Prepare the master
Export the final mix as an uncompressed WAV file — the standard is 24-bit / 48kHz. Listen to the file all the way through, from beginning to end, on headphones and on a phone speaker. Check the start and the end for clicks, and don't leave extra silence at either end.
Cover art that passes review
Your cover art travels with the release to every store. The spec is 3000×3000 pixels, RGB. Keep text minimal and readable at thumbnail size, and avoid platform logos, account handles, prices and links — stores reject cover art that carries them.
Metadata and codes
Metadata is how the world finds you: an artist name spelled the same way on every release, the real title with no decoration, and the correct language and genre tags. The codes — ISRC for the recording and UPC for the release — are assigned during preparation; you don't need to buy them anywhere.
Choose the release date
Give yourself room. A date several weeks out leaves space for review, delivery and pitching before day one. Line the date up with anything you control — a video, a show, a run of posts — so the release lands with support behind it rather than alone.
Request your invite
Mazufa works by invitation only. Completed applications enter a human review queue as capacity allows. Submitting does not create an account; those accepted may receive a dedicated preparation invite.
After acceptance
After preparation, your release is packaged to spec and delivered to every platform, and its data is pitched to the appropriate editorial and algorithmic surfaces. From there, watch your dashboard: streams, saves and playlist adds, per platform and per country.
The fingerprint code every recording carries — it tracks streams and earnings worldwide.
Your release barcode — one per single, EP or album.
Digital service provider — Spotify, Apple Music, Anghami and every store on earth.
The shock moment: a notice of a commission increase arrives
You open your email and find a message from the music distribution company you work with: “From next month, our commission rate is changing”. This moment makes many musicians wonder: what does that actually mean? And can they do anything about it?
The short answer: yes, there is a real impact on your money, but you have clear options if you act quickly and smartly.
What actually changes when the commission goes up?
When a distributor raises its commission rate, it takes a bigger share of every dollar you earn from streams of your songs on services such as Spotify, Apple Music and others. Let's take a simple example:
- If its commission was previously 15% and became 25%, you lose 10 cents of every dollar you earn.
- On a song earning 500 dollars a month, that means 50 dollars less reaching you every month.
- Over a full year, the difference adds up to 600 dollars going to the distributor instead of to you.
That is not a small figure, especially for independent artists who rely on this revenue to fund their next projects.
Do your songs stay on the services or not?
In most cases your songs will not be deleted immediately if you decide not to accept the new terms, but the situation differs from one distributor to another. There are three common scenarios:
- Implied acceptance: Some contracts state that your continued use of the service automatically means you accept the new terms.
- A notice period: Some distributors give you 30 or 60 days to make your decision before the change takes effect.
- Cancellation with the content pulled: If you refuse and do not renew, the distribution of your songs may be pulled from the services, and that means a break in revenue.
So the first step is always: read the contract you signed with the distributor carefully before taking any action.
Practical steps you should take now
- Keep a record of your data: Before anything else, download the streaming and revenue reports from your current account. This data is yours and you will need it.
- Read the cancellation clauses: Look in the contract for clauses such as the termination or cancellation policy so you know how to leave while reducing the risk of losing your rights.
- Compare distribution alternatives: There are distributors that work on a low or zero commission rate. Compare the available options based on the terms published on their official sites.
- Plan your move before the deadline expires: Don't wait for the last day. If you decide to move to another distributor, start the process early because transferring distribution takes time.
- Check ownership of your ISRC and UPC: These codes are tied to your songs on the services. Make sure you own them or that you can keep them when you move.
How do you protect yourself from this situation in future?
The most important lesson is to choose a distributor from the start with clear, stable terms. Here is what to look for when choosing a distribution company:
- A commission rate that is specified and written into the contract, with a clear mechanism for any future change.
- A transparent cancellation policy that lets you leave without financial penalties.
- Full ownership of your music rights staying with you no matter what happens.
- No hidden fees added later on deposits or withdrawals.
Mazufa works on the fees and deductions set out in the offer and the contract, which means this kind of surprise does not happen to its users where earnings shares are concerned.
Bottom line: don't be a victim of other people's decisions
A sudden commission increase is not the end of the world, but it is a clear reminder that you need to be the one making the decisions in your music career. Read your contracts, keep your data, and compare your options calmly. The artist who understands the business side of their work is the artist who lasts.