Top Music Distributers in Los Angeles for Independent Artist

31- May-2024

Los Angeles is the heart of a bustling community of indie music distributors who serve as a melting pot for fresh concepts in the industry. These entities provide various facilities such as artist grooming, sync licensing, digital distribution to popular streaming platforms alongside transparent royalties aimed at meeting the needs of unsigned acts. Situated at the core of showbiz, these establishments act as an invaluable asset for any DIY musician seeking to widen their sound’s scope while breaking into global markets.

The Top distributors in Los Angeles are:

1. TuneCore: TuneCore was founded in 2005 and helps independent artists conduct music that they have recorded without having the financial backing of a huge label to get into popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple music, Amazon music and more. You can join on their website directly at TuneCore. It costs $9.

Pros:

- User-friendly platform

- Comprehensive distribution

- Marketing support

Cons:

- Costs can add up over time

- Limited to digital distribution

2. CD Baby: CD Baby online store was started in the year 1998 to provide music selling opportunity to independent musicians and bands who were intending to sell their CDs and other products through internet globally. Artists can sign up at CD Baby. It costs a one-time fee of $9.95 for a single and $29 for an album.

Pros:

- One-time fee for distribution

- Sync licensing and publishing admin

- Physical distribution

Cons:

- Higher upfront cost compared to some competitors

- Takes a percentage of royalties

3. DistroKid: Distrokid started in 2013 which allows artists to submit as many songs in a single year while users can download these songs at a single subscription fee. You can sign up at https://distrokid.com.The price is $19.99 a year for limitless uploads.

Pros:

- Unlimited uploads

- Low annual fee

- Royalty splits and detailed analytics

Cons:

- No physical distribution

- Limited customer support

4. Symphonic Distribution:

It was founded in 2006 and is located in Miami, Florida; its main services include Digital & Video Distribution and Publishing Administration. Artists can apply via the Symphonic Distribution. The custom price depends on the services that the client requires from the company.

Pros:

- Extensive service offerings

- Personalized support

- Strong artist development

Cons:

- Custom pricing can be expensive

- May not be suitable for beginners

5. Ditto Music: Ditto Music is an independent music distribution and specialized marketing company from Manchester, England and was started in 2007.We saw the opportunity and grabbed it; during a period of global digital music explosion. You can join in at DittoMusic for $19 per year for one artist.

Pros:

- Flexible contracts

- Artist-friendly

- Label services

Cons:

- Customer service can be slow

- Additional costs for extra services

6. AWAL (Artists Without a Label): Launched in 1997, AWAL initially provided distribution and ancillary services that included marketing solutions and data services without adopting a conventional record deal. Apply directly on the Awal. The cost is a revenue sharing model, with AWAL taking 15%. 

Pros:

- No upfront costs

- Access to marketing and analytics

- Flexible agreements

Cons:

- Selective entry process

- Takes a cut of your earnings

7. ONErpm: ONErpm was established in 2010 and besides offering distribution, promotion and labelling services, it provides comprehensive analytics. Apply through the ONErpm. Users can avail basic features without cost, while enhancing features will give them options for a price.

Pros:

- Free basic plan

- Strong analytics

- Global reach

Cons:

- Free plan has limited features

- Can be complex for beginners

8. Empire Distribution: Started in 2010, Empire provides distribution, publishing, and marketing services as both a distributor and record label. Submit your music on the Empire . The cost operates on a revenue sharing model. 

Pros:

- Comprehensive services

- Artist-friendly deals

- Established reputation

Cons:

- Revenue split

- Competitive to get accepted

9. Stem: Founded in 2015, Stem emphasizes transparent financial management with digital distribution and automatic royalty splitting. Apply on the Stem. The cost follows a revenue sharing model.

Pros:

- Transparent payments

- Financial management tools

- Automatic royalty splits

Cons:

- Takes a percentage of revenue

- Limited additional services

10. Amuse: Amuse was created in 2015 as a platform for free music distribution which has an option of premium services. You can register on Amuse for free. The basic plan is free while premium plans start at $24.99 per year.

Pros:

- Free distribution option

- Easy to use

- Upgrade options

Cons:

- Premium features cost extra

- Limited support for free plan

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Los Angeles hosts a dynamic array of independent music distributors, such as TuneCore, CD Baby, DistroKid, and others, all offering essential services to help artists reach broader audiences. As you navigate your musical journey, consider the wealth of resources these distributors provide to support your growth. And when it comes to capturing your sound, our recording music studio stands ready to provide an unparalleled experience. Step into our space, where every note finds its true expression amidst cutting-edge technology and an inspiring atmosphere. Make us your first choice in Los Angeles for realizing your musical vision. Our audio recording studio equipment ensures that you have the best tools at your disposal to create your masterpiece