Distribution Deal vs. Recording Deal

A distribution deal is every recording artists’ dream. Most record deals are every recording artists’ nightmare. However, most recording artists’ don’t know the difference between the two. Standard recording contracts require the artist and or songwriters to give up song rights and publishing. Song rights and publishing is where the money is.

A distribution deal is different. A major record label or record distributor distributes your music all over the world. In addition, they have no involvement in the recording process, production, and own little to no portion of the music song rights. Yes, this is every recording artists dream. Unfortunately today it rarely happens. Labels use their mass marketing power to lure and trap aspiring artists. Don’t get caught.

Record labels have one resource artists want desperately, multi-million dollar marketing campaigns. Notice I used the word want and not need. Indie artists don’t need million dollar marketing campaigns, they think they do. This is sole reason I have devoted so much time trying to teach artists to market themselves independently. Labels use their marketing power as leverage in recording contracts. This is how they talk artists into giving up song rights. It is easier to sell as a major recording artists, but it is better to sell as an independent artist.

If you can successfully sell your music as an independent artist, you can definitely get a distribution deal.

By Jamille Luney
Music Analyst