Due to the sanctions imposed on Russia, distributors worldwide have suspended deliveries to Russian DSP’s.
We understand that this is disappointing for labels and artists, we are equally disappointed, however these legal sanctions now apply to the following music services: Yandex, SberZvuk and UMA (VK).
Apple, Spotify, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, Google Play, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix and more have withdrawn either fully or partially removed services from Russia.
The sanctions currently only apply to new content and all existing content will remain on these Russian stores. At present Russian DSP’s are withholding any new revenue.
UPDATE: 16th May.
We have been advised that we can now deliver to Yandex again.
Update: 22 May: We have been advised that we can now deliver to UMA again.
Cygnus Music comment
At Cygnus Music we have always put our customers first and we always strive for the highest levels of service. Whilst just like other distributors, we are legally bound by these sanctions, we are happy to discuss any concerns you may have as a client of ours. We will do every thing we can to help you, your label and your artists if we are able to.
Adapt and push forward
Whilst this will impact on revenue for many of our clients, now is the time to push forward and keep going strong with your catalogue. Whilst deliveries to Russia have been suspended, the entire worldwide market is not only thriving but significantly growing. We are seeing increases in revenue month upon month from stores like Spotify, Apple, NetEase, SoundCloud, Facebook, TikTok and Amazon, and we are also onboarding new stores and new territories all the time.
Use the data we provide in the Label Statements and Stats Summary pages to assess and align your focus on stores and territories. In the last few years, companies, labels and artists have proven that those who can quickly adapt to worldwide change, can thrive and grow.
Additional Info / FAQ’s
Q: Will Cygnus Music pay out royalties received from the sanctioned stores? A: Yes, absolutely. We will not withhold any label royalties that have been received, or that may once again be received once the sanctions are lifted.
Q: I want to discuss my label/music with some one at Cygnus Music? A: We are always happy to have phone calls or video calls with any of our clients, so please just drop us a request.
Q: Does Cygnus Music provide payments in cryptocurrency? A: Some clients chose to withdraw label funds in BitCoin and this is some thing we provide on a case by case basis.
Q: When were royalties last received from Russian DSP’s? A: We are mostly up to date with existing royalties owed being accounted to labels up to the end of 2021.
Q: What happens next? A: We have a huge global network of stores and territories and will continue to distribute your content without any interruption to deliveries or payments. As for the Russian DSP’s, we must wait until the global sanctions are lifted in order to start making new deliveries and withdraw any new or withheld royalties.
Q: What happens to any new revenue made from existing content? A: These will be held by the DSP’s as the sanctions do not allow them to be paid. We hope that once the sanctions are lifted, distributors will be able to invoice for any held revenue.
Q: Can I just find a Russian distributor and have them send my new music to Yandex, SberZvuk and UMA?
A: By doing this you could be breaking sanctions and this comes with a great deal of risk. Our advice is that you find out what the law says, however it will likely be the same rules we and every other business must now adhere to.