For independent artists today, getting your music heard is no longer the biggest challenge — it’s choosing how to release it. Should you go with a distribution aggregator, sign with a record label, or release everything DIY (Do It Yourself)?
Each path comes with its own pros, cons, and costs. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences to help you make the right choice for your career.
🎧 1. What Are Music Aggregators?
Music aggregators are third-party companies that act as a bridge between you and major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more.
Examples: DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto, etc.
✅ Pros of Aggregators
- Wide Reach: Your song is delivered to 100+ platforms worldwide.
- Fast Distribution: Most songs go live in 24–72 hours.
- Affordable: Annual or per-release fees (e.g., $19.99/year with DistroKid).
- Keep Ownership: You retain 100% of your rights and often most royalties.
- Analytics: Access to streaming data and audience insights.
❌ Cons of Aggregators
- No Marketing Support: They won’t promote your music for you.
- Annual Fees: Stop paying, and your music might get removed (with some services).
- DIY Responsibility: You handle everything from branding to promotion.
👉 Best For: Independent artists who want control and flexibility without giving up ownership.
🎶 2. What Are Record Labels?
A record label is a company that invests in artists — funding their recording, marketing, distribution, and promotion — in exchange for a share of the profits and rights. Labels can be major labels (Universal, Sony, Warner) or independent labels.
✅ Pros of Labels
- Funding & Resources: Covers recording, production, promotion, and touring.
- Industry Connections: Access to radio, media, playlists, and big collaborations.
- Professional Support: Teams for PR, marketing, and management.
- Credibility: Being signed can increase industry recognition.
❌ Cons of Labels
- Revenue Split: Labels take a large percentage of your royalties (sometimes 50%+).
- Loss of Creative Control: Labels may decide your sound, image, or release schedule.
- Contracts Can Be Restrictive: Some artists get locked into long-term deals.
- Not Accessible to Everyone: Labels usually sign artists with proven traction.
👉 Best For: Artists aiming for mainstream success who are willing to share profits for industry support.
🎤 3. What Is DIY (Do It Yourself) Distribution?
DIY distribution means you release your music completely independently, without an aggregator or label. This could mean uploading directly to platforms (like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, YouTube) or even selling music directly via your own website.
✅ Pros of DIY
- Full Creative Control: Nobody decides for you.
- Direct Fan Connection: You own the relationship with your audience.
- No Middlemen: 100% of the money goes to you.
- Builds True Independence: Teaches you valuable business and marketing skills.
❌ Cons of DIY
- Limited Reach: Not all platforms allow direct uploads (e.g., Spotify requires an aggregator).
- Time-Consuming: You do everything — uploading, marketing, branding, and sales.
- No Industry Support: Harder to scale without connections or a budget.
- Professional Costs: Studio time, mastering, and promotion come from your own pocket.
👉 Best For: Artists who are just starting out or those who want to stay grassroots and keep everything personal.
⚖️ 4. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Aggregator | Record Label | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Annual/per release fees | No upfront, but label takes royalties | Free (but limited reach) |
| Ownership | You keep your rights | Label usually owns masters/rights | 100% yours |
| Marketing | You handle it | Label handles it | You handle it |
| Reach | Global distribution | Global + industry push | Limited (unless you market well) |
| Best For | Independent artists | Artists chasing mainstream | Starters or niche artists |
🎯 5. So, Which Path Should You Choose?
- Choose an Aggregator if you want independence, flexibility, and global reach without losing ownership.
- Choose a Label if you want professional backing, bigger opportunities, and don’t mind sharing revenue and control.
- Choose DIY if you’re experimenting, building a small fanbase, or want to stay completely independent.
👉 Most modern independent artists start with aggregators, build traction, and then decide whether to stay independent or sign with a label.
🔑 Final Thoughts
There’s no single “right” answer — it depends on your goals, budget, and how much control you want over your music. What’s important is understanding the trade-offs so you can choose the best path for your journey as an artist.