F.A.Q - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know you have questions and we are here to answer! Before emailing us, view this page below and see if it has the information you need.  If you still have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at info@symphonicdistribution.com. We want to ensure that you get the questions you have answered as quickly as possible.


Questions Before Signing Up!


What do you guys do exactly? What is distribution?
Symphonic Distribution is a digital content distributor and services provider aimed at providing the best in content delivery, customer service, marketing, education, and more for music industry artists, managers, and record labels across the globe. In addition to our services, Symphonic Distribution also has several distinct brands for the intention of expanding the reach of a client. We have a proven track record and currently provide services to hundreds of clients based in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Australia, Sweeden, Bosnia & Herzegovina, India, Japan, USA, Canada, Portugal, and countless other countries and cultures around the globe. Symphonic Distribution is ran by experienced music producers, label owners, and artists thriving in providing the highest level of service.  In simple terms... you send to one place, we get it to everyone at one time and do all the work for you!

What other services do you offer?
We offer Education, Marketing, Development, Licensing, and Publishing.  We are your one stop shop for everything music!  Our main niche service is distribution however, through our brands and services (that you can view in the above menu), you will see the diversity in our services and how we can help you.

How does Symphonic Distribution and a label under Symphonic Distribution make money?
We receive a percentage of royalties made by your music.  Our contract states that you receive 70% of royalties while we retain the other 30% of royalties to cover distribution costs (bandwidth, hosting, etc).  In our distribution, we always want you to make more money and always will ensure that you do.  If you are interested in retaining 100% of your royalties, you may visit www.SYMDIRECT.COM and register through our sister company. You will only have to pay per release you distribute and retain 100% of royalties. We also have other distribution options listed below to better serve you.

How much does it cost to sign up with you?
As a distributor with the same interests and needs of a record label we feel you should have options and when signing with us. We have developed four options to better help you decide how to run your distribution business. We feel these are not only the most competitive options a distributor can offer but are also the ability to allow a label to determine what will be best for them from the beginning of their distribution deal.  For more information, contact sales@symphonicdistribution.com

Am I Exclusive?
We understand that you may have agreements with other stores and thus don’t force you to give up those agreements when you join.  We are a non-exclusive distributor with a network of over 100 online retailers and our network is in constant growth.  When you sign up with you tell us where you want us to send your music, at that point we become the only distributor to send your music to the specific stores you chose.  If you have agreements with some of the stores we distribute, you may transfer over the responsibility to us.

Do I still own my music?
Yes, you still own every piece of music you send to us.  All we do is simply distribute music to retailers.

How much do music stores make money?
Retailers retain an average of 40% of royalties prior to a split with us.  We are always working towards providing label partners more and expect this number to decline to 20-30% of royalties.  This will give you more royalties and opportunities all the while saving you time.

Let's say a major label (EMI, Sony BMG) wants to sign or license one of our tracks that is currently distributed by Symphonic. Does this infringe any of your distribution rights to this certain track?
No, we can take down the track or release if need be. It is your label not ours thus you have control of what you want to release, when you want to release it, and if you’d like to take it down for specific circumstances.

Does this agreement stop my label from entering into a physical distribution agreement with another distributor?
Nope, It does not cause problems with us.  The only hiccup that might occur is if this physical distributor would also like the digital rights.  In the case of this, we would ask for you to state that you currently have a digital distributor handling your distribution.

What if our label decides not to release a track on it's schedule for whatever reason?
No, there are no issues from our end as we understand certain tracks take a long while to be completed

Exactly how many releases do you expect from a label each month?
We prefer quality over quantity however we want really top notch music that fits what is selling the best nowadays.

Are royalties subject to U.S tax?
Yes, we send a W9 form for US based labels and a 1099-MISC form come tax time. For non US labels, you are required to go forth and contact your local tax office to ensure you are following proper procedures.

Can I choose to distribute to specific retailers?
While we do recommend that you let us distribute to all of our retailer partners, we do have the ability to limit distribution to specific retailer partners.  If you do not want us to distribute, please let our sales department aware prior to signing agreement.

What about territorial rights?
Per default, Symphonic Distribution licenses your music for purchase to the territory “world”, which includes all territories. However, if your music is already licensed in certain territories around the world, you have the option of excluding these territories. This will mean that your music will then not be available for purchase in these excluded territories.

What can my music not contain?
Your music is not allowed to contain anything that might infringe the Criminal Act in any part of the territory. This includes, but is not limited to, infringement or instigation of rebellion, persecution of an ethnic group, child pornography or unlawful description of violence. Your music can neither include material that is obscene or defamatory of any person.

What is a UPC Code?
A UPC is a “universal product code”, and is similar to a barcode or serial number. It gives your release a unique identity.  All releases are required to have this and we do take care of assigning them to releases.  Some distributors and aggregators may charge per release while we only have a one time sign up fee to cover the cost of creation and assignation.

What is a ISRC Code?
An ISRC is an “international standard recording code” and identifies a particular recording of a track.  All releases are required to have this and we do take care of assigning them to releases.  Some distributors and aggregators may charge per release while we only have a one time sign up fee to cover the cost of creation and assignation.

