Leading digital music distribution and publishing administration service provider, TuneCore, announced today that TuneCore artists have earned more than $35 million in Q2 of 2015, a 6 percent increase versus the same time in 2014. Since 2006, TuneCore Artists have earned more than $576 million from over 18.7 billion downloads and streams.
International discovery is vital for incoming revenues, and working through its more than 150 digital partners around the globe, TuneCore is committed to its core mission of getting more artists’ music heard by more people around the world. In Q2, emerging markets continued to play an important role in growing audiences for independent musicians: Central America, South America and Asia have experienced impressive growth, seeing 351 percent, 834 percent and 496 percent increases (respectively) in streams, compared to Q2 of 2014.
In the second quarter of 2015, TuneCore Publishing Administration collected 210 percent more artist income through TuneCore artists’ music placements in film and television over the same period in 2014. Artists’ music appeared in high-profile campaigns such as the NHL Playoffs, “American Idol” Season 14, “Criminal Minds,” and much more.
An infographic with data and highlights is available here.
FOCUS ON ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
Major Q2 partnership initiatives focused on providing independent music creators additional tools to grow a successful business. TuneCore Domains offers .BAND and .ROCKS domain names and email addresses to all customers. In addition, MSCLVR allows artists to create and share original links for their music on iTunes that can track sales and earn artists an additional 10 percent from global iTunes sales commissions. Available through the TuneCore Artist Services portal, these offerings provide creative new ways for independent artists to brand their online presence, connect with fans, and gain more visibility for their music.
TuneCore also partnered with leading influencer marketing platform, TapInfluence, to give brands and agency marketers unprecedented access to independent music influencers for sponsored social campaigns. The partnership allows TuneCore to provide even more revenue opportunities and services for artists ready to take their careers to the next level.
Also in Q2, in partnership with Swisher Sweets Artist Project, TuneCore jointly launched Convenience Store Sessions, surprise pop-up performances at local convenience stores, all captured on video and shared online. The first of ten Convenience Store Sessions featuring FMLYBND and Andy Allo are live at ap.swishersweets.com/sessions. New Convenience Store Sessions will pop up each month through the end of 2015, along with new programs focused on increasing exposure for artists worldwide and providing tools to help build their careers.
“The first half of 2015 has been an exciting time for TuneCore. We are always looking for new ways to support independent artists and their careers, and as digital music consumption continues to grow, so do the potential revenue opportunities,” said TuneCore CEO Scott Ackerman. “We’re excited to see how the industry is evolving, so we can continue to identify new partners and services to help independent musicians further succeed on a global level.”
On September 19-20, TuneCore will host its inaugural Indie Artist Forum at SIR studios in Hollywood, California — the two day event is aimed at arming independent artists with the tools, relationships, and information needed to grow their careers. The forum will feature roundtable discussions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and more.
TUNECORE COMBINES FORCES WITH BELIEVE DIGITAL
In April, TuneCore joined with Believe Digital, the leading fully independent digital distributor and services provider for artists and labels worldwide. The strategic relationship opens up new, advanced revenue opportunities for TuneCore artists, providing new ways for independent artists worldwide to reach fans, sell music and advance their careers while still maintaining full control and ownership of their work.
The strategic partnership with Believe Digital provides TuneCore Artists with an opportunity to tap into Believe Digital’s comprehensive global services, providing a truly modern, DIY record label experience with ground support across the globe. Artists now have access to a wider digital distribution network and more tools and services to empower them to succeed, increasing the opportunities to get more music heard by more people in more locations. Believe Digital has offices in 29 countries and a staff of over 250 music industry and digital marketing experts.
About TuneCore
TuneCore brings more music to more people, while helping musicians and songwriters increase money-earning opportunities and take charge of their own careers. The company has one of the highest artist revenue-generating music catalogs in the world, earning TuneCore Artists $576 million from over 18.7 billion downloads and streams since inception. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music through iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify and other major download and streaming sites while retaining 100 percent of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by administering their compositions through licensing, registration and worldwide royalty collection. The TuneCore Artist Services portal offers a suite of tools and services that enable artists to promote their craft, connect with fans, and get their music heard. TuneCore, part of TuneCore & Believe Digital Services, operates as an independent company and is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY with offices in Burbank, CA, Nashville, TN and Boston, MA.