As an independent artist, selecting the right distributor is critical to ensuring my music reaches the audience it deserves. After switching from Label Worx to TuneCore in the last nine months, I was hopeful for a smoother process. However, my recent experience with TuneCore has left me questioning their reliability and customer support.
TuneCore’s Delayed Responses Hurt Independent Artists
On March 17, 2025, I encountered a significant issue with my latest release through TuneCore: I could not change or remove the pre-order feature for my album, a detail that was crucial for the release schedule. Despite my Professional plan with TuneCore, which guarantees a response within one business day, I didn’t hear back until March 19, 2025—two full days later. For a platform that promotes itself as having a streamlined, artist-focused service, this lack of timely response from TuneCore was disappointing.
The problem didn’t stop there. The review process was delayed, and my release didn’t go live as planned, impacting my promotional strategy. What was even more frustrating was the lack of clear communication from TuneCore during this period.
What Went Wrong:
Despite TuneCore’s stated policy of a 2-business day review time, my case was handled poorly. This wasn’t just about timing—it was about respect for the artist’s time and planning. As an artist paying for a higher-tier service, I expected a better level of service and transparency from TuneCore. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.
Past Experiences with Label Worx:
Before switching to TuneCore, I was with Label Worx. My experience there was just as challenging. From delayed responses to unresolved issues, many artists, including myself, felt like we were constantly left in the dark. There are numerous horror stories about Label Worx’s lack of customer care, with many independent musicians expressing frustration over the unresponsiveness of their support team. While I hoped for a better experience with TuneCore, the frustration I felt with Label Worx resurfaced, as I encountered similar issues with TuneCore.
What I Did:
I didn’t let this slide. I took the proper steps, filing formal complaints with the Better Business Bureau and reaching out to multiple TuneCore representatives. Despite TuneCore acknowledging the issue, they have yet to provide any compensation or actionable solutions.
The Consequences:
For an independent artist, timing is everything. Delays in distribution can wreak havoc on your release strategy, disrupt promotional campaigns, and hinder fan engagement. Unfortunately, TuneCore’s handling of this situation made me realize that, despite paying for a service that promised prompt responses, I was left scrambling and disappointed by TuneCore.
The Road Ahead:
This experience with TuneCore has encouraged me to share my story, not only to hold TuneCore accountable but to also shed light on the struggles that independent artists face when working with large platforms. While TuneCore has helped many artists, my experience, along with the ongoing struggles I’ve heard from others, has caused me to seriously reconsider my distribution options for future releases.
I’m committed to pursuing all necessary steps to address this complaint with TuneCore, ensuring that this issue is heard and acted upon. Artists deserve better, and I intend to be part of the movement that demands change for us all.
About Martone
Martone is a multifaceted artist whose career spans music, television, radio, and literature. With a passion for music that has shaped his identity, he’s become a vocal advocate for independent artists, consistently speaking out against the exploitation of creatives within the industry. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges independent musicians face and uses his platform to empower others to take control of their careers and navigate the ever-changing music landscape. Through his work, Martone encourages artists to remain true to their creative vision, despite the pressures of commercialism and the industry’s often restrictive structures.
Before immersing himself in the music scene, Martone gained significant recognition as a former TV show host and radio personality. These experiences helped him develop a deep understanding of media, public relations, and brand building, which he applies to his music career today. His time in television and radio also gave him a unique platform to voice his thoughts on various societal issues, often blending entertainment with advocacy. As a host, Martone built a reputation for his engaging presence, skillful interviewing, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Through these diverse roles, Martone has established himself as an influential figure who bridges the worlds of entertainment and advocacy. His advocacy work extends beyond music, as he pushes for greater representation, respect, and opportunities for those who often go unnoticed in both the entertainment industry and broader societal structures. Whether through his powerful music, his work as a TV and radio host, or his outspoken support for independent artists, Martone is committed to using his platform to challenge the status quo and inspire future generations of creatives to pursue their dreams without compromise.
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