So, you’re interested in releasing music with Deformat. What does that actually mean? What are the rules, expectations, and other assorted bits of stupid mumbo-jumbo?
So, you are looking to send us a demo submission to put out your album, or send a track to a compilation. Here is how we handle your music at Deformat.
The short version: Your music is yours.
Deformat exists to help artists release, distribute, promote, and preserve their work. We’re not here to take ownership of your music, lock you into contracts, or dictate what you can and cannot do with it.
Here’s how things work.
Ownership & Rights
You retain full ownership of your music and all associated rights.
Anything you submit to Deformat remains yours. You are free to release it elsewhere, license it, distribute it, or use it however you see fit, at your own discretion.
For example, if you contribute a track to a Deformat compilation, you’re still free to include that same track on your own album, another compilation, or a release with another label.
There are, however, some basic expectations.
Please use a little discretion. If you submit an entire album to Deformat and then release that same album somewhere else three months later, it gets a little awkward. Nobody is going to claim ownership of your work, but we’d appreciate some consideration when it comes to release timing and exclusivity.
The point is simple: Your music is yours. Deformat is here to help get it out into the world.
We’re managing the release, handling distribution, promoting it, and doing what we can to make sure the music remains available and preserved. We’re not claiming the work as our own.
Streaming & Distribution
At present, Deformat does not handle uploading releases to commercial streaming services on behalf of artists.
This is largely a practical decision. Managing multiple artists, splitting royalties, dealing with distribution services, and maintaining all the associated accounts and administration quickly becomes messy and expensive. Especially when we’re talking about the sort of money most of these releases are likely to generate.
If you want your music on Spotify, Apple Music, or other streaming platforms, please do it yourself!
You are in charge of your music, and you’re perfectly welcome to distribute it independently alongside its release on Deformat.
If you’d like some help getting set up, have questions about distribution services, or need suggestions, feel free to ask. I’m happy to point you in the right direction.
Promotional Use
Deformat may use submitted music in promotional material relating to the label and its releases.
This includes things such as:
- Promotional videos and reels.
- Social media posts and announcements.
- Promotional mixes and compilations.
- Trailers, previews, and release showcases.
- Other material intended to promote Deformat or the relevant release.
This permission is intended for promotional purposes, not for unrestricted use of your music in unrelated projects or commercial releases.
Your music will remain credited to you wherever reasonably possible.
If you have concerns about a particular use of your music, please get in touch with John Merrik.
Where We Release
Currently, Deformat primarily distributes music through:
- Bandcamp – Our main platform for digital releases and sales.
- Archive.org – An additional archive and preservation point for our releases.
Other distribution platforms may be introduced in the future, including Subvert and other services as they become available.
The intention is to keep releases accessible and maintain an independent digital footprint wherever possible.
Physical Releases
Physical releases are handled a little differently depending on the type of release.
Compilations
Deformat compilations may receive limited physical editions, promotional copies, or other merchandise.
These may be sold at cost, at a low margin, or occasionally distributed for free. The intention is to cover production costs, make physical copies available, and promote the release rather than generate significant profit from artists’ contributions.
DIY versions of compilations are expected to be made available wherever possible. This means providing the necessary files and artwork so that anyone interested can produce their own copy.
Deformat is not trying to be a massive “for-profit” entity. We only hope to sustain ourselves and put out music as frequently as allowed.
Individual Artist Releases
Individual artist releases will not automatically receive physical editions.
If a physical release is being considered, the arrangements will be discussed and agreed upon with the artist and John Merrik beforehand.
I am not going to take somebody’s album, manufacture copies, sell them, and pocket the money without discussing it with them first. I’m not a dickhead.
Any physical production, costs, quantities, sales arrangements, and potential revenue splits will be agreed upon before proceeding.
Compilations & Additional Conditions
Some compilations or special projects may have additional requirements, arrangements, or conditions.
Any such terms will be included in the relevant announcement, submission description, or release information.
Please read those details before submitting. If something is unclear, ask before sending your music.
Problems, Corrections & Concerns
Mistakes happen. Metadata gets misspelled, artwork needs correcting, tracks end up in the wrong order, and occasionally something gets used in a way an artist isn’t particularly happy about.
If you have any concerns about your release, please contact John Merrik directly.
This includes:
- Incorrect artist names, track titles, or metadata.
- Misspellings or incorrect credits.
- Problems with artwork or release descriptions.
- Concerns about promotional material.
- Objections to how or where your music is being used.
- Requests for corrections or removal.
- Anything else relating to your contribution or release.
If there’s a mistake, I’ll get it sorted. If there’s a misunderstanding, I’ll explain it as best I can.
I’d much rather someone contact me directly than sit around being annoyed about something that could easily be fixed.
Your music, your work, your rights.
Deformat is here to help get it released, heard, and preserved.
Questions, complaints, arguments, or otherwise: contact John Merrik. At present, the fastest and most direct way to do that is via IG @wolfmerrik. You can also message the IG @deformat.records
Praise be to Hastur, the Yellow King.