Have you printed physical copies of your music in the past? What was your experience if you did? I'd love to hear about it as a reply to this comment or as a comment below.
Yep, I think people still like having CD's for collection sake, but in my opinion it's probably more effective using CD's for merch or for a front-end funnel to capture leads than to use as an actual key strategy for creating income.
Within the hip hop genre, cd approaches are considered laughable. Too many rappers no messages of positive progression. That spawned my birth into hip hop and A Capella.
We printed CDs for our debut album and we sold over 45 of them. People tend to really love having CDs. Although it was a package deal. We did signed CDs with two wristbands for $15
Been making music since 94, and have sold on cassette, CD, even minidisc for awhile. Nowadays, I get fewer physical sales, but I do have a small group of fans who practically demand it. So, I still make a short run of boutique discs for my diehard fans.
Yes, because some of my listeners don’t use streaming services and they’re CD / vinyl enthusiasts like myself. I don’t blame them. Physical copies rock!
Asked this exact question not too long ago and have been debating whether or not I should be distributing my music in a physical form. Thank you so much for addressing this topic! Great stuff as always.
I’m still the type of guy that only buys CDs. The only times I buy anything else is when a preorder package comes with a vinyl, or something is exclusively available digitally. I don’t use any streaming services, although when I make more professional versions of my music, I’ll put my upload my own music onto them. Maybe it’s because I do the art and everything myself, but I just like to have a physical copy to feel like I’ve really “acquired” and “experienced” any piece of musical art.
@@basicprintermusic maybe online it’s easier to sell because people from around the world 🌍 see the cds u sell but in person 🧍 is a different expectation from people they reject u fast and u have to be a good cd seller to convince people to buy ur music
@@basicprintermusicwelll actually it depends on ur area Peopld that buy cds is mostly the malls or Hollywood places were people got money 💴 or Venice beach 🏝️ I’m in Los Angeles but my area is ghetto bunch of streamers so I need to go to farther places to sell my cds 💿
Ben Magikz I get what you’re saying, but I still disagree. I sold nearly more albums this month than I have monthly listeners on Spotify. 😅 It wasn’t hard. But getting people to Spotify? Stupid hard.
I speak on selling physical copies in the video and say that it’s a great way to connect on a deeper level with your listeners. Even though I gave an example with vinyl I was referring to all physical sales. For someone getting started though it’s not a wise investment in my opinion.
@@BaileyMagikz I disagree on that point. The underground hip/hop, rap and even local bands feature each other constantly. Locals support each other more often than you think. Hell, my buddy over at Sicfux sells and receives versus np. He's currently working with a local girl as we speak. You just aren't looking in the right areas. The attitude of the fans believing streaming is what will allow artists to thrive will be the downfall of the artists. It's really only a tool to help get their name out. Otherwise, there's no money in streaming for a majority of the artists on the streaming platform. Whether they are indie with no contract or on a major label.
Hi! I don't make my own music (yet), but I always find myself coming to your channel. I think deep down inside of me, I want to become some sort of songwriter, but I need the skills before I actually put myself out there. This channel reassures me and makes me excited for the future. I can't thank you enough for that. For now, I have a singing cover channel just to practice getting myself out in the world. I hope it culminates into something worthwhile and I can start making music. Again, thanks for the tips on the music industry- it seems alot less scary now! :)))
3:00 I would rather sell 100 cds at $5 than 5 records at $100. If you make the same amount of money, it makes more sense to go the route that gets your music out to the most people.
Times are changing fast. Physicals are 80s, 90s, 00s. We are 2020, the future youth are not going to buy physicals when they can stream it on spotify/soundcloud or buy it digitally in a quick second. Its crazy how things change... nothing in life ever stays the same.
Physicals are still important. You guys have to stop thinking broadly. Streaming has taken over as far as the demand, but there are still PLENTY of people who will buy CD/Vinyl that you can make a living off of.
i sell dozens of my cd(for 20 euros each) in a single concert making thousands of euros.Spotify gave me 3 euros in 5 years(seriously)..do you calculation
Also I might share, theres an entire "Bandcamp" demographic that matches streaming with physical CDs/vinyl on their platform. I definitely would love to see a video about that platform in regards to selling music.
A friend told me he wanted to print 3000 CDs of his new album, my reply was "Do you have a CD player at home and do you think your 20 year old fans have a player at home?" I printed CDs in the past on my independant label, we printed and sold around 250k CDs between 98 and 2008. Those were the good days of round trips between stores and stock and flights to Africa with 10k CDs to sell at shows...
Flash drives are out. But CDs, and especially vinyl, are still in as collectibles. But I agree on the fact that streaming is a must. No question. That's how most music is consumed.
