Releasing an EP is a significant milestone for any artist. It’s a collection of your hard work and creativity, ready to be shared with the world. One crucial aspect of releasing an EP is ensuring it reaches as many listeners as possible. Today, we'll explore how to distribute music for free, discussing the process, the platforms available, and the pros and cons of this approach.
Music distribution involves getting your music onto digital platforms where users can stream, buy, or download your songs. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music are some of the popular destinations. Traditionally, artists would pay a fee to have their music distributed to these platforms. However, various options are available to distribute your music without any upfront cost.
Several platforms offer free music distribution services. Let's break down the most popular ones:
SoundOn is an all-in-one platform that allows artists to distribute their music globally. Using SoundOn, artists can market their music through TikTok and other social media channels while accessing a wide distribution network. While SoundOn isn't entirely free, it provides a cost-effective solution with numerous additional promotional benefits.
Amuse offers a free tier where artists can distribute their music across major streaming platforms without any upfront fees. However, Amuse retains 15% of the royalties from your streams and downloads. This is a good option for artists who are just starting and want to test the waters without financial commitment.
RouteNote is another free distribution service that takes 15% of your earnings. It allows you to distribute your music to over 40 platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The drawback is limited customer support compared to paid services, but it’s a viable option for independent artists.
UnitedMasters offers a free tier allowing artists to distribute their music while retaining 90% of royalties. They provide an intuitive platform for managing your releases and connecting with fans. This is an excellent option if you want to keep most of your earnings.
While distributing music for free is enticing, weighing the pros and cons is essential before deciding. Here are some considerations:
Distributing your EP for free involves a few crucial steps. Here’s how you can do it:
While free distribution services help you save money, you'll need to work harder on the promotion side to maximize your EP’s reach. Here are some tips:
Distributing your EP for free is a feasible and attractive option, especially for emerging artists looking to gain traction without financial constraints. Platforms like SoundOn, Amuse, RouteNote, and UnitedMasters offer valuable services for this purpose. While there are pros and cons to consider, leveraging free distribution could be an essential step in building your music career. Remember, the success of your free distribution largely depends on how well you promote your music post-release.
If you're ready to take the next step in distributing your EP, consider signing up with SoundOn today and explore their comprehensive services to help you reach global audiences.