PANEL - The Power of Independent Distribution

Independent distribution has transformed the way artists release music, connect with fans, and build sustainable careers. This panel brings together leaders from Beatroot, Empire, and TuneCore to discuss how independent distribution platforms are leveling the playing field, empowering artists with greater control, and opening up new opportunities for growth and revenue. Panelists will share insights on how distribution strategies are evolving, what artists should know when choosing a partner, and how distribution intersects with marketing, data, and long-term career development.

Featured Speakers:

Anthony Hatwood, Artist Success Manager, TuneCore Distribution

Anthony Hatwood serves as Artist Success Manager at TuneCore, specializing in Hip-Hop and R&B, where he is responsible for supporting the release strategy, promotion, and distribution of the company’s most valuable and high-visibility artists. As a dedicated point of contact for select artists, Hatwood plays a key role in the growth, development, and success of TuneCore’s talented artist roster.

Hatwood began his career at Paradigm Talent Agency (now Wasserman), supporting campaigns for major artists including Lorde, Halsey, and Brent Faiyaz. He later joined Playboi Carti’s management team where he was responsible for day-to-day operations across creative content and music, and oversaw the rollout of the acclaimed album, Die Lit, which spent 150+ weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at #3.

Prior to joining TuneCore, Hatwood also worked at Guin Records as Senior Manager, A&R, Label Operations & Partnerships, where he advocated on behalf of emerging artists to secure brand collaborations and promotional opportunities with key DSP partners. His well-rounded experience across multiple sectors of the music industry has consistently propelled artists forward, helping them grow their careers and achieve long-term success. 

In 2021, Delante became Head of Artist Empowerment at Beatroot Music Distribution, where he oversees A&R and marketing initiatives. He has signed a diverse roster of artists and labels, including Jacquees’s FYB Records, Eli Derby, Amari Noelle, and others, while also spearheading the company’s expansion into the African market through Beatroot Africa.

Delante’s mission is rooted in the belief that music is the soundtrack of many lives. His purpose is to serve and empower creatives, helping them authentically express themselves and connect with audiences worldwide.

Delante Murphy, Head Of Artist Empowerment, Beatroot Distribution

Delante Murphy is a dedicated advocate for creatives and a passionate purveyor of inspiring music. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Delante has a proven track record of managing and elevating the careers of artists and producers across diverse genres.

His career began in 2003 with the management of renowned music producer Troy Taylor, where he negotiated a production deal with Atlantic Records and secured publishing agreements with Downtown Music Publishing. During this period, Delante also played a pivotal role in managing Trey Songz’s career, from 2003 to 2010, overseeing his rise to fame with over 5 million albums and 6 million singles sold. Under his guidance, Trey Songz achieved two Grammy nominations, multiple chart-topping singles—including the Billboard Hot 100 hit "Say Aah"—and successful brand partnerships.

From 2010 to 2012, Delante managed K. Michelle’s burgeoning career at Jive Records, contributing to her platinum-certified hit "Can't Raise a Man," a major tour, and her role on "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta."

In 2016, he joined EMPIRE Music Distribution as an A&R Director, where he signed and developed projects for artists such as Lil Duval, Afro B, Trevor Jackson, Kevin Ross, and That Girl Lay Lay. Under his leadership, Lil Duval's "Living Your Best Life" featuring Snoop Dogg achieved multiple chart-topping milestones, including a four-week run at number one on the Billboard Urban Charts and a platinum certification in 2025. Afro B’s "Johanna" was certified gold, and his work helped propel the Afrobeat genre into global prominence. That Girl Lay Lay’s music led to a successful Nickelodeon show, now in its fifth season.

Raised in New York City, but then moved to Atlanta in 1999 to attend Clark Atlanta University. In Atlanta is where I got introduced and fell in love with different music outside of New York hip hop. New York was still running hip hop but little did I know that the Atlanta music scene was preparing for the takeover for the next 20 + years. 

-I got my start working for Ma$e as an assistant and A&R. 

-I managed No ID who was in Atlanta working with Jermaine Dupri.

-In 2008, Jermaine Dupri liked what I was doing for No ID and hired me as an A&R for his pub company. 

-in 2010, I was hired by Mike Caren as a consultant for Atlantic Records. 

-In 2012, I went on to work for Debra Antney who had a joint venture with Sony Red.

-I met Ghazi in 2014 and he hired me as an A&R and publisher for Empire.

-In 2017 I received a call from No ID who was leaving Def Jam to go over to Capitol and he brought me on to run Priority Records which was relaunched as a distro company. 

-Joined back at Empire in 2024 as an A&R for the publishing side and label/distro side.

Moderator:

Michael Davidson (pka Miguel Fresco), COO/Head of Operations, Monopoly Distribution

Michael Davidson (pka Miguel Fresco) currently serves as Head of Operations for Monopoly Distribution, an Atlanta based distributor and home to catalog from acts like K CAMP, DC Young Fly, Gorilla Zoe, Woah Vicky and a host of budding independent talent. In addition to his career as executive, Miguel has made a name for himself as an artist and songwriter collaborating with Flo Rida, Iggy Azalea, B.o.B, Ty Dolla $ign, Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, Gucci Mane and many more all while earning several plaques and certifications for his contributions.