In this new industry digital distribution plays a key part in an artists’ ability to market themselves and there are now many different options for independent artists seeking online distribution. The largest online retailer is obviously iTunes but a complete digital distribution deal should include the other 100+ online music outlets. Many distributors will also collect publishing on your behalf for streaming, ringtones and more. With an effective online strategy combined with digital distribution, it is now more than ever a level playing field in the music industry; with your release just as effectively distributed as the biggest international artists. This also means your music will be accessible to consumers from every country around the world, something that was literally impossible just 10 years ago for the average independent artist.
Options for digital distribution are endless but I have listed a few key players below. We use the largest distributor of independent music, The Orchard, to distribute our projects, but they have a very stringent application process before they accept new labels. The sites below all have different splits and agreements so be sure to explore your options.
Also be sure to check out this post on cnet.com about TuneCore vs. CDBaby to determine which might be a better solution for you!
In my opinion the best distributor hands down is The Orchard, but they are for more serious labels. For the average artist the most popular choice is usually CD Baby with higher selling artists going for TuneCore. TuneCore is one of the only services that lets you keep 100% of your profits from sales…
Please share your comments or experiences with these distributors.
How come you have checked out RouteNote.com?
RouteNote allows artists to distribute their music to iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, Spotify and more.. all for FREE!!
Additionally, we have some great tool to help unsigned artists and independent labels market themselves.
Sounds great Steven! I will post your comment and look into your service!
Any other suggestions would be appreciated as this blog is a resource for everybody!
I have a new instrumental at AudioMicro.com and am looking for a publisher for this single song download. I just got excepted In this Royalty Free Music Group and want my song also to be published for internet downloads. I have a non exclusive agreement with them . I want the single song download sells on this song also. So Help me, please. I need a publisher? This instrumental can be listen to at AudioMicro.com by just Typing in: BP-IMITS-MIX , at the search engine and you can hear my song .
Please give me a chance, and play my song one time through.
Thank You
Gaylord V. Allen
E:mail gaylord_allen@yahoo.com
I love it!
My real Dream now, is to hear my songs on ShoutCast.com. I would love to compete with the Big boys. Just think, I would click on Electronic, then House, then Dream on, and just Dream on.
Gaylord
Thank You
The Music Voids speaks to Steven Finch, CEO and Co-Founder of RouteNote, a company offering an alternative and affordable music distribution service to artists.
Read the exclusive Q & A here: http://www.themusicvoid.com/2010/08/exclusive-q-a-with-steven-finch-ceo-and-co-founder-routenote/