Single track deals have become an increasingly popular option for independent artists looking to grow their reach, generate income, and gain exposure. This type of deal allows an artist to work with a record label to distribute and promote an individual track. By doing so, independent artists can take advantage of the marketing power and distribution networks that labels have at their disposal, without committing to a long-term contract.

One of the biggest benefits of a single track deal is the ability to increase reach and generate income through streaming royalties. A label's ownership of playlists, channels, and knowledge of how to market music can give an artist's track the exposure it needs to reach a wider audience. Additionally, the continued streaming of a track can generate long-term revenue for the artist.

For independent artists, a single track deal can also provide an attractive return on investment. The label typically covers the costs associated with distribution and promotion, saving the artist the expense of doing it on their own. This can be especially beneficial for artists with limited resources.

The process of closing deals also provides a high degree of flexibility for artists. It allows them to test the reception of a track among industry professionals before committing to a full release, which can help ensure the success of the release. The streamlined nature of the process also enables artists to devote more time and energy to creating new music.

It's worth noting that in the current music industry, Single track deals are on the rise. Many artists are turning to record labels to help them release individual tracks, and without a deal, many of them wouldn't release the track at all.

Another alternative worth mentioning is using a platform like WallStream. This type of service offers a convenient solution for independent artists, influencers, and playlist curators looking to close similar deals. With WallStream, any of these parties can easily negotiate and close distribution deals without having to handle the legal side, distribution, or royalties payments themselves. The platform offers scouting and negotiation tools, and handles the distribution and revenue share, making it easy for big or small artists, influencers, curators, and labels to save time and resources. Additionally, it has transparency and a clear revenue share model for all parties which allows them to have an agreement where everybody wins.

 

Method of Distribution

Pros

Cons

Single track deal
  • Increased reach and exposure through the label's promotional channels
  •  Generation of income through streaming royalties 
  •  Cost-effective, as the label covers distribution and promotion costs
  •  Flexibility to release individual tracks 
  • The simplicity of the process, allows artists to focus on creating new music
  • Less control over distribution and promotion efforts compared to DIY 
  • May require a commitment to a long-term contract with the label

DIY (Do-it-Yourself)
  • Complete control over distribution and promotion efforts
  • No commitment to a long-term contract
  • Limited reach and exposure without established promotional channels
  • Costs associated with distribution and promotion may be high 
  • May require a significant time investment to effectively promote and distribute music

WallStream
  • Convenient solution for independent artists, influencers, and playlist curators
  • Negotiate and close distribution deals without handling legal side, distribution, payments, or royalties payments themselves
  • Offers negotiation tools, handles distribution and revenue share
  • Transparent and clear revenue share model for all parties, making it easy to agree on a win-win situation
  • One potential consideration when using Wallstream is that, as with any distribution deal, it's important to thoroughly research and vet the parties involved before closing a deal. This process can be simplified by the due diligence tools and data provided by the platform, but it's ultimately the responsibility of both parties to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement.
  • Less control over the promotion efforts compared to DIY 

 

  Single track deal DIY (Do-it-Yourself) WallStream
Artist Cost Low High Moderate
Fanbase Growth Potential High Low High
Knowledge Needed from Artist Moderate High Low
Work Needed from Artist Low High Low
Process Complexity Moderate High Low
Label Support High None High
Control Over the Process Moderate High High
Revenue Share Model Dependent on the label N/A Transparent and simple
Legal & Royalties Management Dependent on the label N/A High
Exposure and Reach High Low High
Negotiation Tools Dependent on the label N/A High
Scalability Dependent on the label High High
Customization Dependent on the label High High
Flexibility Moderate High High

 

In conclusion, Single track deals offer a number of benefits for independent artists looking to grow their reach, generate income, and gain exposure. With the ability to increase reach and generate income through streaming royalties, the flexibility to release individual tracks, and the cost-effectiveness of utilizing a label's distribution and promotion resources, Single track deals can be an attractive option for independent artists looking to take their careers to the next level.