At present, there are a number of new artists entering the industry, which means that the relationship the artist holds with the distributor and the record label has become vital. The distributor’s primary job is to make sure that the artists’ CD or records are available in retail stores. Distributors work with the record labels to make sure the music is promoted appropriately.
There are three main types of distributors, they include:
– One stop retailers: who generally carry a wide selection of music from major and selected independent labels. They mainly concentrate on selling to chain stores.
– Rack jobbers: they are distributors that lease store space in department stores and concentrate on stocking both major and
independent label items.
– Independent Distributors: these distributors who team up with independent label products and mainly work within a regional or national area.
Before you approach a distributor, make sure you gather sufficient back ground information about their history, For example what labels they represent, and make sure you contact the labels they mention. Once a list of distributors have been chosen, you must attempt to convince a distributor to accept your type of music. You should inform them the market that exist for your type of music and how much you have sold via the internet and other methods. You should be prepared to sign a contract with a distributor if they are prepared to take you on board.