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Comparing Melokid vs DistroKid: (An Unbiased Evaluation)

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2 years ago

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In this article, I’ll provide a fair comparison between Distrokid vs Melokid, two important players in the music distribution platform arena. Drawing from my personal experience of releasing music on both Melokid and DistroKid, I’ll offer insights into each platform. Additionally, I’ll incorporate findings from online research to provide a comprehensive overview.

To ensure a structured and cohesive review, I propose dividing the assessment into five distinct categories. We will analyze and compare Melokid and DistroKid across the following dimensions: Customer Service, cost and distribution.

What does music distribution entail?

Let’s swiftly ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the concept.

A music distribution service is a company that takes your finalized song and shares it across various global streaming platforms. Typically, these services include uploading your song to popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon, Tidal, Deezer, TikTok, Instagram, and other major music streaming services.

 

Comparing Melokid vs DistroKid: (An Unbiased Evaluation)

 

Can you directly upload your song to platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud? Well, for many other significant music streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, it’s not that straightforward. You have to go through an intermediary, which is where a music distributor becomes essential.

Utilizing a music distributor involves a cost, typically in the form of an annual fee, and this holds true for both DistroKid and Melokid. However, certain other distributors, like CD Baby, operate on a one-time fee model.

Moreover, certain music distributors provide free distribution services but, in exchange, take a percentage of your music royalties. For instance, CD Baby deducts a 9% share from royalties, and newcomers to the music distribution scene, such as Ditto and TuneCore, also follow a model of free distribution coupled with a percentage deduction from music royalties.

In contrast, both Melokid and DistroKid require an annual fee but, in return, ensure artists receive 100% of their music royalties – a topic we’ll delve into later.

Beyond facilitating the upload of your music to various streaming platforms, music distributors offer an array of features to assist with your music marketing efforts. Examples include Spotify pre-save landing pages, music admin publishing, YouTube content ID tracking, artwork design generators, and video generators.

With a shared understanding of what a music distributor entails, let’s now thoroughly examine and compare Melokid and DistroKid. The pivotal questions to address are: which one is superior? Is Melokid a worthwhile choice? Is DistroKid a valuable option? Let’s explore and uncover the answers.

  1. Customer service

 

Now, let’s delve into our final comparison aspect between TuneCore and DistroKid, focusing extensively on customer service. This aspect held significant weight for me, particularly in the early stages of selecting a music distributor. As an emerging indie artist, a plethora of questions arises. Examples include: How to claim a Spotify artist page? I already have an ISRC code; what do I do? What’s the process for switching music distributors?

Numerous other questions emerge along the way, and obtaining prompt and accurate answers is crucial. As a more seasoned professional in releasing music, customer service holds a diminished priority for me now that I’ve gained experience in the industry.

 

Customer Support at Melokid

Melokid seamlessly integrates customer service into its pricing structure. If you opt for the Unlimited plan priced at $19.99 per year, you can be confident in receiving a customer service response within 24 hours. This assurance is particularly valuable when you require assistance. Even with the Record deal plan, you can enjoy an impressive customer service response time of just 1 business day. That level of responsiveness is truly remarkable !

I have interacted with the Melokid customer service team on a few occasions, and I’ve consistently been impressed with their prompt responses. When I released my song and required the Spotify URI code for a Spotify pre-save landing page—an aspect I was unfamiliar with—I reached out, and their swift response provided me with the necessary information.

 

Customer Support at DistroKid

Unlike Melokid, DistroKid doesn’t incorporate customer service directly into its pricing plans, which may be less reassuring for new artists unsure about their access to assistance when needed.

Nevertheless, DistroKid does maintain a customer service center, and you can submit requests through their designated channel. It’s worth noting that response times can vary, typically ranging from 3 to 7 business days. The complexity of your request may also play a role, with simpler queries likely receiving faster responses.

 

Melokid emerges as the victor in this aspect due to the inclusion of guaranteed response times in their pricing plan for customer service. While DistroKid maintains an amiable support team, the uncertainty regarding when you might receive a response leaves users in the dark.

