What is a music distributor?
A distributor is the pipe between your finished track and the streaming platforms (DSPs). DSPs like Spotify or Apple Music don't accept uploads directly from most artists. they require a licensed distributor to deliver your audio, artwork, and metadata, then collect and pay out your royalties.
DIY distributor vs. label
DIY distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) charge a flat annual or per-release fee and hand you the upload dashboard. A label like Rizzivr Record handles the delivery for you, gives you a custom imprint, and helps with release planning, splits, and metadata. while you still keep ownership of your masters.
What you need before you release
- Mastered audio (WAV, 16-bit or 24-bit)
- Square cover art, at least 3000×3000 px
- Clean metadata: track title, artist name, ISRC, writer credits
- Agreed splits between all contributors, in writing
- A release date at least 3 to 4 weeks out for pitching
Keep your masters
A distributor should never ask you to transfer ownership of your recordings. The industry-standard deal is a non-exclusive license to distribute. the distributor is authorized to deliver the track to DSPs on your behalf, but you remain the owner. That's the model we use at Rizzivr: read the plain-English breakdown on our license overview.
Ready to release?
If you want a custom imprint, transparent splits, and someone in your corner for delivery. send us your demos.
Submit a demo →