The news comes eight months after TuneCore expanded its reach into China, via a licensing partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment.
With the new expansion, TuneCore India artists can distribute their music to the likes of JioSaavn, Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and Deezer in India. TuneCore says its catalog will also be “coming soon” to platforms such as Gaana, Hungama and Wynk in the market.
The move marks big news for TuneCore parent Believe, which acquired the distribution platform in 2015.
According to Believe – which realized around $700m of digital revenue as a global business last year – TuneCore nows pays out “well over” $1 million each day.
Rather than taking a percentage of an act’s revenues, TuneCore charges DIY artists flat, per-year fees to upload their music, with a standard rate of $9.99 per single.
“With our expanding international customer base coupled with the constantly evolving music industry, our goal is to continue to support all artists, at all stages of their career, at the local level by giving them the resources and tools they need to be successful,” says Denis Ladegaillerie, CEO of Believe.
“Our global expansion into India not only allows us to further our mission of supporting our artists at the local level, in the best way possible. TuneCore uniquely pays 100 percent of 100 percent of what is collected from the digital services, which has made the company the leader in helping artists get what they deserve.”
“our goal is to continue to support all artists, at all stages of their career, at the local level by giving them the resources and tools they need to be successful.”
Denis Ladegaillerie, Believe
TuneCore.in will enable India-based artists to collect revenue from streaming services and digital download stores in their local currency.
In addition, it will feature guides written by local music industry veterans Achille Forler and Mae Thomas which provide practical steps, education and advice for Indian independent artists.
Music industry veteran Heena Kriplani will serve as TuneCore’s Country Manager for India.
“TuneCore and Believe’s artist centric approach aligns seamlessly with my own. India has always had a unique music landscape and I’m glad we’re able to service local, independent artists with tools created specifically for keeping their global reach and local needs in mind,” said Kriplani.
“TuneCore.in aims to be part of the solution and, with our store and streaming partners, we will help democratize the music ecosystem in India while enabling every artist to be heard across borders, without giving up their rights or revenue.”
“TuneCore and Believe’s artist centric approach aligns seamlessly with my own.”
Heena Kriplani, TuneCore India
Indian customers will also have access to TuneCore’s additional artist services, including its YouTube Sound Recording Revenue collection service, Facebook/Instagram Music, and TuneCore Fan Reviews.
Independent artist Kartik Shah of Folk & World music Band Maati Baani commented: “We have been using TuneCore for our songs since the release of our self-titled album Maati Baani in 2016.
“What we love about this platform is the simplicity to upload our songs and the transparency it offers while monitoring our revenue. It has helped us immensely in reaching our fanbase in India and across the world. TuneCore is a boon for musicians who are looking to get their music out in the world while staying independent.”
As an introductory offer, TuneCore artists in India will get 50% off the regular distribution costs with singles available for ₹499 (regularly ₹999) and 1st year distribution for albums available for ₹1499 (regularly ₹2899).
TuneCore India is the eight international expansion for the Brooklyn, N.Y-based service provider. The company expanded into both the UK and Australia markets in 2015, Germany, France and Italy in 2016, while TuneCore Japan and TuneCore Canada provide similar localized services since 2012 and 2011, respectively.
