Can I Use TuneRegistry and CD Baby Together? Strategic Approaches for Distribution and Publishing
Yes, many independent artists successfully use CD Baby for music distribution while using TuneRegistry for publishing administration. This combination keeps distribution and publishing separate, maximizing value while minimizing commission costs.
Understanding the Separation
CD Baby offers two distinct services:
Distribution: Delivers your music to streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
CDB Boost: Limited publishing administration (MLC mechanicals only)
These services are independent. You can use CD Baby for distribution while using TuneRegistry for comprehensive publishing administration.
Why This Combination Works
Distribution and publishing remain separate business functions
CD Baby distributes your recordings to streaming services
TuneRegistry empowers YOU to administer your composition and master rights with collection societies
You avoid CDB Boost's per-release fees and commission
Each service focuses on what it does best
Strategic Approach 1: Use TuneRegistry Instead of CDB Boost
If you're currently using or considering CD Baby distribution:
Keep CD Baby for distribution if satisfied with service and pricing
Skip CDB Boost entirely it only handles MLC mechanicals at $39.99/release + 15% commission
Use TuneRegistry for comprehensive publishing administration at $15/month with zero commission
Benefit from PRO registration, Harry Fox, Music Reports, SoundExchange none of which CDB Boost provides
Strategic Approach 2: Register New Works with TuneRegistry
If you have Legacy Pro Publishing or CDB Boost you can:
Register all new songs created today forward can be registered with TuneRegistry
Existing catalog remains with CD Baby under current agreement
Gradually build your catalog in our system
Test TuneRegistry's platform risk-free
Strategic Approach 3: Comprehensive Registration Beyond CD Baby
CDB Boost has significant gaps that TuneRegistry fills:
PRO Registration: CDB Boost doesn't register with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. We Do.
Harry Fox Agency: CDB Boost doesn't facilitate. We Do
Music Reports: CDB Boost doesn't facilitate. We do.
Catalog Management: CDB Boost offers. We do.
CD Baby Distribution Provides
Music delivery to streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music)
YouTube Content ID (separate service)
Artist services and promotions
TuneRegistry Provides
PRO registration facilitation (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)
MLC registration with zero commission
Harry Fox Agency facilitation
Music Reports facilitation
SoundExchange master registration via DDEX feed
Professional catalog management
Document storage and association
Registration tracking across all societies
Real-World Example
Independent artist Maya uses CD Baby Standard ($9.95/release) to distribute her music to Spotify and Apple Music. She uses TuneRegistry Solo ($15/month) for all publishing administration. This costs her:
CD Baby: $9.95 per release (one-time)
TuneRegistry: $15/month ($180/year)
Total Year 1 (5 releases): $229.75
No commission on any royalties
Complete control over publishing rights
If Maya used CDB Boost instead: $39.99 × 5 releases ($199.95) plus 15% commission on all mechanical royalties. On $2,000 in mechanicals, that's an additional $300/year in commission totaling $499.95 in Year 1 alone.
When This Combination Makes Sense
You're satisfied with CD Baby's distribution service and pricing
You want to avoid CDB Boost's per-release fees and commission
You need comprehensive publishing administration CDB Boost doesn't provide
You want professional catalog management tools
You value direct relationships with collection societies
Distribution and publishing administration are separate functions. You're not locked into using the same company for both. Many independent artists find that CD Baby's distribution service combined with TuneRegistry's publishing administration provides the best value and most complete coverage for their music career. Avoid commission on newest works