Advice for Every Artist: Distribute Everywhere or Die
This comes from Jay Frank’s Future Hit.DNA blog.
Distribution is king in any industry. Musicians seldom pay attention to how their music gets distributed, and that holds back many a career. We can talk about DIY methods and how you can now sell music yourself and how great those profit margins are.
The truth, though, is people like to go to the stores they like to go to. If you’re there, they will consume. If you’re not, they will move on. If you’re halfway in, it could be even more damaging…
So when you consider your distribution service, look to who has the most outlets, not who’s the cheapest. When you’re uploading a track to YouTube, think of all the other services you should also upload it to and take the time to do it. When you’re taking music off of Spotify because you don’t like the royalty, consider that unless you’re Adele, you need the distribution more than you need the money.
Distribution is a pain, but it’s a necessary mountain to conquer if you want to hack your hit.
Sage advice indeed! Something to consider, I do not, nor will I ever eat the forbidden fruit, I abhor all things prefaced with an i. If you are only on that store, I won't ever be buying what you're selling, diversify your distribution, you can reach a larger audience that way. Back in the olden times (tongue in cheek comment spoiler) a little known band in North America went to Japan. Upon arrival they were very surprised to discover how popular they were there. During that tour they recorded an album, it still sells today, and every one I knew back then had a copy or 2. The album, Live at Budokan, the band, Cheap Trick. The year, 1978. They are still touring because the fan base is still there, all because they decided to spread their wings. The message here: Diversify or die.