Our small label has distributed through CD Baby since nearly the beginning. Customer service used to be impeccable. Back in the day before he left the scene, I even used to occasionally speak or email with Derek Sivers (the founder). Now, It takes weeks to get an email response, if ever. Any problems or specific questions you have, you must handle yourself as best you can. I feel a strong nostalgia for the old CD Baby, and have no immediate intention of changing distributors, but it is not what it used to be. So it goes.
I have been saying for the last couple years that CD Baby was definitely not doing business as usual. Customer service went down the drain, they stopped offering some of their offerings. They did not respond to inquiries. And overall, I felt like there was definitely a reason to watch what happened carefully, after using CD Baby for all of my releases since I started releasing professionally years ago. Let’s just say it has been a concern for me for a while…
True, but that is just the reality of the landscape, with distribution prices going down and down. Doesn’t have to do with what I talk about in this video.
@@tonyvv maybe I didn’t portray what I was trying to say totally. It did have to do with it in my mind, because I sensed concern they were not financially sound. And would either get bought out or close down shop. I haven’t felt like things are right with CD Baby for some time. Call it a hunch. Call it completely wrong. Whatever it is, I just haven’t felt comfortable with them for a while, because I am worried about their stability as a company and more importantly as my distributor. The things I mentioned just tied into that uneasy feeling I have.
Wow. The big music companies. Been bad mouthing independent artists and distro kid for years now they want to buy an independent music distribution company. That is crazy!
This isn't a trend I can like, especially after Spotify moved toward "sacrificing" independent artists by giving their streaming revenues to major labels instead, so artists who remain underground can't even make a few pennies. The only way around it seems to be selling your own product by yourself.
It’s all about control, and the bigger your net, then the more fish and the more profits. Warner’s obviously looking to expand their net to profit from independent artists. Even if only small fry, it can fill your boat with marketable product. I’m surprised it took them this long to figure that out.
Always gotta keep a backup plan for me its toolost, SoundCloud for artists, routenote, a distro inside vydia or go back to just uploading on TH-cam, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Direct sales, and CDs 💿
Any acquisition of indie distributors by a major label will be bad for artists. They like to take control of and ownership of the music they release or are released on their platforms/labels. It would be the death of independent music if this were to occur. I hope people keep starting new indie distro companies to keep the major players at bay.
The majors won’t take control of your rights if you’re with a distributor that got acquired. The terms of service you signed up for keep all rights ownership with you.
I have been with CD Baby for over 20 years. I brought them a record from 50 Cent and only made $3,500.00 from CDBaby. CDBaby steals money from their artists. I would love to see CDbaby go out of business. Warner should only give them $1 USD.
Self-distributing is what you are doing by using CD Baby, Tunecore, or DistroKid. It’s not possible or practical to go to every streaming platform yourself. They won’t talk to you. Just stick with where you are.
great question. I think it is hard to find out who does it due to their sheer obscurity / competition. You might want to look at Mary Spender's newsletter. I think she features bold pioneers like that.
If we no longer need a label, then we definitely need a distributor. The issue of promotion for an independent artist is a headache. And if we still deal with issues of delivery and reports, then we can no longer make music 😅
Thanks & I'm a subscriber to your show. I making adjustments to my music publishing philosophy by making the most of the music I already released on CD Baby. Keep doing your Disc Makers thing. DJ Hard
I´ve just recieved a proposal to switch my distribution company to DistroKid as Distributor. I can see how the waters are moving, yeah! And I guess the dispute is not so much about "names" or "brands". All the buzz is a «Big Boys Bickering», like Sir Paul sings. Their point is about what they like to call: "bussiness models". «Big Boys» have raised to the conviction that there´s tons of good and real music distributed and selling without them. And that´s not possible! So they want to hit growing models like CD Baby represents, wich is, by far, the best "bussiness model" for us, true independent musicians and songwriters. Am I wrong?
Same here as I have been using Songtradr. We have to decide by July 8. But then you lose all your stream counts as it has to come down and go up again.
Please tell me more details about why. For instance why didn’t you go with distri kid, what distribution are you getting and what’s the overall percentage they take? Because dk has larger upfront costs but doesn’t take 10% for life of royalties, but cd baby is cheaper upfront costs but takes 10% for life.. what’s your pros and cons basically
@@hextremelydesirable1648 I pay a yearly subscription and can upload all the titles I want and keep 100% of streaming. the user interface on united masters is way better, easier to navigate, and they have a mobile app. I get way more information on the app and website than I did at CDbaby. Also the customer service has been great, CDbaby always had me talking to a robot and I actually talk to real people and get speedy responses at united masters. I never tried distrokid because I heard too many negative stories about it
Indie Artists should release their music on their own website and forget the fractional pennies payments that posting your music across multiple streaming platforms pay. What's wrong with that?
