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KME Network

Labels & catalogues

Music distribution for record labels: a practical guide

Plan music distribution for record labels: organise artist details, compare label limits, prepare releases and understand multi-label and distributor access.

Start with the label catalogue you manage

Music distribution for a record label covers the recordings and artists the label represents. Before choosing an account, list your label names, artists, existing releases and planned release schedule. This helps you compare the account capacity and support you need.

An artist count is different from a label count. A single label may represent several artists, while a business can manage multiple label names. Confirm how your planned catalogue fits the provider’s label allowance before paying for access.

Explore KME label distribution services

Choose Label, Multi-label or Distributor access

KME accepts applications from record labels, multi-label businesses and distributors. Choose the type that describes your operation, then explain the catalogue and services you need. The application starts a review; selecting an account type does not automatically activate a paid plan or a branded service.

  • Label: your releases belong to the label you represent.
  • Multi-label: your business manages releases under several label names.
  • Distributor: you offer distribution services to other artists or labels.

If the boundaries overlap, describe your workflow in the application message. Ask the team to confirm account access, permissions and service scope before assuming how your staff or clients will use the account.

See how applications are reviewed

Compare label limits and commercial terms

KME Basic lists one custom label and a 75% revenue share, with no subscription fee for selected applicants. Professional lists up to 10 custom labels and an 80% revenue share for ₹4,500 over three years, including GST. Enterprise lists up to 50 labels and a 90% revenue share, with a custom quote.

All three plans list unlimited artists and releases under the service terms. A label allowance does not replace release review or rights checks. Compare the subscription term, support channels and included services as well as the percentage.

For a growing catalogue, ask what an upgrade changes, when the new terms take effect and how existing releases will be treated. Confirm renewal conditions before selecting a paid plan.

Compare label allowances and features

Keep a release register for every artist

Use one consistent record of the details you submit for each release. This is a working checklist for your label, not a claim that every field below is a separate KME dashboard feature. Accurate records help your team answer correction requests and identify the right recording.

  • Label name, release title, track titles and track order.
  • Primary and featured artist names, plus existing artist profile links.
  • Final audio, approved artwork and contributor credits.
  • Available ISRC and UPC identifiers, and existing release links.
  • Rights and permission records, intended territories and planned release date.
  • The person responsible for reviewing corrections and contacting support.

For regional-language recordings, settle the intended spelling of artist and track names before submission. Keep the same details with the master files and artwork instead of making different versions for each handover.

Use the release preparation checklist

Plan reporting and catalogue changes

KME makes monthly royalty payments when the available account balance is above ₹3,000, subject to platform reporting and payment. Keep your artist agreements and internal accounting separate from the plan’s revenue-share percentage. Confirm any split-payment or reporting requirements with the team before relying on a particular workflow.

For corrections or removals, keep the release titles and available UPC or ISRC identifiers ready. State whether the request covers a few recordings, a bulk group or the entire catalogue so the applicable timeline is clear.

If you are moving releases from another provider, share existing links and identifiers before requesting takedowns. Agree the delivery and removal sequence with the providers involved; do not assume that links, counts or availability will transfer automatically.

Read royalty and takedown guidance

When does a label need white-label distribution?

Multiple label names alone do not make a white-label setup necessary. A standard multi-label plan can be appropriate when the requirement is catalogue access. White-label is relevant when your business needs a distribution offering under its own branding and domain.

KME Enterprise includes custom branding, a domain and a white-label distribution solution. The quote confirms setup, scope, fees and applicable terms. Share your label count, catalogue size, support needs and intended launch date to discuss whether that setup fits.

Before you commit, ask who will submit releases, who will handle corrections, how support requests will be managed and what information you need for your own artists. Resolve these responsibilities alongside the commercial terms.

Explore white-label and B2B distribution

Put the next step in motion.

Apply for label access ↗

Keep reading.

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