Why do artists need distribution deals in 2020?

[dj-method-x]

What are distribution labels doing these days since everything is Digital? I was watching JBP and they were talking about how Meg has a distro deal with 300. I'm sitting here like...why?

 

[Marlo Barksdale]

To get higher priority on those DSPs (home screens, playlists, etc), have better promo runs & to have their music connected to big events.

You still need a corporation if you want to go next level. It's a definite ceiling if you're independent and it's also extremely costly.

 

[dj-method-x]

To get higher priority on those DSPs (home screens, playlists, etc), have better promo runs & to have their music connected to big events.

You still need a corporation if you want to go next level. It's a definite ceiling if you're independent and it's also extremely costly.

Maybe I'm confused but isn't that the job of the record label? Distributors used to be needed to get your records into retail stores and shyt. I'm confused as to what the difference between what a distributor does and what a regular record label does now.

 

[Marlo Barksdale]

Maybe I'm confused but isn't that the job of the record label? Distributors used to be needed to get your records into retail stores and shyt. I'm confused as to what the difference between what a distributor does and what a regular record label does now.

A record label is nothing without distribution. The major distributors have connections, resources and money to make everyone aware of your product and have it available everywhere.

No Limit would be regional without Priority. Cash Money was regional with Southwest Wholesale distribution. Three 6 was regional with Select-O-Hits.

 

[T.H.E. Goat]

To me it seems like distribution deals just get your album on Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. and tweak the algorithm to get you on the proper playlists


Like United Masters for instance, they seem to be just a simplified form of distribution for independent artists

 

[keepitrealprk]

Do you want to be featured on new music fridays?

Obviously you do, so yeah you're gonna need a distribution deal.

 

[FeloniousMonk]

Maybe I'm confused but isn't that the job of the record label? Distributors used to be needed to get your records into retail stores and shyt. I'm confused as to what the difference between what a distributor does and what a regular record label does now.

Major record labels always had distribution deals.

Some of the bigger labels where self integrated.

It gets to a point where you cant handle order quantities, tracking, statements, shipping costs and you need a entity that can get you where your ingenuity cant.

 

[Daio]

Big corporations contract out work like that

exp. AT&T

Their equipment could be made by Cisco, Earthlink
A company like my mine would install the equipment
Another company would Optimize it and keep it online etc

They don't do all the work themselves