Can I cancel my agreement with Symphonic Distribution?
You may cancel an agreement although we do not recommend it.  Once you sign a contract with us, it will be for a specific term and if you wish to cancel, you will have to forfeit royalties for that quarter and your content will be taken down.  We do this to ensure that our contract deadlines are met but also to cover our costs for clients wishing to break their agreement.

Are you the best in terms of distribution?
We will never claim that we are the best in the world but we will tell you that we work VERY hard for you.  The staff and executive of Symphonic Distribution comes from label backgrounds and being with other distributors.  We know full well what you want and what you demand in terms of service and we will always work hard to ensure that you get the best and most quickest service possible. 


Questions After Signing Up!


Do my tracks have to be mastered? Can you master my music?
Yes, please deliver only top quality sounding material in the highest format possible.  The whole world will be hearing, purchasing, and playing your material thus, you want it sounding excellent!  If you need help mastering, we do offer the service under the "DEVELOPMENT" aspect.  So feel free to contact us at development@symphonicdistribution.com

How to send your releases:
In our "Welcome to Symphonic Distribution" email that is sent to you upon sign up, you will receive instructions on how to send in your music.  Unlike many distributors, we don't require you to send cds, instead, we provide you with a system to deliver your music quickly and effectively. 

Please remember to send releases 3 weeks prior to release date to ensure that it goes live on the release date you wrote. Ensure that you send your music in the following format listed below.  Email content@symphonicdistribution.com for any additional questions and we will respond asap.

Your releases must:
- Be in .WAV format (44khz over 16 bit)
- Include our Meta Data spreadsheet we send correctly filled out.
- Include a cover in 600x600 JPG
- Be sent with 3 weeks lead time (IE: 3 weeks before release date)

All of the info above must be in one ZIP or RAR file and you must email to content@symphonicdistribution.com using either sendspace.com, your own hosting provider, and/or another file transfer website.

Why is my release showing incorrectly?
At times, there are errors when music has been submitted to retailers.  When errors occur, please do not be quick to point fingers at yourself and/or us.  At times, the stores make these errors and they can easily be corrected.  If your release or releases have errors, please visit the Symphonic Distribution Intranet to submit a ticket to get your release corrected at the specific store that shows the error.  You may also email content@symphonicdistribution.com

To do this, go to WWW.SYMINTRANET.COM and then click on “Support Desk”

Why did my genre change on my release after I submitted the release?
As your distributor, we distribute your release exactly as to how you have submitted it to us.  Once submitted using the details we are given by you, some retailers might make changes to the genre of the song or release if they feel they have to.  Reasons for these changes may be that retailers feel the release or song pertains to another genre, and/or they feel it is better for the product.  In cases like this, we try our best to change the genre of the song or release per your request but ultimately, it is up to the retailer we distribute to.

How long does it take for releases to show?
For some retailers like iTunes, it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for a release to show.  We do recommend for labels to send in content 3 weeks ahead of time to ensure that it can go live on the release date.  At times, the release might still be delayed but you can be assured that when you send a release to us, it will be sent out that very same day.

Are some music shops genre specific?
Yes, some of our partners are orientated towards specific music genres, such as dance or electronic music. We do not send music to these stores which does not match the genre they are specialized in.

Why am I only able to send 2 EP’s per month?
Some stores do not want you to flood the market.  Our storee have told us to go forth and tell our labels to submit a maximum of 2 EP’s a month (3-5+ tracks a month in each EP is acceptable).  We realize this is a slight inconvenience yet, these stores and us, want you to focus hard on marketing the releases and working hard to get the most out of every release that is distributed.

Is there a quota to be met?
For those labels that are accepted by Beatport.com there is a quota of $500.00 every quarter.

The reasoning behind this new, higher benchmark is for several reasons.  They want to keep the quality and the relevancy of content available on Beatport as high as possible. They  acknowledge and understand that labels do take some time to build a brand, but They  also feel that a higher income minimum serves to separate the ‘hobbiest’ from the serious professional (or aspiring professional) producer and/or label manager.  Off the record, this figure is not necessarily hard and fast.  A label that shows continued growth, relevancy, and quality will be allowed to stay on by their discretion.

The days of a label just throwing their music up on Beatport in hopes it will sell are over.  Sure, quality music is paramount but we need labels to be active in setting up their releases prior to release date and driving traffic to their fans once that release is available.

Why is my release not on some stores?
After we distribute and upload the content, it is up to the stores to receive, upload, and place live.  Unfortunately, not all stores feel that the content can go on and often times, they are selective as to what content is placed.  As a distributor, we will distribute your music to the retailers but it will be up to them to place live if they feel it should be live on their store.  Additionally, some stores have different lead times.  For example, iTunes can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to place live.


Miscellanious Questions


How can I get an update as to how my label is selling?
You may email us at payments@symphonicdistribution.com for sales updates.  We will email you within 48 hours with a total estimate of how your label is doing on all of the stores you are signed up in.  For labels on Beatport, you will receive notice if you are under $500.00 due to Beatport's quota and sales screenshots would be available per request.

