What is FATdrop?

A fast, secure and easy to use system for record labels to promote their pre-release music digitally via their email lists. For a brief run-down see the front page.

How does it work?

We create customised email and promo templates in keeping with the style of your label and set up a new account for you on the system. You can then use the control panel to build and maintain your email lists and create professional online promos of your music to send to your lists. The report tools let you track who has listened to your promos, who's downloaded them and what feedback has been left about them.

Is it secure? I'm worried about people sharing our pre-release music.

Each promo sent through the FATdrop system contains a unique ID number which is needed to unlock the promo. If someone on your list shares their link, you will be able to see it in the reports and decide what, if anything, you want to do about it. It may be a case of contacting them directly to ask them not to share your music or you may even decide to take them off your list.

Do you allow labels to send out spam emails?

Absolutely not. We operate a strict anti-spam policy. All emails sent through our system are sent to addresses that have opted in to be on a certain mailing list. They may also be addresses that have had dealings with the label in the last two years. If you no longer wish to be subscribed to a particular list, you can click the unsubscribe link found in any FATdrop email. Alternatively you can report spam to us and we will make sure you are taken off the list while we investigate the matter.

Will you use my email address for any other purposes?

No. Email addresses collected by labels will not be used by FATdrop for any other reasons than to send email regarding that label and your email address will not be passed on to any third parties. For more info, see our privacy policy.

How much does it cost?

Please contact us for pricing of the FATdrop service.

How do I activate the downloads (if there are any) in my FATdrop promo?

Downloads are activated by leaving feedback for the promo. Say as much or as little as you want but bear in mind that the labels appreciate the feedback. Once you've reacted, the download links to the right of the tracklist will become active. If the download links remain grey, it means the tracks are for streaming only and you will not be able to download them.

Can I leave feedback more than once?

Yes. If you have something else to say, perhaps after you've listened to your downloads or played them on another system, feel free to revisit the promo and leave more feedback.

I'm using Internet Explorer to view a FATdrop promo. When I click on the activated download links nothing happens.

Have you checked your browser is not blocking pop ups? If it is you will see the following message in the bottom left of the IE browser window: "Popups were blocked on this page. Press and HOLD the "CTRL" key while clicking to allow popup." Doing as it says will enable you to activate the downloads correctly.

Will FATdrop work on my operating system and software?

FATdrop has been tested on all of the common browsers and email clients, on both PCs and Macs. If you are having trouble with your setup, please let us know.

I've deleted the email I was sent. Can I still hear the promo?

No. Not if you have deleted the FATdrop promo email you were sent, or if the campaign has been deactivated. Please email the label concerned directly for a resend.

A label has sent me a FATdrop promo but I haven't received anything?

Firstly check your junk/spam folder and remove the campaign email if it's in there. Then add the delivery address delivery@fatdrop.co.uk to your address book/safe list to avoid this problem reoccurring. If there is nothing in your spam filter, the email may be being blocked by your network. If this isn't the case, please contact us and we will check the status of the email.

My FATdrop promo is in plain text, but I've seen others with lots of pretty graphics... Why?

Your email client is set to view email as plain text, and not html. All FATdrop emails display correctly in both plain text & html. If you wish to change the way emails are viewed, consult the help file for your mail client.

What kind of system does FATdrop run on?

FATdrop is held on a dual-core Xeon LV dedicated server with a 100Mb/s connection to the third fastest network in the world, second fastest in Europe, and fastest in the UK. (as rated by independent network testing site speedtest.net) The server also has hot swap disk bays, which means in the event of a serious hardware failure, the drives can be swapped to avoid downtime for your promos.

How do you ensure our promos get to the addresses on the list and don't get caught in spam filters?

With the amount of spamming going on, and the amount of software popping up to combat spamming, sending legitimate bulk email can be a tricky business. We do everything possible, including carefully monitoring all of the major email spam blacklists and feedback loops, to make sure your promos get to all the people on your list.

Do you offer technical support?

Yes of course. Full technical support is available via email. We are also happy to talk to new customers through the system by telephone if they wish, and generally help out however we can.

Can't find the answer to your question?

Feel free to contact us if you need any more info on the FATdrop service.