APA 7
APA 7th Edition is the most commonly used referencing style here at the University of Portsmouth. Below you will find general guidance on how to reference and cite using APA 7th Edition, as well as examples for the specific sources you are likely to use in your assignments.
Your department or lecturer may prefer you to reference sources differently from the guidance given here. Always follow the requirements of your department or lecturer.
External visitors are welcome to use this guide, but note that your institution's requirements may differ from those suggested here.
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Song by a modern recording artist
If a song has no associated album, omit that part of the reference.
If there is only one source for the song (e.g. it is only available on SoundCloud or another site), include a URL at the end of the reference.
You do not have to specify how you listened to a song, but you can include this information if you are using a particular version which may have distinct features. Add this after the word Song in square brackets, separated by a semicolon.
Reference
Recording artist. (Year of release). Title [Song]. On Album title. Record company.
Starset. (2019). Where the skies end [Song]. On Divisions . Fearless Records.
Twenty One Pilots. (2018). Chlorine [Song; Spotify]. On Trench. Fueled by Ramen LLC; Elektra Records
Waterparks. (2019). Glitter times (1997 demo) [Song]. https://soundcloud.com/waterparksofficial/glitter-times
In-text Citation
If you mention the title of the song or album it comes from in your sentence, use italics for this.
In Chlorine (Twenty One Pilots, 2018)...
Classical song or track
Use the composer as the author. Include the name of the individual or group performing on the recording in square brackets after the title.
Use the publication date for the recording, and give the original composition date in brackets at the end of the reference.
Reference
Recording artist. (Year of release). Title [Song]. On Album title. Record company. URL
Bach, J. S. (2007). Brandenburg concerto no. 3 in G major [Song recorded by European Brandenburg Ensemble]. On Six Concertos for the Margrave of Brandenburg. Avie. (Original work published 1721)
In-text Citation
If you mention the title of the album in your sentence, use italics for this.
In the recording of Brandenburg concerto no. 3 in G major, you can hear... (Bach, 2007)