TuneCore vs CD Baby: How to Add Unreleased Songs

In the ever-evolving music industry, getting your music distributed to mainstream platforms like Apple Music is paramount for success. This article delves into the comparison between two popular music distribution services, TuneCore and CD Baby, and provides a step-by-step guide on how to add unreleased songs to Apple Music.

TuneCore vs CD Baby: An Overview

Choosing between TuneCore and CD Baby can be a daunting task for independent artists. Both platforms offer a range of services designed to help artists distribute their music, gain royalties, and reach a broader audience. However, each has its unique features, pricing models, and distribution policies.

TuneCore: Key Features

• Distribution: TuneCore offers music distribution to over 150 digital stores, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
• Pricing: TuneCore has an annual fee model, where you pay yearly to keep your music in stores.
• Royalties: TuneCore pays 100% of the streaming and download royalties to the artists.
• Additional Services: Additional services include mastering, publishing administration, and YouTube monetization.

CD Baby: Key Features

• Distribution: CD Baby distributes to over 150 digital stores, including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
• Pricing: CD Baby charges a one-time fee for each album or single, with no annual fee required.
• Royalties: CD Baby takes a 9% commission on digital sales and streams.
• Additional Services: CD Baby offers services like sync licensing, publishing administration, and physical distribution through Amazon.

How to Add Unreleased Songs to Apple Music

Once you've chosen your distribution platform, the next step is to add your unreleased music to Apple Music. Here's a detailed guide on how you can achieve this:

Step 1: Prepare Your Music

Before uploading, ensure that your unreleased songs are properly mixed and mastered. High-quality audio files in .WAV or .FLAC format are preferred for distribution. Additionally, have all the necessary metadata, including song titles, artist names, release dates, and album cover art, ready.

Step 2: Sign Up with a Distributor

Whether you choose TuneCore, CD Baby, or another distributor, you will need to create an account with them. If you haven't done so already, you can also consider registering as a SoundOn artist to leverage their comprehensive distribution services.

Step 3: Create a Release

Log in to your distribution platform and create a new release. Enter all the required information for your unreleased song or album, including:

• Release Title: The title of your single or album.
• Artist Name: Ensure this matches your branding on other platforms.
• Release Date: Set a future release date if you’re scheduling ahead.
• Genre and Sub-Genres: Classify your music appropriately.
• Language: Specify the primary language of the lyrics, if applicable.

Step 4: Upload Your Music and Art

Upload the audio files along with the album or single cover art. Album art should be high-resolution and follow the specifications outlined by the distributor. Most platforms recommend a resolution of at least 3000x3000 pixels in JPEG or PNG format.

Step 5: Review and Confirm

Carefully review all the details you’ve entered. Mistakes here can lead to delays or errors in your release. Once confirmed, submit your release for distribution. The distributor will then process and send your music to Apple Music and other selected platforms.

Step 6: Promote Your Unreleased Music

With your music scheduled for release, it’s crucial to start promoting it. Utilize social media, email newsletters, and your existing fan base to create buzz. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be particularly effective for music promotion.

Conclusion

Choosing between TuneCore and CD Baby ultimately depends on your unique needs as an artist. Both platforms offer robust distribution services, but their pricing and royalty models differ. Regardless of which you choose, adding unreleased songs to Apple Music involves a systematic approach through a distributor. By preparing your music properly and promoting it effectively, you can maximize your reach and success on one of the world's leading music platforms.

Consider registering as a SoundOn artist for enhanced distribution services and to ensure your music reaches a global audience.