Online music distribution has become one of the most talked about segments of the modern entertainment business – with particularly fierce competition in the field for indie artists and label clients.
That competition is about to go to the next level thanks to the launch of DistroDirect, a new white label B2B solution that allows any music business to add digital distribution to their current offering, under their own brand.
DistroDirect’s SaaS (software as a service) offering provides a fully customizable and automated distribution platform, delivering music to over 100 DSPs globally including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, TikTok and more.
In addition, DistroDirect’s in-house team can handle all artist customer support to go alongside its data delivery capabilities.
DistroDirect is the brainchild of Australia-based digital distribution company GYROstream, which launched in 2018 and has since powered over a billion streams of its artists’ music.
DistroDirect offers features to clients such as collaborator split payments, integrated Spotify and Apple Music analytics, extensive reporting, and monthly statements.
GYROstream and DistroDirect CEO Andy Irvine says the idea to equip music businesses with the tools to create their own distribution service came about during the start of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
“We saw a lot of music businesses doing it tough – many are still – with the loss of revenue across the board so we wanted to offer something that could help them diversify their income streams, further automate and scale their current distribution processes and help them have greater control over their artists end to end product deliveries,” he says.
Following the soft launch of DistroDirect earlier this year, over 150 music businesses in 21 markets have launched their own services by piggybacking on DistroDirect’s B2B platform.
“We’ve already on-boarded so many like-minded labels, studios and music-related start-ups who are representing some amazing artists,” says Irvine. “Our aim is to empower more industry professionals and establish boutique distribution in every music market around the world.”
Added Irvine: “The DistroDirect model is also intended as an alternative to the increasing monopolization of global distribution giants. This premium micro-distribution model allows for more small to medium-sized music businesses – who already know their local music market back-to-front – to be able to use their artist networks to build a sustainable distribution business, wherever that may be.
“DistroDirect is based around the notion that developing key relationships in local markets drives better outcomes for artists. The unique blend of automation and personalisation that DistroDirect offers will help artists compete in an increasingly complex digital landscape.”
“The DistroDirect model is also intended as an alternative to the increasing monopolization of global distribution giants.”
Andy Irvine
Each DistroDirect distributor can set their own pricing, royalty rate and customise their website via their dedicated admin panel.
Artists are able to create an account, log in to their dashboard and manage their own assets, uploads and royalty withdrawals.
According to Irving, DistroDirect is already exploring the idea of expanding its white-label services into digitial marketing, artist advances, vinyl production and distribution, and global promotional opportunities.Music Business Worldwide
