DISTROBOLT ARTIST GUIDES
Distribution commission: calculate what the percentage applies to
A commission percentage is useful only when you know its calculation base. Read the agreement and statement together: store revenue, distributor deductions, collaborator allocations and the eventual bank deposit can be different amounts.
Find the base before applying the percentage
Locate the statement period, currency, revenue category and the contract definition of the amount eligible for commission. A dashboard balance may combine periods and adjustments; it is not automatically the gross retail amount a listener paid. Keep any tax, currency conversion and withdrawal cost distinct unless the actual agreement includes them in the commission base.
Work through an explicitly hypothetical statement
Assume a contract defines an eligible base of €1,000 and a distributor share of 10%. That produces €100 for the distributor and €900 before any separately applicable collaborator allocation or payout charge. If two collaborators are entitled to 60% and 40% of that €900 base, the model gives €540 and €360. This example defines its own base; it does not certify how an existing DistroBolt split or another provider’s contract is calculated.
Understand why headline claims differ
RouteNote describes its Free share as 85% of net revenues and its Premium offering as retaining streaming and download revenue. DistroKid describes 100% of allocated store earnings while separately acknowledging banking fees and taxes. Those statements need their own plan and revenue context. They do not establish that every revenue category, optional service or withdrawal has identical terms.
Reconcile before changing a split
Compare the source statement line with the commission entry, collaborator calculation and payout record. Record any rounding or correction rather than forcing a spreadsheet to match by changing an accepted percentage. Historical balances and recoupment arrangements need their own records. For DistroBolt, the published standard is artist 90% and DistroBolt 10%; ask the team to explain any unclear statement base before treating an estimate as money owed.
Sources and review
Reviewed 4 November 2026. Platform requirements and plan terms can change. Examples are planning aids, not a promise of account access, release acceptance or earnings.
Continue your release planning
- How to choose your first music distributor
- Subscription or pay per release: calculate your catalogue costs
- How early should you submit a music release?
Ask the DistroBolt team about your release. Send a concise question and release reference; never send account passwords or verification codes.