Entertainment / Music
1ns and 2s with DJ-Sticha - How selling music online can fuel physical demand
06 Jan 2016 at 14:21hrs | Views
What a better way to start umnyak' omusha than getting indab' ezimnandi?, we know you make izinto ezimnandi (good music) so ngikuphathel' indab' ezimnandi today. Very soon we'll be launching a music website aimed at serving you as an artist especially independent musicians, it will give you a big platform to sell your music internationally online ngobunguwe without a record label. Am pretty sure uyazi you can't sell umculo on iTunes and other major online stores as an individual unless you sign a publishing or distribution deal with a company. That may mean signing away isinkwa sabantwabakho to someone else, now the new site will give you the key to reach all corners of the world and reap good results of your hard work, it's personally tailored for your needs, all you have to do is sign up and direct you fans there. Own your craft and stay in control, "INGOMA" [Codename] coming soon.
Digital distribution has opened up countless new opportunities for musicians of all types.It has allowed artists to be (metaphorically) shelved alongside major label releases and those of their heroes on equal footing. That's not to say that physical releases should be ignored though,and actually,a well thought out approach to selling music online can actually aid in getting you physical sales.In this article I'll look at why you should sell your music online before releasing a physical single or album.
Minimizing risk with digital singles.
The big difference between digital and physical distribution is the up-front costs.It is relatively cheap and easy to get your music available worldwide on iTunes and other online stores. A physical release on the other hand is a lot more pricey, with the cost of manufacturing and cover printing (amongst other things) considerably adding to the capital required to do it.This makes it much riskier than selling your music online.
However, although digital sales are growing,when it comes to albums they are still eclipsed by CD sales by a considerable margin. And although the vinyl market is small.it is still one of the only consistent growth areas of the music industry at present.
The main advantage of selling music online before deciding to sell a physical product is that it gives you some ideas of how much demand for you music there is.This can help you make decisions on how many copies to press up,or whether to take the risk at all.
Online music building and demand.
Public relations can only be done effectively when there's something to promote.A digital single or EP gives a hook for a public relations and marketing campaign to operate from.Before your physical album release, releasing a couple of digital singles lets you(or your PR agency)build up relationships and interest with bloggers, journalists, Djs and yes fans.All of these people can be used to help to promote your album when it comes out.
If you stay organized and take these digital singles seriously,you could end up with a size-able mailing list both of industry types and new fans. At the very least,anyone who's bought your single has it on their iPod will remember you exist by the time your physical release comes out,and hopefully buy it.
Physical music as premium
Perhaps through your digital releases you've figured out that there's only enough demand for a limited run of physical product. In that case,it's a perfect opportunity to take advantage of tiered pricing,something that is becoming increasingly common practice in an industry desperate to take advantage of the higher margins afforded by "luxury"products.
Do a small run of 100-500 CDs or vinyl records to support your digital release.If you've gained exposure from your preceding singles, you might be able to sell them all just to your mailing list.
Selling music online has levelled the playing field for independent musicians,but it also opens up greater opportunities in physical distribution as well-not least in providing a track record for physical distributors to make decisions on.
I'll let everyone know when the website is up and running. "Ithendel' elihle ngelikhala ligijima",you being offered a deal on a silver platter,do your research and grab it "INGOMA".
Asebelane ngolwazi,asikhule kwezomculo
uMpangazitha uyabonga
Let's meet again on Friday
Facebook:Dj-Sticha Mixking
Twitter: @DeejaySticha
Digital distribution has opened up countless new opportunities for musicians of all types.It has allowed artists to be (metaphorically) shelved alongside major label releases and those of their heroes on equal footing. That's not to say that physical releases should be ignored though,and actually,a well thought out approach to selling music online can actually aid in getting you physical sales.In this article I'll look at why you should sell your music online before releasing a physical single or album.
Minimizing risk with digital singles.
The big difference between digital and physical distribution is the up-front costs.It is relatively cheap and easy to get your music available worldwide on iTunes and other online stores. A physical release on the other hand is a lot more pricey, with the cost of manufacturing and cover printing (amongst other things) considerably adding to the capital required to do it.This makes it much riskier than selling your music online.
However, although digital sales are growing,when it comes to albums they are still eclipsed by CD sales by a considerable margin. And although the vinyl market is small.it is still one of the only consistent growth areas of the music industry at present.
The main advantage of selling music online before deciding to sell a physical product is that it gives you some ideas of how much demand for you music there is.This can help you make decisions on how many copies to press up,or whether to take the risk at all.
Online music building and demand.
Public relations can only be done effectively when there's something to promote.A digital single or EP gives a hook for a public relations and marketing campaign to operate from.Before your physical album release, releasing a couple of digital singles lets you(or your PR agency)build up relationships and interest with bloggers, journalists, Djs and yes fans.All of these people can be used to help to promote your album when it comes out.
If you stay organized and take these digital singles seriously,you could end up with a size-able mailing list both of industry types and new fans. At the very least,anyone who's bought your single has it on their iPod will remember you exist by the time your physical release comes out,and hopefully buy it.
Physical music as premium
Perhaps through your digital releases you've figured out that there's only enough demand for a limited run of physical product. In that case,it's a perfect opportunity to take advantage of tiered pricing,something that is becoming increasingly common practice in an industry desperate to take advantage of the higher margins afforded by "luxury"products.
Do a small run of 100-500 CDs or vinyl records to support your digital release.If you've gained exposure from your preceding singles, you might be able to sell them all just to your mailing list.
Selling music online has levelled the playing field for independent musicians,but it also opens up greater opportunities in physical distribution as well-not least in providing a track record for physical distributors to make decisions on.
I'll let everyone know when the website is up and running. "Ithendel' elihle ngelikhala ligijima",you being offered a deal on a silver platter,do your research and grab it "INGOMA".
Asebelane ngolwazi,asikhule kwezomculo
uMpangazitha uyabonga
Let's meet again on Friday
Facebook:Dj-Sticha Mixking
Twitter: @DeejaySticha
Source - Dj-Sticha
