Distributor: Afaq Music — Levent Mahallesi, Büyükdere Caddesi No:185, Şişli, Istanbul 34394, Turkey — contact@afaqmusic.online
Key commercial terms
- Exclusivity: Exclusive worldwide distribution.
- Initial term: 4 years, auto-renews annually unless the artist cancels in writing.
- Artist revenue share: 70% of net revenue.
- Afaq Music distribution fee: 30% of net revenue.
- Payment frequency: Quarterly.
- Minimum payout threshold: $100 (balances below roll to the next period).
- Payment methods: Bank transfer, Payoneer, or Wise (artist's choice).
- Distribution platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, Instagram/Facebook, Tidal, and other major DSPs.
1. Appointment and exclusivity
The artist appoints Afaq Music as their sole and exclusive distributor of the Recordings worldwide for the term. During the term, the artist will not engage any other distributor, aggregator, or service to distribute the Recordings without Afaq Music's prior written consent. The agreement is designed to cover every Recording submitted during the term on a rolling basis — no separate contract per release is required.
2. Grant of rights
The artist grants Afaq Music a limited, exclusive licence to reproduce, distribute, transmit, and make the Recordings available through digital service providers (DSPs), retailers, and other outlets, solely for the purposes of this agreement. All rights not expressly granted remain with the artist.
3. Distribution platforms
Afaq Music will make the Recordings available through major DSPs and online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, Instagram/Facebook, and Tidal, plus other DSPs added in the ordinary course of business. Individual DSPs may be added, removed, or replaced from time to time to reflect industry changes.
4. Submitting recordings
The artist may submit new Recordings at any time during the term, together with accurate metadata, artwork, and any required licences or clearances (samples, features, cover recordings). Each submission is automatically governed by this agreement upon acceptance — no new signature is needed for each release.
5. Metadata & corrections
The artist is responsible for providing accurate metadata: track titles, artist and featured-artist names, genre, release date, ISRC/UPC codes, and songwriter or publishing information. Correction requests must be submitted in writing; Afaq Music will pass approved changes to DSPs within ten (10) business days, but final update timing depends on each DSP. A reasonable administrative fee may apply for repeated or negligent metadata errors.
6. Term
The initial term is four (4) years from the effective date and auto-renews for successive one-year periods unless the artist gives at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the then-current term. The exclusivity and revenue terms apply to every Recording submitted during the term, regardless of when each release goes live.
7. Revenue share, royalties & payouts
Afaq Music pays the artist 70% of net revenue actually received from the exploitation of the Recordings and retains 30% as its distribution fee. Statements and payments are issued quarterly within 30 days of the reporting period close, subject to a $100 minimum threshold. Payment is made via the artist's chosen method (bank transfer, Payoneer, or Wise). Any transfer, currency-conversion, or provider fees are borne by the artist and deducted from the payment. The artist is responsible for keeping payment details up to date.
8. Royalty reporting
Statements are provided in a clear, itemised digital format (PDF and/or CSV/Excel) by email or through the artist dashboard, and show revenue broken down by DSP, territory, and Recording for the reporting period.
9. Accounting & audit rights
Afaq Music maintains accurate books and records for the Recordings and makes them available for inspection by the artist or their representative, at the artist's expense, on reasonable prior written notice — no more than once per calendar year.
10. Ownership & copyright
The artist retains all right, title, and interest in the Recordings, including copyright, subject only to the limited licence granted here. Afaq Music will not register copyright in the Recordings in its own name and will credit the artist appropriately on all platforms.
11. Artist warranties
For every Recording submitted, the artist warrants that: (a) they own or control all rights necessary to grant the licences under this agreement; (b) the Recording does not infringe any third-party intellectual property, publicity, or other rights; (c) all necessary clearances, mechanical licences, and sample clearances have been obtained; and (d) they have full authority to enter into this agreement.
12. Fraud & artificial streaming
The artist must not engage in, encourage, or facilitate any form of artificial, fraudulent, or manipulated streaming, downloads, or engagement — including bots, click farms, streaming farms, or playlist manipulation. If Afaq Music, a DSP, or a rights society reasonably determines that fraudulent activity has occurred, Afaq Music may withhold or reclaim the affected royalties, remove the affected Recordings, and/or terminate this agreement on written notice. The artist indemnifies Afaq Music for any penalties or chargebacks resulting from such activity.
13. Takedowns & content removal
Afaq Music may remove or suspend distribution of any Recording subject to a valid takedown notice, copyright claim, or reasonable belief that the Recording violates a DSP's policies or applicable law, and will notify the artist promptly.
14. Indemnification
Each party will indemnify and hold the other harmless from any claims, damages, losses, and reasonable legal fees arising out of a breach of its representations, warranties, or obligations under this agreement.
15. Confidentiality
Both parties will keep the financial terms of this agreement and any non-public information confidential, except as required by law or to enforce the agreement.
16. Termination & transfer of recordings
Either party may terminate on written notice for uncured material breach (15-day cure period). On termination or expiry, Afaq Music will take down all Recordings from DSPs within 30 days and pay any outstanding royalties. Afaq Music will reasonably cooperate with a smooth transition, including confirming takedown per platform and releasing UPC/ISRC codes and metadata records where DSP policies allow. Streaming history, playlist placements, saves, and follower/fan data on certain DSPs may not be transferable — that is set by each DSP.
17. Independent contractor relationship
Nothing in this agreement creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship. Each party is an independent contractor.
18. Assignment
Neither party may assign this agreement without the other's prior written consent, except that Afaq Music may assign in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all of its assets.
19. Governing law & disputes
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Disputes will first be addressed through good-faith negotiation; if unresolved within 30 days, the competent courts of Istanbul, Turkey have exclusive jurisdiction.
20. Force majeure
Neither party is liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, war, terrorism, labour disputes, or DSP outages.
21. Entire agreement & amendments
This agreement is the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior negotiations on its subject matter. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties, except that new Recordings submitted under Section 4 are automatically incorporated without a separate amendment.
22. Notices
Notices must be in writing and delivered by email or courier to the addresses on file, or as otherwise designated in writing.
This page is a plain-language summary of the standard Afaq Music Exclusive Artist Distribution Agreement and does not constitute legal advice. The signed agreement between you and Afaq Music is the controlling document. Please review carefully before signing and, if in doubt, have it checked by a qualified lawyer.