I definitely prefer the physical cd/vinyl of any music by any artist. Mainly because it won’t be removed from a streaming platform (if that’s a possibility) but also because the physical copy will last pretty much forever, especially depending on how well you Jeep it in good condition. I do connect my phone’s Bluetooth to the car and use that but, if I’m in my house then it just seems like a waste of phone battery to do that when I can just put a cd in a stereo or a DVD player. I’m also not a big fan of streaming platforms, I’m more into the old school style since I was raised on an old school style of things that were in my grandparents and parents time.
I disagree streaming is garbage 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮 that’s what kill the music stores and the stupid internet people rather get music for free than buy in it and supporting physical media Well guess whatttttu don’t own the music 😅😅😅😅 on cds and records buyers own the music lol
In my opinion, CD's are still the best way to listen to songs. They have the best quality, no advertisements, no need for internet and it's yours... once you buy it, you physically have it, there's something special about it.
CDs are collectibles and worth buying if it has something unique on it they can't get elsewhere. I will be making CDs that features original writing voice memos and demos. Plus, it's an easy thing people can buy to support that actually brings in a great profit.
down loading for and online sight is what I have found out it is true. the hard copies are harder to sell. when I release it is by down load and only do hrad copies when someone orders it. and that is the way that our music is going now.
See, I definitely agree. Streaming and digital audio is where to go these days. However, if you already have a fanbase established with say... 500 people-making compact cds is still a possibility. So basically what you just said lol. I just feel like there’s a different meaning to the music when you’re holding a physical copy of someone’s art. Almost like a different warmth in the audio as well. Nonetheless, i love your videos man. Looking forward to what’s next
Nawwww streaming is worse and😅 garbage The companies stealing Artist money and u paying a rental fee for all music and u need internet Nooo thank u ownership is better with cds 💿 having better sound quality and support ur favorite artist
The bottom line on this is someone with a lot of money see a way to make more so they’re doing away with CDs and investing it in the streaming business we live in a time of the golden rule and he who has the gold makes the rules it will probably put a lot of artist out of business
My band has specifically had fans at gigs ask, "Do you have a CD out?" Well, our first album is currently in progress, and based on those requests, we will definitely have hard copy CDs to sell at gigs and/or by request/order. HOWEVER, the plan is ALSO to upload the album for download/streaming (by song or by album) because, thanks to social media...and playing in cities with high tourist volume...we have fans all over the world, and it's easier for THEM to just go online and download us right onto THEIR favorite device. Plus, the overhead for online format is much lower, so the profit margin can (if I understand correctly) be much higher than that of CDs. Yes?
Adam I have been doing CDs and last year I did my vinyls. Its been successful to a sense that it peak an interest with some requesting Digital that when it became Digitally it did very well
@@adamivy Thank you, watch your videos all the time and they help. It's hard for us oldschoolers to get into the new Generation but it works. Looking forward for more vids from you!
I’m actually starting a business where people pay me by the hour to compose music for their beat, given my orchestral background. I’m starting to share my ideas for free in order to get my name out there on social media.
I bought a CD from Gretchen Menn. She wrote a personal thank you note with it. I couldn’t believe it. No one does that! It was like getting a letter not a CD.
For those still on the edge of Physical vs streaming. Think of it this way. Think of the streaming platform as a tool to help get your name out. If people like you then they might search you for digital or physical copies of your music. Maybe even buy merch. But if you think you'll make money strictly on streaming then, you'll be in debt quicker then you think. Most people like physical interactions as well. So giving out an EP/single or mixtape isn't a bad thing. It could leave a good impression on those who may not know you or... push them off the fence and start following. Build friendships with local record shops and music stores that sell instruments. They might be willing to help you out. Or find a really great manager like Authority Zero's manager. For those who only listen to music via streaming and believe you are helping the artist. You really aren't. Bands, singers, DJ's etc make next to nothing via streaming. You're better off buying merch, going to shows and buying physical stuff, or digital (digital could be less, depends on the contract if there is one.) Or in today's society with everything going on, donate money to your favorite band, buy merch, buy tickets to their digital performances etc. That is how you can really help support your favorite artists. And one last thing, share their music with other people. The way things have been done in the past hasn't really changed. Only the stage and format have. Very very few artists can make money off streaming and no promotion. Those artists have a big enough fan base and contributed to their genre of music making history.
I haven't enough finished music to consider physical copies of it, but I would consider it as a treat for my future fans through membership platforms such as Patreon or as a reward for a Kickstarted campaign. I guess it is still relevant in that context. But maybe not anymore? Would it be better to offer a cool designed USB stick with audiofiles instead?
