Physical CD Distribution for Independent Artists

Physical CD Distribution for Independent Artists
Fan Engagement, Fulfill your CD orders, Music Marketing, Produce Your CD, Promote Your Music on Bandcamp

Physical CD Distribution for Independent Artists

artglider
November 4, 2020

It was long ago when physical distribution and digital distribution was only available for musicians signed to major labels. Nowadays both are liberated. Moreover, they welcome independent artists and labels into the distribution game. Here is everything independent artists and labels need to know about physical CD distribution and becoming their own independent distributor.

Firstly, digital music distribution became available for independent musicians / labels and it made it very easy for indies to get their music into online retail stores and music streaming services.

Now, Artglider makes it easier for independent artists and labels to create their own CDs and handle their own physical distribution and become their own online independent distributor.

Here are the steps for becoming your own physical distributor

1. Create your CD

The first step for distributing your CD is creating it. Artglider’s CD Producer helps you create your CD online, sell it anywhere you like and ship it to any address without actually going to the post-office.

2. Sell it, start from your own website

As an independent artist or label, it is very important to have your own website. Your website is the first link to starting your own physical distribution chain. If you do not have a website yet, start one.

3. Expand your physical distribution circle.

Now a handful of companies let independent musicians / labels to sell their CDs on their platform. Here are our top picks:

Bandcamp is an online music marketplace platform that lets indies sell their digital and physical products. Since its foundation, it is loved by many musicians and labels. In addition, it is becoming one of the top platforms they put their music after on their website. You can list your CD for sale on Bandcamp and whenever your fans order a CD, you can log in to your Artglider CD Producer account and ship the item online to your fan.

Discogs started as a music database service. Soon they added the music marketplace feature and now they welcome independent artists and labels to list their CD and vinyl products for sale on their platform. Their motto is “Discover music on Discogs, the largest online music database. Buy and sell music with collectors in the Marketplace.” Like many Bandcamp sellers, many indie labels and musicians on Discogs Marketplace fulfill their orders via Artglider.

CDandLP says “We put record sellers and buyers in contact.” what’s known as a music marketplace and they add:  “As a trustworthy third party, CDandLP guarantees buyers to receive a conforming item and sellers to be paid.” Don’t forget to list your CD there.

Also, social media platforms are adding the marketplace feature to their services such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. It might be a good idea to list your CD on those platforms depending on how actively you use them.

4. Search online to expand your distribution circle

There are sites and mail orders out there who will love to list your CDs on their platforms. You may consider adding them to your physical CD distribution circle.

Online music stores like Boomkat and Forced Exposure love selling CDs from the indie-rock / electronica labels they like. Do an online search and see where your beloved musicians in your genre are selling their music CDs. If you are metal, CM Distro may love you, if you are punk Interpunk may be the right place for you.

It is an ask and get approved game at this point. Do not forget to include sales reports of your previous CD, if you are going to write to convince them. However, do not forget there are many artists who completely skip this step and they still achieve good sales numbers.

Whether it is your direct to fan shipping or mailing your CDs to a record store, Artglider’s CD Producer is here to help you manage your physical CD distribution.