Releasing music as an independent artist has never been easier, thanks to digital distribution platforms like Distrokid. But what if you have a leased song that you want to distribute? Many artists face challenges when trying to distribute a leased track, primarily because they are unsure of the process and rights involved. This guide will help you navigate through the steps of putting your leased song on Distrokid, ensuring it reaches the maximum audience and generates the desired impact.
Leasing a song usually involves an agreement where you obtain rights to use a beat or instrumental that belongs to another producer or artist. This type of arrangement allows multiple artists to use the same beat, often with some limitations depending on the terms of the lease.
Before you proceed with distributing your leased song, make sure you understand the lease terms thoroughly. Look out for clauses related to distribution rights, streaming counts, and any potential revenue-sharing models that might be included in your lease agreement.
The first and most important step is to ensure you have the proper licensing for the beat or instrumental that you have leased. Check the lease agreement for details about distribution rights, and make sure you’re legally allowed to distribute the track on platforms like Distrokid.
Make sure your song is properly mixed and mastered. Prepare all necessary metadata, including song title, artist name, genre, and album artwork. Accurate metadata is crucial for the proper listing of your song on digital streaming platforms.
Visit the Distrokid website (www.distrokid.com) and sign up if you haven’t already. If you already have an account, simply log in to get started. Distrokid offers various subscription plans, so choose one that best fits your needs as an artist.
Once logged in, click on the ‘Upload’ tab in the dashboard. You’ll be guided through the upload process, where you will need to provide all the necessary details about your track. This includes uploading your music file, entering song title, and selecting the release date.
While uploading your track, you will be prompted to specify if your song contains any samples or leased components. Clearly indicate that your song includes a leased beat and provide the necessary credits to the original producer. This step is crucial to avoid any legal issues later on.
After entering all the required details, review your submission for accuracy. Once satisfied, click on the ‘Submit’ button to send your track for distribution. Distrokid will handle the rest, ensuring your song is distributed to all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
After successfully uploading your leased song on Distrokid, it’s time to focus on promotion to maximize your reach and impact. Here are some strategies to promote your track:
Use social media platforms to announce your release. Share snippets of your song, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your fans to build anticipation and excitement.
Getting your song featured on popular playlists can significantly boost your streams. Pitch your track to playlist curators and use services like SoundOn to get your music added to curated playlists.
Collaborate with other artists and influencers in your niche to reach a broader audience. Features and collaborations can help tap into each other’s fanbase and grow your following.
Utilize email marketing to notify your subscribers about your new release. Create a compelling newsletter with links to your track on various streaming platforms.
Distributing a leased song on Distrokid is a straightforward process if you follow the proper steps and understand your rights. Ensure you have the correct licensing, prepare your music and metadata, and accurately enter your details on Distrokid. Once your track is live, leverage various promotional strategies to reach a wider audience.
For artists looking to distribute their music more effectively, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn offers comprehensive distribution services, helping you build a successful music career and connect with new fans across platforms like TikTok and CapCut.