VELVETEEN vs CREATE MUSIC GROUP

Self-serve artist catalog stack vs global distribution and label services.

$1.99/ month — that's it.

Pro-grade delivery. AI that knows your catalog. Built for serious artists.

TL;DR

Is Velveteen better than Create Music Group?

Velveteen is the better Create Music Group alternative for artists and small labels that want open signup, transparent pricing, DSP distribution, direct-sale pages, pitching, royalty reporting, API access, and catalog tools without a service-led relationship. Create Music Group is better evaluated as an independent music company combining distribution, publishing, capital, technology, and services, with custom terms and services for rights holders that need more hands-on support.

Last reviewed 2026-06-12Published 2026-06-0811 comparison points
// What you get with Velveteen

Label tools.
Artist price.

Everything Create Music Group charges extra for — or doesn't offer at all — comes standard. Real product, built for artists and labels running six-figure catalogs.

// AI A&R

Vee runs your catalog

A tool-aware agent that validates metadata, pushes releases to every DSP, and answers questions about your royalties in plain English.

V
Vee
● Online · Haiku 4.5
Push my new single to Spotify and pitch it editorial.
Validated metadata. Artwork 3000×3000 ✓. LUFS −14 ✓.
SpotifyApple MusicAmazonYouTube
Pitch submitted for editorial consideration →
// ROYALTIES

See every dollar, across every platform

Real-time dashboards break down earnings by DSP, track, and territory. 0% commission — you keep what you earn.

Year to date
$18,420
0% fee
Spotify$11,240
Apple Music$4,128
Amazon · YouTube · 38 more$3,052
// SPLITS

Pay collaborators automatically

Configure splits once. Producers, co-writers, and features get paid direct — no spreadsheets, no chasing.

Royalty splits — auto-paid
3 ways
You · Artist60%
Producer · Mx25%
Co-writer15%
Paid direct to every collaborator
// PITCHING

Pitch editorial on every major DSP

Submit releases for Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube editorial — something most distributors don't offer.

Editorial pitch · Spotify
Draft
Reverie (Single)
Releases May 12 · 3:48
GenreAlt Indie · Dreampop
MoodLate-night · Melancholic
CultureCanadian · Vancouver
Submit pitch →

FEATURE COMPARISON

See how Velveteen stacks up against Create Music Group, feature by feature.

Feature
Velveteen
Create Music Group
Core purpose
Open distribution + direct sales + catalog tools
Distribution + label/artist services
Access model
Open signup
Partner/client relationship
Starting price
$19/yr Artist
Custom / not publicly listed
Revenue model
Subscription + 0% DSP royalty commission
Custom revenue-share/service terms
Full DSP distribution
Unlimited releases to 40+ DSPs
Depends on client terms
Direct music sales and downloads
Not the core public product
DSP pitch submissions
Account-led marketing/platform support
Service depth
Tools + support
Distribution, marketing, artist development, publishing, funding, data, and creator-business infrastructure
API access
Not publicly positioned
Best fit
Artists and small labels that want self-serve control
Artists, labels, and music businesses that want capital, systems, and hands-on growth support

THE REAL COST

Artist or small label deciding between self-serve distribution and label-services support

Velveteen
$19/yr Artist, $59.88/yr Pro, or Label plan with 0% DSP royalty commission
Create Music Group
Custom / not publicly listed

Velveteen is the transparent self-serve option because published plans start at $19/year and DSP royalties stay at 0% commission. Create Music Group is best evaluated as a service-led partner with custom pricing, revenue-share, or deal terms rather than as a posted-price distributor.

Your music stays live — even if you cancel.
Your ISRCs and UPCs come with you.
No contracts. No lock-in. Cancel anytime.

WHAT ARTISTS SAY

It's been an absolute pleasure working with the Velveteen team, complete night and day experience. Highly recommend for artists looking to take their music to the next level!

Andy Colonico

Andy Colonico

Artist

I built Velveteen because independent artists deserve label-level tools without the label deal. Every feature exists because I needed it myself.

Babbage

Babbage

Artist

The platform makes releasing music effortless — from upload to every streaming platform. I wouldn't use anybody else.

Junyor

Junyor

Artist

FAQ

Common questions about switching from Create Music Group to Velveteen.

Is Create Music Group a music distributor?

Yes. Create Music Group is positioned around music distribution and services for artists, labels, or rights holders. Velveteen is also a distributor, but it is built as an open artist and label catalog stack with direct sales, pitching, royalty reporting, and API access.

Is Velveteen cheaper than Create Music Group?

Create Music Group does not publish a simple self-serve price or universal revenue-share rate for comparison. Velveteen starts at $19/year for Artist and keeps DSP royalties at 0% commission, so it is the clearer option when transparent pricing matters.

Does Create Music Group use revenue-share deals?

Create Music Group's public positioning is service-led rather than posted-price subscription distribution. Exact terms are custom or not publicly listed, so compare Velveteen's flat pricing and 0% DSP commission against the value of Create Music Group's hands-on services.

Should I choose Velveteen or Create Music Group?

Choose Velveteen if you want self-serve distribution, direct-sale pages, pitching, and catalog operations with published pricing. Consider Create Music Group if you need artists, labels, and music businesses that want capital, systems, and hands-on growth support and are ready for a partner/client relationship.

Sources

YOUR MUSIC. YOUR ROYALTIES.

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Distribute to all major DSPs. Keep 100% of your royalties. Cancel anytime.