Yep, it's essentially a record deal. Most big companies have either distribution branches, or partner companies that handle that area. A lot of indie companies just do the distribution on their own, which can prove to be pricey.

You can get a distribution deal without getting a record deal though. You'd have to finish recording your album then "sell" it to a record label, who in turn distributes it. It's becoming more and more common as a way to cut costs and give a potential artist a "trial run" so to speak, but it's definitely not easy to get by any means. They're out there if your music is on point, just look.

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