Until a couple of years ago, the issue of distribution was unfamiliar to artists, what's more, I think it's still a topic that generates many questions, doubts and insecurities.
Not having clear information when choosing who will take our distribution, makes us take hasty decisions without thinking it through, when this should be one of the most important decisions to be made consciously.
With this I do not mean that there are bad distribution services, there is no good or bad, it is just that each project has different needs and their careers are at different stages, which means that each platform provides more or less tools, resources and support, making them convenient or not depending on the case.
All this introduction is due to the fact that for a few days I have been receiving questions about how to change distributors without losing listeners or leaving the playlist. This was probably because it was a precipitous choice and the musicians do not feel comfortable with their current distribution services anymore or simply want to try new options.
Going back to the initial question, of course it is possible to make a change or migration between distributors without losing the record that has been achieved with published music, this process is quite friendly in itself, but it requires a lot of care; Today I am going to tell you in detail what you need and how you can execute it.
First of all: MUSIC METADATA.
To start this process it is important that we collect all the information available of the music that is is going to be migrated:
ISRC and UPC codes. These codes are extremely important; we will need the same codes as they are found in the music that is currently available.
The ISRC works like a fingerprint on each song, it is a unique code and all the listens generated by a song are kept here; one is required for each track.
The UPC or barcode individually identifies the products to be distributed and is not necessary for all the songs within an album or EP; only one is required per release.
GENERAL INFORMATION. This information includes the full names of the songs or albums, artists, collaborators, composers, etc.
COVER ART. The same applies to all the covers of the singles, EPs or albums to be migrated, with a resolution of 3000 x 3000 pixels and in JPG or PNG format.
Second: DEFINE THE NEW DISTRIBUTOR AND START THE PROCESS
When we have already gathered all the data and defined the new distributor, it is time to start with the registration. Whether you deliver your material to the new distributor or you manage the process yourself, it is vital that you take into account the following points:
The music to be migrated must still be available with your current distributor, do not take it down before.
ISRC codes must be copied or delivered as they currently are, otherwise music will be duplicated and streams will not be transfered. These codes appear on the dashboard of your user account on the platform of your current distributor. If you do not have them, you can request them through the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry).
The original release date must be respected.
The same data should be used for copyright holder and publisher.
The metadata should not be modified during the registration, if any correction is necessary, you can do it after the process and the published songs.
Last but least: MONITOR STREAMS AND REQUEST TAKEDOWN
Now that the music is available on both distribution platforms, we must wait between 2 and 5 days for both to play at the same time, so that the streams, statistics and playlist are reflected in the migrated version.
Once this time has passed and the numbers are tied in both versions, then it is time to make/request the corresponding song takedown and monitoring that there is only one version left in the stores.
Depending on the way the royalties are paid, there will be a period of remanence by the former distributor that can be extended up to 90 days, so pay close attention to this part.
If you are considering options to distribute your music, Indiefy has different plans and free digital distribution that can be useful and help your project, it will be a pleasure to welcome you here.
If at any time you have inquiries, questions or you need more information regarding this blog or our services, visit our frequently asked questions page and do not hesitate to contact us.
See you in the future!
