They're not rivals — they're layers. A distributor (CD Baby) is the pipe that puts you on the DSPs. Spotify is a destination on the other end of that pipe — pure discovery & legitimacy, reached through the distributor, with no direct fan relationship. Bandcamp is your store for superfans & gig-funding. SoundCloud is your scene's town square. Most artists run several at once. This tool ranks fit to your priorities, not "the winner".

## ① What matters to you? — click to cycle: ◌ ignore → ● matters → ★ critical

Defaults reflect your north star: no subscription, reach/legitimacy, gig & superfan funnel, ownership — revenue de-emphasised.

## ② The options, scored for you

### ⚓ Recommended stack (subscription-free)

DSP pipe
CD Baby
One-time/release, keep 91%, stays up forever, reaches Spotify/Apple + JP (AWA/LINE/KKBOX).
Superfans · gigs
Bandcamp
Own the relationship + data. 0% on the 8 Bandcamp Fridays. Where bookings & real money come from.
Town square
SoundCloud
Keep as the scene hub + FPR engine. Paid tier optional — not your distributor.
Destination
Spotify
Discovery + the "I listen to you on Spotify" legitimacy. Fed by CD Baby. Don't expect direct $.

Plus: register rights (SACEM + ADAMI/SPEDIDAM + SCPP/SPPF) & watch CNM mobility aid. Leave RouteNote release-by-release once each is live on CD Baby.