How to Become a Music Distributor

How does a major artist take a master recording of a song and get it in front of a worldwide audience? In a word: distribution.

In the music industry, producing a potential hit track has minimal impact if it’s not properly distributed. That means getting the final product on the digital and physical platforms where the artist’s audience is most likely to look for it, including CDs, vinyl records, and streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music. In essence, music distribution can elevate an artist from obscurity to global popularity.

Those passionate about music as a career may be wondering how to become a music distributor. By familiarizing themselves with the education and experience requirements, they’ll be better positioned to find success in the competitive and dynamic music industry.

What Is Music Distribution?

Before delving into how to become a music distributor, it helps to understand what music distribution companies do and their role in the music industry.

Music distribution refers to the process of getting an artist’s music from the production studio into the hands or devices of listeners. Distribution companies act as the intermediaries between artists and the platforms that host and sell their music, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and the brick-and-mortar stores that carry physical media.

The goal of a music distributor is to ensure that a song, EP, or album is properly formatted, submitted, and marketed across a wide variety of digital and physical channels. Whether the artist is independent or signed to a label, a music distributor ensures that their work reaches a vast audience.

There are several advantages for artists who partner with a distributor:

• Wider reach: Distributors help artists get their music on major streaming services and online marketplaces, expanding their visibility and audience potential.
• Professional standards: A distributor ensures that the music files, metadata, and cover art meet the quality standards required by digital platforms.
• Smart delegation: Managing distribution is time consuming, especially for independent artists. Distributors streamline the process so artists can focus on creating music and performing.
• Royalty tracking: Distributors often help artists collect royalties and ensure they are accurately paid in a timely fashion.
• Promotional support: Many distributors provide marketing and promotional tools, further boosting an artist’s exposure.

What Does a Music Distributor Do?

Music distributors do far more than their job title implies. Here are some of the core tasks distributors handle.

Releasing Music to Digital Platforms

Distributors ensure that songs and albums are delivered to streaming services, online stores, and sometimes even radio stations. This involves correctly formatting files, managing release schedules, and complying with each platform’s unique technical requirements.

Overseeing Royalty Payments

Distributors often serve as intermediaries in the royalty payment process. They track streams, downloads, and sales across multiple platforms; calculate earnings; and ensure that artists and rights holders receive timely and accurate compensation.

Supporting and Promoting Artists’ Releases

Whereas some distributors offer basic services, others provide marketing and promotional support, helping artists build their brand and connect with audiences. This may include social media integration, playlist pitching, video distribution, or marketing support.

Licensing and Rights Management

Distributors may also assist with licensing and copyright enforcement, ensuring the music is protected and used legally across all platforms.

How to Become a Music Distributor in 5 Steps

For those interested in learning how to become a music distributor, it requires a blend of business skills, industry knowledge, and relationship-building capabilities.

Gain Industry Knowledge and Experience

Before launching a career in distribution, individuals need to understand how the music industry operates. Internships and entry-level roles at a record label, music publisher, or distribution company can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Staying updated on streaming trends, copyright law, and best marketing practices is also essential.

Candidates should also consider earning an advanced degree in music industry administration, business, marketing, or entertainment management. A formal education in one of these areas helps individuals build foundational knowledge that can be leveraged in music industry roles.

Create a Business Plan

Like any entrepreneurial venture, starting a distribution business requires a detailed plan. Typically, most music distribution business plans include documentation of:

• Targeted client groups
• Service offerings
• Pricing structure
• Competitive analysis
• Revenue projections
• Marketing and client acquisition strategies

Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Contracts

To legally operate, music distributors must register their business and secure the proper licenses and permits. Additionally, distributors must develop contracts and licensing agreements to govern their relationships with artists.

These documents should clearly define payment terms, distribution rights, and ownership of intellectual property. It’s strongly recommended to work with a lawyer familiar with entertainment law to draft these agreements.

Choose the Right Distribution Platforms

Many music distributors use established platforms to streamline their services. Distributors can either partner with these aggregators or build their own delivery system. Each platform typically has its own pricing model, features, and royalty structure, so distributors should select platforms that best align with their service offerings and their clients’ needs.

Build Relationships With Artists

Relationship building is perhaps the most important step in becoming a music distributor. Individuals can start by networking within their local music scene, attending music industry events, and connecting with up-and-coming talent on social media.

They can offer artists value through their services, transparency in contracts, and personalized attention. As a music distributor’s reputation grows, word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients become their most powerful marketing tools.

The Right Degree Can Pave the Way Into the Music Industry

Advancing in your career toward becoming a music distributor requires developing the right skills and industry insight. By investing in the right educational path, such as by enrolling in the online Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration program at California State University, Northridge, Tseng College, you can gain a holistic understanding of the music industry in courses covering topics such as:

• Music industry developments
• Strategic management
• Entertainment business law
• Music publishing and copyright administration
• Recorded music distribution and promotion
• Marketing management

Another advantage of a music industry administration degree is that it’s versatile, meaning graduates can pursue roles in music distribution, production, or publishing.

Learn more about the program and its curriculum to see how it supports your goal of establishing a career in the music industry.