Lol,I still buy CD's and cassette tapes and records I don't care for streaming to much cause you don't own the music anything can happen to your phone. I have Pandora and that's it physical music copies are a must for me
Hi Adam, Is there any Spotify Playlist Promotion Company that really works today with the new algorithm patterns? Thanks for all your videos and the time you have dedicated. Please let me know how I could learn more from you a better strategy directly. My music style is very unpopular for being a Spanish Christian Genre. I do have some followers on Facebook and TH-cam, but I need to find more exposure. God bless you.
I've been putting ltd. edition cassettes out for my stoner metal band Merlock for the last 2 years. Built a home duplicating system, so I'm able to create them for $3.50 a piece (including inserts and labels) and can sell them for $10, so I see a return pretty quickly. It works well in a genre like metal, because we have a tendency to fetishize the past and a lot of us have a collector mind set because of that. I think the most important thing to remember is that purchasing physical media from a band is strictly a symbolic gesture in the age of streaming. No one has to buy your music -- they have to want to, and they'll only want to if they have some sort of emotional, semi-irrational attachment to what you do.
Thinking about how people consume music, or ANY form of media in today’s world, it’s quickly making the shift towards digital. It’s just more convenient and saves money. I’ve just thrown away over 200+ CDs that are ALL available on my favourite DSPs. The only thing that plays my CDs is my car radio and my iPhone instantly connects and I can play through ANY of my favourite songs, albums and playlists whenever I want and not have to worry that I haven’t put the CD in the car or mess around doing so. I can see the argument to, give out, something to the fans, but personally, I’d rather just stream my favourite artists catalogue.
In jazz, the professionals continue demanding CDs! It makes me wonder how long it'll last, but my publicist requested 180 CDs for their press and radio mail-out. Hopefully it's the biggest one I'll ever have to do (demand for CDs in the industry will finally quiet down), because it's a time and cash expense for sure.
I listen to a lot of jazz radio, and I’ve noticed that they rarely play albums by artists who’ve started to only release music digitally. They’ll just play their previous releases, and ignore their new albums.
Very much interested in the playlist concept. I have created several on spotify and have been struggling to grow those. Working on the next idea to do that, but it would be great to get inspiration from you, or even someone reading the comment.
Also worth noting is how I have been asked by the occasional person at open mics if I have a CD they can buy. The customers still exist, just not in as many numbers. It always feels sad to have to turn them down, but sometime here I won’t have to any longer.
I can see that this will depend on your crowd and what stage your at but this is my recent experience. I crowd funded the end of the process of getting my album out the door by doing physical preorders. I’m a local artist in Kalamazoo, MI with some light regional DIY touring in the Midwest and Northeast (where I’m from). And I ended up coming into the house concert culture. This is where a host is in charge of getting all the people out to a show, it’s small, usually 15-50 people with a higher payment in form of donation ($10-25 pp). Physical stuff is big in that from what I’ve seen and heard. I had a tour coming up and wanted to have physical copies to sell so I decided to go for it. I reached out to all my biggest supportive friends, family, and supporters/fans of my music directly and through social posts and asked if they’d be interested in preordering my album to help finish its production (album art, mix, and physical production) I’ve had almost 50 people sign on at $15 pp (some discounts to $12 sprinkled in too) and even had a friend from high school who was wowed with my local set throw in $100 because he wants to help me get this out how ever he can because he was impacted the first time he experienced my music. Now this may be small to some people who are rolling but I’ve still been getting up off the ground and growing and learning the past few years, this was a huge win and an overwhelming/heart warming support. To sell 50 copies before it even releases officially is insane, and I have a local record shop on for picking up a few copies to sell here in town which is making my art naturalized with my local city which is awesome. My friends, family, and supporters kind support made it so that I had no out of pocket expenses in finishing up this record and now I’ll have physical copies to sell on the road and a big batch of songs to release one at a time for streaming. So the incentive for people to buy was 1. Support the work getting our 2. Hear the songs months before streaming services 3. Have a physical piece of memorabilia (behind the scenes notes inside the booklet with the lyrics) It’s working pretty well for me! And it’s been a big motivator Cor me to get it all done becuase I have support and a deadline!
I think the idea of an album is something people still really get excited about with bands that they support. And even if it’s not the normal consumption route, having it physically might give people more of something to latch on to. I would feel weird putting something out saying “I’m releasing an album on Spotify! Wanna help support it?” But a Cd, that can have its own meaning to people like “wow he’s really doing it” and they’re buying something real. The profit then goes to funding the process. Pressing it physically gave me the peace and confidence to ask for help becuase I knew I was offering something exclusive and of value to those who’d buy one and I knew it would have a certain sense of legitimacy about it. Different than the straight forward business model, but generosity is powerful and is a beautiful thing for artists getting started.
In this climate we give cds away in our merch packages... so if they buy a hat and a shirt they get a free cd stickers etc... we are definitely doing a limited run of vinyl with our next project..
