Back catalog distribution
The short answer
Back catalog is music you have already released. You can move it to a new distributor for a lower fee and better service, ask that distributor for an advance against future income, or license it for a fixed term of 5 to 25 years in exchange for a larger advance. In all three cases you keep ownership. A sale is the fourth option, when you want to exit completely. We compare them with your real numbers and negotiate the terms.
Distribution fee or licence deal: what is the difference?
A distributor delivers your recordings to streaming services and stores and pays you the income, minus its fee. In a pure distribution deal you keep ownership and control, and the distributor only earns its percentage. In a licence deal you grant the rights to use and exploit the recordings for a fixed term, and the licensee takes a larger share of the income in exchange for paying you an advance and taking on more of the work.
Moving a catalog changes several things for you, so it helps to know what to look at:
- Fee or revenue share: what percentage the distributor or licensee keeps from each euro or dollar your music earns.
- Advance: whether you receive cash upfront, how it is recouped and whether anything happens if it is not recovered by the end of the term.
- Term length: from a few years for distribution to 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years for a licence. Longer terms usually mean larger advances.
- Exclusivity and scope: which tracks, which territories and which income types are included, such as streaming, sync or neighbouring rights.
- Services: playlist pitching, marketing, sync and reporting quality, which can matter as much as the fee.
When you move, your release history, play counts and playlist positions carry over if the tracks are migrated with the same ISRC codes. We plan the switch so your catalog does not disappear or lose its data along the way.
How a back catalog move works
- Confidential call. We look at what you have released, where it is distributed today and what you want: lower fees, cash, better service or all three.
- Contract review. We check your current distribution or label agreements for notice periods, exclusivity and any unrecouped advance that affects the move.
- Income analysis. We review your statements by track, platform and territory to estimate what a new distributor or licensee is likely to offer.
- Offers. We approach suitable distributors and capital partners, and compare fees, advances, terms and services side by side, including a licence advance where it makes sense.
- Negotiation. We negotiate the deal you choose, including reporting, audit rights and what happens at the end of the term.
- Migration. We coordinate the transfer with both distributors so tracks move with the same ISRC codes and your income keeps flowing.
Your options for released music
| Distribution only | Distribution with advance | Licence advance, 5 to 25 years | Sale | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Stays with you | Stays with you | Stays with you | Transferred to the buyer |
| Cash today | None | A modest advance | A larger advance | A purchase price |
| Share of income you keep | Most of it, minus the fee | Most, once the advance is recouped | Lower during the term | None after closing |
| Term | Short, often renewable | Short to medium | 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years | Permanent |
| At the end | You move again or renew | You move again or renew | Rights return to you | Nothing comes back |
Advances and fees depend on your income, how stable it is and the term you choose. We only give you figures after reviewing your statements.
Who this fits
- Independent artists and labels with released catalogs that earn every month.
- Owners paying high fees or getting poor service from their current distributor.
- Artists whose label or distribution deal is ending and who want to keep ownership.
- Catalog owners who want cash without selling and are open to a licence term.
- Heirs who inherited released recordings and want someone reliable to manage them.
If your current deal still has years to run or an unrecouped advance, moving may require a buyout first. We can review that with you.
What we review
- Your current distribution or label agreement, notice periods and exclusivity.
- Distributor statements for the last two to three years, by track, platform and territory.
- Your track list with ISRC codes, release dates and ownership for each track.
- Any unrecouped balance or previous advance tied to the catalog.
- Featured artists, samples and splits that affect who gets paid.
Related structures and guides
Moving distribution is often the first step. These pages explain the structures we compare with it.
- Distribution licence advance A larger advance for licensing your back catalog for 5 to 25 years, with the rights returning to you.
- Unrecouped deal buyouts Leave an unrecouped deal so you can move your catalog and keep cash on top.
- Royalty advances Get paid against future income while you stay in your current deal.
- Sell your masters Sell your recordings in full or in part when you want to exit.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my streams and playlists if I change distributor?
Not if the migration is done properly. When tracks move with the same ISRC codes, platforms keep the play counts and history. We coordinate the timing with both distributors to avoid gaps.
Do I keep ownership of my masters?
Yes, with distribution only, distribution with an advance and a licence advance. Only a sale transfers ownership. With a licence, the rights come back to you at the end of the term.
How is a distribution advance repaid?
It is recouped from the income your catalog earns through the new distributor, under terms agreed in advance. It is not repaid from your pocket, but you receive less until it is covered.
Which term length should I choose?
It depends on how much cash you need and how long you are willing to give up part of the income. Longer terms usually mean larger advances. We model 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 year options with your numbers.
Can I move if I am still in a deal?
Usually only when the deal ends or if you can terminate it. If there is an unrecouped balance, a buyout may be possible. We review the contract to see when and how you can move.
Who handles your case
Andrés Pesqueira López, Co-Founder. In the music business since 2017, he has negotiated deals with Universal, Sony Music and Ultra Music. BeatBridge has advised on more than $28M in catalog value and works with 40+ buyers and capital partners in 15 countries.
Tell us about your catalog
Share the basics and we will reply within 24 to 48 hours. Success-fee only, no upfront costs.
Find a better home for your back catalog
A 30-minute confidential call. Bring your current contract and latest statements and we will tell you which option makes sense.
This page is general information and not legal, tax or financial advice. Every structure depends on your contracts and a review of your catalog.