MUSIC DISTRIBUTORS - Background Information
- European American Distributors
- Indi Distributors
- MDA Distributors
Ace Products
Introduction At a time in music business history when there is more product being manufactured, promoted, and distributed than ever, the role of the distributor, and their relationship with labels is an increasingly important one. The purpose of making a record is to (hopefully) sell it. The following information is intended to introduce the role of, and the relationships between Independent Distributors, and Record Labels. Background Information To begin with, there are several different kinds of distributors. One-Stop Distributors carry a wide selection of major label and select independent label product, and sell to Chain Stores, Independent Stores, and misc. other retail outlets that sell recorded music product. Rack-jobbers are companies that rent or lease space in large department type stores, and other mass marketing retail outlets. They usually carry only the best selling commercial product available, concentrating on major label product, and some independent label product with a strong regional presence Advantage Wholesale
Independent Distributors are distributors of Independent Label product either on a regional basis, or more likely, as national distributors. The 1990's has seen as "alliance" of many regional distributors (I.N.D.I. & A.D.A.) bonding together to form larger conglomerates, representing many Independent Labels, and offering retailers a wider variety of product. The primary job of a Distributor is to get CD's, Records, and Tapes into retail outlets. They do this by working closely with the record labels to promote and market their CD's, Records, and Tapes. Most distributors regularly publish catalogues listing the labels they carry, and the titles available. They accept product on a negotiable billing schedule of between 60 to 120 days per invoice. They expect to receive a negotiated number of "free goods" to be used as incentives for retailers to carry the product, and also need "promotional copies" to be used in-house, as well as to give away to contacts in the media, and retail. Additionally, they can also arrange for "co-op" advertising, wherein the costs of media ads are split between the record label and a retailer. The primary job of a record label is to attract the attention of distributors by having achieved a modicum of success on their own, by selling product on consignment, or at live shows, and through various mail order and direct sales methods. Having gotten their product accepted by a distributor, the job of a record label is to work closely with their distributor(s), providing them with information on successful airplay, print media support, and live performance successes. In addition, the record labels create "Distributor One Sheets", or fact sheets that include promotion and marketing plans, and list price information. The record labels also provide the distributor with "POP's" (Point of Purchase) items, such as posters, flyers, cardboard stand-ups etc., which can be used for in-store display. Basic Information The National Association of Independent Record Distributors (NAIRD) has an annual Directory available that lists Independent Distributors operating in the United States . The CD is the preferred format for recorded product in most cases, with vinyl and cassettes appropriate for certain "niche" musical genre. The music should be professionally recorded. A good measuring stick is to match the sound quality of the independent recording with the quality of the material played on the radio. A Record Label wishing to have their product carried by a Distributor must have the following: - Its own trademarked name Catalogue numbers on each release ( usually a 3 letter abbreviation followed by the numbers, i.e. CJK415).
- A Universal Product Code: The Barcode on the back of the product. This is required because most retail sales are now tracked through the Soundscan technology that monitors retail sales. Note: For information on obtaining a UPC code, contact the Uniform Code Council, Inc., 8163 Old Yankee Rd. Suite J, Dayton , OH . 45456 (513-435-3870).
What a Distributor wants to know about a Label's Release? - Has the artist had any success with established mainstream labels?
- Does the artist have a following, if so, how well known are they?
- If the artist is unknown, what specific promotion ideas does the label have?
- Are there any well known "guest" musicians on the recording?
- Does the recording and artwork meet the standards of the musical genre?
- Is there any current airplay on commercial or non-commercial radio?
- Will there be independent promotion on the release to retail and to radio?
- Has the artist hired a publicist, and/or what is the publicity campaign?
- Will the artist be touring in support of their release, and is there a schedule?
- Does the label have the financial resources to provide "co-op" advertising?
- Does the label have the financial resources to press additional product?
- Does the label have a saleable "back catalogue" of proven sellers?
- How much product from the label is already out in the stores?
- Does the label have other distributors selling the same product?
- What are the next releases from the label, and when are they coming out?