I’ve been selling cds 💿 for a long time it’s a hard hustle but it’s better to make easy money and support ur local artist and there’s money being made into Cds 💿 or USBS but sell them for $20 not cheap
I was asking myself the very same thing, thank you for helping me in my journey toward releasing my first project. I think that the situation especially because in Africa it is a whole different story because not everyone can stream or download or pre save. So in that case what do you consider I do? Because I don't only want money, but I want to impact and reach as much people I can. Hope u see this.
In this generation specially now cause kpop is such a popular thing now having a physical album is such an great idea But not the old style ones without anything special or cool in it Print Photocards having cool photobooks in it postal cards and cool goodies with your album so people have a reason to buy it cause we all know 90% of buyers just buy for the Goodies and Photocards not the cd so use your creativity for your packaging and goodies My friend as an artist who starts singing and not having a big fanbase but he sells many cds and Signed Photocards just for the creativity !
Hey Adam, I really enjoyed your content and I just love your videos. I just had a question... once you start getting a relatively large fan base on Instagram (let’s say some thing like 1-2K followers), what can you do next to grow faster because with my calculations it would take approximately 10 years to get from 1K to 100K followers just continuing your strategies... Not exactly a “short time”... I don’t wanna get like a Million Followers a year or something... Just wanted to know if you know any strategies...
Ridley, this is the same comment you dropped on IG as well I believe. @ridleygraymusic? I could sit here and explain exponential growth but you aren't ready for that. You're at 649 followers which is great, you should focus on the here and now and spend more time creating engaging content to create fans vs calculating numbers for something you haven't hit yet. So many times people waste their efforts focusing on the past or future without focusing on the present.
AdamIvy, I am very sorry to bother you with posting it twice... I genuinely thought you hadn’t seen it and I’m so sorry about that... Also, thank you so much for your advice... It really helps
Sell CDs that also offer a digital download key .....make the CD the collectable. A lot of people have nice stereos and CDs were made to sound great ....mp3 streams are great but CDs sound great .im not in my mid 20s im in my 50s and my generation saw the birth of the CD so the people who would come to see my band most likely still listen to CDs rather than stream music on the computer or phone ....
The major problem is 99.999% of people making music have little to no talent and should not even bother with either of these, or any other, distribution medium.
Selling physicals may not be as important for every artist/genre, but having your music put on CD/Vinyl, even for yourself, is the best thing you can do. Years from now any of these "apps", can be deleted, or an algorithm can change, or your subscription to your distributor can subside, but having it on record will last forever. And it's something to pass down to family.
I guess, a free, First give away Mixtape CD ist a good Idea , 2 build your Brand in the Hood , or Hometown City. Is probably a nice present (Gift) and A good Start Up 4 a Newcomer Artist. My own Website address, visiting Card inclusiv. Marketing is the Most important Thing. Because, Nobody knows your Artist Name etc..a hard Job..
I feel so validated every time I watch one of these. “Who even has a CD player” is exactly a thing I have said. It was ignored. So now I’m inventing ways to sell them 😝😝😏
Have you printed physical copies of your music in the past? What was your experience if you did? I'd love to hear about it as a reply to this comment or as a comment below.
Yep, I think people still like having CD's for collection sake, but in my opinion it's probably more effective using CD's for merch or for a front-end funnel to capture leads than to use as an actual key strategy for creating income.
Within the hip hop genre, cd approaches are considered laughable. Too many rappers no messages of positive progression. That spawned my birth into hip hop and A Capella.
We printed CDs for our debut album and we sold over 45 of them. People tend to really love having CDs. Although it was a package deal. We did signed CDs with two wristbands for $15
Thank you Adam! another great video! that would be amazing if you could show us how the Spotify playlist ecosystem works
@@colorfulrain100 what'd he do to your friend?
I've heard of a lot of people airdropping their songs to random people on buses/subways, its like the new handing out mixtapes 😂
That's creative!
Been making music since 94, and have sold on cassette, CD, even minidisc for awhile. Nowadays, I get fewer physical sales, but I do have a small group of fans who practically demand it. So, I still make a short run of boutique discs for my diehard fans.
Yes, because some of my listeners don’t use streaming services and they’re CD / vinyl enthusiasts like myself. I don’t blame them. Physical copies rock!
Amen physical media forever 😅
Asked this exact question not too long ago and have been debating whether or not I should be distributing my music in a physical form. Thank you so much for addressing this topic! Great stuff as always.
You're welcome! I'm glad it helped.
I’m still the type of guy that only buys CDs. The only times I buy anything else is when a preorder package comes with a vinyl, or something is exclusively available digitally. I don’t use any streaming services, although when I make more professional versions of my music, I’ll put my upload my own music onto them. Maybe it’s because I do the art and everything myself, but I just like to have a physical copy to feel like I’ve really “acquired” and “experienced” any piece of musical art.
