Internet-based Publishing for Independent Bands?

Cultural Sublimation asks: "My brother's band is putting the finishing touches on their new album. They have published via a small independent label before, but this time they are considering going for Internet-based distribution. They are quite open to fresh ideas: they are even thinking of releasing the album into P2P networks and using the tip-jar model for revenue. It would also be nice to give people the possibility of buying online the physical CD with the artwork. They are therefore looking for a publisher which: a) won't take away their rights; b) allows for distribution via P2P (perhaps even providing a tracker for torrents); c) facilitates the tip-jar model; and c) allows physical CDs to be shipped on demand. What are fellow Slashdot readers opinion on this?"

Comments

Why a publisher?

[Anonymous Coward]

Okay, so they can keep their rights, they can upload to P2P networks themselves, and they can sell CDs through CD Baby or similar.

What, exactly, do they need the publisher for? It's certainly not to publish.

PS: d) comes after c).

Re:Why a publisher?

[cei]

Agreed. For that matter, through CD Baby, they can sell on iTMS, Rhapsody, Napster, MSN Music, MP3tunes, AOL's MusicNet, Yahoo MusicMatch, etc. There's never been a better time for distribution for independent artists.

CDs on Demand

[GuitarNeophyte]

CafePress.com has the ability to send out CDs on demand. It's like 4.95 as the base price, I think, for CDs, and if you set the price any higher than that, you get the profits. They don't touch the rights, and you don't have to worrk about doing any of the print work.

Luke
----
Does your Aunt Maggie want to learn about computers, but you don't have time to teach her? Send her top ChristianNerds.com, the Easy-to-Understand Computer Encyclopedia.

CD Baby

[mapinguari]

Depending on the musicians' needs, CDBaby may fit the bill. While more of a distributor than a publisher, they're one of the biggest online independents in the business and seem to have a pretty good rep.

Magnatune.com

[Yonder Way]

Magnatune is a great place to check out for alternative distribution. They won't take "just anybody", though. But it's worth looking into.

look past the jar

[TheSHAD0W]

The tip jar will give them some income, but they should reach for other sources as well. Merchandise can bring in some bucks. They should also consider running a blog and a forum, and advertising on both. Gigs and concerts can be a great source of income, and if your friends are good, their fans may be able to come up with a touring schedule for them without their having to find their own venues.

Some Suggestions

[yamcha666]

I used to roadie for an indy metal band a couple of years ago, and that experience introduced me to a few online methods of distribution.

First, here are some websites that might fit your bill:

Garage Band
Sound Click
Independent Music Online
And a list of other sites that might interest you: http://www.rmpmusic.com/

If you choose to use a third party website to promote your music, I and many others in my local music scene, still believe a web site dedicated to your band is the best idea. Offer full CD or near CD quality MP3 downloads of your best singles, demos, etc. Add a list of your gigs, news and updates relating to your band, perhaps a press kit full of print-sized logos, promo photos, and posters, in addition to a physical CD to send to record labels and credible review sites and mags. And also offer a way to buy your band's CD off the official website. Use something like PayPal for that. It's easy enough.

Good luck.