How Do You Distribute Your Own Music?

In an ever-evolving music industry, artists have more control over their career paths than ever before. Gone are the days when getting signed to a record label was the only way to get your music heard. Thanks to digital distribution platforms, you can now distribute your own music and maintain creative control. But how exactly do you go about distributing your own music? And what role does a music artist manager play in this process? Let's dive in.

Steps to Distribute Your Own Music

1. Create High-Quality Music

Before you can distribute your music, you need to make sure it's ready for the public. This means investing time and resources into producing high-quality tracks. Consider booking studio time, working with experienced producers, and getting your music professionally mixed and mastered. Quality matters, and the better your music sounds, the more likely it is to get noticed.

2. Choose a Digital Distribution Platform

The next step is to choose the right digital distribution platform. Platforms like SoundOn can help you distribute your music to major DSPs (Digital Streaming Platforms) like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Each platform has its unique features, but your goal should be to maximize your reach and get your music onto as many platforms as possible.

3. Prepare Your Music for Distribution

Once you've selected a distribution platform, you'll need to prepare your music for distribution. This typically involves uploading your tracks, album art, and metadata (e.g., song titles, artist name, genre, etc.). Make sure everything is accurate and professionally presented, as this is often the first impression potential listeners will have of your music.

4. Promote Your Music

Getting your music on streaming platforms is just the beginning. To really make an impact, you'll need to actively promote your music. Utilize social media, create engaging content on TikTok and SoundOn, collaborate with other artists, and reach out to playlist curators. The more you promote, the more opportunities you'll have to reach new fans.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Building and maintaining a fanbase is crucial for any music artist. Engage with your audience on social media, respond to comments, and show appreciation for their support. Consider hosting live streams, Q&A sessions, and exclusive giveaways to keep your fans engaged and invested in your journey.

What Does a Music Artist Manager Do?

While it's possible to manage many aspects of your music career on your own, having a dedicated music artist manager can be incredibly beneficial. But what exactly does a music artist manager do? Here are some key responsibilities:

1. Career Development

A music artist manager is responsible for helping you develop your career. This includes setting long-term goals, identifying opportunities for growth, and creating a strategic plan to achieve success. They can provide valuable industry insights and help you navigate the complexities of the music business.

2. Managing Day-to-Day Operations

From booking gigs to coordinating recording sessions, a music artist manager oversees the day-to-day operations of your career. They handle administrative tasks, negotiate contracts, and ensure that everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on your creative work.

3. Networking and Relationships

An experienced music artist manager has a vast network of industry contacts. They leverage these relationships to secure opportunities for you, such as collaborations, endorsements, and media coverage. Building and maintaining these connections is essential for expanding your reach and visibility.

4. Marketing and Promotion

Your manager will also play a key role in marketing and promoting your music. This involves creating promotional strategies, coordinating marketing campaigns, and helping you build a strong brand. A well-executed promotional plan can significantly increase your chances of success.

5. Financial Management

Managing finances is another important aspect of a music artist manager's role. They help you budget for expenses, track income, and ensure that you get paid for your work. This financial oversight is crucial for sustaining a successful music career.

Conclusion

Distributing your own music and managing your career can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, it's entirely possible. By choosing a reliable distribution platform like SoundOn and considering the benefits of a music artist manager, you can take your music career to new heights. Remember, success in the music industry requires determination, hard work, and a bit of strategic planning.

If you're ready to distribute your own music and make your mark in the industry, consider signing up with SoundOn and start your journey today.