gets added to the promoter's next event lineup. | All contexts | Ganador/a del cartel |
| Promoter Feedback | Rating or review a promoter gives about an artist's performance after a Local Circuit win, visible to other promoters. | Future feature | Feedback del promotor |
| Local Artist Network | The cross-city network of local artists that emerges as promoters from different cities discover talent through Local Circuit. | Future feature | Red de artistas locales |
How Local Circuit Works
The step-by-step process from edition creation to winner selection and future cross-city expansion.
The Local Circuit Process
Promoter Setup
Promoter registers on MavelPoint, adds information about clubs or brands they operate, and creates a Local Circuit edition.
Artist Registration
Artists create their MavelPoint profile, go to the Local Circuit section in their admin panel, browse active editions, and register.
Community Mobilization
Registered artists share the edition with their community, asking fans to vote for them via social media, messaging apps, and word of mouth.
Public Voting
Community members visit the MavelPoint web page, open the Local Circuit edition, and vote for their favorite artist.
Winner Selection
Once voting closes, the promoter reviews results and adds the winner to the lineup of their next event.
Data Collection
Throughout the process, the promoter has access to all participant data — both artists and voters.
Future Expansion
Cross-City Connections
Promoters will be able to interact and connect with local artists from other cities who have good promoter feedback.
Local Artist Network
Creates a cross-city network allowing promoters to follow artist progress not only in their city but in nearby cities as well.
Scene Bridge
Builds a bridge between local scenes, connecting promoters, artists, and their communities across regions.