It’s 2024, and independent musicians are discovering more possibilities than ever to release their music without the support of a major label in the constantly changing music industry. Music distribution has become more accessible thanks to the digital era, which has given artists the means to share their work with a worldwide audience. Even I have distributed 10 singles and even collaborated with musicians from around the world for my singles. There’s just so much possible in the current digital world. In this article, I will try to help you every step of the way when it comes to self-distributing your music; from picking the best platform to expanding your audience.
The Rise of Independent Music Distribution
The traditional music industry model, dominated by record labels, has long been the gatekeeper for artists aspiring to share their music with the world. However, with the advent of digital platforms and streaming services, the playing field has leveled. Artists no longer need to sign with a major label to get their music heard. Independent distribution has become a viable and often preferable option, offering artists more control over their music and the potential for higher earnings.
Step 1: Prepare Your Music for Distribution
Before you can distribute your music, it’s essential to ensure that your tracks are professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered. You don’t have to go to a studio and spend thousands of dollars. Instead, with a fraction of that budget, you could set up a small home studio that allows you to record quality songs. You can check out our article on how to setup a home recording studio here. And you can, of course, get in touch with mixing engineers online through portals like Procollabs and Kompoz nowadays. And yes, then there’s AI. You can check out how AI can help in producing high-quality music. Once your music is ready, you’ll need to gather all the necessary metadata, including:
- ISRC Codes: These codes, known as International Standard Recording Codes are unique to each track and they help in identifying your tracks. They are essential for tracking sales and streams and are required by most distribution platforms.
- Album Artwork: Your artwork should be high-resolution (usually 3000×3000 pixels) and visually compelling. This is often the first thing potential listeners will see, so make sure it represents your music well.
- Track Information: This includes song titles, artist name, genre, and release date. Accurate metadata ensures your music is properly categorized and easy to find on streaming platforms.
Step 2: Choose a Music Distribution Platform
There are numerous distribution platforms available to independent artists, each with its own set of features, pricing, and reach. We have covered about it extensively in this post here. But here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
- DistroKid: Known for its simplicity and affordability, DistroKid allows artists to distribute unlimited tracks for a flat annual fee. It also offers features like automatic royalty splitting and instant Spotify verification.
- TuneCore: TuneCore charges per release but offers extensive distribution options, including detailed sales reports and access to sync licensing opportunities.
- CD Baby: One of the oldest players in the independent distribution game, CD Baby offers a one-time fee per release, with options for physical distribution and YouTube monetization.
- AWAL (Artists Without A Label): AWAL is selective about the artists it works with but offers a more personalized approach, including playlist pitching and marketing support.
Each platform has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your goals and budget.
Step 3: Upload Your Music
Once you’ve chosen a distribution platform, the next step is to upload your music. This process typically involves:
- Uploading Audio Files: Most platforms require lossless audio files (like WAV or FLAC) to ensure the highest sound quality.
- Inputting Metadata: Provide all relevant track information, including ISRC codes, song titles, and artist details.
- Selecting Release Date: You can choose to release your music immediately or schedule it for a future date. Scheduling releases in advance can give you time to build anticipation and plan your marketing strategy.
- Choosing Stores and Streaming Services: Most distribution platforms offer a wide range of options, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and even niche platforms. Be sure to distribute your music as widely as possible to maximize your reach.
Step 4: Promote Your Release
Distribution is only half the battle; promoting your release is crucial to its success. I cannot emphasize this more. If you are interested to see my experiences of releasing music and then realizing this hard, then I suggest you to check this blog post I have written here.
But, for now, here are some strategies to consider:
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to tease your release, engage with your audience, and share behind-the-scenes content.
- Submit to Playlists: Getting your music featured on playlists can significantly boost your streams. Consider submitting your tracks to both editorial and user-generated playlists on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Create a Press Kit: A well-crafted press kit can help you secure media coverage and blog features. Include a biography, high-quality images, press quotes, and links to your music.
Also, while most people might not agree with me, I suggest you to look at your music as a potential business, and what does every business require? A MARKETING BUDGET! So, keep it in your mind and don’t hesitate to try out some paid promotional options, especially ads on Spotify and through Instagram stories.
Step 5: Monitor Your Analytics
After your music is live, it’s essential to monitor its performance. Most distribution platforms offer analytics tools that allow you to track streams, downloads, and revenue. Understanding these metrics can help you refine your promotional strategy and better understand your audience.
- Streaming Data: Look at which platforms and regions are generating the most streams. This information can guide your future marketing efforts.
- Revenue Reports: Track your earnings from different platforms to understand where your income is coming from and identify potential areas for growth.
Step 6: Collect Your Royalties
As your music gains traction, you’ll start earning royalties from streams, downloads, and other uses. It’s essential to understand the different types of royalties and how to collect them:
- Mechanical Royalties: These are earned from the reproduction of your music, such as digital downloads and physical sales.
- Performance Royalties: Earned when your music is played on the radio, TV, or in public venues.
- Sync Royalties: Earned when your music is used in films, commercials, or other visual media.
Make sure you’re registered with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS to collect performance royalties, and consider using a service like Songtrust to ensure you’re collecting all the royalties you’re entitled to. Most of the time, your distribution partner like Distrokid or Ditto Music would be having this feature enabled or a separate package to help you with royalty collection.
Distributing your music independently offers unparalleled control and the potential for significant financial rewards. By following these steps that I have mentioned above, you can navigate the distribution process with confidence and ensure your music reaches the ears of listeners around the world. As the music industry continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to your success as an independent artist.
