April Updates at Unchained Music: Here’s What You Need to Know
We’re entering a new phase at Unchained Music, putting quality, creativity, and community at the core of everything we do.
With tens of thousands of independent musicians and creators using our music distribution platform, we’ve seen what’s possible when artists can distribute music without barriers. But as the digital music industry evolves, so must we.
That’s why we’re making a bold shift: real music deserves real attention.
From now on, every track submitted to Unchained will be reviewed by a real human from our A&R team, not just a machine. This raises the bar, celebrates serious talent, and keeps our platform a trusted home for music that matters in the hip hop music scene and beyond.
These changes reflect our values: empowering independent musicians, keeping the playing field fair, and building something we can all be proud of.
Why We’re Making These Changes
The music world moves fast, and so do we. Our platform’s growth has revealed both talent and an increase in spammy, low effort, and AI generated music lacking human touch. Letting this slide lowers the bar and makes it harder for genuine creators and artists to stand out.
We’re stepping up with more focus on quality, care in releases, and support for those who put in the work. This isn’t gatekeeping; it’s building a space creators trust and fans enjoy.
We want Unchained to be the most reliable company and platform for independent musicians to grow and thrive in the competitive music distribution market. These changes are just the beginning of a greater shift coming soon.
What’s Changing
Key updates to improve music quality and help genuine talent get recognition:
Human Review for Every Release
Every track will be reviewed by a real A&R team member for creativity, originality, and quality to ensure top-notch music distribution and management.
Visibility for Great Work, Regardless of Plan
Whether on Core, Grow, or Pro, high quality music will get more support, visibility, and opportunities across major streaming platforms and label partners.
Stricter Content and Profile Policies
We’re cracking down on:
- Fully AI generated music without human input
- Generic, repetitive, or low effort tracks
- Spammy, misleading, or unverified profiles on streaming platforms and artist pages
What This Means for You
These changes create a curated, trusted platform where genuine creators and artists shine and fans discover great music.
If you make great music, this works in your favor. Review times may be slower during transition, so upload 3-4 weeks ahead of your release date. This phase will last about a month.
Note: Access to the free Unchained Core plan will now be restricted to those with a presence on streaming platforms and consistent high quality releases. Existing Core users keep their plan. We encourage others to explore Grow or Pro plans for faster access and more tools.
This is part of building something better for genuine talent and artists. We’re excited to grow with you.
Looking Ahead: More Support, Less Noise
This is just the start. Soon, we’ll roll out new tools, features, and support to help independent musicians and artists rise above the noise in digital music distribution.
We’ll spotlight creators doing it right with expanded marketing tools, new features, and deeper editorial support. We’ll also share more about NOISE, our initiative to support musicians building real careers with real music.
Our mission remains to empower independent musicians to succeed on their own terms. These changes align with that vision.
Quality Control Music: A Leading Force in Hip Hop
The music industry is shaped by influential companies like Quality Control Music, a leading Atlanta-based hip hop music label and management company founded in March 2013 by Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "P" Thomas. Quality Control Music has significantly impacted hip hop with its distinctive sound and talented roster of artists.
The Roster of Quality Control Music Artists
Home to prominent names like Migos, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and City Girls, the label shapes contemporary hip hop. Quality Control Music stands out for its innovative management, publishing, and dedication to representing Atlanta’s streets and beyond.
Quality Control's Influence on Hip Hop Sound and Culture
Focusing on quality over quantity, Quality Control Music has built a legacy influencing hip hop worldwide. Leaders Pierre Thomas and Kevin Lee emphasize authentic artistry and creative control, helping performers develop unique voices while navigating the industry.
The Role of Quality Control in Management and Publishing
Quality Control Music manages a diverse roster of performers and producers, supporting publishing, marketing, and distribution. Their commitment to nurturing talent and high sound quality has earned them recognition as one of hip hop’s most influential labels.
By integrating quality control and empowerment, Unchained Music aims to create a similar environment where independent musicians thrive, ensuring every creator receives the support and attention they deserve. Visit our open artist pages to learn more about how we put quality and control at the head of everything we do.
Ready To Start Distributing Your Music With Unchained