The only way to be seen is to distribute the work. So how can you go about doing it correctly?

The distribution of music is overlooked. There is a great deal of misunderstanding regarding what it implies, how it happens, and how to do it properly. And that’s assuming you’re able to let go.

Since digital distribution took over, a lot has improved.

But now is the moment to clear away any of the misunderstandings for and for all…

Here are seven popular myths regarding music distribution that you can avoid.

1. Physical Distribution Has Been Extinct

Many people would inform you that physical is no longer important and that software is the way of the future. And they are right… in some ways…

The two common methods of listening to music are streaming and digital downloads. This isn’t to say that no one ever buys records, cassettes, CDs, or other physical media.

Physical purchases, in particular, already account for 39% of the music industry’s income. If you’re an individual artist, waiting for enough streaming revenue to come in will take a long time.

My argument is that if anyone wants to purchase a physical copy of your work, offer them that choice! Physical launches will generate revenue even more quickly than sources.

Don’t buy the hype of actual mortality. Physical revenues will continue to exist for a long time. Diversify your releases, reach the right demographic, and get compensated both online and physically for your songs.

2. What I Need Is MP3s

MP3s are fantastic. When it comes to digital media, their limited file sizes and “streamability” are major advantages.

However, if you’re serious about properly distributing the tracks, you’ll need high-resolution WAV masters. Most big sites, such as Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music, enable or promote the use of high-quality WAV files for all submissions.

Checklist for Audio Format Distribution:

  • 16 bit (sample size)
  • 44.1 kHz (sample rate)
  • 1411 kbps (bit rate) stereo WAV files

Starting with HD 24-bit WAV mastering, you’ll have everything you need to get your music on any big platform.

Uploading the highest-quality files offers your listeners all they need if you’re handling your own delivery on a platform like Bandcamp. In the FAQs portion of Bandcamp, they illustrate it perfectly:

3. My music isn’t decent enough to be published

Distribution, believe it or not, will be an integral part of the artistic method. Getting onto sites like Spotify or iTunes isn’t the only way to get the music out there.

Running a DIY SoundCloud website or uploading the music to YouTube is also dissemination. Your DIY distribution networks are great for fine-tuning your tracks before sending them out to the big labels.

Early on, share your work and solicit reviews. If you spend your time in the studio worrying over whether or not your songs are decent enough to share, your music will go unnoticed… and no one will hear it.

Demos and drawings of songs you’re working on can be made public. Make use of the feedback you get from colleagues and listeners. As a result, when you finally step into larger sales networks, you’ll be on the right track.

4. Distribution entails just sitting back and waiting for the revenue to come through

Setting things and forgetting it when it comes to delivery is as far from the reality as it gets.

Often keep in mind that the quality of your music delivery is just as strong as the quality of your music promotion.

Do remember that the standard of your album distribution equals the quality of your music promotion.

Make a buzz for the works. Keep the audience informed of what you’re focusing on and be open and honest about your operation.

Such that your streaming connections are extra juicy for your viewers when you do upload to the main distro platforms. Your distributed music can be listened to if you promote it effectively.

The terms “distribution” and “publishing” are interchangeable.

Distribution and publication are two distinct concepts in the music industry.

Music distribution is the process of getting the music heard by all those music lovers and future fans out there. It’s the means by which your music travels from your studio to the rest of the country. Streaming sites, physical releases, and music purchases are also examples of this.

Music publishing is the method by which you are compensated for any of the areas where the music is performed, typically in the form of royalties.

Placements and syncs are often covered by publishing. When the music is used professionally, such as in commercials, computer games, or movies, it is referred to as placements and syncs.

6. My music can be found due to distribution platforms

Your music is made accessible through distribution platforms. However, they do not assist in the discovery of the songs. You’re in charge of that.

Each platform has its own method of labeling. Investigate the marking mechanisms available on the sites you’ll be utilizing most often. Proper tagging would enable your music to be found on all platforms.

Based on the site, tags may differ. However, there are a few main tags to remember:

  • Year
  • Genre(s)
  • Collaborators, co-producers or co-writers
  • Record Label
  • Release Date
  • Album title

7. My music would be promoted automatically through distribution platforms

There are other options to allow the songs more discoverable. Playlisting has been a popular way to promote your songs.

Spotify playlists are particularly effective for supporting your own material. Make a playlist of things that encourage you, include your own songs, and post it on your social networking platforms.

This will boost the music’s visibility on the website and maximize the number of views it receives. Collaborating on a playlist with other artists is also a great way to gain exposure.

Tastemakers also scour playlists for the next big thing. Your music must be present when that super-aficionado comes looking.

Using playlists to develop your own voice as an influencer can pique the attention of potential listeners and offer fans a greater understanding of the music’s origins. It’s a win-win situation.

Streaming services may serve as both delivery and marketing outlets. So join in to make the songs discoverable.

Contribute and disseminate

Having the music out there is what distribution is all about. It isn’t, though, a one-size-fits-all procedure.

All of the other efforts, such as selecting your strongest voice, marketing your songs, and the your exposure, add up to successful delivery.

The ability to respond to an evolving market is essential to the success of smart distribution. Holding the music clear of the curve is easy with the correct viewpoint.