It is now widely known that the music distribution company Freeme Digital, a subsidiary of Notjustok.com has allegedly ripped off and continues to exploit Nigerian creatives, withholding millions of Naira in royalties. They upload music but fail to remit the accrued earnings to the rightful artists.
According to inside sources, Afrobeats artist Terry G is reportedly owed over $6,000 in royalties, which he has been trying to recover for a long time. However, FreemeDigital has been evasive. This case is just one of many, as numerous artists have allegedly fallen victim to their exploitative practices.
Who is a Music Distributor? A music distributor serves as the bridge between artists and music platforms. It can be a company or an individual that helps artists distribute their music to digital streaming platforms (DSPs) and, in some cases, physical stores. The distributor ensures that the music is properly formatted, delivered, and made available to listeners worldwide.
As a music distributor working with one of the biggest and most transparent music distribution companies in this side of the country Key Kontrollerz, I get a little bit belittled when artistes think their distributors only function is to upload music to streaming platforms, while distribution is essential, a professional music distributor offers numerous additional benefits that can help sustain and elevate an artist’s career, beyond just uploading songs, here are some lesser-known advantages of working with a distributor like me. Also there are so many streaming platforms your music can be plugged to and generate revenues for the artist, we have Spotify, Apple Music, YouT ube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, Boomplay, Audiomack ( No revenue ), iheartRadio, Napster, Bandcamp.
7 Hidden Benefits of a Music Distributor
1. Licensing & Royalty Collection : One of the biggest hidden benefits of working with a music distributor is access to licensing and royalty collection services. Many distributors help artists collect:
– Mechanical Royalties from streaming platforms and digital downloads.
– Performance Royalties through Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like MCSN, COSON
– Synchronization (Sync) Licensing Fees for music used in TV shows, films, commercials, and video games.
– YouTube Content ID Royalties, ensuring artists get paid when their music is used in videos.
Without a distributor, independent artists often miss out on these revenue streams due to the complexities of licensing and collection.
2. Playlist Pitching & Editorial Support : Getting featured on curated playlists can significantly boost an artist’s exposure. Some music distributors have direct relationships with Spotify and Apple Music allowing them to pitch tracks for editorial playlist placement (this is possible when the artist has motion). Additionally, some distributors offer personalized playlisting strategies, helping independent artists get noticed in a crowded industry like the one here in Nigeria.
3. Advanced Analytics & Market Insights : Data is crucial for making informed business decisions. Unlike direct uploads to platforms, distributors often provide in-depth analytics, including: Geographic streaming trends (helpful for planning tours and targeting promotions), demographics of listeners including age, location, and platform preferences, real-time sales tracking across multiple stores.
Understanding these insights allows artists to refine their marketing efforts and connect more effectively with their audience.
4. Career Longevity & Brand Development : A reputable distributor does more than just distribute music; they help artists build a long-term career. like marketing & promotional support, including advertising and PR guidance, social media tools to create pre-save campaigns and direct-to-fan engagement strategies, tour and event support, helping artists connect with local markets and secure sponsorships.
5. Fraud Protection & Copyright Protection : Music piracy and revenue fraud are growing concerns for independent artists. Distributors provide content protection tools, such as Fraud detection systems to prevent fake streams and suspicious activities that could lead to account bans, takedown services to remove unauthorized copies of an artist’s music from illegal sites, and also detection of art.
6. Access to Funding & Advances : Some distributors provide financial support in the form of advances (upfront payments against future royalties) or funding programs for music videos, album promotion, and marketing campaigns. This support can be crucial for artists looking to scale their careers without signing restrictive record deals.
7. Direct Fan Monetization Tools : In addition to traditional streaming income, distributor can also make available exclusive fan memberships for early access to songs, behind-the-scenes content, or special edition releases. Tipping & crowdfunding options, allowing fans to financially support their favorite artists directly.
If you’re an artist looking to make the most out of your music distribution, choosing a distributor that offers these extra services could be a game-changer for your career. Reach out to me on twitter – @Jxsephabalokwu OR KEY KONTROLLERZ on – 07016492878