AWA
Yes — LabelGrid delivers your releases to AWA. Distribution is included on every distribution plan, for record labels, distributors, and independent artists alike.
AWA AT A GLANCE
- Typical go-live: timing varies by platform — submit at least 2 weeks ahead of your release date.
- Delivery: AWA ingests releases through standard distribution — ISRC per recording, UPC per release, plus ISWC (composition) and ISNI (artist) where available.
- Lossless, Hi-Res & Dolby Atmos: verify current AWA support — AWA does not publish audio-format specs; deliver a standard master.
- Territory: Japan.
- Discovery: user-made and editorial playlists, a listener comment function, and the LYRIC DIVE lyrics feature.
- Royalties: tracked in LabelGrid’s royalty accounting with automated splits from the Basic plan up.
DEEP DIVE
What You Should Know About AWA
Overview
AWA is a Japanese on-demand music streaming service run by AWA Co. Ltd., a joint venture of Avex and CyberAgent.
Market / Platform Focus
AWA concentrates on the Japanese market. Listeners can publish playlists that others comment on, and follow lyrics with the LYRIC DIVE feature.
Japanese Market Access
According to IFPI, Japan is the world’s second-largest recorded-music market. AWA is one of the domestic streaming services serving Japanese listeners, alongside the global platforms.
Platform Features
AWA offers user-published playlists that other listeners can comment on, along with the LYRIC DIVE lyrics feature and offline playback.
Subscription Model
AWA’s standard plan is 980 yen a month. Earnings from AWA are tracked in your LabelGrid royalty accounting.
Requirements
AWA delivery specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio formats accepted | AWA does not publish audio-format specs — deliver a standard master (verify current AWA support) |
| Lossless / Hi-Res support | Verify current AWA support |
| Spatial audio / Dolby Atmos | Verify current AWA support |
| Artwork requirements | Square (1:1), at least 3000×3000 px (LabelGrid’s upload minimum), original cover art; AWA does not publish its own artwork spec |
| Metadata required | ISRC per recording, UPC per release; ISWC (composition) and ISNI (artist) where available |
| Rights / territory clearance | Composition rights administered through the Japanese CMOs (JASRAC / NexTone) at the publishing layer |
| Territory / availability | Japan |
| Monetization model | Subscription streaming; royalties tracked in LabelGrid accounting with automated splits from the Basic plan up |
| Discovery features | User-made and editorial playlists, a listener comment function, and the LYRIC DIVE lyrics feature |
| Artist-profile linking | Verify current AWA support — manage artist presence through LabelGrid and AWA’s in-market tools |
| Typical go-live after submission | Timing varies by platform — submit at least 2 weeks ahead |
| Delivery method | Standard distribution delivery by LabelGrid |
Requirements can change — confirm current details with AWA.
LABELGRID
Delivery and timing
LabelGrid Integration
LabelGrid delivers your releases to AWA with the ISRCs, UPC and metadata you enter. Accurate metadata helps listeners find your catalog. AWA does not publish its own metadata field rules, so LabelGrid’s standard delivery specs apply.
Getting Started
Upload your releases via LabelGrid and select AWA as a destination. Our system will deliver to AWA’s servers and provide any necessary updates or takedowns.
How long until my release is live on AWA?
Timing varies by platform. LabelGrid processes and reviews your release and delivers it to AWA, which then schedules it in-market. Planning a specific release date? Submit at least 2 weeks ahead so LabelGrid can complete review and delivery before your date.
LabelGrid provides the tools you need beyond distribution: catalog management for your metadata and releases, royalty accounting with artist statements and payouts from the Basic plan up, and promotion tools including smart links and Spotify pre-saves.
WHY AWA
Playlists and promotion
Artist Benefits
Listeners can publish their own playlists, which other users can comment on.
Key Features
-
LYRIC DIVE – AWA’s lyrics feature.
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Social features – publish playlists that other users can comment on.
-
Offline playback – download songs for offline listening.
Tips and resources
Tips for Success
- Invest in professional artwork and accurate metadata
- AWA users publish and share playlists — community engagement matters
- Consider Japanese market release timing and promotional calendars
COMMON QUESTIONS