Do i need a label / digital distribution

Do i need a label / digital distribution

Hi,
 
we have 2017 now and i'm just think about if a label / distro is still needed for an (new) artist.
 
1) It's nearly impossible to get signed by a bigger label.
2) Small labels usually don't have enough money to make good promo.
3) I don't know anybody who buys on iTunes, Beatport, whatever.
4) DJs get most of their tracks for free by the artists/labels/promo agencies.
5) You don't make any money with Beatport & co. Just think about the time you invest o get your tune online there. Your hourly wage rate = $5? 
6) What sense does it make to just get listed there? Any benefits?
 
I just would like to distribute my tracks (for free) via my own website / YouTube / Soundcloud and Facebook.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1993 View Post
 
How many copies does the average track sell? 100? So maybe $100 "profit"?
 
More like:
 
100 tracks at $1.99 = $199. Beatport cut is 60%, which is $120, leaving $80.
 
Then you get a 50/50 split with the label, which leaves you $40.
 
And 100 sales is high. Unless you're on a well established label with a big brand name and a big marketing machine, 20-30 sales is more like it.
 
Oh and many distributors don't pay out until your royalties exceed $100, so there's that.
 
Don't be in it for the money.