Will Symphonic Distribution be going after more stores?
Symphonic Distribution will continue to look for new online retailers to send your music to.  With this said, when we have established agreements with new stores, we will email you an “addendum” to add stores to your agreement.  When stores are added, please allow up to 1 mo. for music to show in the new stores. If there are stores you’d like to see your music in, please email us at support@symphonicdistribution.com


Accounting related questions...


When do I get Paid?
Symphonic Distribution will send payment to Label 45 days after a Quarter Close if your label reaches threshold that is listed in your agreement. If your label does not reach that threshold, the amount will carry over to following quarter until you reach the threshold that was agreed upon.

Quarter Schedule:
Q1-Jan-Mar / Q2-Apr-Jun / Q3-Jul-Sept / Q4-Oct-Dec

Payment Dates:
Q1: May 10-20 / Q2: August 10-20 / Q3: November 10-20 / Q4: February 10-20

A spreadsheet containing RAW data will be sent if you request for one.  (Sheets will be sent via email and you will be responsible for viewing… we cannot print as the sheet might contain hundreds and hundreds of line data.  You must have Microsoft Excel to view the sheet.) The sheet will show EACH sale but will not contain customer information.  This sheet is ONLY SENT when payments are sent, never before payments (We do not get this data until that time).  You will only receive one check, pay pal, and/or wire transfer with revenue from all of the stores.  The spreadsheet will contain data from all stores that pay.  If there are stores not shown, it means that there is no payment and/or sales from those stores.

How come there are negatives on my statements?
These “returns” and/or "voided" transactions are songs that people choose to not buy and/or are fraudelent transactions.  Stores, such as Beatport.com show these on every statement and they automatically deduct from payments.

Do stores take care of mechanical royalties?
Yes, stores do in fact pay and take care of mechanical royalties on behalf of labels.  If you are not registered with a specific PRO, money will be held by PRO until claimed.  There is no specific time table given.  For more information, see below.

Beatport announces licensing deal with the MCPS-PRS Alliance
Denver, CO (February 16, 2009) - Beatport has announced today a license deal with the MCPS-PRS Alliance. This deal will cover both ongoing licensing for the download store as well as royalties for all past sales.

"Beatport is happy to support the songwriters represented by The Alliance," stated Jonas Tempel, Beatport's C.E.O. "Being the recognized leader in the electronic music download space, Beatport hopes this agreement will set a new standard for other world wide download sites, ensuring songwriters are paid properly for music compositions."  The MCPS-PRS Alliance represents music from over 60,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. In addition to the repertoire the Alliance represents for the UK, the license provides Beatport with access to Pan European rights for Warner Chappell and Peer Music as well as access to all performing rights from PRS members on a Pan-European basis.

The license deal with the MCPS is the first of several European performance and mechanical rights deals. More will follow shortly. Laws and regulations dictated by the performance and mechanical rights societies ("PROs") outside of the United States require that payment for music publishing royalties on downloads be facilitated by the download site. Up until this time, Beatport has based its handling of music publishing royalties on the laws in the US which allowed payment of music publishing royalties to the record labels and the labels were then to pay the proper music publishers. As Beatport has grown, especially outside the US, Beatport has been required to comply with the systems used in other countries where track downloads are sold.

Having the Label's manage these payments is not acceptable to the PROs. These payments will be directed to the PRO in the country into which the download was sold. So, for a customer in France, Beatport will direct payment to the French PRO SACEM, for a customer in England, the payment will be directed to the English PRO (MCPS/PRS Alliance) and for a customer in Australia, the payment will be directed to the Australian PRO (AMCOS/APRA) and so on in respect of each country where sales are made.

How does Beatport report to the PROs?
Beatport will submit a list of all sales for a given territory to the appropriate PROs. The PROs will review the list to check which tracks are controlled by members of any PRO and submit an invoice back to Beatport.

If the writer of the track is not a member of any PRO and if the writer has not signed a publishing contract with any music publisher who is a PRO member, then the PRO reviewing the sales information cannot make a claim for the publishing royalties. For such sales, Beatport will pay those monies to the Label controlling that master and it is the Label's responsibility to pay the writers.

How will Beatport report to the labels?
Every quarter, Beatport will withhold a flat 10% of revenues for sales in all territories affected by the PRO's requirements outside of the United States. Beatport will report back actual claims made by the PROs on reported revenues from previous quarters. Any differences between the 10% withheld and the actual fee and volume of sales charged will be either refunded or charged to the label.

Why are MISC fees being deducted from my payment?
If we send money to you via Western Union, there are encoding deductions or any other sort of withholdings from a retailer, we will deduct fees charged to us from your next quarter’s payment.  We must charge to labels not following our rules in terms of content. If we do any re-encoding or any problem solving our end of any release after submitted, we will deduct $5.00 PER release.

Any other questions?
If you have any additional questions, please email us at PAYMENTS@SYMPHONICDISTRIBUTION.COM