Other Requirements The shipping charges are usually the burden of the label, but may be negotiated after a label has established itself as a customer. Most national distributors require an "exclusive" arrangement, making them the sole distributor of a label's product. Many distributors have monthly newsletters, and/or update sheets, as well as catalogues. They may require labels to advertise in them, with the costs of the ad deducted from a particular invoice. The Distributor One Sheet should be 1 sheet (8 1/2" x 11") and include: - Label's logo and contact information
- Artist Name/Logo
- Catalogue Number and UPC code (Barcode)
- Retail list price of each available format
- Release Date (to Radio)
- Street Date (for Retailers, if different from Release Date)
- A brief Artist background description
- Selling Points (Discounts, Marketing, and Promotion plans)
Promotional Product All "Promotional" product should have the artwork "punched, clipped, or drilled." This is to make sure that they are not returned to the distributor as "cleans". "Cleans" are the name for regular product sold in stores. Many people who receive "Promos" have friends in retail or at distributors, and can exchange "cleans" for CD's they personally want. Labels sell their CD's and Tapes to distributors for approximately 50% of the list price of the release. For example a $15.98 list CD might be purchased by the distributor for $8. An $9.98 cassette would be purchased for $5. When an invoice becomes due for payment, the distributor may not necessarily pay that invoice in full. For example, let's say a label has billed a distributor for a total of $5,000 worth of product. Let's assume that $1,500 of this product is still in their warehouse. This means that $3,500 worth of product is out in the stores, some of which is probably still on the store's shelves, unsold. The distributor is responsible for paying the $3,500 worth of product placed (less a reserve of 15% to 20% for the label's product which may be returned to the distributor by the stores.) The distributor would hopefully send a check to the label for about $2,800 to $3,000. How "Co-op Advertising" works Co-op advertising is a way for record labels to pay for media ad space with product, and is an effective way to use their inventory to promote sales. For example, when a label wants to promote a certain artist's concert, they approach a retailer through their distributor. The label will pay for the cost of the ad, the retailer can deduct their agreed upon "buy-in" of the label's product from their invoice with the distributor, while the distributor then deducts the amount from their account with the label. In return for this, the ad features the artist's release, with a mention of the concert. The retailer, in addition to carrying the product (the buy-in), also agrees to give it good placement in their store(s), and put the product on sale for a limited time. Basically, this arrangement is a win/win situation for all parties involved. Returns It is a standard practice that 100% of any defective and overstocked product can be returned by the stores to the distributors. They insist that every label they deal with accept this policy. If a specific title from a label is deleted from their catalogue, the label must notify the distributor, and it can take up to one year for the distributor to get deleted product back from the larger chain stores. These larger chains will withhold up to 20% of their payables to distributors as a reserve against returns. Shipping Instructions A packing slip must be enclosed with each order sent from a label to a distributor. This must include details on what was ordered, what has been shipped, the number of cartons in the shipment, and the Purchase Order number from the distributor. All product must be shrink wrapped. In most cases, for CD's, the jewel box is the standard package. Invoices are sent separately, through the mail. The invoice should include an Invoice Number, invoice date, a detail of what was shipped, a ship date, unit prices of each title/format sent. The distributors PO number, and the total amount due, should also appear on the invoice. Each shipment must have it's own invoice. Summary The distributor's job is to make the buyers at retail outlets aware of a label's product. They use their sales tools; promos, one sheets, airplay, press, and live performance reports to try and convince the buyers that they should stock the product they carry. If a specific title sells, it is the job of the distributor, in cooperation with the label to provide the retailers with a continuous flow of the product. It is essential that a label have a consistent, professional, and mutually respectful relationship with their distributors. Selling recorded product is a team effort, and that fact should never be forgotten. In the business of music, no one is an island . Music Distributors author of the above article – Christopher Knab Christopher Knab is an independent music business consultant based in Seattle , Washington . He is available for private consultations on promoting and marketing independent music, and can be reached at 206-282-6116 or by email at: Chris@Knab.com
European American Music Distributors LLC is the exclusive United States representative for: Belwin-Mills Publishing
Corporation
Deutscher Verlag für Musik
European American Music
Corporation
Glocken Verlag Limited
Helicon Music Corporation
Hug Musikverlage
Lawson-Gould Music
Publishers, Inc.
Moeck Verlag
Schott & Co., Ltd.
