TuneCore vs AWAL | Which Music Distributor Is For You?

Getting your music out there as an independent musician can be an overwhelming process. Getting the recognition you deserve for all the effort you put into creating your songs heavily depends on how you present and advertise your work online. That is why many music distributors offer promotional services besides uploading your songs on major streaming platforms and social media, such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Among the companies, TuneCore has gained a reputation as one of the most well-established distributors on the market, offering a variety of services for different budgets and goals. On the other hand, AWAL (Artists Without A Label) is relatively newer to the business and offers some services for audience growth that no other distributor does.

That being said, both companies have their own unique set of advantages and drawbacks that, depending on your career goals, can make or break the deal for you. Knowing which one to go for is vital to set a solid foundation in your journey as a musician. In this post, I’ll review both music distributors’ services and determine which one is suitable for you.

What Are TuneCore’s Services?

TuneCore has recently updated its plans, starting with a free tier and moving all the way up to the Professional tier, starting at $49.99 a year.

Dubbed the “New Artist,” TuneCore’s free plan allows artists to upload unlimited tracks to social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and FaceBook. In return, you’ll have to share 20% of what you make in revenue from having your music available on these platforms. TuneCore’s free New Artist Tier is an excellent investment if you want to put your music on Instagram without spending money upfront.

For $19.99 per year, you can take advantage of TuneCore’s “Rising Artist” tier to upload music on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Moreover, you’ll get a verified artist check on Spotify and have the ability to schedule your releases. Also, it is worth mentioning that TuneCore will give you 100% of your steaming revenue with this plan.

Next up, the “Breakout Artist” plan offers everything as the previous tier, plus additional tools that help independent artists grow their audience faster. For $34.99/year, you’ll have access to a cover art creator and premium artwork for your tracks. Furthermore, TuneCore offers more detailed reporting, called “Daily Trend Reports” for artists using this tier that can help build an audience more effectively.

TuneCore’s most expensive tier, the “Professional,” starts at $49.99 a year and is primarily targeted towards independent labels. Besides everything in the previous tier, you’ll have access to exclusive partnership deals with platforms like Tidal, promotional opportunities, and workshops with industry experts. Moreover, you can upload music under additional artist names for $14.99 per artist profile.

Among these tiers, I recommend the Rising Artist plan for most musicians. It offers the best value and covers all the essentials. For a more thorough review of TuneCore’s plans, click here.

Overall, TuneCore’s services are solid and have stood the test of time. The company has built a decent reputation over the years and has a good customer support service. Moreover, it is among the top music distributors with the fastest upload speed, meaning it is less likely to miss releases due to unexpected issues.

What Does AWAL Offer That TuneCore Doesn’t?

Although TuneCore’s services are among the best in the industry, they might not be the most optimal for you. Short for Artists Without A Label, AWAL specializes in artist growth and promotions for independent musicians. With free services available, AWAL is one of the best companies that distributes your music without upfront payments.

AWAL’s services are categorized into three tiers. The AWAL Core covers distribution to all the major streaming and social media platforms, insightful analytics, and A&R discovery. The AWAL + comes with the previous services, plus artist representation, funding, and marketing tools. The top of the chain is AWAL Recordings, which works similarly to a record label and includes radio + PR and global strategies for artist growth.

All sounds amazing. However, there’s a catch. First of all, AWAL takes a 15% cut in all revenue, but considering all the services they offer for growing your career as an artist, it sounds fair.

The other, bigger catch is that AWAL only works with a select few artists. AWAL only works with already-established artists. Once they review your submitted work, they’ll decide if you fit into any of the three categories that they offer. If you’ve just started your professional journey as a musician and don’t have steady monthly listeners, chances are that they won’t work with you.

Final Thoughts: Which Music Distributor Should You Go For?

While both companies offer eye-catching services, they’re targeted at different groups of artists and musicians. If you’ve just started your career or if you’re looking for a company that covers the essentials without requiring a percentage of your streaming revenue, TuneCore’s paid plans are the best.

On the other hand, if you already have some tunes out there and have built a fanbase, AWAL can be excellent for taking your music career to the next level. Not only does it distribute your music, but it will also help you immensely with promotional opportunities tailored for you specifically.