I feel Broo cds 💿 and records forever let’s keep buying them and support our local artist fuck this garbage streaming eraaaaa 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮
i've sold like 300 CDs all quarantine, it's been my best sales year of all time.
Keep grinding broooo I do the same thing but hard to sell cds 💿 know when ur dealing a lot of people that stream also
@@RobertQuant i think it's pretty easy tbh
@@basicprintermusic maybe online it’s easier to sell because people from around the world 🌍 see the cds u sell but in person 🧍 is a different expectation from people they reject u fast and u have to be a good cd seller to convince people to buy ur music
@@basicprintermusicwelll actually it depends on ur area Peopld that buy cds is mostly the malls or Hollywood places were people got money 💴 or Venice beach 🏝️ I’m in Los Angeles but my area is ghetto bunch of streamers so I need to go to farther places to sell my cds 💿
I sold over 750 CDs to 500 fans this month, so... with a profit margin of 95%, I respectfully disagree.
Aye !!! The exact person I thought of when I saw this lol
Ben Magikz I get what you’re saying, but I still disagree. I sold nearly more albums this month than I have monthly listeners on Spotify. 😅 It wasn’t hard. But getting people to Spotify? Stupid hard.
I speak on selling physical copies in the video and say that it’s a great way to connect on a deeper level with your listeners. Even though I gave an example with vinyl I was referring to all physical sales. For someone getting started though it’s not a wise investment in my opinion.
@@BaileyMagikz I disagree on that point. The underground hip/hop, rap and even local bands feature each other constantly.
Locals support each other more often than you think. Hell, my buddy over at Sicfux sells and receives versus np. He's currently working with a local girl as we speak.
You just aren't looking in the right areas.
The attitude of the fans believing streaming is what will allow artists to thrive will be the downfall of the artists. It's really only a tool to help get their name out. Otherwise, there's no money in streaming for a majority of the artists on the streaming platform. Whether they are indie with no contract or on a major label.
@MJ Mail thanks!
Hi! I don't make my own music (yet), but I always find myself coming to your channel. I think deep down inside of me, I want to become some sort of songwriter, but I need the skills before I actually put myself out there.
This channel reassures me and makes me excited for the future. I can't thank you enough for that.
For now, I have a singing cover channel just to practice getting myself out in the world. I hope it culminates into something worthwhile and I can start making music.
Again, thanks for the tips on the music industry- it seems alot less scary now! :)))
You're welcome!
3:00
I would rather sell 100 cds at $5 than 5 records at $100. If you make the same amount of money, it makes more sense to go the route that gets your music out to the most people.
Times are changing fast. Physicals are 80s, 90s, 00s. We are 2020, the future youth are not going to buy physicals when they can stream it on spotify/soundcloud or buy it digitally in a quick second.
Its crazy how things change... nothing in life ever stays the same.
Facts!
And yet they still buy "vinyls". 😉
Physicals are still important. You guys have to stop thinking broadly. Streaming has taken over as far as the demand, but there are still PLENTY of people who will buy CD/Vinyl that you can make a living off of.
Indeed. Those of us who experienced the 90s 00s 10s went through the transition
I mean if there was a better economy I think people would buy cd's pr vinyls kind of like the 60s
i sell dozens of my cd(for 20 euros each) in a single concert making thousands of euros.Spotify gave me 3 euros in 5 years(seriously)..do you calculation
Cds u make a lot of money 💴 😊
I only use Spotify these days and I am concerned about how some of the smaller creators I listen to are actually making a living
They aren’t most doing as a hobby because all the money has been sucked out the industry
I'll also like to connect with you on SPOTIFY. I'm Heylil Pibza... and you?
We have four other jobs.
U just burn yourself brooo 😅😅😅 u said u use Spotify and ur concern about artist cause u stream the music and ur not buying it
Also I might share, theres an entire "Bandcamp" demographic that matches streaming with physical CDs/vinyl on their platform. I definitely would love to see a video about that platform in regards to selling music.
A friend told me he wanted to print 3000 CDs of his new album, my reply was "Do you have a CD player at home and do you think your 20 year old fans have a player at home?"
I printed CDs in the past on my independant label, we printed and sold around 250k CDs between 98 and 2008. Those were the good days of round trips between stores and stock and flights to Africa with 10k CDs to sell at shows...
Wow. He should print only like 500 or something less then that.
Flash drives are out. But CDs, and especially vinyl, are still in as collectibles. But I agree on the fact that streaming is a must. No question. That's how most music is consumed.