         2. Cost

When evaluating the costs associated with both of these distributors, there are numerous factors to take into account. Each platform imposes an annual fee for uploading your music, accompanied by distinct features within their plans.

Consider which features are most relevant to you. For independent artists assessing costs, features such as a Scheduled Release Date, Customizable Label Name, and Customer Support hold particular importance. It is crucial to comprehend the features necessary for your musical career success before settling on a music distributor. This understanding will guide you in determining which distributor aligns best with your needs.

The aforementioned three features carry significance for me due to the following reasons:

  • Release Date: Having the ability to select a future release date is essential for planning Facebook or Instagram marketing campaigns around my releases. This ensures that I can inform my audience about the upcoming release in advance.
  • Label Name: The option to choose my own label name holds importance. For instance, I prefer not to see Melokid or DistroKid displayed on Spotify when viewing the song credits.
  • Customer Support: Timely responses to my queries are crucial to prevent any sense of being left in the dark, especially for new artists navigating the music industry.

 

Now armed with a clearer understanding of the pivotal features, let’s proceed to compare the costs of Melokid and DistroKid.

 

Comparing Melokid vs DistroKid: (An Unbiased Evaluation)

 

What is the cost of DistroKid?

DistroKid offers three pricing plans, each catering to different needs. Let’s examine each plan with a focus on the features that matter to us. Unfortunately, I cannot provide a direct link to the DistroKid pricing plan; you need to sign up to DistroKid to access it, which can be a bit inconvenient. Here’s a breakdown of the plans:

Musician Plan – $22.99 USD/year : this is the entry-level plan, priced at $22.99 USD per year, offering unlimited releases at an affordable rate. However, it may not be suitable for me as it lacks the specific features I require. If the features align with your needs, this plan could be an ideal choice, emphasizing the importance of considering features beforehand.

Musician Plus Plan – $35.99 USD/year: priced at $35.99 USD per year, this second-tier plan includes everything in the Musician Plan and more. Upon reviewing the features, it covers everything crucial to me, except for customer service, which isn’t explicitly mentioned.

Label Plan – $79.99 USD/year: as the most expensive plan at $79.99 USD per year, the Label Plan appears tailored for independent labels. However, as an indie musician, the extensive features catering to 5-100 artists are more than I need. I’ll be passing on this one. Customer service details are still absent, but we’ll delve into that further in the customer service section.

What is the cost of Melokid?

Here are the pricing details for the available plans:

Unlimited Plan – $19.99 USD/year: priced at $19.99 USD per year, the Unlimited Plan encompasses all the features crucial to me. Notably, it includes splits, customer support and the ability to customize the label name. The label name is the designation visible in the song credits, ensuring a personalized touch. For instance, on Spotify, without a custom label name, it would display Melokid or DistroKid instead.

RECORD DEAL Plan – $49.99 USD/year: Melokid’s top-tier plan is the RECORD DEAL Plan, costing $49.99 USD per year. Loaded with every feature one might desire, this plan is comprehensive in meeting my specific needs. It goes beyond by offering advances, splits, a customer service response time of 1 business day with video call assistance, and opportunities for record deals—an exceptionally valuable package.

By examining the pricing pages, it’s evident that Melokid is the more affordable choice. Their initial pricing tier begins at $19.99. In comparison, DistroKid’s first-tier pricing plan is $22.99. Consequently, Melokid emerges as the more cost-effective option.

Comparing Melokid vs DistroKid: (An Unbiased Evaluation)

III. Music Distribution

Which platform, Melokid or DistroKid, excels in distributing your music? Let’s explore the distribution landscape for each and see how they compare. If your goal is to upload your song to major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, Instagram, Tidal, Deezer, and Pandora, rest assured that both DistroKid and Melokid will facilitate the upload to all these platforms seamlessly.

For those seeking distribution to more niche platforms, a bit of investigation is required to ascertain if either platform caters to your specific streaming service preferences. For instance, Deezer is a French music streaming service. Upon investigation, it becomes evident that both DistroKid and Melokid will upload your music to Deezer.

