The distribution chain
Preparation
Master, artwork at the required resolution, lyrics, performer and writer credits. Time spent here comes back later as royalties that actually arrive.
Metadata and ISRC
Every recording gets an ISRC and correct writer and performer roles. A mistake at this point sends the money somewhere else — or nowhere.
Delivery
The release goes to the distributor and out to the platforms. The date is planned in advance so there is time to promote it.
Rights registration
Works are registered with collecting societies so that public performance and broadcast royalties are collected.
Ongoing care
Reporting, catalogue maintenance, reissues and licensing requests.
Rights administration
Lithuania has two collecting societies, and they administer different things: LATGA handles authors' rights (composers and lyricists), AGATA handles neighbouring rights (performers and phonogram producers). Most releases touch both, so registration is made with both.
In the United States authors' rights are administered by separate organisations, and European societies do not cover that market. We are ASCAP members, so public performance and broadcast royalties earned in the US reach the writer too. That starts to matter the day the music turns up on American radio, television or advertising.
Common questions
How many platforms does distribution reach?
The major global platforms are reached through our distributor. We give you the exact current list with the proposal, because the set of platforms changes.
Can I keep the rights to my master?
Yes. Distribution and assignment of rights are separate things; you can use the distribution service without signing a label deal.
When do royalties arrive?
Platforms report late — in practice two to four months after the reporting period. We pass on statements as we receive them, without rewriting them.