From Excitement to Disappointment: My Journey Through Music Distribution

Embarking on the journey to share one’s music with the world is a thrilling endeavor. The prospect of having your creations available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music is a dream many artists hold dear. However, as with many industries, the music distribution landscape has its pitfalls. This article chronicles my personal experience, shedding light on the challenges and lessons learned in the realm of digital music distribution.

The Excitement of Digital Distribution

With a collection of songs ready for the world, I sought a reliable avenue to distribute my music across major platforms. After researching various options, I chose TuneCore, a service known for its comprehensive distribution offerings. Opting for a professional account, I was eager to utilize the tools and services they provided, believing it would pave the way for broader reach and recognition.

The Lure of Playlist Promotions

In the quest for increased visibility, securing placements on curated Spotify playlists is a widely sought-after strategy. The reasoning is straightforward: when more playlists feature an artist’s music, it increases the chances of organic discovery, leading to higher stream counts and potential fan engagement. At this stage of my journey, I came across EMN Network, a service that promoted itself as a means to help artists gain playlist placements and expand their audience reach. Intrigued by the prospect of increasing my music’s exposure, I decided to invest in their promotional services with the hope of connecting with a broader listener base.

Initially, everything seemed promising. My streaming numbers began to rise, suggesting that the promotion was generating traction. However, upon closer examination, I noticed an unusual pattern—most of the new streams were concentrated in a single country, Finland. While it is entirely possible that my music resonated with an audience there, the disproportionate surge raised questions about the nature of the streams. Genuine listener growth typically exhibits a more organic spread across various regions, influenced by an artist’s existing fan base, marketing efforts, and genre appeal.

Even the streams I had worked hard to earn through genuine promotion vanished, leaving me questioning whether independent artists truly have control over their own music in the digital space.

Richel B

Given the lack of clarity about how the playlist placements were being managed and the origin of the streams, I became concerned about whether the engagement truly reflected organic audience interest. Wanting to ensure that my streams complied with platform policies and represented real listener engagement, I decided to reassess my involvement with the service.

The Unveiling of a Hoax

As the promotion progressed, discrepancies began to surface. The promised engagement didn’t align with the actual results, and suspicions arose about the legitimacy of the streams. It became evident that the playlist placements were not yielding genuine listener engagement but were instead inflating numbers artificially. This realization was disheartening, as it not only undermined the authenticity of my audience but also posed significant risks to my standing on streaming platforms.

Taking Immediate Action

Concerned about the potential repercussions, I took swift action to address the situation. On December 20, 2024, I formally reached out to EMN Network, requesting the immediate cessation of all promotional activities and the removal of my tracks from their playlists. Despite my clear and explicit instructions, I received no response from them, leaving my request unanswered. As time passed, I noticed that my songs continued to be included in these playlists, further exacerbating my concerns.

This lack of communication and control over my own content was both frustrating and alarming. As an independent artist, I expected to have full authority over where and how my music was promoted. However, this experience underscored the risks of relying on third-party services for playlist placements. Without transparency or direct oversight, artists can find themselves in situations where their music is associated with questionable promotional practices, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

Subject: Request to Remove My Songs from Your Playlist
Dear Electromusicnetwork.net,

I hope this message finds you well.

I regret to inform you that my Spotify account has encountered issues as a result of your playlist campaign. Unfortunately, every song you promoted on my behalf has been flagged by Spotify with the message: “We’ve detected artificial streams on this song.” As a result, Spotify removed not only the streams generated through your network but also the streams made by my genuine followers.

I would like to clarify that I have not worked with any other agency or company in promoting my songs—your company has been the sole provider of this service. However, this situation has raised concerns about the nature of your campaign. Based on my observations, a substantial number of streams seem to have originated exclusively from Finland, which may have triggered Spotify’s detection systems and flagged the streams as artificial.
Additionally, I observed that my songs were re-added to your playlist as of December 20.

I kindly request that you remove all my songs from your playlist immediately to avoid further complications. Continuing this could lead to my account being flagged again or even blacklisted, which is something I must avoid.

Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this matter.

Best regards,
Richel B

The Consequences: Removal from Platforms

As soon as I realized the potential risks of artificial streams, I took proactive steps to address the situation. I wrote to EMN Network, formally requesting the cessation of all promotional activities and the removal of my tracks from their playlists. When I received no response, I escalated my concerns to TuneCore, attaching my original letter to EMN in the hopes that they could intervene or provide guidance. Unfortunately, TuneCore also remained unresponsive. Despite the silence, I reassured myself that at least I had formally documented my concerns, believing that they might take action behind the scenes.

March 3, 2025
[email protected]

Thanks for reminding me yet again that my music has been flagged multiple times. I already addressed this issue months ago, and I have yet to receive a proper response from you regarding my case.

I received this reminder from a no-reply email address ([email protected]), so where exactly do you expect me to respond? I previously managed to use [email protected] for some of our discussions, but unsurprisingly, I received no reply at all. Maybe your excuse will be that this isn’t the appropriate channel for complaints—fine. But at the very least, you should provide a link or an actual point of contact where I can get a real answer.

I already informed you that I told EMN ElectroMusic Network not to include me in their list since mid-December. At this point, I don’t even know if I’m still on their list—and honestly, I don’t care anymore. However, if I am still on their list, that itself warrants an investigation. Why am I still there? What’s going on behind the scenes? This was a one-time payment, so why would I still be flagged? Is this some kind of modus? Who exactly is benefiting from this, and what is their objective?

And if this flagging isn’t due to EMN, then why am I still being targeted? Is this Spotify’s way of avoiding payment? It’s been almost half a year, and Spotify has yet to credit me anything. Meanwhile, I have around $3 in my account from other platforms, which clearly shows that my music is generating revenue elsewhere.

I upgraded my plan to a professional tier with the expectation that, should any issues arise in the future, I would have access to proper support. And now that the time has come, I find that the support I was promised is nonexistent. I thoroughly explained my case, yet I haven’t even received a decent reply outlining what has been done about it. Instead, I keep receiving the same threatening emails for the tenth time, warning me that my releases will be removed from all stores.

Why all stores, when the issue is only with Spotify? This makes no sense. I even reached out to EMN ElectroMusic Network regarding the issue and included that communication in my letter to TuneCore. Don’t tell me you never received it—because I did receive an acknowledgment:

“The TuneCore Content Review team has received your request – #(4933321).”

And yet, after all this time, no follow-up, no resolution, nothing.

I have drafted an article to post in my blog “pinoyOFWstories.com” about this entire experience, which I plan to publish as a warning to independent artists who trust platforms like yours. This situation is unacceptable, and I expect a clear and immediate response addressing my concerns.

Looking forward to your reply—and this time, an actual resolution.

Richel B
Independent Artist & TuneCore User

However, my worst fears materialized when, instead of resolving the issue, Spotify took drastic action. Citing violations of its policies against artificial streaming, the platform removed approximately three dozen of my songs. The consequences didn’t end there—other platforms, including YouTube Music, also took down my content, even though artificial streaming had not occurred on those services. This sweeping removal felt indiscriminate and devastating, as it not only erased the songs in question but also impacted my legitimate work.

The entire ordeal was both emotionally and financially draining. I had invested significant time, effort, and resources into my music, only to see it vanish from major platforms in an instant. While I initially thought that having AI-generated songs removed would be less of a blow, it became even more disheartening when my original tracks—ones that had never been tied to artificial streaming—were also taken down. Perhaps it was part of a broader enforcement policy, but by this point, I was too discouraged to even review the guidelines for answers. The experience left me disillusioned, questioning the fairness of the industry’s approach toward independent artists and the lack of recourse when things go wrong.

A Dream Cut Short: The Heartbreak of Losing “Pagbabalik ni Itay”

Music has a way of capturing emotions that words alone cannot express. For me, “Pagbabalik ni Itay” was more than just a song—it was a reflection of my journey as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), a heartfelt expression of the longing and sacrifices that come with being away from family for over a decade. It was the very first song I released, embodying the eagerness of a father finally returning home for good. This song wasn’t just a milestone in my music career; it was the inspiration that pushed me to explore my passion for music and share my story with the world.

