Distribution Ain't Everything!

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.