By NEIL RAMOS
Independent musicians have good reason to rejoice with Ditto Music officially setting up shop in Manila. The UK-based online music distribution company makes it possible for unsigned acts to get themselves heard and in a big way, too.
How? By getting them on the world’s biggest music streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon, Google Play, VEVO, eMusic, Beatport, Rhapsody and Apple Music.
Something that sounds too good to be true always comes with a catch but Jinno Mina, a local industry veteran tasked to lead Ditto’s expansion in the country, promised there’s none.
“That’s the truth right there,” he said. “Ditto Music’s specialization has always been giving indie artists and unsigned acts the venue to get their music heard.”
“With Ditto Music, Pinoy indie artists are sure to get the same exposure as mainstream artists, that’s a guarantee,” Mina added.
More than just getting heard, Ditto offers artists 100 % of the royalties earned by their music.
Does this mean artists could now do away with record labels?
“Technically, yes,” replied Mina. “Ditto’s reach is global. We are established in the United States, Mexico,Brazil, Spain, India, Australia, among others.”
Note several big name acts have already signed with Ditto, including rock vets Sandwich and Typecast as with indie music scene darlings Farewell Fair Weather, Oh Flamingo, The Adamant, and Snakefight.
OPM favorites Silent Sanctuary also signed an exclusive music distribution agreement with Ditto Music last April 25.
“We’re offering our services to everyone, not just established acts,” Mina made clear. “And we don’t discriminate.
Rappers, rockers, whatever you’re into, we welcome everyone in Ditto.”
As to those worried Ditto’s presence in the country is just a one-off that could end up leaving many artists in the lurch, Mina said, “We’re here for the long haul.”