Distributing Music Online

Distributing Music Online

Justin McWilson

10-13-09

With the variety of advancements in technology it has never been easier to get ones music out. In the old days the technology it took to record, cut and distribute an album (EP, single etc.) was far too expensive for the average individual to delve into. However, that is no longer the case…

In our two previous discussions we covered the initial steps to getting ones music to the market place. With our initial blog, Securing Ones Publishing we talked about the purpose of publishing companies, how to choose one and where to find them. Then in the following post, What is Copyrightable & How Do I Do It the tedious but very necessary process of copywriting music (& or lyrics) was highlighted in a step-by-step process.

Now that you have copyrighted your material and own your publishing rights, you are officially ready to get paid for your music. Luckily many companies have already done much footwork for you, releasing you of the burden. Understandably, there is a multitude of ways out there for one to get paid off the sales of his material. Here we will cover some of the most popular machines currently out there.

Note: According to http://www.garagespin.com it is highly recommended that you do the following first for best results:

· Have your Music Mastered.

· Obtain a UPC Code.

· Choose a pricing model.

· Choose a service that meets your needs.

One of the most popular engines now available on the Internet is CD Baby. Through the use of this site an artist may upload a body of work, to be sold as individual pieces or an entire entity. The start up fee for the service is $35 and 9% of your royalties. While the start up fee and loss of wages do to royalty docks may serve as a deterrent the benefits include digital distribution to a wealth of sites such as iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, Amazon MP3, Napster, Verizon V-Cast, Liquid Digital Media, PayPlay, AudioLunchbox, GroupieTunes, Ruckus. For more information on CD Baby, click here.

Reverb nation is a similar online service that provides an artist with the necessary tools to profit. While the start up fee is $34.99, which is very close to the price of the CD Baby service, this company does not take any percentage or royalties. They also are much smaller in their digital distribution development, with only five companies they currently distribute through: iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody. For more information on Reverb Nation, click here.

Reference:

7-ways-sell-your-music-on-itunes. (2009, March 09). Retrieved from http://www.garagespin.com/2009/03/09/7-ways-sell-your-music-on-itunes/