Novelist Music Group Opens Early Access to Folio™, a Distribution Home Built for Independent Artists
Founding roster can prepare releases, keep master ownership, and review written terms before any music is delivered
Novelist Music Group (NMG) today opened early-access applications for Folio™ Distribution, a distribution division designed for independent artists and labels that want professional release support without signing away their masters.
Folio is positioned as a distribution home inside NMG, the Chicago-area company founded by recording artist David Biga. NMG describes itself as a record label at an artist’s disposal: a-la-carte resources for careers, branding, and long-term financial stability, with ownership left in the artist’s hands.
“Your music. Your next chapter,” the company says of the new offering. “Meet Folio — the distribution home by Novelist Music Group. Prepare your release, keep your ownership, and connect with a team that understands independent artists.”
Pilot applications are open now. Distribution itself launches after provider setup and artist onboarding. Applying does not create a distribution agreement. Accepted artists receive onboarding instructions and a written agreement before any delivery.
A small founding roster, with terms in writing
NMG is building Folio around a limited first roster rather than an open upload queue. The company says master ownership stays with the artist. Distribution permission, and the recordings it covers, will be set out in each agreement. Plans and any royalty commission will be shared before signup. Early access and the release planner do not require payment.
Publishing administration is not bundled with distribution. Any publishing, Content ID, or additional rights work will require its own defined scope and authorization. Artists already on another distributor can note that in the application. NMG says it will agree a transfer plan before moving existing releases, and advises artists to keep current releases active until that plan is confirmed.
Three steps from draft to delivery
Folio walks a release through three stages:
1. Connect. Artists share their music, goals, and what they need from distribution. NMG reviews the application for the pilot roster. Listening links are requested in place of private audio files.
2. Prepare. Audio, artwork, credits, and master splits are organized in a release planner. Artists can download a packet for review. The planner prepares that download on the artist’s device. It does not send files to Novelist or deliver music to stores.
3. Release. Once the service is active, accepted artists get submission instructions and a written agreement before delivery.
The application asks for name, email, artist or band name, a description of the next release (genre, plans, support needed, and current distributor if any), and a Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, or private listening link.
Built on an independent-first catalog of services
Folio sits alongside services NMG already offers independent artists, managers, and labels, including brand consultation, marketing, SEO, mixing and mastering, photography and videography, and advertisement placement. The company also publishes NMG News and Rough Draft Magazine, and operates the Progressions app and Squad Paper clothing line.
NMG’s stated aim is to help artists build a brand that tells a story, using technology, film, music, and live and digital performance, without requiring them to sign the work away.
Artists can apply for Folio early access at novelistmusicgroup.com/folio.
About Novelist Music Group
Novelist Music Group LLC is an independent music company serving artists, independent labels, and businesses. Founded by David Biga and Dan Machowsky (D. Mac), NMG provides a-la-carte label resources — distribution preparation, creative services, marketing, and media — aimed at professional careers and long-term financial stability. More information is available at novelistmusicgroup.com.
Media contact Novelist Music Group book@NovelistMusicGroup.com novelistmusicgroup.com/folio