Music Distribution: A Guide for Independent Artists
As an independent artist, getting your music out to the world can be a daunting task. Thankfully, the rise of digital music distribution has made it easier than ever to reach fans all around the globe. In this guide, we’ll explore what music distribution is, how it works, and the different options available to independent artists.
What is music distribution?
Music distribution is the process of getting your music onto digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. It involves uploading your music to a distribution service, which then distributes it to various streaming and download platforms. Music distribution allows artists to reach a wider audience and earn revenue from their music.
How does music distribution work?
Music distribution works by utilizing digital platforms to distribute an artist’s music. An artist can upload their music to a distribution service, which then sends it to various streaming and download platforms. When someone streams or downloads the artist’s music, the distribution service collects revenue on behalf of the artist and pays it out according to their payment terms.
Different options for music distribution:
- Digital music distributors:
Digital music distributors such as MREC Entertainment, DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby allow artists to upload their music to their platforms and distribute it to various streaming and download platforms for a fee. These platforms offer various features such as royalty collection, analytics, and promotional tools. Some distributors charge a flat fee per release, while others charge an annual fee.
- Record labels:
Record labels like us (MREC Entertainment) traditionally have been the primary avenue for music distribution. However, with the rise of digital music distribution, independent artists now have more options to distribute their music without the need for a record label. That being said, signing with a record label can still offer advantages such as marketing and promotional support.
- Self-distribution:
Self-distribution involves an artist directly uploading their music to various platforms such as Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and YouTube. While self-distribution offers complete control over an artist’s music, it can be time-consuming and may not offer the same level of exposure as using a digital music distributor.
Conclusion:
In summary, music distribution is an essential part of an independent artist’s career. By utilizing digital platforms and music distribution services, artists can reach a wider audience and earn revenue from their music. It’s important to research and compare different options to find the one that suits your needs and goals. With the right distribution strategy, independent artists can take their music career to the next level.