Indie Musician’s Guide To Digital Music Distribution 101
Indie Musicians have never had so good. In the past, only record labels signed artists and sold their music via bricks and mortar stores. Now, digital music distribution is available to all indie artists.
In 2017, digital streams claimed 54% of the overall music revenue. It’s the best way to promote music online, build or grow a fan base and increase sales globally. Smart distribution gets your music to as many listeners as possible.
How music distribution works
Music distribution is the link between musicians, songwriters and future fans. But what’s that mean?
Independent artists can’t upload directly to Apple music, Spotify or Google Play but can be published through a music distribution service or aggregator.
The advantages
· Music distributors have a relationship with the big streaming platforms.
· Music aggregators know the submission guidelines for each platform and they have an automated process to ensure a fast turnaround from initial contact to upload.
· Fees and charges and the % of royalties returned to the artist. For a small outlay, you can get your music online.
· Some offer extra services to help sell your music online including: PR packages, vinyl manufacture, insurance, synching and licensing opportunities, playlist plugging and tech support.
· An independent music distributor as a virtual record shop. Once your music is played, streamed or downloaded, the distributor pays a % royalty depending on which platform streams your music and the countries or territories it’s played in.
Which Music Distributor Do I Choose?
There are plenty of music distribution companies online
CD Baby
Reverbnation
Ditto Music
Tunecore
Regardless of who you choose, keeping the rights and 100% of your royalties is key. Research each music distributors fee structure and carefully check their terms and conditions. How they compare on
· album streams
· album fees
· Upload fees
· Commission
· Barcode charges
· YouTube Monetization
· Sync Opportunities
· Chart Registration
· iTunes preorder
· New Store fees
Some claim they don’t take a fee but look for hidden costs.
Be smart
Search the music distribution companies that cater to your listeners. Search for sites where your fans hang out and let the distributor know. Budget for promotions and be clear about your goals and your audience.
Be strategic
Signing on with an independent music distributor is a professional partnership.
Create a strong presence on social media. The distributor’s marketing plan includes you -how you put yourself and your message out onto YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and of course, your own webpage. Use socials to preview new music, showcase past songs, upload jam sessions, touring clips and anything that engages with your fans.