Many clients ask me about what to do after mastering. I don't really have a very technical understanding of the nuts and bolts behind publishing and distribution, so I just send them to our local reputable CD manufacturing broker. At Terra Nova, we recommend Matt Eskey with Any and All Media. He has done a great job on every project I've sent to him and will continue to recommend Matt without reservation. While I prefer to buy my music in physical form, I know the industry is trending the other way. The next time the question of digital distribution is asked, I am determined to give a more informed answer. There are several stores out there that sell music digitally. The process can be confusing and time-consuming if you are an independent artist. The easiest way is to find a service that will do most of the work for you for a small fee.
Digital Distribution Outlets
- $39 for an album
- $9 for a song
- $20/month - $199/yr for web hosting
- Commission Fee 9% - 25%
- UPC is $20
Included stores: iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, Amazon MP3, Napster, Verizon V-Cast, Liquid Digital Media, PayPlay, AudioLunchbox, GroupieTunes, Ruckus, and others.
- By Track:
- $9.99 for one song (one-time charge)
- $9.99 per single maintenance and storage (per year)
- By Album:
- $0.99 per song (one-time charge)
- $0.99 per store per album (one-time charge)
- $19.98 per album maintenance and storage (per year)
- UPC included
Included Stores: iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, MusicNet, eMusic, Sony Connect, GroupieTunes, Amazon, Lala, ShockHound, Amie Street, and others. . .
- Setup fee: $34.95
- No commission fees; artist gets 100% royalties
- UPCincluded
Included Stores: iTunes, Amazon, Zune, last.fm, myspace music, Spotify, others included. . .
- For each “release” (single, EP or album):
- Distribution fee to iTunes only $39 AUD (~$38US)
- Distribution fee to all available outlets $169 AUD (~$167US)
- Annual renewal fee $20 AUD (~$20US)
- Commission fee: None, artist gets 100% royalties
- UPC is $39 AUD (~$25 US)
Included Stores: iTunes, eMusic, AmazonMP3, Nokia