DistroKid is one of the most used distributors for independent artists. We flag a release as DistroKid when the label field contains "DK", which is how DistroKid tags its uploads. In the last 30 days that gives us 585 releases from artists with listeners in US cities.
Why it's a good place to scout
- Usually unsigned. Most of these artists upload their own music, so there is no label deal to work around.
- Easy to reach. Many list a personal email or Instagram.
- Plenty of volume. You will see far more emerging names here than on any curated playlist.
A simple weekly routine
- Open the DistroKid chart for your genre, or for your city.
- Look at artists with 1K to 30K monthly listeners.
- Play the top ten. Skip anything you wouldn't play twice.
- Email or DM the ones you liked within a few days of release.
Keep track of who you contacted
Export the list to CSV before you start and add a "contacted" column. It takes ten seconds and stops two people on your team from writing to the same artist.
Data as of 2026-09-27.