Melodrift Distribution 

We are frequently asked similar questions regarding distribution and highlight them here for further reference. For those not aware of this service, digital distribution is your music being offered for downloaded sale/or stream via the internet via a label. We work with our partners to get our artists music on many high traffic popular major retail sites. The concept of distribution is widely becoming accepted as a major form of music marketing and many of the larger music sites today now offer the music of many trusted independent labels.

The advent of distribution for indie artists in this manner, opens many doors for the unsigned indie artist and allows he/she to further promote their music online. Here we provide answers to some of the questions we receive from indie artists.

1. Do I retain copyright of all my songs?

If you are digitally distributing your own compositions with us the original copyright holder(s) will always retain copyright of the work. By allowing us to promote it through our distributors, we must have permission to 'license' the work to third parties. It extremely important that no illegal or uncleared samples are used in any of the material.

2. Must I pay a fee to get my music distributed digitally?

No. We don't believe that we should charge artists for this service. The music we choose to distribute should speak for itself and that goes without saying, any distribution channel that charges an extortionate fee without good reason before offering their service, you ought to be wary of!

3. What happens to the artist's music you distribute?

We file the work in our catalogue of artists, and arrange the necessary bar codes/ISRC codes that are often necessary before distribution.

4.  Am I allowed to sell my work or offer it for free download elsewhere?

Physical albums yes! However you won't be able to sign up to another digital distribution channel and sell the same material for download elsewhere. Prominent and respectable sites such as CDbaby also make you aware of this very same issue. What is the point of iTunes and other similar sites offering your music for downloaded sale, if you are offering them for free elsewhere? Stick to using your designated *promotional* tracks which you can offer for download/listening through your own music pages.

Also, if you attempt to make your work available to two diigital distribution channels, both distributors could run the risk of offering your music to some of the same sites, which won't make your distributors or the service providers very happy at all!

5. Is it just one or two music sites where our music will be made available by you?

No, there are many sites where we work with our partners to get your music heard and available for download, this may include radio, ringtones, podcasts, media streaming, video or bloggin. Our reliable distributors are working all the time to find our artists the best deals and promotional opportunities.

6. How long will I be able to have my music on your distribution channel?

As long as either parties wish (i.e. you/the label) however it is important to note that many prominent sites would not be happy to remove such works from their site promptly, without good reason, one of the issues which is discussed in more depth within our contract. Deals can generally last from six months to a year or more and may vary. We manage the digital deals for our artists, which is why we only consider artists that are serious about their work.

7.   I only have an EP right now not a full album is that ok?

An EP is fine.

8. Can I really make sales through Digital Distribution?

Yes you can, however it is important that you continue to drive your listeners and fans to where your music is available, and we must add that touring/gigging is one of the very best ways of attracting a fan base and achieving this. We will never be less than honest about independent music, it is one of the toughest industries in the world.

 Just by having your music made available on many popular sites does not mean a flood of instant fans or sales. We will give you the opportunity to get your music  through the golden door, but you (the artist) must continue to spread the word about your music as much as possible, whilst we continue to assist you in promoting it online.

9. What sort of music are you looking for?

We prefer the Rock/Pop/Electronic genre however our decisions about accepting an artist for promotion are relative to whether we believe the music is marketable enough to promote. Would you place a CD in the hands of a major site which you felt was not up to scratch?

10. What else do you offer?

We do not offer physical album distribution, however you may sell an album from our site if you so wish. We also provide personal advice and guidance on your recordings, artwork and other marketing aspects and we assist you personally with questions.

We work with you on a one to one basis, and we are honest about your music/progress. As we work with our partners to get your music on high traffic music retail sites, we of course, want to submit the work of mature and responsible artists that believe in their work and will work with us in promoting their music over the net. We cannot promise the moon, but we promise to assist and guide our artists and work with them on a trusting and honest basis.

11. What sort of music are you looking for?

We particularly favour Pop/R&B/Electronic genres.

 If you are interested in joining our label, please email us. 

(c) Melodrift Productions 2006.