Music Distribution: Selling Music in the New Entertainment Marketplace

This Book is a comprehensive study of the record industry distribution system. It has a "real" hands-on approach with current projects already in motion within the distribution system. Distribution is but one aspect of the business end of this industry, arguably the most vital. The importance of distribution is stressed along with the importance of other contiguous aspects such as sales, marketing, and promotions-including music-video, radio, retail, trades, consumer print, street-promotions, and college-networks.

Marketing through cutting-edge web-technology, and how to incorporate into retail distribution networks supporting soundscan capabilities, is discussed. In general terms the text within very specifically details the functionality of music distribution and the components and variables that facilitate that functionality. The product distribution systems, wholesale/retail markups, pricing strategies, major chains, rack jobbers, one-stops, mom and pop stores, and other retail outlets are also examined. Included will be a campaign on existing product already within retail systems—and examining radio promotion campaign efforts on targeted markets through telephone tracking methods. The basic necessity of distribution is product of fulfillment. Meeting mounting consumer demand derived of external marketing and promotion results, but doing so in a preemptive methodology. In this book you will find that methodology prefaced, defined, detailed and justified. The intent is to convey total understanding of the process of music distribution as well as the significance of that process and all it’s variables in the scheme of the business of music.