How to Find the Right Music Distributor

Choosing the right distributor is crucial for your music. In this short guide, we'll explore key factors to consider when selecting a distributor that aligns with your needs and maximizes your potential for success in the music industry.

1- Choosing the Right Distributor

Your distributor is your gateway to numerous platforms and services, but not all distributors are the same. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a larger teamonsider factors like team size, personalized support, and seamless collaboration to ensure they meet your needs.

2- Broad Distribution Reach

Choose a distributor with preferred partner status at major DSPs like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Verify they provide music at the highest standards and offer leading licensing terms across various digital music services.

3- Clarifying Objectives and Deal Structures

What kind of deal are you looking for? Whether it's starting your own label, seeking an artist direct deal, or launching a brand, clarify your objectives. Negotiate terms that align with your goals, whether it's exclusivity or a more open arrangement.

4- Efficient Content Management

Look for a music distributor with a comprehensive content management system that streamlines your digital supply chain. Ensure they offer real-time deliveries and complete control over your catalog and new releases.

5- Time Zones and Support

A distributor that offers round-the-clock support or aligns their operating hours with yours can significantly enhance your overall experience and streamline distribution operations.

Ensure that they align with your schedule to expedite communication and problem-solving. Assess their availability for customer support to ensure timely assistance with any challenges you encounter

6- Flexibility in Partnerships

A distributor that understands and supports your existing partnerships can contribute to the success and growth of your music across multiple platforms.

If maintaining direct deals with DSPs, consider a distributor's flexibility in accommodating existing partnerships while offering additional services to enhance your distribution efforts.

7- Audience Strategy Expertise

When evaluating a music distributor, consider their audience strategy capabilities. Look for a distributor that thinks like a fan, artist, creative, and marketer all at once. Assess whether their Audience Strategy team can collaborate with you to shape, nurture, and grow your artist's audience across all media and digital platforms.

8- Media Strategy

Seek for a distributor with a global network of press, radio, and TV partners to position your music effectively. Look for tailored publicity campaigns covering premieres, bios, translations, exclusives, interviews, and live performances. Ensure they plug into commercial and speciality stations for maximum exposure and impact.

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This guide is based on a recent workshop on "Music Distribution Strategies" led by Connie Chow (FUGA), exclusively designed for shesaid.so members and allies.

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Building An Effective Music Release Timeline

A successful music release is an orchestrated event that requires planning.

Read our guide to build an effective release timeline, ensuring maximum impact, visibility, and success for your music.

1 - Outline the Pre-Release Phase

Effective music promotion should start months before your release date. While social media efforts can allow you to gain traction, fans will want to know you’ve got new music on the way.

Pre-releases can help build excitement for your new release, increase discovery, and ultimately offer more fan engagement. Discuss tasks like finalizing your album, creating promotional materials, and setting up a pre-save link. This phase sets the tone for what's to come.

2 - Teasers and Countdowns

Engage your audience by introducing teaser content. Whether it's snippets of songs, behind-the-scenes, or countdowns, build excitement and anticipation leading up to the big day.

Here are some examples:

• Share a short snippet of an upbeat track from your album, creating a mood of excitement and curiosity.

• Show a brief behind-the-scenes video of the recording process.

• Share the official tracklist and brief insights into the inspiration behind each song.

• Share a throwback photo or video related to the making of the album.

3 - Host a Listening Party

Whether it's an intimate in-person gathering or a virtual event on Bandcamp, this strategy offers fans a limited opportunity to savor your entire album before its official release. Consider the following strategic steps:

Choose between an exclusive in-person gathering or an online event. Tailor the format to suit the nature of your music and the preferences of your audience. Encourage attendees to secure their copy, ensuring they are among the first to experience your music. Drive pre-orders directly from the event.

4 - Limited Merchandise Drops

Release exclusive merchandise tied to your new EP/single/album. Limited-edition items can serve as additional incentives for fans to engage and invest in your music.

Here are some examples:

• Limited edition merchandise that combine your music with custom-designed apparel or artwork.

• QR-coded merchandise that unlocks exclusive digital content.

• Exclusive merchandise gain VIP access to e.g. virtual events, behind-the-scenes content, or even a private listening session.

More Strategies to Keep In Mind

• Host live Q&A sessions on social media platforms.

• Engage with your audience and answer questions about your new release. If your release features collaborations with other artists, tease these partnerships on social media or through short video snippets. Surprise your fans with occasional unreleased tracks or exclusive remixes of your new works.

• Consider offering exclusive collectables like hand-signed CDs/vinyl/cassettes.

• Launch social media challenges centered around your music, encouraging users to create and share content.

• Encourage fans to share your new music snippets, create user-generated content, or answer trivia questions related to your upcoming release.

• Identify passionate fans who align with your music. Collaborate with them for exclusive content, giveaways, or sneak peeks.

• Create a collaborative playlist where fans can add songs they believe complement or relate to your new release.

• Encourage fans to create and share artwork inspired by your upcoming release.

** Top Strategy Note**

An email list is a valuable asset for any artist, as it allows you to communicate directly with your fans and followers. Use your email list to share exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and previews of your music.

To build your email list, you need to offer something valuable and relevant to your target audience, such as a free song, a video, or a PDF guide. You can also use social media, your website, or live shows to promote your email opt-in.

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Introducing the Music Publishing & Licensing 101 Mini-Course

We're thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our “Music Publishing & Licensing” 101 Mini-Course, set to launch on the last week of September, open to members and allies.

Back in June, we reached out to our community – artists, producers, and industry professionals and asked: "What do you want to learn?" Your response was overwhelming, and we thank you for sharing your insights. We listened intently to your aspirations, challenges, and interests. And some clear music industry topics emerged from your feedback.

Among the highest-ranking responses were topics related to music publishing and licensing. Your thirst for knowledge in this domain was undeniable, and we heard you loud and clear.

Music Publishing & Licensing 101

This comprehensive online learning mini course is designed to equip you with the insights, strategies, and practical skills you need to navigate the intricate world of music publishing and licensing. The course is written from music industry experts involved in higher education and it’s endorsed by music publishers from our community.

Expert Insights

The mini-course will provide you with valuable insights and knowledge from experts who have experience and expertise in the same field or industry as you. They have faced similar challenges and opportunities in their careers, and their insights will be relevant and beneficial to your own journey.

Real-World Applications

Learn practical strategies that can be immediately applied to boost your career.

Holistic Approach

Understand both the essentials and advanced intricacies of music publishing and licensing.

Free to our Community

Get access to this free mini course by simply joining our community of music industry professionals and creatives whose mission is to make our industry equitable for all.

Calling All Industry Professionals:

We're also extending an open invitation to you, our community members, to contribute your knowledge. If you're a professional in the music publishing and licensing domain and are passionate about sharing your insights, we welcome you to get in touch with us at hello@shesaid.so.

Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to be announced later in the year.