Considering reaching a broader audience with your music as an independent artist or small label can be daunting. However, starting your own record label to distribute your music is an excellent option, offering more control and opportunities.
Are you thinking about creating your independent label to introduce exceptional music to the world?
If you're starting an electronic music label like me, it can really make a big difference to get your tracks on streaming platforms like Beatport and Juno. Music downloads account for a third of my label's income, so it's definitely worth the effort.
Don't worry if you think starting your own label is complicated. It's much more straightforward than that! All you need is a tax ID, an impressive label logo, and a roster of talented artists you believe in, or just your own music.
When it comes to choosing a music distribution company that offers label services, you have plenty of options. Personally, I use the independent music distribution service provided by "Fortyfymusic," and it's been an incredible experience so far. They provide all the tools and support you need to get your label off the ground. Yes, there are costs involved, but I can explain it more clearly.
In most cases, distributors take a percentage of your earnings, typically around 20% to 30%. However, there are also alternative options where you pay a fixed amount each year. It all depends on what works best for you.
From my experience, starting my own label was definitely worth it. The sense of control and creative freedom has been incredibly fulfilling. So, if you're thinking about starting your label, go for it!
Below is a curated list of label music distribution services - These trusted providers have helped countless labels find their footing in the industry:
This digital music distributor is located in Hamburg, Germany. It does not impose a fee for its distribution service but receives a 20% share of the label sales it generates. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 17 reviews.
This label services company provides distribution, accounting, promotion, and demo management for independent labels. It operates on a commission basis and collects a small percentage of the royalties earned from the stores. The commission amount varies depending on the label's size and turnover and the required tools and services. It has a Trustpilot rating of 2.9 out of 5, based on 3 reviews.
This company provides distribution and label services for music, distributing to various stores globally. They charge a 17.5% fee based on distribution royalties and take 20% of YouTube content ID revenues. The company offers free access to promotion, accounting, and demo management tools. Their Trustpilot rating is 3.4 out of 5, based on 5 reviews.
This independent label services company offers digital and physical distribution, marketing, direct-to-consumer operations, administration, and promotion across streaming and radio. It was acquired by Utopia Music in February 2022 but eventually repurchased by its original owners in July 2023. The terms and costs of its services are not publicly disclosed, but it asserts to provide customized release strategies for its clients. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
This is a digital music distributor that guarantees the best possible conditions and placements for its clients at download and streaming portals such as iTunes, Apple Music, Beatport, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Amazon, Traxsource, Deezer, Pandora, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and others. It does not charge any fee for its distribution service but takes a 30% share of the label revenues generated through it. It has a 2.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2 reviews10.
This music distribution platform allows artists and labels to upload their music to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and other streaming services. It also provides payment splitting, data analytics and marketing tools. It charges a 5% fee from the streaming revenues and a $0.99 monthly fee per track after the first year11. It has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 14 reviews.
This is a physical and digital distributor that specializes in electronic music genres such as techno, drum & bass, dubstep and house. It offers vinyl pressing, CD manufacturing, merchandise production and online store services. It also delivers music to major download and streaming platforms such as Beatport, Spotify, and iTunes. The costs and terms of its services are not publicly disclosed, but it claims to offer competitive rates and flexible deals. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
This is a global music distribution and label services company that delivers music to over 200 digital platforms worldwide. It also offers playlist pitching, sync licensing, radio plugging, social media management and other marketing services. It charges an annual fee for releasing music as a Label. The fee ranges from £30 to £300. It has a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 131 reviews.
This digital music distributor focuses on dance genres such as house, techno, trance and electro. It delivers music to over 300 online stores and streaming platforms such as Beatport, Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon. It charges a one-time setup fee of €25 per release and takes a 20% commission from the net sales. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
This cloud-based software solution offers distribution, royalty accounting, licensing and promotion services for independent labels. It delivers music to over 200 digital platforms such as Beatport, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. It charges a monthly subscription fee depending on the number of releases managed by the label. The fee ranges from £29 to £199 per month. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
This digital music distributor delivers music to over 200 digital platforms worldwide such as Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and YouTube. It also offers playlist pitching, sync licensing, publishing administration and other marketing services. It charges a one-time setup fee of $25 per release and takes a 15% commission from the net sales. It has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 113 reviews.
