As an independent artist, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of digital platforms to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. For nearly five years, I’ve placed my trust in Distrokid, relying on their service to distribute over 400 tracks 🎧 and manage 26 collaborative releases 🎤. However, recent events have led me to question that trust, and I feel compelled to share my experience in the hope of sparking a broader conversation about the importance of reliable support in the music industry.

⚠️ The Issue: Templated Responses and Lack of Genuine Support

Two months ago, I encountered what I assumed would be a minor issue with my account. Confident in the platform’s ability to assist, I reached out to their support team. To my surprise and frustration, I was met with the same templated responses time and again. These responses failed to address the specifics of my situation, leaving me feeling unheard and dismissed. It became clear that my messages weren’t being fully read or understood, which only added to my frustration. 😤

💔 A Disheartening Suggestion: “Consider Another Partner”

What truly shocked me was the suggestion from their support team that I should consider switching to another distribution partner. This felt like a dismissal of the loyalty and trust I’ve placed in their service over the years. After everything I’ve invested in the platform—including countless hours managing releases and building my catalog—a single, corrected mistake led to my account being banned. The notion that I should simply take my business elsewhere was not only unhelpful but also deeply disappointing. 😔

💡 Why This Matters: The Need for Better Support in the Music Industry

This experience has underscored a critical issue within the digital music distribution space: the need for reliable, attentive support for the artists who power these platforms. As creators, we depend on these services not just for distribution, but for the overall management of our music careers. When problems arise, we deserve to have our concerns addressed promptly and professionally. 🎵

Unfortunately, my experience with Distrokid has shown that this isn’t always the case. Despite my long-term commitment to their platform, I was left feeling like my contributions and loyalty didn’t matter. This is a troubling reality that I hope can be addressed not just by Distrokid, but by all companies in the industry.

📝 What I’ve Done: Sharing My Story Across Platforms

In an effort to bring attention to this issue, I’ve shared my story across various platforms:

• On Medium, I wrote this article discussing the broader implications of poor customer support in the music industry and why artists deserve better. 📖
• On Quora, I offered advice to other independent artists on how to handle situations like this and navigate the challenges of dealing with inadequate support. Read my Quora response here. https://qr.ae/p2GpEH 💬
• On Trustpilot, I left a detailed review of my experience, hoping that Distrokid will take this feedback seriously and improve their support services. Read the review here. https://trstp.lt/2TdFDl-k7 🛑
• I also shared my thoughts in a Twitter thread, summarizing my experience and linking to the articles mentioned above. 🐦

🚀 Conclusion: A Call for Change

As artists, we are more than just customers; we are partners in the success of the platforms we use. Our work helps drive their growth, and in return, we expect a level of service that reflects our value. It’s time for companies in the music distribution industry to reassess their support strategies and ensure they are truly serving the artists who rely on them. ✊

I’m sharing my experience not just to highlight my own challenges, but to advocate for all artists who may find themselves in similar situations. Together, we can push for the kind of support that artists deserve—support that empowers us to focus on what we do best: creating music. 🎶