Transferring your releases from another Distributor

Transferring your releases from another distributor to LabelWorx is simple, and we have processes in place to help make your Transfer as smooth as possible. 

You should ensure that you have confirmed with your previous distributor that you will be leaving their network and that you are free to join our distribution service. 

Not having this confirmed could result in a delay of the switch, or refusal from your current distributor. 

You should then agree on a switch-date for the transfer to be completed.

Will LabelWorx Transfer my releases at the stores automatically?

You will be required to upload your catalogue to our system before the Transfer can be completed. There are two ways to upload your catalogue. 

1. Your catalogue can be imported manually using our release creation tool 
2. Upload your releases using our Bulk Import tool 

You should be able to request a Meta-data export from your current Distributor which will give you the release information such as UPC/ISRC codes. If they refuse to provide this, please contact us for some suggestions. 

Once you've returned your Distribution Contract and completed your label information, you will be required to “Request Approval”. We recommend doing this around 2-3 weeks before the agreed switch date. You can request approval by going to "Labels" -> "Record Labels " -> "Request Approval" within our system.

Once your label is approved, you will be able to finalise your back catalogue ready for us to commence with deliveries.

This KB article will explain how to finalise your releases: How do I submit my release for distribution?

Important: Ensure your back catalogue is created with the original audio, EAN / UPC code, ISRC codes and track order. 

Dance Stores

Beatport, Traxsource, Juno & What People Play can transfer labels from one distributor to another which means your catalogue will remain live in their stores and we do not need to redeliver the releases. 

LabelWorx will need to request the transfer with these stores, and it can sometimes take a few weeks for it to be fully completed.

If your label is not currently on the Dance stores, they will set up your labels page and we will deliver the back catalogue content.

Commercial Stores & Streaming Platforms

Stores such as Spotify, Amazon, Itunes, Deezer etc, do not transfer content between distributors. This is why you are required to upload your catalogue to our system so we can deliver all of your releases back to these stores. It is best to have the releases re-delivered before issuing takedowns with your current distributor to minimise the chance of any downtime on the platforms. 

Stream Counts & Playlist Placements

An important factor of moving your catalogue is ensuring that your releases maintain the original Stream Counts & Playlist Placements. Track Linking is down to the stores to complete and the following guidelines are recommended to ensure this process is as successful as possible. 

You should ensure you use the original release details as follows:

• ISRC code
• UPC/EAN (Barcode)
• Artist names - Including styling and formatting
• Track Titles - Including styling and formatting
• Release Name - Including styling and formatting
• Audio File and Track length (Duration)
• Original Release Date

Who gets accounted royalties during a switch?

LabelWorx will start collecting royalties for your back catalogue releases as soon as the switches have been completed on the Dance stores. For the commercial platforms, your previous distributor may still receive the royalties for the periods paid out prior to the catalogue being deactivated on the previous uploads. You should remain in contact with your previous distributor as there will likely be a couple of accounting periods where you're receiving royalties both from LabelWorx and your old distributor. We will start collecting royalties for your catalogue once the takedowns have been processed by your previous distributor and the content delivered by us is live.