Selling your music through these platforms is much like consigning a vehicle for sale through a car dealership I think. They want a commission from you and you are supplying them with free inventory to sell. They really don't care to push the sale because they are not out anything while you wait for the salesmen to sell it. Usually they get paid before you do. It seems it becomes a waiting game that you never know what will happen and when.
These companies have already turned their backs on indie musicians. Try getting a reply from CD Baby or DK “support” and you’ll know what I mean. I moved all of my music to Gyrostream earlier this year, and could not be happier to be dealing with real people again.
stupid AI BS you can't get a response.I had CDBABY for years, and then alas, a stupid scam label Bluepie made me take down my music with you, and put it with them, and I never saw a dime. Distrokid is a problem because they have AI and will not answer back. I did SONGTRADR starting in 2020 and I was very happy. But if I don't pay $49 a month to go PRO, all my music will come down again. They said I could do "Distrokid" for 40% off the 1st year, but since you are now saying it is going to be bought out, I guess I won't do that. The problem is, every time your music is taken down and put back up, you lose all your stats. My album "Everything in good time" has 3 songs that had anywhere between 8900 and 31000 streams, so I don't want to lose those stats. What should I do? I have to make the decision by Julu 8. Thanks!
lol, that ceiling was built angled for proper sound absorption in our mastering room. it is not sagging (though it could use a couple of replacement tiles...)
THAT CAN POSSIBLY STOP INDIE ARTIST FOR HAVING A WAY TO STAY INDEPENDENT AND OWN THEY MUSIC. WHICH WILL HURT ALOT OF PEOPLE AND FOR WHAT GREED N CONTROL OVER INDIE ARTISTS MUSIC WHICH IS NOT COOL EVERYBODY DONT WANT A MAJOR LABEL CONTROLLING THEY MUSIC. DUE TO WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH MAJOR LABEL ARTISTS. THEY NOT GETTING PAID OR GETTING UNALIVED BECAUSE THEY DO'T WANT TO BE CONTROLLED OR HAVING SOMEONE SAY OH YOUR MUISC NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND YOU CAN'T RELEASE IT DITTO ALREADY DOING THAT TO INDIES ARTISTS. WHICH IS WHY MOST INDIE ARTIST HAVE DISTROKID OR CD BABY NOW.
I don't want them to buy aby of the music distribution which shouldn't be allowed to take over the industry. I dont think anymore middleman should be having to use " Distributers" like everyone whos independent can be their own contractor and send it to them!? I don't like it!
CD Baby should have never been sold. They should have kept the DIY Music Conference going. They should have kept Kevin and Chris. There seems to be a move afoot to kill business for creatives, and not just in the music business. Lot's of weird stuff happening. Maybe you guys should make up with people like Kevin and Chris and start helping artists again instead of selling out to make more money. If you have to do a new company, do it. If you are not going to support artist, like you used to, then don't expect us to support you.
Cd baby was king until they stop allowing artist to communicate with them to a live person. That robot way of communicating is not ideal when doing profit sharing
Our small label has distributed through CD Baby since nearly the beginning. Customer service used to be impeccable. Back in the day before he left the scene, I even used to occasionally speak or email with Derek Sivers (the founder). Now, It takes weeks to get an email response, if ever. Any problems or specific questions you have, you must handle yourself as best you can. I feel a strong nostalgia for the old CD Baby, and have no immediate intention of changing distributors, but it is not what it used to be. So it goes.
Thanks for the heads-up very much so!
Great information I use CDBABY FOR ALL MY Releases
I have been saying for the last couple years that CD Baby was definitely not doing business as usual. Customer service went down the drain, they stopped offering some of their offerings. They did not respond to inquiries.
And overall, I felt like there was definitely a reason to watch what happened carefully, after using CD Baby for all of my releases since I started releasing professionally years ago. Let’s just say it has been a concern for me for a while…
True, but that is just the reality of the landscape, with distribution prices going down and down. Doesn’t have to do with what I talk about in this video.
@@tonyvv maybe I didn’t portray what I was trying to say totally.
It did have to do with it in my mind, because I sensed concern they were not financially sound. And would either get bought out or close down shop. I haven’t felt like things are right with CD Baby for some time. Call it a hunch. Call it completely wrong. Whatever it is, I just haven’t felt comfortable with them for a while, because I am worried about their stability as a company and more importantly as my distributor. The things I mentioned just tied into that uneasy feeling I have.
@@DangerousDevilOfficial I have it on good account that all the 3 big distributors are financially sound. That is not something to worry about.
I dumped cdbaby 3 years ago because they was becoming obsolete, outdated etc.
