Press and Distribute contract

Understanding a “Press & Distribute” Contract

When a distributor becomes your partner in getting music into the world — physically.

A “Press & Distribute” (P&D) contract is an agreement between a label or artist and a distributor, in which the distributor finances the manufacturing (pressing) of a physical release (vinyl, cassette, or CD) and handles distribution, in exchange for a share of the sales.

It’s a hybrid model: you’re not self-financing the release, but you’re also not licensing your music outright. It sits between DIY and traditional licensing — and if done right, it can be a powerful tool for exposure and sustainability.

How It Works: The Basics

1. The Distributor Pays for Pressing
   They front the costs of production (vinyl pressing, sleeve printing, barcode, sometimes mastering), which can range from €1,000 to €4,000+ depending on the format and run size.
2. They Handle Distribution and Sales
   They ship your release to their network of shops, online stores, and record dealers, and sometimes sell via their own platform.
3. You Provide the Music and Artwork
   You deliver the final masters, artwork files, metadata, and release plan. You retain ownership of the music.
4. You Split the Profits (After Costs)
   Once the distributor has recouped their manufacturing costs from sales, they usually split the net revenue with you (commonly 50/50 or 60/40 in their favor).

What’s Typically Included in a P&D Contract

1. 

Scope of the Deal

• Format(s): vinyl, tape, CD
• Number of units: e.g. 300, 500, 1,000
• Territories: worldwide or specific regions

2. 

Financial Terms

• Who pays for what (pressing, packaging, promo, mastering)
• Recoupment structure (distributor takes their money back first)
• Revenue split (after costs)
• Payment timeline (usually every quarter)

3. 

Rights & Ownership

• You usually retain full rights to the music
• The distributor has exclusive rights to sell the physical format for a certain period

4. 

Marketing & Promo

• Some distributors handle promo (sending to stores, press, DJs)
• Others expect you to take care of marketing — or may offer it as a paid add-on

5. 

Duration

• Most P&D contracts are release-specific, not long-term
• Some include a sell-off period (e.g. they can continue to sell remaining stock for 6–12 months after termination)

Benefits of a P&D Deal

• No upfront costs for the artist/label
• Access to professional distribution networks (record shops, online retailers)
• Shared risk — you’re not left with 300 records in your living room
• Can raise visibility and connect you to collectors, DJs, and new audiences
• Some distributors offer pressing discounts through their partners

Risks or Trade-Offs

• Lower profit margins — you may only earn a few euros per record after costs
• You may have less control over pricing or shipping
• If the release doesn’t sell well, you might not see any money at all
• Some distributors may take a long time to pay or report sales
• Unsold records may be stored or destroyed depending on the deal

When Should You Consider a P&D Deal?

• You want a physical release but can’t afford the pressing costs
• You value broad retail visibility (vs. direct-to-fan only)
• You have a release with strong DJ or niche appeal
• You’re working with vinyl-focused music (techno, house, ambient, experimental, etc.)

What to Look Out For in the Contract

• Transparent recoupment language (what counts as a “cost”?)
• Clear payment schedule and reporting system
• Agreement on unit pricing and profit split
• Who owns leftover stock
• Right to buy copies at wholesale for your own shop or shows
• Duration of exclusivity
• Any marketing promises — get them in writing

Good Practice Before Signing

• Ask to see examples of their past releases
• Talk to artists or labels who’ve worked with them
• Get a lawyer or experienced label friend to review the contract
• Clarify how returns and unsold stock are handled
• Keep a copy of all files and final versions for your archive

Conclusion: P&D Is a Collaboration — Not a Shortcut

A Press & Distribute deal is a form of trust and collaboration. You bring the art; they bring the resources to make it physical and visible. But as with any relationship, it requires clarity, communication, and aligned expectations.

Done right, a P&D contract can elevate your release — putting your record in hands, shops, and crates around the world.

Done blindly, it can tie up your music in paperwork and leave you wondering where the profits went.

So ask the questions. Read the fine print. And remember: your music is worth protecting — and so is your time.