What label services actually are, how they differ from a traditional record deal, and how to choose the right provider for your catalog.
17 articles
Label services are the individual functions of a traditional record label — distribution, publishing administration, metadata management, royalty accounting, sync licensing — offered to independent artists and labels on a flexible, service-by-service basis. You retain full ownership of your recordings and compositions.
A traditional record label typically signs artists, invests in recordings, and takes a share of the artist's royalties and copyright. A label services company provides the same operational infrastructure — distribution, publishing administration, marketing support — without taking ownership of your music or a long-term cut of your income.
Label services are typically priced on a commission or retainer model depending on the scope. Code Group Music works on a commission-only basis — you pay nothing upfront. The commission rate is agreed after a free Catalog Assessment, which maps your catalog and identifies which services will generate the greatest return.
Your music catalog is your collection of recordings (master rights) and compositions (publishing rights). It is a financial asset that generates royalties over time. Properly administered, a catalog can produce income from streaming, broadcast, sync licensing, neighbouring rights, and mechanical royalties across multiple territories for decades.
Look for a provider with direct relationships with PROs and distributors, transparent commission structures, experience with your genre and territory, and no requirement to sign over copyright. Ask specifically how they handle metadata delivery, what reporting you receive, and how they handle international royalty collection.
