Music distribution is crucial for getting your music heard on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. With the right distributor, you can ensure your tracks reach the largest audience possible while keeping control over your royalties and creative rights. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of distribution options available—exclusive distribution, label deals, and independent music distribution—highlighting the benefits, key features, and costs of each. Whether you’re a new artist or an established one, choosing the right distribution method is key to your success.

Here is everything we’ll cover in this blog:

• Independent Music Distribution
  • Benefits of Independent Music Distribution
  • How to Determine the Best Independent Music Distributor
  • Top 8 Independent Music Distributors

• Exclusive Music Distribution
  • Benefits of Exclusive Music Distribution
  • Top 9 Exclusive Music Distributors

• Music Distribution Through Labels
  • Benefits of Label Music Distribution
  • Top 4 Major Labels

• What Should I Do After I Distribute My Music?

Independent Music Distribution

For artists who want full creative control and ownership of their music, independent music distribution is an ideal choice. These services allow artists to distribute their tracks directly to digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify and Apple Music without needing a label or exclusive agreements. Most independent distributors operate on a pay-as-you-go or subscription model, offering transparent pricing and flexibility.

Benefits of Independent Music Distribution

Creative and financial control
Artists retain full ownership of their music and royalties.

Affordable options
Most distributors offer budget-friendly plans or one-time fees, making it accessible for independent artists.

Global reach
Distributors connect artists to hundreds of DSPs, ensuring their music reaches audiences worldwide.

Royalty collection
Many services collect royalties on your behalf, including mechanical and performance royalties.

Analytics and insights
Access to detailed data and performance metrics helps artists track their growth and audience engagement.

Flexibility
Artists can release music on their own schedules without being tied to contracts or third-party approvals.

 

How to Determine the Best Independent Music Distributor

Here is a list of questions to help you evaluate the best independent music distribution service for your needs:

Which Digital Service Providers (DSPs) does the distributor deliver music to?
While most distributors send your music to major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, it's also important to consider whether they reach niche DSPs like Tidal. Given the growing influence of TikTok and Instagram in music promotion, ensuring your song is delivered to social platforms is also key to expanding your reach.

What is the payment structure?
Ensure you understand the payment structure of the distributor. Many distributors collect an upfront fee and send you on your music journey, however, others will collect a percentage of the royalties on the song. It is important to weigh the benefits of each service against the cost.

What are the key/bonus features?
What additional features does the service offer you? Some distributors offer great additions to their services such as built in playlist pitching, lyric syncing, etc. Ensure you choose the distributor which offers the features that best support your needs.

 

Top 8 Independent Music Distributors

Exclusive Music Distribution

For some artists with an established fanbase, exclusive music distribution can be a valuable option. Several distributors offer exclusive partnerships for the release of a project or single. Key components of exclusive distribution include:

Benefits of Exclusive Music Distribution

Editorial playlist pitching
Many exclusive distributors have direct connections with digital service providers (DSPs) and can pitch your track to editorial playlists.

Comprehensive distribution management
The distributor's team may handle all aspects of distribution, including track submission, uploading album artwork, and lyric synchronization, allowing you to focus on your music.

Dedicated account manager
You may have an account manager dedicated to your release, providing support for any adjustments or questions throughout the process.

Advance funding
Distributors often provide advance funding, which you can use for future music production or promotion.

Royalty splitting
Exclusive deals typically involve a royalty split, often favouring the distributor until their advance payment is recouped. Afterward, the split becomes more balanced for the agreement's duration, which can range from months to years.

Marketing assistance
Exclusive distributors frequently offer marketing support through their in-house teams or marketing partners such as Members Media, helping to increase your visibility and reach.

Enhanced reporting
Real time data on all streaming platforms. Daily streams from each DSP. Where streams came through, specific playlists, ads, etc.

While distributors provide these valuable services, it's important to note they don't usually tell you what to do creatively. Instead, they take their share of the streaming revenue in exchange for offering financial and logistical support, leaving you in control of your music.

 

Top 9 Exclusive Music Distributors

Amuse
Amuse is a hybrid distributor and record label offering both free and premium distribution services. Their exclusive distribution deals are geared towards emerging artists who show strong potential, providing services like playlist pitching, marketing support, and funding opportunities. Amuse also uses data analytics to identify promising artists for their exclusive deals.

