CD Baby Exposed : Terms Of Service... (Don't Sign Up Until You Watch This!)

[@TopMusicAttorney]

Download the HIGHLIGHTED Terms Of Service PDF Here: www.topmusicattorney.com/dspterms Which Distributor Should I Cover Next? DistroKid TOS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6aoZIyHgJZghMk 🟡Ready to become your own record label? Get started now!: www.topmusicattorney.com/becomeyourownrecordlabel 💻 #1 Resource For Artists And Producers: www.topmusicattorney.com ⚖ Hire An Attorney: www.delgadoentertainmentlaw.com 📰 Get My Newsletter: www.topmusicattorney.com/newsletter/ 📄 8 Essential Music Contracts Bundle: www.topmusicattorney.com/contractsbundle 🎧 Listen To The TMA Podcast On All Streaming: www.topmusicattorney.com/podcast 🟢 Free Stuff: www.topmusicattorney.com/free-stuff

[@FreeComputerTutor]

Could you cover 'Soundcloud for Artists' distributor program?

[@CED.Dweller]

Dope side effect of watching these videos: you've helped me resist accepting every EULA and TOS for software and services without having a good read.

[@StephanDavis-mg6ux]

I not going anywhere or signing anything until my clarification is addressed

[@digitaldestroyerofficial]

Not watching 42 mins. Can someone give a short summary here?

[@svenisaksson3970]

That is why this industry desperately needs to be regulated! That's the only way to weed out all these one sided illeagal terms. If one were to remove everything that violates other laws, you'd probably be left only with the words "and" and "or". Also, note that these distibutors and DSPs operate on a global arena, and US law is only enforcible within the US. One interesting issue is that in many countries, "I agree" clicking contracts are null and void! The reason being that there is no evidence that it was actually YOU who clicked in "I agree", and thus entered into the contract. I I sit in my country and click on "I agree", which countrys laws are applicable. The laws in my country, where the clicking action took place, or US law. As far as I understand international law, it's the laws of the jusistiction where the action (crime) took place that takes precidence. Not the juristiction of recodence of any part. That would mean that I could sue CD Baby in my country, and they would have no defence since no valid contract excists! Whether I could seize any of CD Baby's assets in the US, based on a verdict issued in my country is another thorny issue. As you can see, this will get messy very fast without international rules and regulations. Just look at the PRO system. The reason that the protection of composers rights works so smoothly are these international agreements. When you write, release and register a song with your local PRO is automatically protected in all countries that has signed the Bern convention (I believe it's called). The last I heard, that's 175 counties. This works well, but is not perfect. Much due the to US's inability to follow international conventions and standards. It's also why I claim that Tunecore and DistriKid (and maybe more) violates copright law (17 U.S. Code § 115 (d)) when they extort fees for performing cover songs. Yes, I intentionally use the term "performing" because streaming is considered a performance as far as copyright is conserned. This means that Tunecore and DistriKid should be suspected of commiting fraud (or should I say crimminal fraud, if there is a difference). If you don't agree, I may have a great deal on the Brooklyn Bridge for you, if you're interested.

[@LoopsbyCash]

Hello I am confused I just started my journey after so many years of practice

[@cassidyraebarrera]

Thank you so so much for covering CD Baby!!

[@joyti_jmg]

This is good to know, thanks for sharing and giving a better insight on the terms and agreements

[@DSane206]

Thank you for doing the Lord's work, Krystle! I've got a Ditto Music horror story for you if you're interested. They really need to be exposed for the shady business practices they've been engaging in for YEARS and there are many disgruntled artists out there. I'd be curious to see the legal aspects of their TOS explored being that they're in the UK as well.

[@offgridrvliving]

It would be awesome if a certain top music attorney would be willing to share which distributor they use. Not a recommendation of course. Just a 'full disclosure'. 😉

[@rodneylee4026]

Why can't they just go by the book and pay the artist what they owe them when they owe them? Why all the confusion? In this day and age there should be no middle man you should just be able to create music and hit the send button from home. I hope it goes in that direction.