This is a technology and services company that offers distribution, rights management, analytics and marketing solutions for independent labels. It delivers music to over 260 digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Amazon. The costs and terms of its services are not publicly disclosed, but it claims to offer flexible and transparent deals. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
This music publisher and distributor offers digital and physical distribution, sync licensing, royalty collection and administration services for independent labels. It delivers music to over 200 digital platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Amazon. The costs and terms of its services are not publicly disclosed, but it claims to offer fair and individual deals. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
This cloud-based platform offers distribution, promotion, analytics and label management tools for independent labels. It delivers music to over 150 digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport, and YouTube. It charges a monthly subscription fee depending on the number of releases the label manages. The fee ranges from $9 to $99 per month. It does not have a Trustpilot profile.
I hope this information helps you find the best record label distributor for your needs.
If you need help with Mastering Techno or Mixing House Music, please check these links.
Independent Music distribution is getting your music onto streaming platforms, online stores, and physical stores. A music distributor is a company that helps you get your music onto these platforms and handles the logistics of distribution.
Why Start a Record Label?
You've got a deep love for music? You're tired of sitting on the sidelines and want to be in control when releasing your songs. A record label could give you that authority. You'd discover new talent, shape careers, and leave a lasting mark on the industry. You could also rake in substantial profits if you play your cards right.
When releasing tracks, don't try to please everyone. Focus on a Subgenre you love, like hip-hop or indie rock, or an EDM-specific genre, like Deep House or hard techno. Your passion will draw in like-minded artists and fans.
Register your business, get a lawyer, and sort out contracts. Boring? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. Protect yourself and your artists from day one.
Fair splits vary, but here's the deal:
Big labels often keep 80%, and artists get 20%. Does this sound rough? It can be. But remember labels front major costs.
Many indie labels go 50/50. Fairer for artists. The label still recoups costs first.
Some labels flip the script. Artists get 70%, while the label takes 30%. This arrangement attracts top talent and requires lean operations.
1. Investment: Who pays for Mixing Mastering, marketing, tours?
2. Risk: New artist or established star?
3. Control: How much say does the artist have?
4. Services: What exactly does your label offer?
Pro Tip: Sliding Scale
Start at 50/50. Shift to 70/30 (artist favor) as they blow up. This keeps Artists happy and rewards success.
• Be transparent. Always.
• Put it in a contract. Always.
• Review deals regularly. Artists hate feeling stuck.
Fair splits build trust. Trust builds careers. Careers make money. Everyone wins.
Choose a model that works for you and your artists. Be flexible. As your label grows, your approach might change. Keep communication open. Renegotiate when needed.
Ultimately, a "fair" split is one where both sides feel valued. Find that sweet spot, and you'll keep artists loyal and your label thriving.
You can't do it all alone. Find a killer A&R person to scout talent. Get a savvy marketing expert. Recruit a finance guru to keep the books straight; it's better to Surround yourself with people smarter than you.
Your label needs to stand out. Design a logo that pops. Craft a mission statement that resonates. Build a website that showcases your vision. Make people remember you.
Hit up local gigs. Scour social media. Listen to demos until your ears bleed. Trust your gut. When you find that diamond in the rough, move fast.
Get your artists' tunes to the masses—partner with digital distributors. Negotiate with music distributors and get a good deal before people buy and stream your music. Remember physical formats like vinyl and cassette for die-hard fans.
Starting a label isn't cheap. You'll need cash for mastering, marketing, and more. The solution? Start small. Reinvest profits. Consider crowdfunding or finding a partner who shares and supports your vision.
Egos clash, creative differences erupt, and contracts get messy. Nip problems in the bud, communicate clearly, be fair but firm, and remember, it's a business, not a family.
The music industry evolves at light speed. New platforms pop up daily, so stay ahead of the curve by attending local musician meetups, reading industry blogs, and experimenting with emerging tech. Adapt or die.
Illegal downloads eat into profits. Streaming payouts seem microscopic. Fight back with robust digital rights management. Try to diversify income streams through merch, licensing, nft's and live events.
Many people start record labels these days. Cut through the noise with a good selection, develop a unique sound, and create a unique experience for fans. It's best to Build a community around your brand with the help of social media.
Starting a record label is not for the faint of heart or for people looking to make quick money; it's a rollercoaster of highs and lows. You'll lose sleep. You'll question your sanity. But when you hear your artist's song on a huge playlist or played by a famous DJ for the first time? Pure magic.
Stay hungry, stay focused, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your wins. Remember why you started this crazy journey in the first place: You should be a music lover With grit and passion. Now make some noise.
I am Marcus, a music enthusiast who runs a mixing and mastering business. Additionally, I compose insightful articles for my blog and produce music as a member of the techno duo Agravik.
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