Before getting into the Hip Hop business, you have a lot of decisions to make. You have to decide if you’re a mainstream or underground artist, whether you want a deal or to be independent, if you want to buy studio time or build one, and then there is the question of distribution and marketing. They are probably the two most important assets of the record industry.
While record companies have a lot of power through their marketing resources, digital distribution is another story entirely. Let’s talk about some of the major changes that have occurred over the last decade in the world of Hip Hop and the music industry as a whole. Read the rest of this entry »
In this very straight forward and informative video interview, Jun Mhoon, an expert in digital media distribution, argues that the traditional music distribution model can no longer sustain itself economically.
I was recently asked by an artists if he should only make his project digitally available and totally ignore the process of pressing up CDs. I told him that this would be a very unwise decision.
There have been a lot of reports of slumping CD sales in the media, but don’t get it twisted. These are problems that major labels are having. Actually, most indie hip hop artists have increased profits from their CD sales. Recording costs are low (most people are doing it themselves), it doesn’t cost much to press then up anymore, and the closing of music retail stores nation wide, forced artists to go back out and get in touch with the people. Read the rest of this entry »
Itunes is the largest music retailer in the U.S. If you have a music project completed, having it available for digital purchase at iTunes is a must. There are a couple of internet sources that are on the top of my list for making this process easy. In no order of importance:
Tunecore: Tunecore makes your music available to 10 of the most popular online music stores. ITunes and Rhapsody being among them. They charge a one-time fee of 99 cents per album single and about $20 per year for album storage and maintenance. It usually takes close to a month before your music is available at Itunes. This is a great service for any independent artist.
CD Baby: CD Baby will also make your project digitally available on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody and many other online digital stores. The one major thing that separates them from Tunecore is that they will also sell and ship your physical CD. CD Baby charges a one-time fee of $35 for a start-up, they only take 9 percent of the net income from your digital sales and $4 for every CD’s they ship and handle for you. They have a lot of other good perks too, like giving you a barcode if you don’t have one. Another great site for independent artists.