I definitely prefer the physical cd/vinyl of any music by any artist. Mainly because it won’t be removed from a streaming platform (if that’s a possibility) but also because the physical copy will last pretty much forever, especially depending on how well you Jeep it in good condition. I do connect my phone’s Bluetooth to the car and use that but, if I’m in my house then it just seems like a waste of phone battery to do that when I can just put a cd in a stereo or a DVD player. I’m also not a big fan of streaming platforms, I’m more into the old school style since I was raised on an old school style of things that were in my grandparents and parents time.
I disagree streaming is garbage 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮 that’s what kill the music stores and the stupid internet people rather get music for free than buy in it and supporting physical media Well guess whatttttu don’t own the music 😅😅😅😅 on cds and records buyers own the music lol
@@katiebrooksofficialsame here this streaming crap 💩 is low quality and made people so lazzyyyyy and want every music for free 🆓
In my opinion, CD's are still the best way to listen to songs. They have the best quality, no advertisements, no need for internet and it's yours... once you buy it, you physically have it, there's something special about it.
Cds 💿 will always be better than cheap ass streaming better sound quality u own the music and u suppoort the artist 💿💿💿🫶🫶
CDs are collectibles and worth buying if it has something unique on it they can't get elsewhere. I will be making CDs that features original writing voice memos and demos. Plus, it's an easy thing people can buy to support that actually brings in a great profit.
*feature
Every CD you sell, should have free downloads so there are consumable. And yes, signing them or making them limited releases is the thing to do.
That’s how Taylor swift include voice memos on her cds 💿
I’m interested in building a play list ecosystem! Great vid as always!
down loading for and online sight is what I have found out it is true. the hard copies are harder to sell. when I release it is by down load and only do hrad copies when someone orders it. and that is the way that our music is going now.
Dude streaming went back with MySpace.
I still buy cd's of artists that I listen to and the music that's worth purchasing sometimes I stream music through TH-cam or Pandora
See, I definitely agree. Streaming and digital audio is where to go these days. However, if you already have a fanbase established with say... 500 people-making compact cds is still a possibility. So basically what you just said lol. I just feel like there’s a different meaning to the music when you’re holding a physical copy of someone’s art. Almost like a different warmth in the audio as well. Nonetheless, i love your videos man. Looking forward to what’s next
Nawwww streaming is worse and😅 garbage The companies stealing Artist money and u paying a rental fee for all music and u need internet Nooo thank u ownership is better with cds 💿 having better sound quality and support ur favorite artist
Love the idea of a vinyl!! So cool
The bottom line on this is someone with a lot of money see a way to make more so they’re doing away with CDs and investing it in the streaming business we live in a time of the golden rule and he who has the gold makes the rules it will probably put a lot of artist out of business
My band has specifically had fans at gigs ask, "Do you have a CD out?" Well, our first album is currently in progress, and based on those requests, we will definitely have hard copy CDs to sell at gigs and/or by request/order. HOWEVER, the plan is ALSO to upload the album for download/streaming (by song or by album) because, thanks to social media...and playing in cities with high tourist volume...we have fans all over the world, and it's easier for THEM to just go online and download us right onto THEIR favorite device. Plus, the overhead for online format is much lower, so the profit margin can (if I understand correctly) be much higher than that of CDs. Yes?
I would love to learn more about growing my own playlists
Adam I have been doing CDs and last year I did my vinyls. Its been successful to a sense that it peak an interest with some requesting Digital that when it became Digitally it did very well
I'm glad you found an audience that connects with it in that way. You never know.
@@adamivy Thank you, watch your videos all the time and they help. It's hard for us oldschoolers to get into the new Generation but it works. Looking forward for more vids from you!
I’m actually starting a business where people pay me by the hour to compose music for their beat, given my orchestral background. I’m starting to share my ideas for free in order to get my name out there on social media.
I bought a CD from Gretchen Menn. She wrote a personal thank you note with it. I couldn’t believe it. No one does that! It was like getting a letter not a CD.
That's awesome!
For those still on the edge of Physical vs streaming.
Think of it this way. Think of the streaming platform as a tool to help get your name out. If people like you then they might search you for digital or physical copies of your music. Maybe even buy merch.
But if you think you'll make money strictly on streaming then, you'll be in debt quicker then you think.
Most people like physical interactions as well. So giving out an EP/single or mixtape isn't a bad thing. It could leave a good impression on those who may not know you or... push them off the fence and start following. Build friendships with local record shops and music stores that sell instruments. They might be willing to help you out. Or find a really great manager like Authority Zero's manager.
For those who only listen to music via streaming and believe you are helping the artist. You really aren't. Bands, singers, DJ's etc make next to nothing via streaming. You're better off buying merch, going to shows and buying physical stuff, or digital (digital could be less, depends on the contract if there is one.)
Or in today's society with everything going on, donate money to your favorite band, buy merch, buy tickets to their digital performances etc. That is how you can really help support your favorite artists. And one last thing, share their music with other people.