[@NondoPondo]

Your videos are both appreciated and appreciative. Shalom.

[@RevTonyG]

Very thankful for you for doing these videos. These contracts aren't exactly easy to navigate, let alone read all of them and decide which is the best of the evils, so thank you so much. I haven't watched every video you've done on ToS, but it seems that distrokid has a somewhat decent ToS (in comparison). I'm curious what your educated and experienced recommendation would be for choosing a distrobution platform? My previous band used CDBaby, and we weren't impressed. That was like 12 years ago though lol.

[@RevTonyG]

I should specify, I'm only asking your opinion, not legal advice, recommendations, or for any other intent besides curiosity.

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

at Cdbaby, I thought the SoundExchange, Publishing Admin (which would include MLC) and Sync Licensing were part of an OPTION at an extra fee, separate and additional, from Distribution.

[@musta_mind]

It sucks that CD baby is like that too, they were my first distributors since way back in 2012, my former manager put me on to them. Anyway thanks for the information, your really good, I wish I had a lawyer like you. You get it!

[@Gempire101]

who are you using now

[@musta_mind]

@@Gempire101 Still CD baby unfortunately.

[@Gempire101]

lol so they're the best out a bad bunch? what about illustrate or Symphonic ?

[@Mike_Sela]

First of all, I just came across your channel, and it's great and helpful, so thank you! 🙏It seems like all the options are kind of skewed. What do you think the best solution is? Which option would give the most control to the artist and their decisions?🤔

[@DNeil5]

You are awesome for doing this! Exposing the truth!!

[@theimagine1]

In your opinion as a musician also which of these evils :) would you choose?

[@Josh-py9rq]

CD baby from my experience they have been legit since they keep a percentage of our music those who have signed up they seem to be a bit less evil.......so instead of the 9th circle of hell with distrokid I am now hopefully in Lust or Limbo lol

[@NealFox]

I've seen bad things now about all of the major distributors. So which one would you recommend?

[@famousamosofficial]

Each one has its own issues, you gotta pick which one you want to put up with

[@NealFox]

@@famousamosofficial Thanks. Makes sense.

[@altermoremusic]

@@NealFox I just decided to give it a try LANDR. And already in the first releases, I have problems with delivering tracks to social platforms. And I can't solve these problems for a long time. For example, it's been 11 days since the release, and my tracks are still isnt available on KZbin and TikTok. Just a mess! And I must pay for this "pro distribution" $45 per year.

[@ZOMG_MUSIC]

@NealFox at least with cd baby you aren't paying for a subscription

[@NealFox]

@@ZOMG_MUSIC Yeah. I ended up going with them. Good tech support, too.

[@windfallenterprises2754]

Thank You & Congratulations! This Thorough & Articulate Video with an incredible amount of information is difficult to process. I am wrestling with releasing new material/ songs, album, etc & the morass of minutia is Whelming! I Previously used CD Baby but the Pros/Cons for each DSP through my own research & now your analysis of terms takes me further from Creating & Feeling a bit Discouraged. What’s your Best Advice to an Older Novice Navigating this Treacherous Space on a Shoestring budget?

[@BrettHoustonTube]

Thank you so much for going through this. This contract was written by criminals. I was getting ready to do a multi-album deal with CD Baby. I will look for a better option. Is there one?

[@shrimp3683]

Lemme know if you found one better :(

[@Transylvegas]

no.

[@JEEKMUSIC]

WAIT WAIT WAIT, I'm Paul !! lol ok, not sure if I getting this right (English isn't my 1st language). I'm DistroK user who's planning to release a few singles with Distro, which will then be included in an Album via CD Baby ("waterfall strategy").. Can't do it?? 🥺🥺

[@plazima]

Unfortunately I don’t have time to watch this, what is the problem with cb?

