Presenting situation: I have one song recorded. I do not have a physical CD yet. I would like to have the song available in digital format for customers to purchase and download. This will require a service that stores the song on their servers and provides shopping cart availability for check-out and payment. Net funds will then need to be transferred to me.
Solutions: In order to get my song to the online retailers, I need to find a company that distributes the song to the major online retailers such as iTunes. From my reading, I understand, a company that offers this distribution service is sometimes called a Digital Distribution Service, or Digital Aggregator. Some examples are: TuneCore, CD Baby, Nimbit, Bandbox, ReverbNation, and others. Some of these distributors are also independent retailers that will sell your physical CD's and digital downloads direct from their site.
Examples of online retailers are: iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, etc.
Next Problem: The Digital Distributors offer different ways of distributing your music:
1) Send to the online digital retail stores for the retailer to sell
2) Independently offer downloads themselves from a provided artist page
3) And/or, the other Direct to Fan method, "Widgets."
--it should be noted, some digital distributors also act as independent retailers.
--it should be noted, some widgets allow you to only listen to the song, while some allow purchase as well.
The Digital Distributors also have different payment structures.
***Please check everything for accuracy. I do not understand this very well and it is all very confusing to me. If you notice something that is inaccurate, please leave a comment and I will try to fix it.
I have been doing some reading on the digital distribution options, TuneCore, CD Baby, Nimbit, Bandbox, and ReverbNation. This is strictly a beginners opinion, I probably have no idea what I am talking about and I have not used any of these services for these purposes. My assessment does not weigh heavy on the other services that might be offered by the digital distributors, as I am just looking for a way to make my song available. The other services offered, such as band promotion, ticket sales, and t-shirts, mugs, frisbees, pencils, and logo diaper bags are another issue. These are things you might want to take in consideration when you select your digital distribution company, but for now, I am comparing mainly the format of distribution of the song offered by each.
Here is a list of some of the things I was taking into consideration and or wanted:
1) Digital Distribution (For the purpose of this blog, this refers to a when a a company such as TuneCore sends your music to online digital retailers such as iTunes, Rhapsody and other online retailers that sell the downloads for you.....This might also include sending the song to an internet an radio station or two for spins on their station.)
2) Artist Page - A web page provided by the company such as CD Baby that allows you to sell your digital downloads and possibly physical product directly from them. They might also be a digital distributor to the big online retailers, but can also be digital retailers themselves. This way the customer can either buy directly from the the company such as CD Baby or buy from an online retailer such as iTunes. Buying direct from the digital distribution company is sometimes called direct to fan, as you eliminate the larger online retailer.
3) Widget -A small template box, embedded into your website for direct to fan sales. Some of these allow the listener to play song samples only some, are fully functional stores with checkout right on your own website.
4) Communication from the digital distribution company.
5) Active discussion forums with up to date help and participation.
6) Fair pricing.
7) Easy to understand, up front with information and pricing. Not too busy of a website.
8) Payment structure that is feasible to use for one song
Here are some examples of some of the payment structures. You need to determine which is best for you.
Pay a fee up front, then pay a yearly renewal fee.
Pay a fee up front, then pay a percentage of sales.
Pay a fee each month, pay a percentage of sales.
Pay a fee each month.
Pay a percentage of sales.
Some have special pricing for singles.
All companies have different up front fees, renewal fees, and percentages. You really need to figure out which is better for you or you and/or your band.
TuneCore - Digital Distribution to retailers only. Easy to find forum. Communication seems to be the best ever. No physical CD sales. No artist page provided. No widget for sales.
(I don't know if you have to be named Pete to work at TuneCore or this is all one guy. (jk) It is quite amazing how many posts on different discussion boards throughout the internet this guy responds on.) A "single" $9.99 per year, one song 19 stores ( I don't know if there is an additional $9.99 set up fee or it is included in the first year)
CD Baby - Digital Distribution to retailers. Also provides a CD Baby artist page where you can sell physical CDs and Digital downloads. No widget. In my recent, limited experience communication has been slow. I don't know if they still have a forum. Seems maybe there used to be one, but maybe its not used much anymore. I love the idea of the artist page. Fans do not have to belong to iTunes or Rhapsody or other third party to download a song. CD Baby has a long history helping indie artists from back in the Sivers days. $9.00 for a "single" plus 9% of net earnings. iTunes worldwide plus 17 others
Nimbit - What separates Nimbit from the previous one's is being able to sell from your own website or myspace page without having to navigate elsewhere. It is my understanding, purchasers do not get redirected to other webpages or other websites or other retailers, such as iTunes, in order to purchase your song. The purchaser can do it all right there from the OMT (Online Merch Table) which is a small Flash looking designed widget box that you embed on your website(s). The OMT has an artist bio, tracklisting, store, and shopping cart all built in. I did get an artist link when I subscribed. The artist page, however, is blank except for the OMT in the middle as it would appear on my website if I had a blank page. I don't know if there is more I can do with this page or it gets better with other pricing schedules. They do offer digital distribution in their different pay structures, but the cool thing here is the OMT. Even cooler? These folks have a phone number! You can call them! I did it! It worked! I think they take 20% of item or download. Their packages range from $0 - $24.95 per month.
Bandbox - Widget. Sell directly from your site with a widget. I am really interested in this platform, but for one song, I don't know if it is feasible. I think what sets them apart is a monthly fee for unlimited digital album and unlimited digital tracks. Dedicated person on the helpdesk. Have not used it, but seems genuine and was easy to find. $9.95 per month or $14.95 per month, you keep 100%.
ReverbNation - Digital Distribution to retailers. Artist page with digital downloads and merchandise and much, much more. A lot going on here. Seems like everything music is going on at this site. Wraparound services here. I hope to post more on RN later. $34.95/year and $59.95 year.
Keep in mind you will also need a UPC barcode and ISRC code. Some charge for this some are free.
As far as the correct pricing, business practices, and accuracy of blog information, you need to do you own due diligence.
Charlie275
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