The way things have been done in the past hasn't really changed. Only the stage and format have. Very very few artists can make money off streaming and no promotion. Those artists have a big enough fan base and contributed to their genre of music making history.
DUDE! I needed this!!
You’re welcome!
I haven't enough finished music to consider physical copies of it, but I would consider it as a treat for my future fans through membership platforms such as Patreon or as a reward for a Kickstarted campaign. I guess it is still relevant in that context. But maybe not anymore? Would it be better to offer a cool designed USB stick with audiofiles instead?
The bottom line is getting the most value out of your money. If you can find a way to justify the cost it's worth a shot.
@@adamivy And the best value for my (future) audience :)
Lol,I still buy CD's and cassette tapes and records I don't care for streaming to much cause you don't own the music anything can happen to your phone. I have Pandora and that's it physical music copies are a must for me
I normally listen to music on Spotify and Apple Music and digital download but I like to listen to cds still
Streaming is garbage 🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮 cds 💿 forever
Can you please make a video on playlist curation?
Hi Adam, Is there any Spotify Playlist Promotion Company that really works today with the new algorithm patterns? Thanks for all your videos and the time you have dedicated. Please let me know how I could learn more from you a better strategy directly. My music style is very unpopular for being a Spanish Christian Genre. I do have some followers on Facebook and TH-cam, but I need to find more exposure. God bless you.
It really depends on the genre and the demand. I'd wait until you have a large amount of fans requesting physical product.
This. It depends on the genre.
Do you know anything about cd baby?
Love you Adam I appreciate you so much giving us all this info
I've been putting ltd. edition cassettes out for my stoner metal band Merlock for the last 2 years. Built a home duplicating system, so I'm able to create them for $3.50 a piece (including inserts and labels) and can sell them for $10, so I see a return pretty quickly. It works well in a genre like metal, because we have a tendency to fetishize the past and a lot of us have a collector mind set because of that.
I think the most important thing to remember is that purchasing physical media from a band is strictly a symbolic gesture in the age of streaming. No one has to buy your music -- they have to want to, and they'll only want to if they have some sort of emotional, semi-irrational attachment to what you do.
Loved this!!
A band I follow called Sexy Dex and The Fresh offered cassettes of their latest EP as a kind of collector's item, and I thought that was pretty cool.
I don't believe in that style anymore. I am not sure whether other people still does it.
Thinking about how people consume music, or ANY form of media in today’s world, it’s quickly making the shift towards digital. It’s just more convenient and saves money. I’ve just thrown away over 200+ CDs that are ALL available on my favourite DSPs. The only thing that plays my CDs is my car radio and my iPhone instantly connects and I can play through ANY of my favourite songs, albums and playlists whenever I want and not have to worry that I haven’t put the CD in the car or mess around doing so. I can see the argument to, give out, something to the fans, but personally, I’d rather just stream my favourite artists catalogue.
In jazz, the professionals continue demanding CDs! It makes me wonder how long it'll last, but my publicist requested 180 CDs for their press and radio mail-out. Hopefully it's the biggest one I'll ever have to do (demand for CDs in the industry will finally quiet down), because it's a time and cash expense for sure.
I listen to a lot of jazz radio, and I’ve noticed that they rarely play albums by artists who’ve started to only release music digitally. They’ll just play their previous releases, and ignore their new albums.
Very much interested in the playlist concept. I have created several on spotify and have been struggling to grow those. Working on the next idea to do that, but it would be great to get inspiration from you, or even someone reading the comment.
Also worth noting is how I have been asked by the occasional person at open mics if I have a CD they can buy. The customers still exist, just not in as many numbers. It always feels sad to have to turn them down, but sometime here I won’t have to any longer.
Hey, Mada Yvi Mada K Sivad here, how do I find stolen music on the streaming vehicles that someone has stolen form me?
I can see that this will depend on your crowd and what stage your at but this is my recent experience.
I crowd funded the end of the process of getting my album out the door by doing physical preorders. I’m a local artist in Kalamazoo, MI with some light regional DIY touring in the Midwest and Northeast (where I’m from). And I ended up coming into the house concert culture. This is where a host is in charge of getting all the people out to a show, it’s small, usually 15-50 people with a higher payment in form of donation ($10-25 pp). Physical stuff is big in that from what I’ve seen and heard. I had a tour coming up and wanted to have physical copies to sell so I decided to go for it.
I reached out to all my biggest supportive friends, family, and supporters/fans of my music directly and through social posts and asked if they’d be interested in preordering my album to help finish its production (album art, mix, and physical production) I’ve had almost 50 people sign on at $15 pp (some discounts to $12 sprinkled in too) and even had a friend from high school who was wowed with my local set throw in $100 because he wants to help me get this out how ever he can because he was impacted the first time he experienced my music.
