Questions
Before you ask us.
The things artists and labels ask most often. If yours isn't here, send it to us and we'll answer it properly.
Releasing
How long before my release goes live?
Plan for three to four weeks between submitting a release and its live date. Platforms need around two weeks to process a delivery, and editorial playlist teams want to see a release at least four weeks ahead if you want to be considered. We can move faster than that when something is urgent, but you lose the pitching window.
What files do you need from me?
Uncompressed WAV masters at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz or higher, and square cover art at 3000 × 3000 pixels or larger in JPG or PNG. Artwork can't contain a website address, social handles or anything you don't have the rights to use. We'll tell you before delivery if something won't pass.
Do I need my own ISRC and UPC codes?
No. We issue them at no extra cost as part of the release. If you already have codes — from a previous distributor or your own registrant code — use those instead so your stream history stays attached to the track.
Can I release under more than one artist name?
Yes. One account can hold several artist profiles, which is how most producers and label owners work with us. Each profile keeps its own platform pages and its own reporting.
Money
How and when do I get paid?
Platforms report earnings to us on a delay of roughly two months, so royalties for a given month reach your balance around two months later. From there you withdraw on a monthly cycle. South African artists are paid in rand by local transfer; artists elsewhere are paid in dollars or euros. We'll confirm the exact route for your country when you sign.
How do splits with collaborators work?
Set the percentages per track when you create the release, and each person's share lands in their own balance automatically. Nobody has to chase you for their cut, and you don't have to move money around after the fact.
Does Blokdistro handle publishing royalties?
Distribution covers recording royalties — what platforms pay for the use of your master. Publishing royalties are separate and are collected by your publisher or collection society. If you aren't registered with one yet, ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.
Rights and leaving
Do you take any ownership of my music?
No. You keep your masters and your publishing. What you grant us is the permission to deliver your recordings to platforms and collect the money on your behalf. That permission ends when the agreement ends.
Can I move an existing catalogue to you?
Yes, and it's worth doing carefully. If we redeliver your releases with the same ISRCs and UPCs, your streams, saves and playlist positions carry across. Send us a list of what you have and we'll plan the switch so nothing disappears in between.
What happens if I want to leave?
Tell us and we'll take your catalogue down or hand it over to your new distributor. There's no exit fee. We'll give you your identifiers and delivery history so the next distributor can pick up cleanly, and we'll pay out whatever is still owed to you.