Contacting Bleep

You can contact Bleep via our online support form or by emailing support@bleep.com

Getting Your Music on Bleep

Bleep deals with artists, labels and distributors and we are always looking for the best new music, wherever and whoever it's coming from. We are not genre specific and will sell both digital and physical products but for us to take on your music we need to like it and think it will appeal to our customers.

Contact us by emailing newlabels@bleep.com letting us know about your music and send any links to music for us to listen. Please do not send us MP3 files as attachments. If you have already sent us music please be advised that we receive a huge amount of submissions so it may take us some time to get back to you. We will be in touch if we feel that your music would fit in the Bleep catalogue.

How We Choose What to Stock

We are picky about the music that we stock, but we also sometimes cannot get hold of things. This can be for many reasons, however – sometimes we just miss a trick! If you have any recommendations please let us know.

The File Types You Can Download: MP3, WAV and FLAC

MP3

Bleep MP3s are very high quality, encoded to using the LAME codec (program), widely acknowledged as the best MP3 encoder available.

Files added to Bleep SINCE JANUARY 2006 are encoded at the maximum possible quality of 320 Kbps Bitrate. Some files added to Bleep PRIOR TO JANUARY 2006 are encoded using Variable BitRate (VBR) encoding. This means that the bitrate changes during the file, saving space where the maximum encoding level is not required. We have been working to upgrade the whole catalogue and have completed nearly all of them now. If you receive a file that is less than 320kbps and are not happy, we will upgrade it for you.

WAV

WAV files are uncompressed lossless files. This is the same quality as on a CD.

FLAC

Bleep only sells 16-bit FLAC files.

FLAC files are the same quality as WAV files however they are compressed, so are a smaller file size. FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec and is an open source format. For more information about this visit: Sourceforge.

Please note iTunes DOES NOT support the playback of FLAC files. There are extensions to iTunes that allow the playback of FLAC files. and lots of other media players available that support this file format. For example VLC.

24-bit WAV

Selected titles on the store are available in 24-bit WAV.

The 24-bit master is produced in the mastering of the release and is the highest quality we can provide. We do not do any encoding or compressing of these WAV files.

We get these files from various sources; labels, artists, and distributors, this means there are varying sampling rates. We always offer the highest bit rate we can get hold of.

There is a lot written about sampling rates and which is best, it is always important to remember that: the sampling rate can only be as high as the original recording, and the difference may not be discernible on all stereos, speakers, and human ear.

Please be aware the file size is considerably larger than the 16-bit version and there will be compatibility issues with some music players. 24-bit WAV files will not play and may cause problems with earlier generation iPods and some other MP3 and media players. There is no tagging on WAV files so all track information is indicated using the file name.

We offer the chance to download any lower or equivalent quality formats once a 24-bit format is purchased.

Regional Restrictions for Digital Music

Due to licensing restrictions we are unable to sell some releases in some countries. We are expanding the range of what we can sell all the time.

Digital Rights Management

Digital Rights Management (DRM) are methods used to stop unauthorised usage or copying of media files. Bleep music files have no DRM or copy protection built in – we strongly believe that people should be treated as customers and not potential criminals.

Downloading from Bleep

How Do I Download My Releases?

To view your music purchases, go to the Music section of your account. To download, click on the download button for each release (and format) you wish to download, then click the big download button that appears at the top of the page to download a ZIP containing all the selected releases. The download will then start in a pop-up window.

If you wish to download individual tracks, select Track View and click the download button for each track you wish to download. Again, you can select one or more, and then download all tracks as a ZIP by clicking the big download button.

Please note some time-sensitive releases may no longer be available for download.

Video purchases can be found and downloaded in the Video section of your account.

Which Devices Can I Download to?

The Bleep download service should download to all computers. Mobiles and tablets running the Android platform should work running Firefox. Downloading to Apple mobiles and tablets is not possible. Please just download to a computer and transfer.

Download Codes

If you have received a code to redeem a download on Bleep go to the URL printed on the card and follow the instructions there. Please note we require you to register to download any music as this allows us to save and archive of download links for you in case you need them in future. Once you log in and enter your code the product will appear in your cart with a value of 0. You can them check out and access your download. You will not have to enter any payment details. If your code is invalid, double check that there is no confusion between similar looking characters such and O and zero etc. If this does not help get in contact and send us your code for us to assist.

Download Problems

Slow Download Speeds

If are experiencing slow downloads, cancel it and restart from the Downloads section of your account. If on restarting it is not faster please let us know by emailing support@bleep.com.

I Have a Glitch in My Download

If you find a glitch or sonic artefact in your download please let us know immediately. We need to replace it as soon as possible. Please get in contact through the support system or email: support@bleep.com Please remember to let us know what release and track you have a problem with and ideally where in the track it is (in minutes and seconds).

Purchasing on Bleep

Quantity Restrictions

Sometimes products are so limited that we feel it is appropriate to restrict the number of them that customers can buy. Our aim here is to let as many people as possible get their hands on copies.

We particularly feel it is unfair if people are buying multiple copies to sell on. We would rather see it in the hands of a music lover who will enjoy it, than an eBay-er out to make a profit.

What Size Are Your T-shirts?

All our t-shirt designs are printed on American Apparel shirts unless otherwise specified. For a size and fit information please view the American Apparel sizing guide.

