On this episode of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast, Bree Noble sits down with industry trailblazer Zoe Espitia, co-founder of Zojak Worldwide, to shine a light on the realities of music distribution today. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into international music markets, or what sets boutique distributors apart from the TuneCores, CD Babys, and DistroKids, this episode is a must-listen!
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From the Midwest to the Reggae Capital
Zoe Espitia didn’t start out in the music business. With a background in social work and healthcare, her devotion to live music and global sounds eventually propelled her to Jamaica. “I grew up with an uncle that was a complete vinyl junkie,” she recounts, “so music was just part of my life.” Through a twist of fate and the early days of MySpace, a chance encounter with local Jamaican artists introduced her to the world of music production and distribution—a leap that eventually became Zojak Worldwide.
The Zojak Ethos: Accessibility and Artist Focus
One of the most striking themes in Zoe Espitia’s story is her commitment to accessibility. She and her team have always prioritized being available for artists, particularly in markets that are often underserved by the big players. Zojak’s reach now extends to Jamaica, Africa, India, South America, and the U.S., serving as a lifeline for new and established artists alike.
As Bree Noble points out, Zojak feels more like a “record label” than just a distributor. Zoe Espitia confirms: “We do both. We have large catalogs, and we help develop artists directly, acting as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities.” Their model stands apart, offering hands-on support and global connections while helping artists get discovered by larger labels.
How the Pandemic Has Shifted Everything
Much of the conversation centers on the changing artist mindset, especially post-pandemic. Zoe Espitia shares that younger artists are often more hesitant to perform live, sometimes preferring online personas to in-person interactions. “There’s a fear—maybe of crowds, maybe of trauma events. And social media has made some of the newer generation lazier or less interested in live performance,” she notes. That nostalgia for the power of live music, and the value of performing even small venues, permeates the episode, serving as both a call to action and a reflection on how the industry has evolved.
Zojak’s Services: More Than Just Distribution
For artists interested in working with Zojak, the path is refreshingly straightforward. You can sign up via their website for a monthly fee ($9.99/month). This not only covers distribution but also includes marketing, promotion, UPC codes, and even occasional paid ads or showcase opportunities if your release stands out. Perhaps most impressive is the hands-on customer service: metadata issues get fixed fast, and there’s always a real person available to help.
As Zoe Espitia says, “If you have something special or need extra support, just reach out and we’ll talk—by phone, not just email.”
Why Zojak Worldwide?
Artists frustrated with the impersonal and slow customer service of larger distributors will appreciate the Zojak difference. Zoe Espitia’s team offers personal attention, problem-solving, and the global reach that can make all the difference for an emerging artist looking to build their career.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
- Zojak Worldwide Official Website — Where you can sign up and learn more about their services.
- Contact Zojak directly: info@zojakworldwide.com
- Follow Zojak on social media for updates and artist showcases.
If you’re an artist looking for international reach and hands-on support, or just want to hear more about the current state of artist development and music distribution, don’t miss this insightful conversation.
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