In this step, we'll discuss the manufacturing and distribution of your music. Once your music is complete and copyrighted, you'll want to get it out into the world for others to enjoy. This step covers the manufacturing process, distribution methods, and merchandising options for your music. With these tips and strategies, you can ensure that your music is not only heard but also sold and distributed effectively.
Manufacturing your material:
Once your music is ready for distribution, it's time to consider manufacturing. This involves creating physical copies of your music in the form of CDs, vinyl, and other formats. Companies such as Discmakers and others offer these services with quick turnaround times. However, it's important to carefully consider the associated costs and eliminate any unnecessary services to reduce overall expenses. In addition, don't forget the importance of promotional materials during the manufacturing process, especially for the hip-hop community where 12" vinyl singles can still play a significant role in promoting your music.
Manufacturing Tools
- Disc Makers:
Disc Makers is a CD and DVD manufacturing company that offers a wide range of duplication and replication services, as well as custom packaging and design options.
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National Audio Company:
National Audio Company is a cassette tape duplication and manufacturing company that specializes in high-quality audio cassettes, cassette packaging, and design services.
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Vinylify:
Vinylify allows you to create your own custom vinyl records, with options to choose your own music, cover art, and packaging.
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- USB Memory Direct:
USB Memory Direct offers custom USB flash drives that can be branded with your logo or artwork, and preloaded with your music or other digital content.
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Gooten:
Gooten is a print-on-demand platform that allows you to create custom merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and posters, with your own designs or artwork.
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Printful:
Printful is another print-on-demand platform that specializes in custom apparel and accessories, such as t-shirts, hats, and phone cases.
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Distribute your material:
Getting your music into the hands of potential buyers is the next step in the process. This is where a distributor comes in. There are various forms of distribution and distribution agreements, with some requiring payment up front, some after the sale, and others at the time of sale. Online distributors like Amazon and iTunes have simplified the process by handling distribution entirely for you. However, each distributor operates differently, so be sure to read their terms and conditions to fully understand how they operate.
Distribution Tools
- DistroKid:
DistroKid is a digital distribution service that allows you to distribute your music to all major streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, as well as social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
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TuneCore:
TuneCore is another digital distribution service that offers similar features to DistroKid, as well as options to distribute your music to international markets and sync licensing opportunities.
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CD Baby:
CD Baby is a music distribution platform that also offers physical distribution options, such as CD and vinyl distribution, as well as promotional services to help you market your music.
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- Symphonic Distribution:
Symphonic Distribution is a distribution platform that offers advanced features, such as YouTube monetization, sync licensing, and pre-release marketing campaigns.
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Ditto Music:
Ditto Music is a distribution service that offers a range of options, including customizable release dates, promotional tools, and a chart eligibility guarantee.
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Amuse:
Amuse is a free music distribution service that also offers artist development resources, such as a mentorship program and access to industry professionals.
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Merchandising your material:
Managing your own merchandising business is another way to maximize your profits. By signing up for a merchandising account with platforms such as CafePress, you can sell marketing materials like t-shirts, bandanas, autographed pictures, and other items in stores and at performances. Before moving to a major record label, it's important to understand the merchandising business to avoid unexpected bills for marketing materials.
Merchandising Tools
- Teespring:
Teespring is a print-on-demand platform that specializes in custom apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, as well as accessories like phone cases and tote bags.
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Redbubble:
Redbubble is another print-on-demand platform that offers a wide range of custom merchandise options, including apparel, accessories, and home decor items.
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Shopify:
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to set up your own online store to sell your music, merch, and other products.
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- Big Cartel:
Big Cartel is another e-commerce platform that specializes in helping independent artists and makers sell their products online.
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Society6:
Society6 is a print-on-demand platform that offers a range of merchandise options, including art prints, home decor, and tech accessories.
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Zazzle:
Zazzle is a customizable products platform that offers a wide range of merchandise options, including apparel, accessories, and home decor items.
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Sell your material online:
While you can sell and stream your music on platforms like Spotify, Google Music, and Tidal, having your own website can provide greater control and profits. Setting up a website allows you to sell directly to fans and provides a platform for showcasing your music, merchandise, and upcoming performances.
Online Tools
Bandcamp:
Bandcamp is a music platform that allows you to sell your music and merchandise directly to fans, as well as offering features like streaming and download options, customizable artist pages, and fan analytics.
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SoundCloud:
SoundCloud is another music platform that offers similar features to Bandcamp, as well as options to connect with fans and industry professionals through its social features.
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