[@Frenkel111]

CD Baby has a Digital Distribution Addendum which you have to sign. It would be awesome if you go over it too.

[@topotone]

Awesome presentation! I was just about to put my 11th album up on the baby. They might still be the best choice for me, but I’m not gonna fall for their Boost extra service. What do you think about Soundtrust? Is it worth the $100 to have them manage stuff? What do they actually do? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@barryallen6217]

Is there a way to distribute my music myself ? seems to me like every distributer is bad

[@TopMusicAttorney]

There is a way to become your own record label. Please feel free to email me directly at [e-mail] and we can chat.

[@soundofblue2th]

I need a TLDR, my brain can’t handle 40 minutes of legal talk.

[@Yadeehoo]

TLDR if you're an artist in the music industry, you're going to get screwed over whichever way.

[@SuperConfidentman]

DistrKid deleted 400 my tracks without giving any reason. I paid for dozens of “Leave a Legacy” instances. They promise never to delete those tracks. WTF?

[@DS-nh4gu]

When you reached out what did they say?

[@Yadeehoo]

Wow really, did you get your legacy fees back ?

[@adrienneraeash3440]

I really wish I could have seen your videos in 2019, before I signed a deal.

[@VesselBand18]

Thanks a lot for this video it was super helpful! Can you maybe do AWAL's contract? Thank you!

[@joyti_jmg]

Sure, not a problem. Fact I might need your advice if I continue on this music journey.

[@dfella]

So what distributor(s) do you recommend ?

[@Vincewright-z4r]

Some of it so confusing. Seems as if I had to stop making music

[@sepsissband]

Always great advice and educationals

[@wokacola6663]

After watching a few of your vids, it seems like you wouldn't recommend any distro platform. Is that the right take-away? Thanks!

[@TopMusicAttorney]

I still recommend Distrokid to clients 🙏

[@JamesYT1000]

Is there anything indie musicians can do to increase the limit of liability? To your point, if you get screwed and need to sue, that low limit makes it virtually impossible to be made whole after attorney fees.

[@LapisStone]

get a law degree and go pro se 😂

[@fallingsky1984]

Why can distributor change the terms of the contract but the user can't

[@SW4PN1L]

This is like Making deals with the devil.

[@StrangersWithGuns]

When you sign up to cd baby though you pay to have it up there indefinitely no? Surely they can just pull it

[@soundofblue2th]

They can pull it at any time they want.

[@djolexmusicc]

@@soundofblue2th they can't. It's forever ,because you are actually paying per release,not annually. They keep 9% from your streams and that's it. Simple .While distrokid you must pay annually but if you pay after it expires ,then they can just pull it from digital platforms. I would only pick CD Baby because you pay only once forever

[@owlmatrix6794]

question, so if I used cd baby but want to release an ep on distrokid is it possible? and can you do a video about BMI and cd baby on how they correlate

[@erickurd6976]

It's funny how insulting a CD Baby employee goes against the agreement lol

[@TopMusicAttorney]

That was a surprising term! 😅

[@StrangersWithGuns]

Paddy power use to do the same thing, every issue they'd change terms

[@RitosM]

Thank you so much for this

[@JRD876]

Great Content... Thanks

[@piyasirimusicproduction]

I wish I would have been able to watch this 4 months ago before I moved all my songs to CD Baby. They shut down my account today and are keeping all my royalties. For you own sake stay away from them! Thanks for making great content! ❤

[@JayDeeOfficialx]

how do you go about that? I currently have 2 songs , one with TUNECORE & the other with Distrokid, I want to move them all to CD Baby.

[@shrimp3683]

What distribution platform are you using now?

[@piyasirimusicproduction]

@@shrimp3683 None atm. I guess I haven't gotten over the shock of being banned yet. I'll probably go with Amuse, with a new artist name.

[@jerryk3280]

What was the reason they gave you?

[@piyasirimusicproduction]

@@jerryk3280 They didn't give me a reason at all even when I wrote and asked them. They owe me over 1000$.