Schott Musik International
Universal Edition A. G.,
Vienna
Universal Edition, London
Universal Music Publishing
Group
Warner/Chappell Rental
Library
Zen-On Music Co., Ltd. MDA – Music Distributors Association Ace Products Advantage Wholesale Black Mountain Bryan Enterprises Chesbro Music Co Connolly & Co Camber Percussion, Inc Steve Clayton Inc. J.D'Addario & Company J.D'Addario & Co. West D'Andrea Mfg. Co. Direct Import Assistance Corp. Dunlop Manufacturing Dynamic Music Products Evets Corporation EMMC Vic Firth, Inc. Flight Form Cases GBI Distributing Gibson Accessories Golden Bridge USA, Inc. Golden Gate Musical Instruments Grover/Trophy Hamilton Stands, Inc. Harris Musical Products, Inc. Harris-Teller HHI Music Co. Honer, Inc JJ Babbitt Co. Inc. Jones Double Reed Products Kaman Music Corp. Kay Guitars Korg USA, Inc. Kyser Musical Lee OskarHarmonicas LM Products LPD Music International C.F. Martin & Co., Inc. Micro Musical Products Midwest Music Distributors Mollard Conducting Batons, Inc. Northwest Wholesale Music P & D Wholesale Music Supply Pro-Mark Corporation Regal Tip/Calato MFG. Remo, Inc. Rhythm Tech, Inc. Score Marketing SKB Corporation St. Louis Music, Inc Super-Sensitive Musical TKL Products Corp. Trick Percussion Products Universal Percussion, Inc. US Band & Orchestra Supplies, Inc. Vater Percussion WD Music Products, Inc. Westheimer Corporation Wexler Music Co. Yamaha Corporation of America Avedis Zildjian Co. UNITED KINGDOM MUSIC DISTRIBUTORS 3MV 81-83 Weston St. London SE1 UK tele: 020 7378 8866 fax: Cargo 17 Heathman's Rd. Parsons Green London SW6 4TJ UK tele: 020 7731 3866 fax:cargo.demon.co.uk info@cargo.demon.co.uk bigger, wide range of music.
Millennium Audio Distribution
UKtele: fax:www.millenniumdistribution.co.uk
nu urban music 32-33 Bartholomew Street Newbury Berkshire RG14 5ll UKtele: 01635 551 400 fax:01635 550 333www.nu-urbanmusic.co.uk We are nu urban music, a wordlwide distributor based in Newbury, UK distributing drum n bass, house, techno, breakbeat, r&b, hiphop; mainly vinyl.
Prime
UKtele: fax:www.primedistribution.co.uk/ synonomous with up for it banging gear. techno, house. lots of p&d deals
Vital Distribution
338 Ladbroke Grove London W10 5AH UKtele: T +44 208 324 2400 fax:F +44 208 324 0001www.vitaluk.com info@vitaluk.com
Greyhound
Harmonia Mundi
19- 21 Nile St.
London N1 7LL
phone: 020 7253 3237
info.uk@harmoniamundi.com
classical / modern classical / contemporary jazz / world music.
Ideal Ground Floor Unit
25B Vyner St.
London E2 9DG
phone: 020 8257 3990
rich@ideal-distributors.com
Impetus
10 High St.
Skigersta Ness
Isle Of Lewis
Outer Hebrides
HS2 OTS
phone: 01851 810 808
Distributors for many small independent labels, mostly European free music, in addition to being a small specialist label in its own right, with releases by Anthony Braxton, Lol Coxhill, Evan Parker, Howard Riley.
Integrale
Jet Star
155 Acton Lane
Park Royal
London NW10 7NJ
phone: 020 8961 5818
Klang
Clonan House
Midgehole Rd.
Hebden Bridge
HX7 7AA
phone: 01422 842212
Koch International
Charlotte House
87 Little Ealing Lane
London W5 4EH
phone: 020 8832 1813
Kudos
79 Fortress Rd.
London NW5 1AF
phone: 020 7482 4555
New Note
Electron House
Cray Ave.
