Distribution partnerships can make or break an independent music career, but most artists don't understand what separates a good deal from a bad one. Jesse Flores, VP of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music and former Senior Director at Virgin Music Group, shares insider knowledge from over 20 years negotiating deals with major artists and independent labels.
In this conversation, Jesse reveals the specific factors distributors evaluate when considering partnerships, the most common contract mistakes artists make (including the advance trap that costs artists future revenue), and what actually moves the needle for independent artists in 2025. He explains why having a team and release plan matters more than just great music, how to optimize your streaming profiles to attract partnerships, and why listening to your distribution partner's advice is the most overlooked strategy for success.
Whether you're self-distributing and considering a partnership or already working with a distributor, Jesse's insights on deal structures, streaming economics, and strategic planning will help you make smarter business decisions.
Topics covered:
- What distributors actually evaluate beyond your music
- The advance mistake that costs artists future revenue
- Distribution deal vs. label deal: Critical differences
- Which contract terms you can negotiate (and which you can't)
- Why releasing too quickly without a plan hurts your career
- How to optimize streaming profiles to attract partnerships
- Marketing tactics that actually work in 2025 (hint: not just playlists)
- International distribution strategy: Regional rollout vs. global release
- What artists consistently underinvest in that impacts partnership success
- The power shift between artists and labels in the streaming era
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