FAQs

ROC Nation distribution supports and empowers independent artists by providing them with tools and services to distribute their music globally while retaining ownership of their masters.

ROC Nation distribution is a platform and destination  for artists, led by the artist’s needs, interest and focus.

 

Key Features and Services:

Global Music Distribution:

  1. ROC Nation distribution is partnered with over 200 digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, and TikTok, to ensure your music reaches a wide audience. This global reach helps artists maximize their exposure and earnings.

Retention of Master Ownership:

  1. One of the standout features of ROC Nation distribution is that it allows artists to maintain ownership of their masters. This ensures that artists receive the majority of streaming revenue and other royalties, fostering greater financial independence and creative control.

Real-Time Reporting and Analytics:

  1. Artists can access real-time data and detailed reports on their music’s performance, including listener demographics and streaming trends. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about marketing and promotion strategies.

Monthly Payouts and Direct Payments:

  1. ROC Nation distribution offers monthly payouts directly to artists’ bank or PayPal accounts. Additionally, the platform supports direct third-party payments, allowing for easy revenue splits with collaborators.
  2. Additional Services:
    • Video Distribution: Upload and distribute music videos to platforms like Vevo, Amazon Video, and Apple Music.
    • Publishing Administration: ROC Nation distribution handles the administration, registration, and licensing of compositions to collect publishing royalties.

 

Why Choose ROC Nation distribution?

ROC Nation distribution is designed to be artist-friendly, offering comprehensive services that enable artists to build and sustain their careers without sacrificing ownership or creative control. 

NOT A LABEL. 

ROC Nation distribution is not a traditional record label; it is an independent music distribution platform. The primary focus of ROC Nation distribution is to help artists distribute their music globally while retaining ownership of their masters. Unlike traditional record labels, which often require artists to give up ownership of their recordings in exchange for marketing and promotional support, ROC Nation distribution empowers artists to maintain control over their music and receive a larger share of the revenue.

 

Key Differences Between ROC Nation distribution and a Traditional Record Label:

  1. Ownership:
    • ROC Nation: Artists retain full ownership of their masters.
    • Traditional Labels: Labels typically acquire the rights to the master recordings, often as part of the contract.
  2. Revenue:
    • ROC Nation: Artists receive the majority of streaming revenue and royalties, with ROC Nation distribution taking a smaller administrative fee.
    • Traditional Labels: Labels usually take a significant percentage of the revenue generated by the artist’s music to cover costs like marketing, production, and distribution.
  3. Services Provided:
    • ROC Nation distribution: Focuses on digital distribution, real-time analytics, publishing administration, playlist pitching, and brand partnerships. They provide tools to manage and monetize music without taking control over creative decisions.
    • Traditional Labels: Provide a wider range of services, including physical distribution, marketing, artist development, and tour support, but often exert greater control over the artist’s career and creative output.
  4. Artist Independence:
    • ROC Nation: Designed for independent artists who want to build their careers while maintaining creative and financial independence.
    • Traditional Labels: Often involve more contractual obligations and creative oversight.

ROC Nation distribution’s model is more about providing infrastructure and support for independent artists rather than acting as a traditional label that manages all aspects of an artist’s career​.

 

Steps to Distribute Your Music with ROC Nation distribution:

  1. Sign Up and Submit Your Music:
    • You start by signing up on the ROC Nationdistribution platform and submitting your music for distribution. This includes uploading your audio files, album artwork, and metadata (e.g., song titles, artist name, release date).
  2. Music Distribution:
    • ROC Nation distribution will then distribute your music to over 200 streaming platforms worldwide, such as Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, and TikTok​​.
  3. Retention of Master Ownership:
    • One of the key benefits is that you retain full ownership of your masters. This means you have control over your music and keep the majority of the revenue generated from streams and sales​.
  4. Revenue Collection and Payouts:
    • ROC Nation distribution collects all earnings from your music and provides monthly payouts directly to your bank account or PayPal. They also offer real-time reporting so you can track your earnings and music performance​.
  5. Real-Time Reporting and Analytics:
    • The platform provides detailed analytics, allowing you to see how your music is performing across different platforms, which demographics are listening, and other valuable data to help you strategize your next moves​.
  6. Additional Services:
    • ROC Nation distribution offers a range of additional services, including:
      • Publishing Administration: They handle the registration, licensing, and royalty collection for your compositions.
      • Playlist Pitching: ROC Nation distribution helps pitch your music for inclusion in curated playlists, increasing your visibility.
      • Brand and Media Partnerships: They work to create promotional opportunities with brands and media outlets.
      • YouTube Monetization: ROC Nation distribution manages your YouTube channel, helping you monetize content and manage revenue from ads and Content ID​​.

Benefits of Working with ROC Nation distribution:

  • Control and Independence: You maintain control over your music and creative decisions.
  • Higher Revenue Share: You keep the majority of the revenue from your music, as ROC Nation distribution takes a smaller administrative fee compared to traditional labels.
  • Comprehensive Support: From distribution to marketing, you get a suite of tools and services to help you grow your career.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you have an album ready for release. You sign up with ROC Nation distribution, upload your tracks and artwork, and set a release date. ROC Nation distribution then distributes your album to all major streaming services. You start receiving detailed analytics on how each track is performing and monthly payouts based on your streams. Meanwhile, ROC Nation distribution helps pitch your songs to popular playlists and connects you with potential brand partnerships, all while you retain full ownership of your music.

ROC Nation distribution offers a favorable revenue split and several advantages for independent artists looking to distribute their music. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how your deal with ROC Nation distribution would work, including the specific financial terms:

Deal Structure and Financial Terms

  1. Revenue Split:
    • 85/15 Split: ROC Nation distribution operates on an 85/15 split of net profits. This means you retain 85% of the earnings from your music, while ROC Nation distribution takes a 15% commission for their services. This split applies to net profits, ensuring you keep the majority of the revenue generated by your music​​.
  2. No Upfront Fees:
    • Typically, there are no upfront fees for music distribution. This makes it easier for independent artists to get their music out to a global audience without initial financial barriers. However, there may be fees associated 

Publishing Administration Services

  1. 85/15 Split:
    • ROC Nation distribution operates on an 85/15 split, similar to its distribution services. This means that artists retain 85% of the net profits from their compositions, while ROC Nation distribution takes a 15% commission for their administrative services​ ​.
  2. Core Services Provided:
    • Administration and Registration:  handles the administrative tasks of registering your compositions with the necessary rights organizations. This ensures that all potential royalties can be tracked and collected efficiently.
    • Licensing: They manage the licensing of your music for various uses, including synchronization (sync) licenses for film, TV, commercials, and more.
    • Royalty Collection: ROC Nation distribution collects all types of royalties on your behalf, including performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and sync royalties. This comprehensive collection ensures you maximize your earnings from all potential revenue streams​​.
    • Real-Time Reporting: Artists have access to real-time data and detailed reports on their music’s performance and royalty earnings. This transparency helps artists make informed decisions about their careers and future releases​​.
  3. Additional Services:
    • Creative Support: While the primary focus is on administration, ROC Nation distribution may also offer support in pitching your compositions for various opportunities, enhancing the chances of your music being used in lucrative contexts.
    • Sync Licensing: ROC Nation distribution actively works to place your music in films, TV shows, commercials, and other media, which can significantly boost your exposure and income.