But in a cruel twist of fate, Pagbabalik ni Itay—along with my other tracks—was taken down from all major platforms. Seeing it vanish was not just a professional setback but a deeply personal loss. The song that had reignited my love for music, that had given voice to my years of sacrifice and dreams of coming home, was suddenly erased. In just a few months, what I had worked so hard to build was gone, leaving me questioning everything about my venture into the music industry.

The song that sparked my passion for music, “Pagbabalik ni Itay“—a heartfelt tribute to an OFW father’s long-awaited return—was erased from all major platforms, as if my own journey and sacrifices had been silenced in an instant.

Richel B

It was devastating to know that my passion, which had flourished for a brief moment, was now overshadowed by an incident I had tried to prevent. The joy of seeing my music available worldwide was now replaced with frustration, disappointment, and a lingering uncertainty about what lay ahead. Losing “Pagbabalik ni Itay” wasn’t just about losing a song—it felt like losing a piece of my identity that I had so eagerly shared with the world.

Despite this painful chapter, I remind myself why I started in the first place. Music is not just about platforms or streaming numbers—it is about the stories we tell and the emotions we share. While my song may no longer be accessible online, its meaning remains alive in my heart. Perhaps this is not the end but a lesson in resilience, a reminder that true passion will always find a way to be heard.

The Role of My Distributor: Tune Core’s Silence

As an independent artist, having a reliable distributor is crucial for getting music onto major streaming platforms. I chose TuneCore because of its reputation for providing artists full control over their music distribution while offering various promotional tools. To this day, I remain under TuneCore, and they continue to manage some of my remaining songs. However, throughout this ordeal, I found myself questioning their level of support when it mattered most.

When I realized the potential risks tied to artificial streams, I reached out to TuneCore, hoping for guidance or at least an acknowledgment of my concerns. Unfortunately, I received no direct response to my queries. Instead, I was met with a generic email notification about my flagged songs, with no detailed explanation or personalized assistance regarding the situation. It left me wondering—was this simply an automated response to a flagged account, or was it an indication that TuneCore, as a distributor, doesn’t have the bandwidth to personally address individual cases, even for those subscribed to a professional plan with higher payment tiers?

To be fair, I recognize that TuneCore is a large platform managing countless artists worldwide. The volume of inquiries they receive must be overwhelming, and perhaps they are simply too congested to provide more in-depth support. Still, it was disheartening to feel like just another number in the system, especially during a time when I needed more clarity on what was happening to my music. As an artist, you expect a certain level of guidance from your distributor, particularly when faced with issues that could impact your entire catalog.

While I remain with TuneCore for now, this experience has made me more aware of the limitations artists may face when dealing with large distribution platforms. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how reputable a service may be, independent artists must take extra steps to protect their work, monitor their promotions, and ensure they are not left in the dark when challenges arise.

The Persistent Inclusion: Why Does EMN Network Keep Adding Me Despite My Request?

I still find it puzzling why EMN Network continues to list me on their platform, despite my explicit request to be removed. I made my stance clear in a formal email, using the same address we had used in our earlier correspondence—so there’s no reason for them to claim they never received it. And yet, here I am, still included in their playlist.

Even more concerning is the fact that I already paid for their service months ago. Why reinstate me now? Is this a form of damage control? A way to make up for the suspicious “sanitization” of my streams, which were inexplicably reduced? Or is there something more calculated at play?

A lingering concern is whether EMN Network has an ulterior motive—could their actions be setting up independent artists like me for a takedown by Spotify? If so, this raises serious ethical questions about how third-party networks operate within the music streaming ecosystem. Are they really here to support artists, or are they simply manipulating numbers for their own gain, while putting our accounts at risk?

The lack of transparency leaves room for speculation, but one thing is clear: independent artists deserve more control over how their music is managed, especially when it comes to external services. If EMN Network—or any similar entity—continues to act against an artist’s wishes, the bigger question remains: Who is truly in control of our music, and what hidden forces might be working against us?