@@IMProductionsintl well, their customer service level is horrible. But what specifically do you mean “obsolete”?
Wow. The big music companies. Been bad mouthing independent artists and distro kid for years now they want to buy an independent music distribution company. That is crazy!
SO THEY CAN CONTROL WHAT WE RELEASE AND TAKE PERCENTAGE
It kinda felt like something was in the air when both Chris and Keith left the podcast at cd baby.
This isn't a trend I can like, especially after Spotify moved toward "sacrificing" independent artists by giving their streaming revenues to major labels instead, so artists who remain underground can't even make a few pennies. The only way around it seems to be selling your own product by yourself.
Thanks for the heads up
CDBaby sales page has been unavailable for what was supposed to be a month or so and that about three months ago.
Thanks much. I always find your vids helpful.
It’s all about control, and the bigger your net, then the more fish and the more profits. Warner’s obviously looking to expand their net to profit from independent artists. Even if only small fry, it can fill your boat with marketable product. I’m surprised it took them this long to figure that out.
THAT ALSO CAN HURT THE INDIE MARKET
Always gotta keep a backup plan for me its toolost, SoundCloud for artists, routenote, a distro inside vydia or go back to just uploading on TH-cam, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Direct sales, and CDs 💿
Any acquisition of indie distributors by a major label will be bad for artists. They like to take control of and ownership of the music they release or are released on their platforms/labels. It would be the death of independent music if this were to occur. I hope people keep starting new indie distro companies to keep the major players at bay.
The majors won’t take control of your rights if you’re with a distributor that got acquired. The terms of service you signed up for keep all rights ownership with you.
I 100% agree with this
Very true. I hope good and real music will prevail!
Actually it would be really good for you lmfao, distribution that is tied to labels are given priority by DSPs
@@ItsQueViolette And WHO would this apply too? US. Nope. A select handful.
what if a record label buys distrokid or cdbaby? what happens then? do they own independent artists then?
I have been with CD Baby for over 20 years. I brought them a record from 50 Cent and only made $3,500.00 from CDBaby. CDBaby steals money from their artists. I would love to see CDbaby go out of business. Warner should only give them $1 USD.
Do you know what would be involved in self distributing? I already am registered with BMI and MLC, etc. What would it take to bypass this?
Self-distributing is what you are doing by using CD Baby, Tunecore, or DistroKid. It’s not possible or practical to go to every streaming platform yourself. They won’t talk to you. Just stick with where you are.
great question. I think it is hard to find out who does it due to their sheer obscurity / competition. You might want to look at Mary Spender's newsletter. I think she features bold pioneers like that.
Sign up with the Harry Fox agency
To make more money and stay in control and ownership of your music.
ME TOO, I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING
If we no longer need a label, then we definitely need a distributor. The issue of promotion for an independent artist is a headache. And if we still deal with issues of delivery and reports, then we can no longer make music 😅
Always grateful for the information that you share!! 🙏
Thanks & I'm a subscriber to your show. I making adjustments to my music publishing philosophy by making the most of the music I already released on CD Baby. Keep doing your Disc Makers thing. DJ Hard
I´ve just recieved a proposal to switch my distribution company to DistroKid as Distributor. I can see how the waters are moving, yeah! And I guess the dispute is not so much about "names" or "brands". All the buzz is a «Big Boys Bickering», like Sir Paul sings. Their point is about what they like to call: "bussiness models". «Big Boys» have raised to the conviction that there´s tons of good and real music distributed and selling without them. And that´s not possible! So they want to hit growing models like CD Baby represents, wich is, by far, the best "bussiness model" for us, true independent musicians and songwriters. Am I wrong?
Just stay where you are. If things change and it doesn’t work for you in the future you can always change later.
I AGREE WITH YOU COMMENT
@@tonyvv OK. Thanks a lot, Tony.
Same here as I have been using Songtradr. We have to decide by July 8. But then you lose all your stream counts as it has to come down and go up again.
Thanks for the info!
Great video my guy. I distribute all of my releases through CDbaby 💯
Man, Warner buying CD Baby would really suck. Hopefully they stay independent.
OOH B&W 801's. I'm drooling... 😆
Moved everything to United Masters last year and I don't regret it. Way better platform and UI.
Please tell me more details about why. For instance why didn’t you go with distri kid, what distribution are you getting and what’s the overall percentage they take? Because dk has larger upfront costs but doesn’t take 10% for life of royalties, but cd baby is cheaper upfront costs but takes 10% for life.. what’s your pros and cons basically
@@hextremelydesirable1648 I pay a yearly subscription and can upload all the titles I want and keep 100% of streaming. the user interface on united masters is way better, easier to navigate, and they have a mobile app. I get way more information on the app and website than I did at CDbaby. Also the customer service has been great, CDbaby always had me talking to a robot and I actually talk to real people and get speedy responses at united masters. I never tried distrokid because I heard too many negative stories about it
What was the last newsletter you recommended Hypa? Also Digital Music News are charging a $1000 for their subscription is it worth it??
