The resurgence of vinyl records is coming back with 29.2% increase in vinyl sales in 2021, particularly in the US where vinyl sales reached an impressive $476 million in 2020, the highest number since 1991. As a result, independent artists should consider targeting this growing market. One of the biggest advantages of distributing vinyl is that it can be more profitable for artists. In fact, artists can earn between $5 to $6 for a single vinyl sale compared to the $0.03 payout per stream on popular streaming platforms like Spotify.In addition, you can check our article Top 4 Music Distribution Services 2023 to find out more about the distributors to support your career.Understanding Vinyl DistributionVinyl distribution is the process of distributing your music in the physical form, using a lump of polyvinyl chloride. The vinyl format produces an analogue sound that is created through the physical grooves in the record. This analogue sound is considered to have a warmer, more natural and depth sound with a wider dynamic range compared to digital recordings.Independent artists can distribute vinyl records to retailers or directly to customers. Vinyl records differ from other physical distributions, such as CDs or cassette tapes, as they provide higher audio quality and no audio data is lost when pressing a record. In addition, vinyl records can evoke a nostalgic feeling for many music fans and represent a bygone era of music listening.Prepare For Vinyl DistributionPreparing your music for vinyl distribution can be a complex process. It involves mastering your music to ensure the best possible sound quality, formatting it correctly for physical distribution, creating artwork for your vinyl records, and ensuring that the final product meets your quality standards before distribution.Besides that, artists should have a distributor that would support them throughout this whole processVinyl Distribution ServiceThere are several distribution services that cater to independent artists and offer vinyl distribution. Some of the popular options include TuneCore, DistroKid and CDbaby. However, it’s worth noting that while TuneCore and DistroKid do offer vinyl distribution as an add-on feature, CDBaby is the only distributor that provides vinyl distribution as a core service.Vinyl Distribution StrategyTo effectively utilize vinyl distribution, independent artists need to create a specific strategy tailored to this medium. However, it is important to keep in mind that you are a new artist in the industry, so vinyl distribution should only complement your overall distribution plan. It can be challenging to rely solely on one distribution plan, whether it is vinyl, CD, or streaming platforms. Therefore, optimizing your distribution with various solutions is crucial to increase your visibility to the target audience.The role of vinyl distribution in your overall distribution strategy should be determined based on your goals and objectives. Identifying your target audience is the first step. You can use data from streaming platforms to analyze your fanbase’s location and demographic information. With this information, you can create a targeted marketing plan to promote your vinyl releases to your specific audience.ConclusionIn summary, incorporating vinyl distribution into your overall distribution strategy can be an effective way to expand your reach and engage with your audience. However, it’s important to approach it strategically and ultilize it in conjunction with other distribution channels to maximize your exposure and success as an independent artist.There are various ways for independent artists to distribute their music, but it’s important to remember that distribution alone is not enough for a successful music career. You need a comprehensive promotion plan to boost your visibility and establish a solid position in the industry.Understanding the challenges that come with promoting your music, Base For Music offers a complementary service after distribution, specifically designed to promote your music on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Itunes, and Youtube,... Through strategic advertising, we will help increase your visibility and engagement with the target audience, allowing you to stand out in the competitive market.Sign up for your free account with Base For Music now!
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