09-16-2011, 03:16 AM
graylocks wrote:
[quote=(vikm)]
The first thing that jumps out at me as I read is...
"Without a distributor, you cannot sell your CD’s in record stores."
Now, does that mean they contractually cannot sell their cd's in a store or that it is super difficult logistically to get this done? Reason I ask is that I've frequented countless record stores all over the US and the indie's more often than not will have at the very least a "local band" section set up (I'm talking bands that have no label deal and it's been a homegrown deal to an extent). Just curious what they are getting at as I don't know the potential legality behind the statement. Or if that was even where they were going with it.
it's difficult logistically. if you're a local band you can walk into a small shop and maybe get into a local band section, usually on a consignment basis; a store can handle that. what a store can't handle is a zillion individual bands from all over the globe approaching them. stores get their product from distributors. they used to be called 'one-stops' because with one order (and more importantly one billing) stores can get the products they need. this includes the major labels who go through distributors for small stores. i worked for a one stop in milwaukee years ago.
things must be different in Europe if this group has to pay yearly to keep their product available on iTunes and such. my music is available digitally to iTunes et al through CDBaby.com. i paid them $35 per title once and that's it. it's not a yearly fee.
I recall "One-Stop" being the actual name of a large local distributor.
A friend somehow got a job with them picking cassettes. Robbed them blind.
