Catalogue transfer
Change distributors with a plan.
Prepare a distributor change: gather masters, ISRCs, UPCs and links, review your agreement and coordinate catalogue delivery and takedowns.
What you’ll take away
For artists and labels with music already released
Prepare an inventory and a working sequence before requesting takedowns. A coordinated transfer reduces avoidable errors and guesswork.
Build a complete inventory
Published information matters as much as original files. Create a record for each release before making the move.
- Gather masters, artwork, metadata, ISRCs and UPCs for each release.
- Save current track, album and artist profile links.
- Identify versions, territories and releases that should stay outside the transfer.
Review your current agreement
Not every contract permits the same schedule. Clarify existing commitments before confirming a new delivery date.
- Check notice periods, exclusivity and termination terms.
- Confirm that you can redistribute every recording and its associated assets.
- Clarify how outstanding reports and payments will be handled by the previous distributor.
Coordinate delivery and takedown
A takedown requested too early can leave music unavailable. Agree the sequence with the distributors involved.
- Share the inventory with the new team and confirm import requirements.
- Avoid unnecessary changes to recording data and retain its identifiers.
- Agree when to review the new delivery and request the previous takedown.
Check the result
The transfer does not end with an upload. Review availability and document any issues so they can be resolved.
- Make sure releases appear on the correct artist profiles.
- Check audio, artwork, credits, territories and links after the move.
- Record duplicates or missing releases and share specific links with the team.
Questions about this guide
01Will streams and playlists be retained?
Platforms decide how recordings and their data are matched. Consistent assets and identifiers help, but metrics and playlist retention cannot be guaranteed.
02Should I remove music from my current distributor first?
Do not request takedowns without an agreed plan. Coordinate delivery, review and takedown to reduce interruptions and duplicates.
03Can I move only part of my catalogue?
It depends on your agreements and rights. Identify the specific releases and discuss the scope with both teams.
Guides help you prepare. Delivery requirements and timelines should be confirmed for your project.
Talk to the team
Let’s discuss your catalogue’s next home.
Share your catalogue size, current distributor and timing. We can start the conversation with the right context.