[@DrixxMadison]

👀🙌🏼🙌🏼 Thanks for the Sage advice.

[@bryancox6717]

Thank you, That is really helpful to me.👍

[@bascohouseproduction9080]

Very informative ❤

[@bandconductor]

Great video, thanks for the information.

[@sooesoss6063]

Great Work!!!!!

[@soundmanlab659]

please explain how the split works in cdbaby, thanks!

[@christoferrage]

So what distributor is safe to use? Lol

[@_jimmythesaint]

None really. Use Soundcloud, KZbin, and distribute CDs! But I’m going to start using symphonic

[@darrenelkins5923]

Which is best for sync? Thanks

[@talkin-ape]

Can artists create a terms of service contract that distributors et al, have to sign to have the pleasure of earning their cut? A musicians union could set up templates for artist wanting distribution, or signing to a label, that those parties are legally bound by to be allowed to distribute, or promote. Essentially, without musicians, there is no need for labels or distribution. THEY SERVE US, so should behave in such a way. It is currently ass backwards. They must not act in any manner that conflicts or interferes with any existing commitment or agreement previously entered into by the party that will interfere with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, in full compliance with any applicable laws, rules, and regulations of any governmental authority having jurisdiction.

[@justice4all719]

It could be like this, with a cooperative publishing organisation. Artists pay a one time fee to become member, then get to keep 100% royalties, pay no fee to publish music, the coop could make interests on pooled royalties to pay costs, and promote a streaming service to music listeners to monetize directly to customers. Artists own the publishing, and stream it directly to music fans. I think it would be ideal.

[@tommykib]

Thanks!

[@leorasoul5224]

Who do you distribute with 😅

[@DNeil5]

How is Landr for music distribution? Are they better or worse?

[@joyti_jmg]

Landr was in with CD baby and they branched out to do their own distribution thing. I did use them on a single, and it released less than two weeks. But Spotify didn’t accept it for me. And I still don’t understand why maybe because they only allow you to release a certain amount on a single platform. Not a single on two different distributions.

[@DNeil5]

Thank you. This is good information. I so far have liked their services, but I have not released a lot of music with them..TC

[@ClevelandDelaney]

You Rock 🎸 🥁🎹🎆⭐🥇👑🏆 Salute Peace Power⚡and Prosperity🎉💫🎊💯

[@genepozniak]

Who appoints he arbitrator?

[@Phosfit]

😪 thought this was the best choice

[@tdtrecordsmusic]

comment

[@joyti_jmg]

I’ve been using CDbaby since 2005, I did read some of the agreement and switched around. But CDbaby was user friendly, and after Derek sold out to Chris I tried other distributors. They will pay you your royalties, where the other will take your royalties for renewal agreement if you forget or don’t renew. Or take down your music off the Spotify and other platforms.

[@altermoremusic]

Do it for LANDR please

[@in_the_red6798]

So it appears I have become one of the unlucky artists who CDBaby has screwed. I would also like to point out in this story that Spotify is absolutely no help to right CDBabys wrong. Story is I have one song, luckily, distributed using CDBaby. All is good until I check the revenue report. No revenue for 11 streams on Spotify for the month. Hmm. Email CDBaby. Cdbaby tells me Spotify is telling them that those were artificial plays. Ok. I know.they are not but...Hey Spotify for Artists, CDBaby is telling.me you are reporting artificial plays on my song to them. What's going on. After three attempts chatting with Spotify for Artist Support I got the same answer. Spotify is pointing the finger back at CDBaby. Talk to their Revenue department as we have nothing to to do with their revenue agreement. No, I say. I need something from you to prove those 11 streams are NOT artificial. Spotify won't or can't do that. Spotify has assured me I'm a verified artist but can't prove the streams on their platform are real?? Come on! What the hell is.my recourse?

[@therealdeal26]

***DUKES uP!***💯!!***