How to Release Music as an Independent Caribbean Artist Using TuneCore or Distrokid

Releasing music independently as an artist from Barbados or the Caribbean is easier than ever thanks to platforms like TuneCore and DistroKid. 

These services enable you to distribute your music on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, while also allowing you to receive payments internationally. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started and the benefits of using these platforms over traditional label distribution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Releasing Music via TuneCore or DistroKid

1. Create an Account
   • Go to TuneCore or DistroKid and sign up. Both platforms allow artists from Barbados and other countries to register and start releasing music globally.
     
   • You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, artist name, and contact details.
     
2. Upload Your Music
   • Once registered, you can upload your tracks in the appropriate format (usually WAV or MP3).
     
   • You’ll also need to provide information like track title, release date, album art, and any other metadata required by streaming platforms.
     
3. Select Platforms for Distribution
   • Both TuneCore and DistroKid allow you to distribute your music to various platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, and more.
     
   • You can choose which platforms you want to release your music on, or opt to release on all available platforms.
     
4. International Payment Collection
   • One of the best features of both platforms is that they handle international payments. When your music generates revenue through streams, downloads, or licensing, TuneCore and DistroKid collect your earnings and pay you directly.
     
   • Payments are made via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or check, and you can withdraw funds from anywhere, including Barbados. Both platforms offer transparent reporting so you can track your earnings from different platforms and countries.
     
5. Market Your Music
   • After your music is live, focus on promotion. Use social media, email lists, and content marketing to drive traffic to your music. Both platforms offer tools to help you market, like Spotify pre-save links and artist profile management.
     
     

Benefits of TuneCore and DistroKid vs. Traditional Label Distribution

1. Keep 100% of Your Revenue
   • TuneCore: While TuneCore charges an annual fee per release, you keep 100% of the royalties.
     
   • DistroKid: DistroKid charges a yearly subscription fee (with unlimited releases), but you also keep 100% of your earnings. This contrasts with traditional labels, which typically take a significant percentage of your revenue (sometimes 50% or more).
     
2. Full Control Over Your Music
   • As an independent artist using TuneCore or DistroKid, you retain full control over your music. You can decide on release dates, cover art, and where your music is distributed. Labels typically have a say in these creative decisions, which can limit your artistic freedom.
     
3. Lower Costs
   • Labels often recoup expenses for production, marketing, and distribution before paying the artist. TuneCore and DistroKid let you release your music for a small fee, keeping the rest of your earnings in your pocket.
     
4. Faster Payouts
   • Traditional labels can delay payments due to lengthy processing times, especially when distributing internationally. With TuneCore and DistroKid, payments are processed regularly (monthly or more frequently), ensuring faster access to your earnings.
     
5. No Long-Term Contracts
   • When signing with a label, you often have to commit to multiple albums or years of exclusivity. With TuneCore and DistroKid, you are free to release music at your own pace without being tied down by long-term contracts.
     

Conclusion

For Barbadian artists looking to release music internationally, TuneCore and DistroKid are excellent platforms that provide full control over music distribution, faster payouts, and better revenue retention than traditional labels. These platforms also allow you to handle all aspects of your music career without the limitations that come with signing to a record label, giving you the freedom to grow your career on your own terms.
For more detailed information, visit TuneCore or DistroKid.

Leave a contact if you have any other questions or need help.