Hypebot. And no, don’t pay $1000 for DMN. You can also just sign up with your email for their free newsletter.
Indie Artists should release their music on their own website and forget the fractional pennies payments that posting your music across multiple streaming platforms pay. What's wrong with that?
Nothing, really. Except the streaming platforms can be good for discoverability.
This could be them saying u making money and we want some, and then tell you what u can and can not release
Selling your music through these platforms is much like consigning a vehicle for sale through a car dealership I think. They want a commission from you and you are supplying them with free inventory to sell. They really don't care to push the sale because they are not out anything while you wait for the salesmen to sell it. Usually they get paid before you do. It seems it becomes a waiting game that you never know what will happen and when.
Thank you for info.
These companies have already turned their backs on indie musicians. Try getting a reply from CD Baby or DK “support” and you’ll know what I mean. I moved all of my music to Gyrostream earlier this year, and could not be happier to be dealing with real people again.
stupid AI BS you can't get a response.I had CDBABY for years, and then alas, a stupid scam label Bluepie made me take down my music with you, and put it with them, and I never saw a dime. Distrokid is a problem because they have AI and will not answer back. I did SONGTRADR starting in 2020 and I was very happy. But if I don't pay $49 a month to go PRO, all my music will come down again. They said I could do "Distrokid" for 40% off the 1st year, but since you are now saying it is going to be bought out, I guess I won't do that. The problem is, every time your music is taken down and put back up, you lose all your stats. My album "Everything in good time" has 3 songs that had anywhere between 8900 and 31000 streams, so I don't want to lose those stats. What should I do? I have to make the decision by Julu 8. Thanks!
Which one then?
I tried to release my independence music to CD BABY
Me too. one time fee is already legacy!
Tunecore is great. (That ceiling does not look happy.)
lol, that ceiling was built angled for proper sound absorption in our mastering room. it is not sagging (though it could use a couple of replacement tiles...)
@@tonyvv oh lolol i thought it was caving in. too funny, sorry. xD
THAT CAN POSSIBLY STOP INDIE ARTIST FOR HAVING A WAY TO STAY INDEPENDENT AND OWN THEY MUSIC. WHICH WILL HURT ALOT OF PEOPLE AND FOR WHAT GREED N CONTROL OVER INDIE ARTISTS MUSIC WHICH IS NOT COOL EVERYBODY DONT WANT A MAJOR LABEL CONTROLLING THEY MUSIC. DUE TO WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH MAJOR LABEL ARTISTS. THEY NOT GETTING PAID OR GETTING UNALIVED BECAUSE THEY DO'T WANT TO BE CONTROLLED OR HAVING SOMEONE SAY OH YOUR MUISC NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND YOU CAN'T RELEASE IT DITTO ALREADY DOING THAT TO INDIES ARTISTS. WHICH IS WHY MOST INDIE ARTIST HAVE DISTROKID OR CD BABY NOW.
No, copyright all your music, join ascap or bmi, the mLC and the Harry Fox agency. Opt your music in for up and coming platforms.
@@IMProductionsintl I got BMI for me n my artists and I got MLC already I do need to get Harry Fox
@@IMProductionsintl thanks for your advice
I think the new logo that CD Baby has says a lot.
😂😂😂
Will it change for low-level artists? No. But probably. Thanks for the insight.
I don't want them to buy aby of the music distribution which shouldn't be allowed to take over the industry. I dont think anymore middleman should be having to use " Distributers" like everyone whos independent can be their own contractor and send it to them!? I don't like it!
It’s a free country. Companies get bought, and unless it creates a monopoly the government lets it happen. 🤷🏼♂️
CD Baby should have never been sold. They should have kept the DIY Music Conference going. They should have kept Kevin and Chris. There seems to be a move afoot to kill business for creatives, and not just in the music business. Lot's of weird stuff happening.
Maybe you guys should make up with people like Kevin and Chris and start helping artists again instead of selling out to make more money. If you have to do a new company, do it. If you are not going to support artist, like you used to, then don't expect us to support you.
It will mean censorship if WB buys any of these distributors...
Just the next few years probably?
Sounds like the big guy is trying to put the little guy out of business.
Cd baby was king until they stop allowing artist to communicate with them to a live person. That robot way of communicating is not ideal when doing profit sharing
Boycott The Orchard.
Looks like your roof is leaking😳🫣
Welp, it ended up being CD Baby 😔