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3PN
phone: 01689 877891
Nimbus
Wyastone Lens
Monmouth NP5 3SR
01600 892 119
Norman Records
3 Beamsley Place
Leeds
LS6 1JZ
phone: 0113 2744774
Pinnacle
Electron House
Cray Ave.
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3PN
phone: 01689 878269
Prime
Proper Music
6 Forest Hill Industrial Estate
Perry Vale
Forest Hill
London SE23 2LX
phone: 020 8699 8100
ReR Recommended
79 Beulah Rd.
Thornton Heath
Surrey CR7 8JG
phone: 020 8771 3138
megacorp@dial.pipex.com
ReR was set up in 1978 as an independent label and distribution service. The idea was to find and make available recordings from around the world (on numerous independent and specialist labels, including some rare and hard to find limited editions) which, in my opinion, embodied the most interesting, experimental or important work in the musical field I cared about.
Sargasso
PO Box 10565
London N1 8ER
info@sargasso.com
Shellshock
23A Collongwood Rd.
London N15 4FZ
phone: 020 8800 8140
info@shellshock.co.uk
Sound
SRD
70 Lawrence Rd.
London N15 4EG
drum n' bass / reggae / post-rock / electronica
These
112 Brook Drive
London SE11 4TQ
phone: 020 7587 5349
operating independently with the aim of making available music that is otherwise hard to find. In addition to free improvisation they also cover: electronic music, music concrète, sampling/plunderphonics, contemporary classical and lots more.
Underground Music
Universal
Chipenham Drive
Kingston
Milton Keynes
MK10 0AN
020 8910 1500
Vinyl
World Serpent
Unit 7-1-7 Seager Buildings
Brookmill Rd.
London SE8 4HL
phone: 020 8694 2677
industrial / leftfield /
Hardtek Music / Phuture Rave
PO Box 350
London N1 0ZW
England
attn:Kieran
email:info@phuturerave.com
phone:+44-207-232-0086
fax:+44-207-231-5102
Underground Music
1 Ware Road
Hertford
Hertfordshire SG13 7DY
England
email: Simon Wiltshire
phone: +44-1992-503-284
fax: +44-1992-553-294
info@undergroundmusic.co.uk
probably mostly hardcore
Unique Records & Distribution Ltd
Unit 12,
Lodge Bank Industrial Estate,
Off Crown Lane,
Horwich,
Bolton.
BL6 5HY
Tel: 01204 675500
Fax: 01204 479005 CANADIAN MUSIC DISTRIBUTORS AUSTRALIAN MUSIC DISTRIBUTORS This section designated those companies that are actively engaged in the distribution of recorded music and DVDs in Australia . Some are specialty generes only (i.e. dance, new age, blues, compilations) while some handle all genres. For further details on the distributors, their submission policies and staff contacts, consult the most recent edition of the AustralAsian Music Industry Directory ( www.immedia.com.au/amid ). ACEMDISTRO.COM
www.acmedistro.com AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTION
www.automaticdistribution.com CD FULFILLMENT AUSTRALIA
www.cdfa.com.au CROSSROAD DISTRIBUTORS
www.crossroad.com.au DIDGERIDOO RECORDS
www.didgerecords.com HOLBORNE AUSTRALASIA
www.holborne.com.au INERTIA DISTRIBUTION
www.inertia-music.com JANDA MUSIC
www.jandamusic.com.au MGM DISTRIBUTION
www.thegroovemerchants.com MRA ENTERTAINMENT
www.mraentertainment.com NEWMARKET MUSIC
(Part of the DEX Music Group)
www.newmarketmusic.com ONE STOP ENTERTAINMENT
www.onestopent.com.au PAYLESS ENTERTAINMENT
www.payless.com.au ROCKET AUSTRALIAN EXPORTS
www.rocket.com.au SELECT AUDIO-VISUAL DISTRIBUTION AUSTRALIA
www.savd.com.au SHOCK DANCE DISTRIBUTION SHOCK EXPORTS.COM
www.shockexports.com SHOCK RECORDS DISTRIBUTION STOMP
www.stomp.com.au TEMPO INTERNATIONAL
www.tempo-music.com UMBRELLA ENTERTAINMENT
www.umbrellaent.com.au VITAMIN DISTRIBUTION
www.vitamin.net.au |
