BeatRoot: Changing the Narrative of Distribution
Written By: Kierstyn Pryor
As artists continue to grow and release music, the need for digital service providers will continue to increase. Distribution companies such as DistroKid, United Masters, Tunecore, CD Baby, and many others are known for their ability to place artists' music onto streaming services. Now, there is a new company on the block! The new company planning to take over the music distribution business is Beatroot. Beatroot is a digital distribution company under Made in Memphis Entertainment, a music label based in Memphis, Tennessee.
Made in Memphis Entertainment was founded in 2015 by Hall of Fame and award-winning songwriter, David Porter, and co-founded by President Tony Alexander. The two of them set out to start a label and several companies under this label with hopes of showing talents from their city that they don’t have to leave town to get their big break. Through companies like Heavy Hitters for sync licensing, MIME publishing company, and Beatroot, they can now share this story and elevate the careers of artists from across the country. They also own two studio locations by the name of 4U Studios, which are located in their hometown as well as the prominent music city of Atlanta, Georgia. The studio has been a backbone for creatives such as Hitkidd, Moneybagg Yo, Erica Banks, Zaytoven, and more. It is even credited for the making of the hit record, F.N.F, by hip hop star, Gorilla.
With all of these accolades under its belt, one of Made in Memphis Entertainment’s most successful companies is Beatroot. Beatroot has supported several notable artists including Love & HipHop’s Lyrica Anderson, award-winning singer-songwriter Elijah Blake, gospel sensation Wess Morgan, and Dougie Fresh.
A discography of successful artists like these is why Beatroot’s Client service representative, Real, explains this company is not only good for artists well on their way but also those who are just starting. Real obtained his position during a Heavy Hitters and Beatroot writing camp partnership a few years back. During his time working with Beatroot, he has been able to touch the careers of many artists and provide them with the tools they need to break into the industry and create timeless music.
Before entering into a deal with Beatroot, Real says artists are scouted by A&RS or even referred by other music executives. Client representatives like Real spend a significant amount of time keeping an eye on the next big artist. The company is always on the search for emerging talent. More importantly, they even provide feedback for artists and their music even if they decide not to move forward with the partnership. This is only a small portion of the great things Beatroot offers. Many distributors often tend to take a large percentage from artists for distribution, but Beatroot believes in the 80/20 rule. The company only receives 20% of what the artists earn from their music, while artists earn 80% reward for their hard work.
“We pride ourselves on being educators of artists and teaching them industry-standard practices, how to develop roll-out plans, and ultimately the best practices for releasing music,” Real stated during his interview.
Another thing that separates Beatroot from other distribution platforms is its ability to be personable and provide unlimited assistance to its artists at all times. That’s right! Clients who partner with the company receive very hands-on assistance when it comes to getting their music out on streaming platforms. “Every artist that signs on board with us gets a designated client service representative. Clients have our direct phone number. If they happen to need changes with their music they have the ability to shoot me a text.” This method may sound amazing to plenty of artists, being that other DSP’s require artists to reach out to a general email and wait 24 to 48 hours for a response.
Furthermore, clients also receive benefits such as playlist pitching and having their music presented to Heavy Hitters, to be considered for sync licensing for television shows and movies. Though Beatroot doesn’t guarantee such placements they still put forth the effort to give artists the best experience possible.
Beatroot continues to be a driving force in the digital world of music, and we are excited to see what artists come from its efforts.