iTunes, Amazon, streaming platforms, etc. do not deal directly with artists. Apple gives the majority (not sure of the percentage) to a distributor (LANDR, DistroKid, CD Baby, etc) who is responsible for the song, and then they take a negotiated cut and pay it to the artist.
DistroKid, for example, charges about $20/year to keep all of your music releases on 100 or so streaming and download services, but takes no cut of the proceeds.
This distribution method is far and away the norm nowadays, especially with dance music, because it gets music everywhere, right alongside artists signed to labels. Bandcamp appeals more to the hipster crowd.
DistroKid, for example, charges about $20/year to keep all of your music releases on 100 or so streaming and download services, but takes no cut of the proceeds.
This distribution method is far and away the norm nowadays, especially with dance music, because it gets music everywhere, right alongside artists signed to labels. Bandcamp appeals more to the hipster crowd.