Currently there are two artists that have just released new albums that I want to buy. But, they won’t let me buy their new music. Well sort of. I can visit their website and purchase a CD directly from them or some sort of download card that will then allow me to download the music after they mail me the card. Really, purchase a physical card that is shipped to me that will allow me to then download the album. But, neither of them are selling their album digitally via Amazon, iTunes or Bandcamp. I just don’t get it! These two bands are not signed to record labels, they are DIY, releasing their own music. Their success and ability to make money rests solely on their ability to sell music directly to their fans.
Why are band’s still making it so difficult to buy your music?
How come you are forcing me to buy the music in the format you want and not allowing me to buy your music in the format I want and when I want it?
Stop bitching about how rough the music business has become, how hard it is to make money as a band, how nobody buys your music when you are turning away customers. Be sure you point your finger squarely at yourself because you are the reason you aren’t making any money. Don’t blame the fans, don’t blame the industry!
If you want to make money selling your music, actually sell your music to your fans.
My credit is out and I am ready to give you some money… do you want it?
I tell them to listen to it on Spotify.
How much does it cost an artist to have their music on iTunes, Amazon, et. al? Do they get soaked as much as they did when they were under the thumb of record companies? My guess is they are far better off with the former than the latter and self-publishing with those cards and whatnot is shooting themselves in the foot.
Varies by outlet, but iTunes keeps 30% of the sale. Selling it yourself always puts more money from each sale directly in the band’s pocket. The main point of the article was you need to offer your music on all possible outlets, whatever format the customer wants to buy.