FAQ

Is releasing music as an independent artist better than signing a record deal?

All the benefits of a record label. None of the restrictions.

What does it mean to be an independent artist?
  • Radiohead, Macklemore, Chance The Rapper, Nine Inch Nails, Arctic Monkeys, and Lily Allen--to name just a few---are all independent artists, without the support or influence of a major record label.
  • These indie artists express themselves through their music--without having to compromise their artistic vision or integrity.
  • They challenge the mainstream music industry.
  • They explore new possibilities for music creation and distribution.
  • Indie artists have more creative control and artistic freedom over your music than ever before.
  • That said---handling the business of distributing your music, marketing your singles, registering your songs and collecting your artist, publishing and neighboring rights royalties is a huge challenge.
  • Where’s the time left to practice your instrument, write songs and perform? It can be overwhelming.
  • Imagine an established distro and publishing company, with the infrastructure and support to distribute, sell and market your music, as well as collect all your various royalty types.
  • Welcome to Uplink Music.
On which DSPs will my tracks be available?

We’re integrated with more than 220 digital music services including:

  • Spotify
  • Apple Music
  • TikTok
  • Deezer
  • Amazon Music
  • Pandora
  • YouTube Music
  • Tidal
  • Napster
  • Shazam

    • and more!

How do I prepare my songs for distribution?

The minimum requirements for uploading master recordings of your songs are:

  • WAV at 16-bit depth, 44.1KHz, stereo
  • FLAC at 16-bit depth, 44.1KHz, stereo
Bit depth Sampling rate Stereo Format
Basic Audio master 16 44.1KHz
HD master 24 96KHz mandatory WAV or FLAC
Studio HD master 24 192KHz
  • Uplink Music also supports other sampling rates above 44.1KHz.
  • **If you want to distribute Dolby Atmos (immersive sound in 360 degrees) or TIDAL MQA (lossless audio files) to Apple Music and/or Tidal-- Uplink Music can do this for you.**
  • **We can send you all the information you need in our Enhanced Audio Distribution review.**
Are there limitations on song distribution?

No

How much does distribution cost?
  • Unlike most other distributors, Uplink Music has no upfront costs and no paywalls.
  • Once your music is approved, we simply retain a 10% commission on future royalties generated.
  • You retain 90% of all your artist, publishing and neighboring rights royalties that your songs generate.
When and how will I get paid?

With a bundled royalty plan of artist, publishing and neighboring rights royalties, you would receive quarterly payments via ACH or Check payment, based on all of your songs that Uplink Music has distributed and registered around the globe through its affiliates of international retail stores, subpublishers, and collection societies.