Top FAQ's for Artists

Why choose MDC?

Why MDC?

You’re probably asking why you should choose MDC. There are a few reasons really:

 

We’re globally connected – literally 

As one of the only major distribution services for unsigned and independent artists, we provide a unique opportunity to accelerate your career in the music industry. Our distribution services your music product to popular retailers.

 

Get Paid

Not only is it easy for you to quickly submit tracks for release but when your music is streamed or sold, you receive your distribution sales revenue deposited to your Music Distribution Club account. When you register your distribution membership you’ll onboard with Stripe and receive your Music Distribution Club prepaid business credit card in 3-5 business days via USPS. In order to manage your MDC Banking features, we’ll need you to log into your Music Distribution Club account, and head to MDC Banking from your dashboard.

 

We make global distribution easy

We offer a simple yet effective way to release your music – and take it further. With Music Distribution Club it’s about as easy as it gets. Just select your distribution membership, pay the membership fee, upload your music product and cover art, fill in the product release info – and you’re ready. Your music will go live on your scheduled release dates. We put your music in the world’s leading online music stores and streaming services, including popular music platforms like Tidal, Apple Music, Napster, Music Choice – and more. Register your distribution membership to start releasing unlimited audio product – an EP or Single, with no annual catalog renewal fee’s.

 

Unlimited audio distribution

Our transparent pricing means you’ll only pay a 1-time fee for your distribution membership, with no additional costs to release audio and no renewal fees to keep your catalog live. For example, when you register with our “Put Me On” distribution membership, your music releases will stay live in the world’s leading music services even if your Music Distribution Club membership expires, allowing you to always earn money from your catalog.

 

We provide you with access to the MAJOR tools for success

As a Music Distribution Club member, you have access to services that major labels utilize, right from your dashboard.


Discover and plan

You get access to detailed streaming trends, sales reports, and can easily utilize your money earned. We’ll also help you plan where to target your audience, so you can successfully tour with major artists. Seeing your progress and learning what your fans like lets you plan better.

 

We give you flexibility

With Music Distribution Club there’s no more confusion about how to get your music on major digital music services like Tidal and Apple Music – we do it for you quickly and easily. You can even choose to pre-schedule releases months ahead of time.

Can I make money as an unsigned artist?

Put Me On

If you think you’re the hottest unsigned artist, then make the switch to Music Distribution Club. We are looking for the hottest unsigned artist to Put On mainstream with a major CAREER BOOST!!

 

Got a hit record?

•Based on streaming/sales stats and talent, the top performing 100 records will be reviewed.

 

•A&R’s will select one artist/group to Put On mainstream!

 

You can be the artist we put on with up to $1,000,000 in cash and artist services combined.


Make money from streaming

The amount of money you can make from streaming varies according to how often your music is streamed each month, the number of subscriptions and ad revenue. When someone streams your music you’ll be paid a proportionate share of either the subscription revenue – or in the case of Spotify’s free-tier, a proportion of the monthly ad revenue.

Do I need more than just distribution?

Earn additional money

There are several ways you can make money as an independent artist including:

 

Sync Licensing (Synchronization)

We all know great music can completely make a film or TV show. Savvy producers know this too and like to also use less expensive up-and-coming artists. If a film or TV studio, production company or content creator wants to use the music you’ve composed in their show, ad or YouTube channel, they need to pay you for the synchronization license. The license fee you receive is usually based on things like how your music will be used, for how long and the format. Not only can a good sync be profitable, but it can skyrocket a previously unknown artist’s profile and popularity. 

 

Collaborate

When you collaborate with another artist, producer or songwriter, you are entitled to a portion of the royalties made from that music. Regardless of whether your writing style leans more towards, indie, electronic or anything in between, social media is a great way to find and connect with potential collaborators and co-write on their tracks.

 

Keep it real – Start touring!

A healthy digital presence, social media love and soaring Tidal plays are always good. But every successful artist also needs to exist In Real Life too. Touring is a reliable way to make money, especially if you’re an all-star performer. The best singers and rappers know how to put on amazing shows for fans – no matter the size of the crowd. Great shows create buzz, get people talking and make big industry players take notice. Touring and merchandise go together and are other viable ways to ramp up your revenue.

What do I need to know about streaming services?

Getting your music in digital stores

We deliver your songs and music videos to all the important digital music platforms quickly, handle the distribution of your music and pay you royalties when your fans download and stream your music. We also provide trending reports about your music and stats, as well as trends from stores – straight to your artist account. So you always know how your release is performing.

 

Do I need to take down my music that is hosted by other distributors when I switch to Music Distribution Club?

When you are transferring releases you’ve previously distributed with another distributor to Music Distribution Club, we recommend that you request takedowns with your previous distributor after Music Distribution Club has delivered your content successfully. The guidelines of streaming services and music stores don’t allow the release of the same music through multiple distribution services as this causes conflicts regarding distribution rights.

 

When will my content be live on streaming platforms?

It’s important to be organized and schedule audio releases with a minimum 6 weeks lead time, and music video releases with a minimum 4 weeks lead time. Your release will go live to all stores on the release dates you select.

 

How can I check my streaming performance?

Explore your streaming data in Stats right from your dashboard see the performance of your releases. Whether you’re distributing your first track or have over a million followers, trend and sales insight are served alongside your streaming data to help you monitor your performance with precision. Sales reports generate 3 months after each release date.

Will I keep the rights to my masters and copyright credits?

You keep 100% of your masters