Symphonic’s new plan giving indie artists ‘perfect starting point’

The subscription plan provides ”the perfect starting point,” Symphonic Distribution’s head of territory for Africa, Tamsanqa Ngxeketo, told Music In Africa. The tier will cost a flat fee of $19.99 a year and boasts options for unlimited releases, split payments, playlist tracking and preferential third-party playlisting opportunities through Symphonic’s recently acquired Streaming Promotions – a platform that aims to bolster visibility for artists and labels by increasing exposure and spins on music streaming services.

“The newly launched beginner DIY plan Symphonic Starter will give emerging acts access to our world-class tech and real-time analytics. Why? Not everyone qualifies for our partner programme, which is why this platform has been created,” the company said.

“This is the perfect launching point for beginner independent artists and producers who are just starting their journey. It’s meant to help them grow with access to big league tools at an affordable price point. With Starter, they will keep 100% of their royalties and get insightful analytics and access to a plethora of tools they can’t find anywhere else. We hope this service brings a new standard to an industry that is known for its gatekeeping, and provides the tools we believe to be so important for all artists, no matter their level of success.”

Another strong selling point of the tier is that it will include “the industry’s first robust TikTok analytics,” Symphonic said.

Digital music distributors are increasingly introducing plans that offer artists unlimited releases at a fixed yearly cost. In June, global digital music distributor TuneCore unveiled a number of new pricing plans targeted at artists at all stages of their music career

Symphonic launched in Africa and Latin America in 2021. At the time, the company said it had secured key partnerships focusing on African genres like Afrobeats, gqom and gospel.

Artists who have distributed their music and videos through Symphonic include Ozuna, Chris Lake, deadmau5, Stick Figure, Daddy Yankee, CloZee, Yung Joc, Waka Flocka Flame, Laura Marano, Emily Vaughn, Black Thought and The Movement.