Downtown Music
Downtown Music specializes in empowering independent artists and labels. Their exclusive distribution options often come with advanced tools for catalog management, royalty collection, and marketing assistance. With a strong focus on data transparency, Downtown also offers editorial pitching and licensing support.

Empire
Empire is known for working with a wide range of artists, from independent newcomers to global superstars. They offer exclusive distribution deals that include advance funding, marketing assistance, and playlist pitching. Empire is highly regarded for its innovative approach and success with hip-hop and R&B artists.

Fuga
Fuga provides a premium distribution experience with a focus on technology-driven solutions for labels, managers, and artists. Their exclusive distribution services include advanced royalty reporting, playlist pitching, and integrated marketing tools. Fuga also offers API integrations for larger-scale operations, making it a preferred choice for enterprise clients.

AWAL (Artists Without A Label)
AWAL is a distribution and services company that caters to independent artists looking for a more hands-on partnership. Their exclusive deals come with dedicated artist support teams, funding opportunities, playlist pitching, and robust analytics tools. AWAL is especially known for its artist-friendly agreements and transparent royalty splits.

UnitedMasters
UnitedMasters focuses on empowering independent artists through exclusive distribution deals that include funding, marketing, and access to sync licensing opportunities. They also provide tools for artists to connect directly with fans and maximize their revenue streams.

The Orchard
The Orchard is a full-service distribution company offering exclusive partnerships for independent labels and established artists. Their services include global distribution, editorial pitching, marketing, and in-depth analytics. As a subsidiary of Sony Music, The Orchard provides access to extensive industry resources.

Symphonic Distribution
Symphonic Distribution offers exclusive deals for artists and labels that come with marketing support, playlist pitching, and global distribution. They also provide licensing services and detailed royalty reporting to help maximize revenue.

Believe Digital
Believe Digital specializes in working with independent artists and labels, offering exclusive distribution options that include funding, marketing support, and access to their global network of industry contacts. Believe is particularly strong in emerging markets and niche genres.

 

Music Distribution Through Labels

Label deals are often considered the traditional route for artists aiming to reach the next level in their careers. By signing with a record label, artists gain access to substantial resources, from financial advances to high-level marketing and promotion. Labels take on significant risks to make an artist succeed, often banking on one hit to recoup their investment. While these deals can be lucrative, they typically involve a royalty split (often 75-80% in favor of the label) and grant the label ownership of the artist's creations for a defined period or number of albums. The key benefits of label deals include:

 

Benefits of Label Music Distribution

Large advances
Labels provide significant upfront funding to support music production, touring, and personal expenses, offering financial stability while the artist focuses on creating.

High-level marketing and promotion
Labels have extensive marketing networks and in-house teams dedicated to promoting their artists through radio, DSPs, and social media.

Access to top talent
Signing with a label often grants artists access to experienced producers, songwriters, and creative teams to enhance their work.

Industry connections
Labels have long-standing relationships with DSPs, press outlets, and live event organizers, ensuring artists gain exposure in high-profile spaces.

Touring and merchandising support
Labels frequently invest in touring and merchandise strategies to maximize an artist's revenue and visibility.

Risk assumption
Labels take on most of the financial risk, investing heavily in making an artist successful while managing the logistics of their career.

 

Top 4 Major Labels

Universal Music Group (UMG)
As one of the largest music companies in the world, UMG offers label deals across various genres and subsidiaries, including Interscope, Capitol Records, and Def Jam.

Sony Music Entertainment
With an extensive roster of subsidiaries like Columbia Records and RCA Records, Sony provides label deals that come with global resources and industry-leading expertise.

Warner Music Group (WMG)
WMG is home to labels like Atlantic Records and Warner Records, offering deals with competitive advances and comprehensive promotional efforts.

Big Machine Label Group (BMG)
Specializing in country, pop, and rock, Big Machine provides label deals tailored to develop long-term artist success.

What Should I Do After I Distribute My Music?

If you want to get the most out of your release it's time to start promoting your music. Creating a comprehensive release strategy is your first step. Members Media offers cost-effective services such as Playlist Promotion, TikTok Music Promotion, and Facebook & Instagram Music Advertising. For larger scale campaigns we offer custom strategies for artists, managers, labels, and agencies.