Shipping & Returns

All orders are shipped from the UK unless otherwise stated. Mail-order items are generally dispatched the next working day or the Thursday/Friday before release date if a pre-order. We do not ship on UK public holidays, orders made on a public holiday will be dispatched the next working day.

Packaging

We pay great attention to the way that orders are packed, and we try our best to get your orders to you in mint condition. We employ a dedicated team of packing staff who pack orders securely and tidily in specially made recycled cardboard cruciform. If your order arrives in an unsatisfactory condition, please get straight in touch.

Often due to items being on pre-order or due UK Post Office weight limits, we sometimes split larger orders into separate packages. Often they will arrive simultaneously, but sometimes the second package will arrive a few days later. If the order is split in this way, we mark the package Parcel 1 of 2 upwards to show that the order has been split. We will also include a note explaining this in the package.

Returns

We offer a returns policy on all physical items returned in re-saleable condition within 14 days. Contact us through our support system or email support@bleep.com.

Our staff will provide you with a Returns Authorisation to print out and return with your item, they will also advise how to return it to us. Please do not return items to us without contacting first, or we will not be able to trace where it has come from on arrival to us!

Please note we cannot accept returns of download products.

Damages

We will do our best to replace any faulty item free of charge. Get in contact explaining what the problem is and we will promptly get back to you. We may require you to return the faulty item(s) or send us other evidence of the issue. You will be reimbursed for any return postage. Please do not return faulty items to us without contacting us first.

Pre-orders

As soon as we get information about forthcoming releases we make them available to pre-order. We ship preorders as soon as we are able. This is generally the Friday before release date, but for accurate information check specific release pages.

Release dates sometimes change, often due to issues with manufacturing or distribution. If we receive notification from distributors or labels that this has happened, we will keep you updated.

Payment is taken for pre-orders immediately, but you are welcome to cancel your pre-order at any time before it ships. Contact support@bleep.com to arrange this.

Bleep Podcasts

There are lots of ways to listen to the Bleep podcasts online and to download them to you computer to listen to on your media player or MP3 player. This page provides instructions on how to do all of these.

You can also download each file direct from the podcast page.

Subscribing to the Podcast Using iTunes

Using iTunes you can subscribe to the podcast.

Open in iTunes or follow these steps:

1. Open iTunes
2. Go to the iTunes Store (top right)
3. Search for bleep.com
4. Click on Bleep Podcast from the list of Podcasts
5. Click Subscribe

Download or Stream from SoundCloud

SoundCloud can be used to both download and stream Bleep Podcasts.

Subscribing Via RSS

You can subscribe using the any RSS reader including:

1. Browsers such as Firefox and Safari
2. Websites like Google Reader
3. Or a desktop RSS reader

Subscribe using the feed: feed://podcast.bleep.com/weekly_podcast.xml

Postage Prices

We try to price our postage as cheap as we can and are always looking to find new ways to make it cheaper.

You postage will be calculated based upon the region you are in and the weight of the goods.

Please consider these prices a guide. Some items require additional postage coverage or packing that leads to a higher cost. To check the postage for a specific item you can use the postage estimator in the cart.

Delivery Times

UK

1st Class Royal Mail or appropriate courier company for large / heavier items. Expected delivery time 2–7 days.

USA

International Air Mail or appropriate courier company for large / heavier items. Expected delivery time 7–28 days.

Europe

International Air Mail or appropriate courier company for large / heavier items. Expected delivery time 7–28 days.

Rest of World

International Air Mail or appropriate courier company for large / heavier items. Expected delivery time 7 days–6 weeks. Heavier packages will be sent using a ParcelForce or DHL service, these usually arrive within 48 hours of dispatch, anywhere in the world.

UK Delivery (£)

Free shipping on orders over £75, excluding downloads and pre-orders. We have recently raised this from £50 to £75 but now offer more competitive rates when purchasing single items. This should help customers who regularly purchase pre-orders from us.

Postage Outside UK

We will calculate the postage price for your order by charging full price for the item that is most expensive to ship and then charging all other items at the lower price. Preorders are always shipped separately and so are all charged at full price.

Delivery to Europe (€)

Delivery to USA and ROW ($)

Please consider these prices a guide. Some items require additional postage coverage or packing that leads to a higher cost.

International Signed For Service

We offer customers outside the UK the option of having their package sent via an International Signed For service. This requires a signature on delivery.

Please note there are some countries where the local postal provider cannot offer this service. If you doubt that this is possible in your country please check with your local provider.

When selecting shipping options we offer you the choice of services for each package we expect to send out. As pre-orders are shipped separate you must select a shipping option per pre-order. You can select a different service for each pre-order.

Premium / Fedex Shipping

For packages leaving the UK we offer the option of having your package shipped via Fedex. This has the advantage of speedier shipping times and fully tracked service. Fedex acts as carrier for the package through the whole shipment.

When selecting shipping options we offer you the choice of services for each package we expect to send out. As pre-orders are shipped separate you must select a shipping option per pre-order. You can select a different service for each pre-order.

Shipping Times

Europe: 1–2 Days
USA: 1–2 Days
Rest of World: 2–3 Days

In some cases we may chose to use a different shipping partner for your package. If we do this it will be an equivalent tracked, signed for service.