Without a doubt, your main objective as an artist is to reach as many potential fans possible, and gain revenue from your recorded material. With a music distribution deal is to get it into stores and online portals. Once this is accomplished, you are bound to make more sales. Reaching larger entities and portals to entice buyers to purchase your material, a distribution deal really is the way to get someone working for you while you perfect your songs and your craft. When asked many times what their major goal is for longevity and survival, almost all hard working artists will tell you to make money off of their recorded material. Touring, merchandise sales, and other opportunities like in store performances will always be a crucial part of your success story, but distribution deals really are where much of the lucrative ability begins for you. Whether you are a band trying to self release an album or a label looking to get distribution for a few artists, a lot more doors open up for you once you succeed. Here are some tips on getting a deal and making sure that it fits you as an artist.
First steps in finding distribution
Even with the internet as a prime tool, there are still some great face to face resources in finding distribution avenues. One method that can really work well is finding independent record stores in your city and have a chat with the owner. The real value of this is that the record store owner can give you some insight as to which distributors really hold a stake in the product, which ones give the extra push to have an artist succeed, and which ones may not really provide the necessary support for an artist to succeed. Some of these store owners will know which distributors may not follow through on their promises to the artist as well. Having a lot of press clippings can really help in the beginning solicitation stage as well. The more established you paint yourself and the better prepared you are, the framework for distribution and organization will be noticed by the companies you are targeting.
Strategies to Increase your odds
Every once in a while when a band has trouble finding distribution, they have to go back to the drawing board, and look at the big picture. If you suddenly release a single that really gains attention, you have to have a blueprint in place to capitalize on it. When a distributor looks at your track record, sometimes a self release needs to be backed by your own PR person. As shallow as it may seem, some distribution companies want to be talking to an experienced professional, and this is where your own PR company could do quite a bit of good. There are times when it may not seem feasible, but without these professionals carrying some weight for you, distribution companies may want to see that you have a bit of a plan for your future. Someone who plugs radio (or at least internet radio) for you will be an unbelievable asset, and will show that you mean business in your future endeavors. Right before you embark on a tour is also another good time to seek distribution, as they will see that you are spreading your talent across the nation, or hopefully even the globe!
How to really finalize the negotiation
When you have a distribution company interested and you are finally ready to hammer out the details, don’t just sign away and agree to everything! There are some “close-up” aspects of things that should be looked at closely to make sure all parties involved are getting what they need to flourish. You will need to look at the amount you are paid, how often, and a close up of all percentages involved. You need to also look closely to see who will pay for manufacturing, the process in which stock is re ordered, and how long before the release date promo materials are needed. These things are of dire importance in your new agreement, and cannot be ignored in the least. One of the most important issues that artists have brought up is the “on sale” debate. Will the distributor have the authority to put things on sale without the artist’s permission? This is a huge issue. There is not anything wrong with putting product on sale, as it helps move it and when everyone is in agreement, can be a benefit. But this one specific detail is the one that is most overlooked when negotiating a distribution process. When times get tough, your pipeline may be able to edge down your product to sale price, in different locations, and without your approval. Having a distribution deal is in your best interest as an artist, and following these tips will keep you steered in the right direction during one of you biggest decisions as an artist.