Interview with Steven Finch Of Routenote.
The power artists now possess is incredible and with technology progressing everyday, more and more companies are finding ways to make your life as an artist even easier.
One area that affects all artists and is experiencing fierce competition is the music distribution industry.
I am sure that you’re familiar with many of the big names in the industry but it is important to note that in recent months some established but lesser known companies have been making huge efforts to improve upon their music distribution offering for artists.
I had the chance to interview Steven Finch, CEO of RouteNote, a company determined to help artists with their music distribution needs.
Steven sheds light into what RouteNote is all about and enlightens us on some key points that will surely help you along with your musical journey.
Below is our discussion.
Contents
Where did the idea or concept for RouteNote come from?
We owned a recording studio at the time and we were creating great local music. We wanted to get it out into the world and found there were no real solutions for small and independent artists.
At the time iTunes was the main store everyone wanted to get into, so we started talking with them and it all just snowballed from there.
What was your mission at the outset?
From the outset we simply wanted to make it easy for artists to get their music online around the world with the ability to generate a revenue stream from their music.
What makes RouteNote different from the other music distribution companies on the market?
RouteNote is the only distributor in the world to offer both a Free and Premium service for artists. We allow artists to move between the two options for each release depending on what makes more sense for them.
RouteNote is highly artist centric and we want to provide our artists with the best possible service and opportunities. RouteNote has amazing customer service. We reply to emails within 24 hours and we even have a phone number you can call if you want to chat to us personally!
RouteNote pushes innovation and adoption of new opportunities for artists (we were one of the first independents in the world to sign with Spotify, Soundcloud, Distribution into mainland China and now we’re leading Facebook and Instagram integration). RouteNote also provides a growing tool set from YouTube Content ID, Facebook, YouTube Networks, Playlist Pitching and Referral Program, with a lot more coming soon!
What do you feel is the biggest challenge artists are currently faced with?
Promotion is going to be very important in the years to come and it’s one of the biggest struggles for artists online. Artists need to be everywhere their fans are!
The tools are there with social media, branding, promotion on YouTube and SoundCloud, etc. The challenge is understanding how to use these to your advantage and maintaining them – it can be a lot of hard work.
Are there any new features that current or new RouteNote users can look forward to?
There is a lot coming very soon! Expect a lot more stores, opportunities, new tools and continued improvements in data and analytics.
Who are some rising artists currently using RouteNote?
RouteNote works with a lot of amazing artists and labels across 193 countries.
Up and coming artists include – Axero, Tobu, Eden, Eery, Ski Mask The Slump God, Steve Void, Just a Gent, Sander W, Sterkol, Borrtex, In Love With a Ghost and so many more!
Up and coming Labels – Strange Fruits, USP Studios, Hinky, Chill Your Mind, Toneville and many more!
If RouteNote were looking to partner with a new independent artist, what characteristics would that artist need to have?
Our aim is to help artists of all kinds to get heard all around the world reaching fans and finding new listeners in every corner of the globe. We want all artists to have control over their own destiny with the same opportunities they would get with a major label.
Key Takeaways From Our Interview With Steven Finch Of Routenote
Steven Finch has a ton of experience in the industry and has worked diligently to build a solid team around him over at RouteNote.
RouteNote has distributed for some notable artists and has evolved to stay competitive over the years in the realms of music distribution. Being around the industry for so long you get a strong concept of what artists need and want.
In my interview with Steven there were some very key points he made with reference to some of the challenges artists are currently faced with.
Here are some key takeaways that you may have missed:
- Where distribution is concerned there are a lot of companies out there offering amazing features and services but are not as highly publicized as some other companies. RouteNote is certainly one of them. Do your research and make sure you work with a company who has your best interests in mind.
- “Artists need to be everywhere their fans are.” Sometimes we are at the mercy of our fans and we need to ensure that our content is always within reach and easy to find.
- Promotion is one of the more important aspects of your career and it is often something we don’t put enough energy into. I suggest having some sort of plan that keeps you focused on whats important when it comes to marketing and promotion
- The number of tools at your disposal can get overwhelming. Find what works and trying to excel in those areas and adapt over time. Don’t be stagnant but don’t chase every new and shiny object along your path.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the right distribution company can be a challenge as there are many things to consider when making your decision.
We are grateful for the insights that Steven has provided us and hope that they will assist you along your journey.
If you would like more information on the RouteNote music distribution platform, we have created a review of the company which you can find here.
Now lets turn things over to you. In the comments below, tell us some challenges you are facing with your current music distribution strategy?
Check Out RouteNote Here
Kevin is the founder of Music With Flavor, which joined Whipped Cream Sounds in 2023. He is a seasoned musician turned industry expert. His passion for music goes beyond melodies; he delves deep into the intricate world of music marketing, striving to unearth the most effective strategies for indie musicians. However, Music With Flavor isn’t just about Kevin’s knowledge; it’s a network of industry experts handpicked to provide the most trusted advice. Kevin’s role is to pose the right questions, not just answer them, as he and his team tirelessly research trends, connect with artists, and gather valuable insights.
