Spotify has awarded Syntax Creative Platinum status in its Preferred Provider program, giving the Franklin, Tennessee-based distributor its highest designation for distribution partners.
Spotify said preferred providers are evaluated on standards including metadata quality and protection against infringement.
“Preferred providers meet our highest standards for providing quality metadata and protecting against infringement,” Jennifer Masset, Spotify’s global head of indies, said in the announcement.
Syntax said the recognition reflects work that has been developing for years, particularly on the operational side of the company.
CEO Timothy J. Trudeau pointed to Brandon Musser, Syntax’s vice president of operations, as a key figure in building the company’s delivery standards.
“We couldn’t have done this without Brandon Musser,” Trudeau said. “He’s been a part of Syntax since the beginning when we had to manually encode everything and deliver it with an FTP client. He was creating standards before any existed.”
Syntax’s relationship with Spotify dates back to 2011, the same year the streaming service launched in the United States. The company said it was among the earliest North American distributors to secure a direct deal with Spotify.
Trudeau said that direct relationship has practical value for Syntax clients, particularly when it comes to access and efficiency.
“For our clients, being direct with Spotify means better access and less hands in the pot,” Trudeau said.
Musser called the recognition meaningful because Spotify remains one of the main platforms receiving music from Syntax’s label roster.
“I’m honored to play a part in this meaningful milestone,” Musser said. “Spotify is one of the top digital service providers that we send our clients’ music to, so it means a lot for Spotify to affirm that we’re doing something right.”
Syntax Creative distributes music for more than 150 labels and works across a wide range of genres, including gospel, hip-hop, bluegrass and worship.