Lessons Learned and Cautionary Advice

This experience has been a profound learning journey, underscoring the importance of vigilance in music promotion. Here are key takeaways for fellow artists:

1. Research Promotion Services Thoroughly

• Before engaging with any promotional service, it is crucial to conduct extensive research. But in my experience, I now question whether such services genuinely exist in the way they are advertised. Is there really a legitimate promotion service that guarantees playlist placements and organic growth? I’m not sure anymore. Perhaps if money weren’t involved, the engagement might be more authentic. However, since I have only used EMN and have not experienced other services, I cannot make a blanket statement about all music promotion companies.
• Even reviews, which many rely on for guidance, can be misleading. Ironically, I left a very positive review for EMN when I first used their service, and that review remains visible despite my later frustrations. I don’t even know how to remove it, and it makes me wonder—if the link to my music is no longer available, can people still tell whether my experience was truly positive? This ordeal has taught me that online testimonials don’t always reflect the full picture. Some reviews may be posted in the excitement of early results, only for deeper issues to surface later.
• For independent artists looking to promote their music, I strongly advise proceeding with caution. Dig deeper than surface-level reviews and be wary of services that make bold promises, especially those tied to financial investment. What seems like a shortcut to success might lead to unintended consequences, making the journey even more difficult.

2.   Understand Platform Policies:

• Familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions of platforms like Spotify is essential for any independent artist. Engaging in practices that violate their policies, even unknowingly, can lead to severe consequences, including content removal and potential bans. However, what makes the situation even more frustrating is that even legitimate streams can be affected in the process.
• Streaming platforms often claim to have ways of distinguishing between organic and artificial engagement. Yet, despite these assurances, I witnessed firsthand how even the streams I had worked hard to gain through genuine promotion were erased. For months, I actively shared my music on various social media platforms, making every effort to reach real listeners and build an authentic audience. But when Spotify “sanitized” my streaming data, it was reduced to just 12 listeners over the past three months—essentially wiping out all the engagement I had painstakingly earned.
• This experience has shown me that platforms enforce their policies in ways that may not always be transparent or fair to independent artists. Even if your streams are legitimate, they may still be subject to scrutiny, and in some cases, removed altogether. It raises the question of how much control artists truly have over their music’s fate once it’s distributed on these platforms. That’s why understanding platform policies isn’t just about avoiding violations—it’s about being aware that, even when playing by the rules, the system can still work against you.

3.   Prioritize Organic Growth:

• While rapid growth is enticing, building an authentic audience over time is far more sustainable. Engaging with listeners genuinely and utilizing legitimate marketing strategies are the best ways to establish a solid fan base. In fact, during the early months after my release, I experienced steady, organic growth—gaining around 2-3 new listeners per day. That slow but natural progress was proof that my music was reaching real people, and if that trend had continued uninterrupted over the past five months, I would have built a decent listener base by now.
• Unfortunately, one wrong turn changed everything. The moment artificial streams were detected, the situation spiraled like a domino effect. First, my streams were questioned, then my songs were removed, and now, as I write this, my account remains active but with several albums and songs wiped from streaming platforms. I can’t help but wonder how much longer it will stay intact before further penalties are imposed. The most frustrating part is that I can’t even pinpoint the exact violation or determine how the so-called questionable promotion was flagged.
• This ordeal has left me uncertain about what qualifies as legitimate in the eyes of these platforms. What I once considered a simple marketing strategy ended up jeopardizing months of effort. This is why prioritizing organic growth isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about protecting your work from sudden, irreversible consequences.

        4.   Maintain Control Over Your Content:

• Be cautious about granting third-party services access to your content. Ensure you have the ability to oversee and, if necessary, halt any promotional activities that do not align with your values or platform guidelines.

In conclusion, while the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for artists to share their work globally, it also requires navigating a complex landscape fraught with potential pitfalls. By exercising due diligence and prioritizing authenticity, artists can protect their careers and ensure their music reaches listeners in a meaningful and legitimate manner.