Switching Music Distributors? A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Catalog

Whether you're looking for better rates, more features, or improved customer support, switching music distributors is a common step in an artist's journey. The good news? It's easier than most people think—when done correctly.

This guide walks you through the entire process, from evaluating your current situation to successfully migrating your catalog without disruption.

Why Artists Switch Distributors

Before diving into the how, let's understand the why. Common reasons artists change distributors include:

• Better Pricing: Lower fees or better royalty splits
• More Features: Analytics, playlist pitching tools, royalty splits for collaborators
• Faster Releases: Some distributors offer same-day or next-day delivery
• Customer Support: Responsive help when issues arise
• Additional Services: Publishing administration, sync licensing, marketing tools
• Platform Changes: Your current distributor changed their terms or pricing

Whatever your reason, know that switching is a normal part of growing as an artist. The key is doing it strategically.

The Critical Concept: UPC and ISRC Codes

Understanding these codes is essential for a successful migration:

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code)

A unique 12-character identifier for each sound recording. Think of it as a fingerprint for your track. ISRCs track your streaming data, royalty collection, and chart positions.

UPC (Universal Product Code)

A 12-digit code assigned to each release (single, EP, or album). It's used by stores to identify your product.

Step 1: Gather Your Current Information

Before making any changes, collect all your release information from your current distributor:

1. Export Your Catalog: Download a spreadsheet with all your releases
2. Record ISRC Codes: For every track you've released
3. Record UPC Codes: For every release (singles, EPs, albums)
4. Save Metadata: Track titles, artist names, featured artists, release dates
5. Download Audio Files: Keep original WAV/FLAC files accessible
6. Save Cover Art: Keep high-resolution artwork files

Most distributors allow you to export this information from your dashboard. If not, contact their support team.

Step 2: Choose Your New Distributor

With your catalog documented, evaluate potential new distributors based on:

• ISRC/UPC Support: Can they accept your existing codes? (This is crucial)
• Pricing Structure: Does their model work for your release schedule?
• Feature Set: Do they offer the tools you need?
• Store Coverage: Do they deliver to all platforms you need?
• Payout Terms: When and how do they pay royalties?

ALERA accepts existing ISRC and UPC codes, making migration seamless. Plus, features like automated royalty splits and unified analytics make it worth the switch.

Step 3: Set Up Your New Distributor Account

Create your account with your new distributor, but don't upload your catalog yet. First:

1. Complete Your Profile: Use your exact artist name (spelling matters for matching)
2. Connect Your Spotify for Artists: If offered, link your existing artist profile
3. Verify Settings: Check payment information, tax details, etc.
4. Contact Support: Inform them you're migrating a catalog (some offer migration assistance)

Step 4: Request Takedown from Current Distributor

Now comes the crucial timing decision. You have two options:

Option A: Sequential Migration (Safer, Slower)

1. Request takedown from current distributor
2. Wait for confirmation (24-72 hours for processing)
3. Upload to new distributor with existing ISRCs
4. Wait for new delivery (usually 24-48 hours)

Downside: Your music may be unavailable for 2-5 days.

Option B: Overlap Migration (Faster, Requires Coordination)

1. Upload to new distributor with existing ISRCs
2. Wait for new delivery to be confirmed live
3. Immediately request takedown from old distributor

Downside: Brief period where both versions exist (stores handle this, but it requires timing).

Step 5: Upload Your Catalog to New Distributor

When uploading your existing releases:

1. Enter Existing ISRCs: Input the exact codes from your old distributor
2. Enter Existing UPCs: Use the same UPC codes (or let new distributor assign new ones if needed)
3. Match Metadata Exactly: Same titles, artist names, release dates
4. Use Original Audio Files: Upload the same quality files
5. Use Same Artwork: Don't change cover art during migration

"The key to preserving your streaming history is consistency. Same ISRC, same metadata, same audio. The platforms recognize it as the same recording, not a new one."

Step 6: Verify the Migration

After your new distributor delivers to stores:

• Check Spotify: Verify your tracks appear under your artist profile
• Check Stream Counts: Your historical streams should be preserved
• Verify Playlist Placements: If you were on playlists, confirm you're still there
• Check Apple Music: Same verification process
• Test Other Stores: Spot-check a few other platforms

If anything looks wrong, contact your new distributor immediately. Most issues can be resolved quickly if caught early.

Common Migration Issues (And How to Avoid Them)

Problem: Lost Stream Counts

Cause: Different ISRCs used on new upload.

Prevention: Triple-check that you're using the exact same ISRCs.

Problem: Duplicate Tracks on Streaming Platforms

Cause: Old version wasn't taken down before new version went live.

Prevention: Coordinate timing carefully; contact platform support if duplicates appear.

Problem: Lost Playlist Placements

Cause: Gap between takedown and new delivery, or metadata mismatch.

Prevention: Minimize gap time; keep all metadata identical.

Problem: Artist Profile Issues

Cause: Slight differences in artist name spelling or new distributor creating a new profile.

Prevention: Use exact same artist name; connect Spotify for Artists before migration.

Withdrawal of Pending Royalties

Don't forget about money owed to you:

• Check Unpaid Balance: Ensure you withdraw or receive all pending royalties
• Understand Payout Timing: Streaming royalties are delayed 2-3 months
• Keep Account Active: Don't close your old account until all payments are received
• Save Records: Download royalty reports for your records

Migration Timeline Example

Here's a realistic timeline for a smooth migration:

• Week 1: Gather all catalog information, ISRCs, UPCs, files
• Week 1: Set up new distributor account
• Week 2: Upload catalog to new distributor (using existing ISRCs)
• Week 2: Wait for delivery confirmation from new distributor
• Week 2-3: Verify releases are live on all platforms
• Week 3: Request takedown from old distributor
• Week 4+: Monitor for any issues; withdraw final royalties from old distributor

Final Tips for a Smooth Switch

• Don't Rush: A careful migration beats a fast one
• Communicate: Let both distributors know what you're doing
• Avoid Release Windows: Don't migrate right before or after a new release
• Backup Everything: Keep copies of all files and data
• Test with One Release: If you have many releases, migrate one first as a test

Ready to Switch to ALERA?

ALERA makes migration simple with full ISRC/UPC support and a dedicated team to help you transition. Our all-in-one Artist Cockpit offers features you won't find anywhere else—unified analytics, automated royalty splits, and the Service Exchange to fund your growth.

Join thousands of artists who've made the switch.