How to Distribute Music Online

If you've got a decent demo you're probably looking to make a big splash in the music world. If you don't have a record deal, you need to distribute your music to the masses. Making CDs costs money up front, but you can sell a few songs online--or maybe even give them away--to see how well you might be received.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Learn what you can about distribution systems online. There are two basic models: for pay and for free. Before you discard free distribution as not generating revenue, you may want to study up on the concept of network economy.

2. Evaluate your own needs and, if necessary, the needs of your partners. As a unit, decide whether ease of use is worth giving up control of your art and whether you believe the concepts behind network economy are valid.

3. Contact a representative of a website, such as iTunes, who can help you distribute your music to the masses. Also consider contacting the representative of a Web server in order to secure space sufficient for your songs, a website and any "shopping cart" software you may wish to install.

4. Upload your music files to the site of your choice. Some music services ask for a CD to be mailed to them. This is because you can often deliver high-quality recordings on a CD, which might be prohibitive in terms of bandwidth cost. Offer to send a few of your best songs for immediate consumption.

5. Advertise yourself via personal websites, professional forums and even on the street. Don't sit on your thumbs just because someone else is handling the distribution aspect. Your songs will only be distributed when people know to go to a website and download them.

Tips & Warnings

• The best method for distribution is one that achieves both short- and long-term objectives for you and any partners you have. Don't let anyone pressure you into something that you aren't comfortable with.

• Re-evaluate the your needs whenever you go over serious business, like before the release of another album. Make sure that your decision in the past is something that you want to continue with, and don't let laziness keep you from changing.

Resources

• Learn about network economy
• Instant Estore