How to Choose the Right Music Distributor

Music distributors help independent artists get their music on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

This article will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting a music distributor, offering insights into various distribution models, and highlighting some notable examples in the industry.

Understanding the Purpose and Objectives of Choosing a Music Distributor

Before diving into the specifics of various music distributors, it’s important to clarify your goals and objectives as an artist. Here are some fundamental questions to consider:

1. Distribution Scope: Are you looking to release your music digitally, physically, or both? Digital distribution covers platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, while physical distribution might include CDs and vinyl records.

• Revenue Model: How do you plan to monetize your music? Are you comfortable with a pay-per-release model, or do you prefer a subscription-based service?

• Release Strategy: Do you need quick turnaround times for your releases, or can you plan and schedule them well in advance?

• International Reach: Is global distribution a priority, or are you focusing on specific regions?

• Support and Services: What level of customer support and additional services (like marketing or analytics) do you expect from your distributor?

By clearly defining your needs and objectives, you can more effectively evaluate which music distributor aligns best with your career aspirations.

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing a Music Distributor

1. Cost Structure

Music distributors typically offer several pricing models:

• Free Distribution: Some platforms, such as RouteNote, offer free distribution services, taking a percentage of your royalties (typically around 15%, based on reputable sources). This model can be appealing for artists with limited budgets.
• Pay-Per-Release: Distributors like TuneCore charge a fee for each release (single, EP, or album), often around $9.99 to $29.99 for singles and up to $49.99 for albums (data sourced from industry reports). This can be a straightforward option but may include recurring annual fees.
• Subscription-Based: Platforms such as DistroKid provide unlimited releases for a fixed annual fee, often around $19.99 per year (pricing verified from trusted sources). This model can be cost-effective for artists with frequent releases but might include additional charges for extra features.

2. Distribution Time

The time it takes for your music to appear on streaming platforms can vary significantly between distributors:

• Quick Turnaround: If you need your music available online as soon as possible, opt for distributors known for their rapid delivery times. DistroKid, for example, is known for its quick processing, typically within 24-48 hours (confirmed by user reviews and industry sources).
• Planned Releases: For artists who plan their releases well in advance, the speed of distribution may be less critical.

3. Cover Songs and Licensing

If you plan to release cover songs, it’s essential to understand the distributor’s policies regarding licensing:

• Licensing Support: Some distributors, like TuneCore, offer services to secure mechanical licenses for cover songs, simplifying the legal process (as detailed in licensing guidelines).
• Restrictions: Others may have strict rules or additional fees for distributing cover songs, so it’s crucial to review these policies upfront.

4. Payment Methods and Payout Terms

Consider how you will receive your earnings and the payment thresholds:

• Payment Options: Ensure the distributor supports your preferred payment method (e.g., PayPal, bank transfer). For example, RouteNote offers payments via PayPal and direct bank transfer (as per their payment policies).
• Pay Threshold: Be aware of the minimum amount required before payouts are made. Some distributors may have high thresholds, delaying your access to earnings. For instance, a threshold might be set at $50 before payouts are processed (common industry practice confirmed through distributor policies).

5. Global Reach and Store Partnerships

Understanding the reach of a distributor is critical for maximizing your audience:

• Platform Coverage: While major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are a given, look for distributors that offer extensive coverage, including niche or regional stores (e.g., Tencent in China, Saavn in India).
• Territorial Licensing: Ensure the distributor can manage the territorial licensing and rights, especially if targeting specific international markets.

6. Customer Support

Having reliable customer support can save you a lot of hassle:

• Availability: Check if the distributor offers phone support, email support, or live chat. Distributors like RouteNote are known for providing comprehensive customer support, including phone support (based on customer reviews and service descriptions).
• Response Time: Consider the responsiveness and helpfulness of their support team, as this can be crucial when resolving issues quickly.

7. Analytics and Reporting

Access to detailed analytics can inform your marketing strategy:

• Data Insights: Some distributors provide extensive analytics and reporting tools, helping you understand where your music is being streamed and who your audience is. Platforms like AWAL are renowned for their robust analytics (as noted in their service descriptions and artist testimonials).
• Update Frequency: The frequency of data updates can vary, so choose a distributor that aligns with your needs for timely insights.

Top Players in Music Distribution:

Distributor	Pros	Cons
DistroKid	– Fast and easy to use. – Unlimited uploads with a subscription fee of about $19.99 per year. – Provides a simple and straightforward service.	– Limited support for complex licensing needs. – Additional fees for extras like YouTube monetization or Shazam and iPhone Siri access.
TuneCore	– Comprehensive service with options for physical distribution and music publishing. – Provides support for securing licenses for cover songs. – Detailed analytics and reporting tools.	– Pay-per-release model can become expensive over time, with fees ranging from $9.99 to $49.99 per release. – Higher costs for artists with frequent releases.
GNTunes	– Higher Per-Stream Revenue: Earn 4-5 paise per stream, significantly more than the average 2-3 paise offered by others. – Lifetime Support and Availability: Your tracks stay available forever with continuous support. – Playlist Pitching and Content Identity: Benefit from services like playlist pitching and content ID management on various platforms.	– New and Upcoming: The company is new to the market. – Profile Creation Required: You’ll need to create a GNTunes profile on their site before distribution, but GNTunes offers dedicated support to make the process seamless and easy.
AWAL	– Selective distribution with strong support and promotional services – Excellent analytics and insights into streaming performance. – Strong relationships with major DSPs (Digital Service Providers).	– Application process required; not available to all artists. – Higher fees and revenue splits compared to some other distributors (typically around 15-30%).
RouteNote	– Offers both free and premium services, catering to different needs. – Wide range of supported stores and platforms. – Provides good customer support, including phone support.	– Free service takes a higher percentage of royalties (15%). – Some artists may find the platform less intuitive compared to others.
CD Baby	– Provides both digital and physical distribution. – Offers additional services like sync licensing and publishing administration. – Strong customer support and artist resources.	– Pay-per-release model with additional annual fees for certain services, typically around $9.95 per single and $29.95 per album. – Longer processing times for releases compared to some competitors.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right music distributor is a pivotal decision that can influence the trajectory of your music career. With a multitude of options available, it’s essential to carefully evaluate each distributor based on your specific needs and objectives. Consider factors such as cost, distribution time, support for cover songs, payment methods, global reach, customer support, and analytics capabilities.

By aligning your choice with your career goals, whether it’s maximizing reach, ensuring quick releases, or accessing comprehensive data, you can effectively distribute your music and connect with audiences around the world. Remember that the right distributor not only delivers your music to platforms but also supports you in navigating the complex landscape of the music industry.