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Is there a truly artist-centered distributer who isn't just trying to get rich off the backs of multiple artists?

You make that sound like a bad thing. Their goal is to make money. My goal is the same.

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Who do you like? Who do you trust?

No one. So what?

The second you have made the decision to go with a distributor, you are in the Music Business. The only way to succeed is to take it seriously. Read the T's and C's (terms and conditions) of every distributor so that you understand them and the differences. Failure to abide by them can cost you a lot of money and cause you to lose the rights to your music.

Asking advice of strangers on the internet is the second worst way to go about this — not asking is even worse, however. What we use and why is not going to apply to you—unless it does and there's no way you are going to know.

Get an education. I suggest becoming familiar with Krystal Delgado and her three YouTube channels. She is actually an entertainment attorney and has videos on the T's and C's of all the popular services—and they're all scary so pay attention. As Herb has indicated, know and understand your goals. The rest of it is to understand the pitfalls so that you do not become yet another casualty.

There are way too many books out there, nearly all are outdated but All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Eleventh Edition by Donald S. Passman is less than two years old and the only one I recommend currently—I like the Kindle edition as it lets you jump around. Not that much applies now but as you become successful, more and more will become relevant. If the only thing you learn is when you need an attorney and what to ask if that day happens, the $19 spent will save you hundred$.

Knowledge is power; ignorance is grief and talent only goes so far. You will need to work at this to succeed and there is no shortcut around that. So jump in and learn to swim with the sharks.

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