Choosing a distributor
With
Katie MeluaHow to get your music onto platforms like iTunes, Amazon and the streaming services, and how to pick a distributor that fits the way you want to release.
What's in the course
40 lessons (2h 33m) · 1 free
01. Getting started, open mics and unpaid gigs
2:52
02. Becoming local heroes and booking tours
6:12
03. Getting creative about gigs
3:44
04. Stagecraft – Jeremy from Everything Everything
2:21
05. Capitalising on your audience
4:50
06. Engaging Direct to Fan
7:41
07. Knowing your online audience and using data effectively
7:25
Lesson transcript
Getting Your Music Out There: A Guide for New Artists
As new artists, you need to be where your fans are, even if you don't know where that is yet. Here's how to get your music out into the world:
Distributing Your Music
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Streaming Platforms:
- Start by getting your music on YouTube and SoundCloud.
- Personally, I recommend streaming on SoundCloud rather than downloading.
-
YouTube Channel:
- Make sure you have a YouTube channel set up properly.
- This way, you can earn revenue if ads are placed around your content.
-
Other Platforms:
- Don't forget to distribute your music on other platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and various streaming services.
Distribution Services
There are several services available to help you distribute your music:
- TuneCore
- Ditto Music
- CD Baby
These services make it relatively easy and not too expensive to get your content out there.
Finding the Right Distributor
- It's beneficial to find a person at a distribution company who is passionate about the type of music you create.
- Whether it's rap, indie, or dance music, having a distributor who understands that genre can significantly help your chances.
Building Strength with Your Distributor
- When submitting to a distributor, highlight everything you've achieved:
- If you mention dance blogs and a distributor has someone aware of them, it adds strength to your submission.
- Having a person on your side who knows the landscape can be more beneficial than simply having someone who claims to believe in your work.
Considerations for Distribution
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Different artists have different financial situations:
- Some can pay an upfront fee, while others may prioritize complete ownership and exclusivity.
-
Be aware that some distribution companies may offer contracts that tie you in for a specific period (e.g., one to three years).
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it's essential to consider what feels most comfortable for you as an artist. Every situation is unique, so choose the path that aligns with your goals and values.
40 lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Katie Melua is one of the UK's most successful recording artists, with more than 11 million albums sold worldwide and a string of multi-platinum releases. Born Ketevan Melua in Kutaisi, Georgia, in 1984, she moved with her family to Belfast as a child and later studied at the BRIT School in London, where she was discovered by songwriter and producer Mike Batt.
Her debut album 'Call Off the Search' (2003), released when she was 19, spent six weeks at No. 1 in the UK and went six-times platinum, driven by the hit single 'The Closest Thing to Crazy'. Its follow-up 'Piece by Piece' (2005) topped charts across Europe and featured her signature song 'Nine Million Bicycles'. In 2006 she earned a place in the Guinness World Records book by playing the deepest underwater concert ever staged, 303 metres below sea level on a North Sea gas platform.
A remarkable run of top-ten albums followed — 'Pictures' (2007), the William Orbit-produced 'The House' (2010), 'Secret Symphony' (2012) and 'Ketevan' (2013) — as Melua refined a sound that moves effortlessly between jazz, folk and classic pop songwriting. 'In Winter' (2016), recorded in Georgia with the Gori Women's Choir and produced by Melua herself, revealed a new depth to her artistry.
Her recent work is her most personal: 'Album No. 8' (2020) and 'Love & Money' (2023) drew some of the strongest reviews of her career, and 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' (2024) celebrated two decades at the top of British music. She remains a captivating live performer, touring extensively across Europe and beyond.