Melokid provides a list of the streaming services they upload to, while information about DistroKid’s supported platforms wasn’t readily available in my search.

In all likelihood, both Melokid and DistroKid are likely to be on par in terms of distribution capabilities, given that they both cover all major platforms.

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MUSIC

Martone and Intelligent Diva turn a painful breakup into a powerful house anthem with their new track “Too Bad, So Sad”

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2 months ago

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Martone and Intelligent Diva turn a painful breakup into a powerful house anthem with their new track "Too Bad, So Sad"

Martone isn’t one to tell his story quietly; he’d rather broadcast it until the walls shake. Known as “The Emperor of House Music,” the Detroit artist has built a career on putting himself on the line. For over a decade, Martone has been recognized as a dance-floor architect who is also a storyteller, a cultural activist, and a model of genuine authenticity. He has consistently pushed boundaries with tracks like “Chocolate” and his album The Evolution of Martone, blending club beats with emotional substance. His latest release with Intelligent Diva, “Too Bad, So Sad,” continues that work, proving a heartbreak anthem can be a weapon.

At its heart, “Too Bad, So Sad” is about a breakup, but it’s not the kind that hides in the shadows. Martone opens with lines that feel both personal and cinematic. “I gave my heart, you played it like a game. Thought we had forever, but you just brought the shame.” This is a blunt confession, the kind you make after the tears have dried, when all that’s left is the plain truth. The simplicity of his words makes them hit harder because they don’t rely on metaphor; they are the wound itself. The hook, “Too bad, so sad, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t love you,” feels like a sigh and a shrug at once. It honors the love that was real while firmly closing the door on someone who failed to value it. Martone finds strength in that raw clarity.

Then Intelligent Diva enters, and her verse is like a best friend storming into your room while you’re crying. Her flow is sharp and her tone is commanding, instantly changing the song’s direction. She raps, “Never let nobody treat you like a doormat. You’re a prize to be won, go boast, go brag.” Her words are a pep talk, delivered with the urgency of someone who won’t let you stay down. Martone voices the ache, and Intelligent Diva provides the antidote. Their collaboration creates a dynamic conversation, moving from grief to grit. Her verse transforms the track from a sad diary entry into a rallying cry.

What makes the song feel so immediate is its real-life backdrop. Martone released “Too Bad, So Sad” only days after his divorce was finalized. The timing wasn’t planned, but it feels poetic. You can hear the weight of lived experience in every note. This isn’t just a story crafted for a song; it’s a piece of a life pressed into rhythm and melody.

In a time when dance music can feel like pure escapism, Martone makes sure the beat carries something real. “Too Bad, So Sad” is fueled by emotional honesty, offering both catharsis and empowerment. It’s a reminder that even the deepest heartbreak can be the start of a rebirth. Intelligent Diva’s feature acts as a lifeline, a testament to the power of support when you feel alone.

If you’ve ever found yourself picking up the pieces, this song is for you. Put it on repeat, let it sting, let it heal, and let it remind you that heartbreak is temporary. Reclaiming your power is the real goal. So dance, cry, or scream along. Whatever you do, don’t skip this one.

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Washington DC Rapper 40 Cal Blends Gritty Street Narratives with a Smoked Out Vibe in His New Track “Benihana”

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2 months ago

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Washington DC Rapper 40 Cal Blends Gritty Street Narratives with a Smoked Out Vibe in His New Track "Benihana"

40 Cal returns with “Benihana,” a track straight from the blocks of Washington, D.C. It’s a smoked-out song that combines swagger with street reporting. The name is fitting, as the track serves up a kind of hazy, late-night bravado. Inspired by a calm smoke session, 40 Cal finds an honest balance between mood, memory, and menace.

