OpenPlay launches Direct Delivery tool for independent labels

OpenPlay bridges the gap between content creation, metadata management, rights, distribution, analytics and productivity. The new tool is targeted at independent labels and aims to remove barriers for the independent community. Users must have secured their own licensing deals directly with digital service providers (DSPs) or through a third party.

For a flat fee, the service can enable fully validated deliveries from within the OpenPlay platform, where users’ assets and data are already stored. A single click packages all of a release’s metadata and assets into the DDEX ERN format and delivers it to music services globally.

“With the Direct Delivery feature, OpenPlay is responding to requests from the independent community to simplify the ‘last mile’ delivery process for labels to get their music to the DSPs, end of story,” OpenPlay chief operating officer Jonathan Bender said. “In today’s music industry, digital delivery is a commodity and should be priced as such. By packaging and delivering the data and assets that labels already have in OpenPlay, we are freeing labels to focus on making sure each release finds its audience on each DSP rather than worrying about simply getting it there.”

Direct Delivery is available to all OpenPlay users along with other tools, including OpenPlay’s EPK toolkit and a custom report generator that updates automatically based on metadata changes. Users are responsible for managing their royalties based on existing direct or third-party licensing deals with each DSP, as well as handling their own marketing and promotional efforts.

Founded in 2013, OpenPlay is based in the US. The platform aims to simplify the often chaotic process of managing creative content and assets. The company works with big players such as Universal Music, the Music Business Association and the American Association of Independent Music.