As an aspiring artist, I’ve
always been behind the scenes before getting to this point of even recognizing
that I am an artist. For me, I’ve seen
projects happen from the writing of the song to the cd in stores. Unfortunately,
that’s where the CDs remain. I would
always hear individuals say you need distribution as if this would solve all of
their problems. But this is not the case
and it is important that every aspiring artist, songwriter, and music business
individual recognize this fact. I read
this article on Music Biz Academy
on distribution. I want to focus on 3 aspects distribution, radio play, retail
price and positioning, and touring.
The issue at hand is that
when you as an artist go store to get your CD sold there you have to consider
that the store needs to make money as well.
One of the ways you could be considered is if you have radio play. If you can vouch for how many radio spins you
are already getting then that’s one way to get their attention.
The second way is retail
price and positioning. You think you
want to get the CD in a store but they want to shove you in the back
somewhere. What makes you think they’ll
put you out in front before the mainstream and major artist? A 'one sheet' is an item where a store can see on one page how popular you are
becoming and gives them a little insight on what selling potential you may have
also.
Touring has always been the
win/win. When you think of putting your
cd in stores try thinking of putting it where you may be touring at the time on
‘consignment’. Consignment deals put the
store at no risk allowing you to sell your CDs for a lower price, but the store
will get their cut right away. A bonus
is that you could even do an in-store performance as well. All of this can
happen as you build relationships with storeowners as you frequent certain
areas.