The production features a humid, tropical-scented trap loop. It sits low and patiently, giving space for 40 Cal’s cadence to cut through. He raps like a person who has witnessed the worst and figured out how to translate it into sharp, often funny lines. His delivery can make you nod in agreement and wince at the same time. The lyrics are unapologetic, weaving weed metaphors together with imagery from the gutter. The chorus repeats the details of the scent and strain, becoming a kind of sensory anchor.

What really stands out is his ability to switch between swagger and storytelling. He places lines about graduating “from the streets” right next to darker threats involving body imagery and choppers, all while maintaining his distinct loner energy. Through it all, 40 Cal’s voice remains his own. The hook is simple but sticky, “Smoking out the bag got grass like a farmer… real tropical shit name like Benihana.” The words get stuck in your head because they successfully build a specific moment.

He effectively mixes violent imagery with small, humanizing details. Lines like “face so swollen” or “leave him fat like Homer” land with visual force and prevent the song from feeling like empty posturing. A rough humor is threaded through the track. An absurd line can undercut a threat, which makes the whole song feel more authentic and lived-in. The smoke session inspiration is clearly important here. The record’s structure mimics a late-night conversation, circular and relaxed until a sharp line suddenly raises the temperature.

If there is a critique to be made, it is that the song relies heavily on repetition and some familiar metaphors. The violent imagery can feel blunt, almost automatic, which some listeners might find distracting. At the same time, that bluntness can be interpreted as honesty. 40 Cal is not trying to make something pretty. He is reporting, turning the experience of survival into bars that hit fast and hard.

Ultimately, the track’s strength is its personality. 40 Cal comes across as hungry, proud, and sharp. He avoids overexplaining his life. Instead, he throws out images and lines, trusting the listener to understand. There is a magnetic confidence in that approach. With “Benihana,” he is staking his claim and reminding everyone that he is still a voice to be heard.

Let the hook loop and the beat roll. If the track grabs you, it belongs in your rotation. Share it with anyone who appreciates gritty storytelling and keep an eye on 40 Cal. He clearly has more stories to tell, and this track suggests he is just getting warmed up. It’s worth a listen and a spot on your playlist.

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The Seductive New Afrobeats Jam “Think About U” From Stayno and Joe O Is Inspiring a Viral Wave on TikTok

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2 months ago

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The Seductive New Afrobeats Jam “Think About U” From Stayno and Joe O Is Inspiring a Viral Wave on TikTok

A new track from Nigerian producer Stayno and rising Afrobeats artist Joe O is already becoming a fan favorite, creating a life of its own on social media before it has even been officially released. Their new single, “Think About U,” is a slow-burning blend of Afrobeats, Brazilian funk, hip-hop, and soul that has inspired over 80 viral fan videos on TikTok.

The song finds its strength in the combination of Stayno’s thoughtful production and Joe O’s incredibly smooth vocals. It’s a seductive and contemplative track that tells a gangster’s story of heartbreak, love, and passion. Joe O delivers a hook that sticks with you long after the song is over, making it feel right at home on a dancefloor or for a late-night drive.

The buzz around the record grew significantly after Joe O’s recent performance at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. While on stage during Nigerian superstar BNXN’s Captain Tour, he gave the excited audience a live preview of the song. The moment helped introduce his sound to a new wave of fans and positioned him as one of Afrobeats’ most interesting new voices.

The song’s organic success on TikTok points to its wider appeal. Its relatable story and seductive groove have connected with listeners, sparking dance challenges, creative videos, and personal reactions from fans around the world.

“Think About U” works because of the clear chemistry between the two artists. Stayno’s world-class production feels perfectly matched with Joe O’s natural ability to create a memorable melody. It feels like a milestone for both as they continue to build their careers within the global Afrobeats scene.

Stayno is a Nigerian, Italy-born producer, songwriter, and DJ known for his ability to blend genres. He often infuses Afrobeats with sounds from funk, hip-hop, and soul, building a reputation for shaping a modern, innovative sound. Joe O is a fast-rising Afrobeats singer whose smooth voice and dynamic stage presence are quickly getting him noticed. This collaboration seems like a perfect match, resulting in a tune that feels genuinely special.

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