Symphonic Distribution and AWAL make the admin work easy for labels and artists by providing their clients with access to a wide variety of services to ensure creators have the tools they need to thrive.
The Basics
Symphonic Distribution and AWAL both have a selective process when reviewing applications. They’re looking for artists and labels who are independent but have an understanding of the importance of marketing themselves. The ideal candidate has a decent following, brand representation, and quality music.
There is no sign-up fee, release fee, or yearly fee charged by either of these distributors. Once accepted, the standard agreement is that the distributor would take a percentage of royalties.
Let’s talk payments
Let’s face it. Everyone wants to get paid.
Symphonic issues a monthly payout while AWAL issues payments within 45 days. Each of these distributors has a payment threshold you must meet in order for funds to be distributed; AWAL’s requirements are $45 and Symphonic’s requirements are $50. Symphonic’s team starts grinding as soon as the month closes to ensure funds are distributed accordingly and as efficiently as possible.
Neither distributor offers direct payment splitting, but Symphonic provides a breakdown based on agreement or track details. (i.e. if it’s a track with shared artists or if it’s an artist under a label)
Now…where is my music distributed to and how quickly?
Here is where we start to see some variation in the services that Symphonic and AWAL provide. Symphonic delivers to over 200+ outlets including Beatport, distribution to nearly every territory in the world, and can have your tracks live on DSPs within 5 days across all channels.
AWAL requests that they get 4 weeks to distribute to the DSPs and notes that they distribute to 100+ outlets.
What about video distribution?
Content is important and we all know the value of making sure you have a wide variety of it. Symphonic offers two video distribution packages starting at a flat rate of $95. The base package includes distribution to Tidal, iTunes, VEVO, Noiseporn Network, and Amazon. If you purchase the plus package for an additional $55, Symphonic’s Partnership with Latido Music opens up options for delivery to Dailymotion, Music Choice, MOOD, Viewlift, and XUMO.
To learn more about our video distribution offerings, check out our video distribution comparison post.
Label Services and Playlists, Playlists, Playlists
We all know playlist placements have proven to skyrocket streams, but we don’t think our clients want to be one-hit wonders. Both Symphonic and AWAL offer playlist pitching by request to their clients. Once accepted, all Symphonic clients have access to the playlist submission request form found in the Symphonic Management System. Make sure to follow the recommended steps and timeframes to ensure your request is set up for success.
Beyond playlists, Symphonic offers an extensive amount of additional services. Some of these are at an added fee due to the time-sensitivity and hands-on nature. These additional services include marketing plans, creative design, release packages, video design and optimization, social media management, and more.
AWAL reserves these services to artists of a certain caliber. You can review the way they break out services and tiers here.
Do distributors offer Sync and Publishing Admin services?
Both Symphonic and AWAL are uniquely positioned to offer these services to artists who are a good fit.
Symphonic recently launched Bodega Sync – our official one-stop sync licensing arm – and partnered with Songtrust for publishing administration.
AWAL, along with their established and respectable parent company Kobalt, states that only artists of a certain level can be given the opportunity for sync placements and admin services.
What distributor is best for me?
Each of these distributors offers a ton of services and there are a lot of comparisons out there between the two. However, if you’re an established artist or label owner, either one of these distributors is a sensible choice. Do what’s right for you.