Now this may be small to some people who are rolling but I’ve still been getting up off the ground and growing and learning the past few years, this was a huge win and an overwhelming/heart warming support. To sell 50 copies before it even releases officially is insane, and I have a local record shop on for picking up a few copies to sell here in town which is making my art naturalized with my local city which is awesome.
My friends, family, and supporters kind support made it so that I had no out of pocket expenses in finishing up this record and now I’ll have physical copies to sell on the road and a big batch of songs to release one at a time for streaming.
So the incentive for people to buy was
1. Support the work getting our
2. Hear the songs months before streaming services
3. Have a physical piece of memorabilia (behind the scenes notes inside the booklet with the lyrics)
It’s working pretty well for me! And it’s been a big motivator Cor me to get it all done becuase I have support and a deadline!
I think the idea of an album is something people still really get excited about with bands that they support. And even if it’s not the normal consumption route, having it physically might give people more of something to latch on to. I would feel weird putting something out saying “I’m releasing an album on Spotify! Wanna help support it?” But a Cd, that can have its own meaning to people like “wow he’s really doing it” and they’re buying something real. The profit then goes to funding the process.
Pressing it physically gave me the peace and confidence to ask for help becuase I knew I was offering something exclusive and of value to those who’d buy one and I knew it would have a certain sense of legitimacy about it.
Different than the straight forward business model, but generosity is powerful and is a beautiful thing for artists getting started.
CD singles in my opinion will be gone this year, even when the digital soundtrack album to the Animaniacs revival is released.
Here to say I bought a CD online just this morning.
Which CD?
In this climate we give cds away in our merch packages... so if they buy a hat and a shirt they get a free cd stickers etc... we are definitely doing a limited run of vinyl with our next project..
How about both?🤷♂️
I’ve been selling cds 💿 for a long time it’s a hard hustle but it’s better to make easy money and support ur local artist and there’s money being made into Cds 💿 or USBS but sell them for $20 not cheap
I was asking myself the very same thing, thank you for helping me in my journey toward releasing my first project. I think that the situation especially because in Africa it is a whole different story because not everyone can stream or download or pre save. So in that case what do you consider I do? Because I don't only want money, but I want to impact and reach as much people I can. Hope u see this.
In this generation specially now cause kpop is such a popular thing now having a physical album is such an great idea
But not the old style ones without anything special or cool in it
Print Photocards having cool photobooks in it postal cards and cool goodies with your album so people have a reason to buy it cause we all know 90% of buyers just buy for the Goodies and Photocards not the cd so use your creativity for your packaging and goodies
My friend as an artist who starts singing and not having a big fanbase but he sells many cds and Signed Photocards just for the creativity !
Hey Adam, I really enjoyed your content and I just love your videos. I just had a question... once you start getting a relatively large fan base on Instagram (let’s say some thing like 1-2K followers), what can you do next to grow faster because with my calculations it would take approximately 10 years to get from 1K to 100K followers just continuing your strategies... Not exactly a “short time”... I don’t wanna get like a Million Followers a year or something... Just wanted to know if you know any strategies...
Ridley, this is the same comment you dropped on IG as well I believe. @ridleygraymusic?
I could sit here and explain exponential growth but you aren't ready for that.
You're at 649 followers which is great, you should focus on the here and now and spend more time creating engaging content to create fans vs calculating numbers for something you haven't hit yet. So many times people waste their efforts focusing on the past or future without focusing on the present.
AdamIvy, I am very sorry to bother you with posting it twice... I genuinely thought you hadn’t seen it and I’m so sorry about that... Also, thank you so much for your advice... It really helps
Yes cds are coming back
Cds 💿 better sound quality u own the music and suppoort the artist 🧑🎨
thx this helped a lot
yes, I mean have you seen Kpop albums, they actually come with incentives when you buy them, they won't stop
If CDs were no longer being made I wouldn’t have been able to import Bluey The Album from Australia months before its UK release!
Sell CDs that also offer a digital download key .....make the CD the collectable. A lot of people have nice stereos and CDs were made to sound great ....mp3 streams are great but CDs sound great .im not in my mid 20s im in my 50s and my generation saw the birth of the CD so the people who would come to see my band most likely still listen to CDs rather than stream music on the computer or phone ....
1000th view... great video, very helpful!
Swing by my IG Mentor Adam! Critique is needed. All organic.
the fisrt time this guy talking and he is not attacking me
Yeah it is ;)
🤔🤔
Selling CDs in 2020 is not only possible but a excellent idea I just uploaded the proof
Yes it is very possible and very affective
Before I watch. I think no. Let me see
The major problem is 99.999% of people making music have little to no talent and should not even bother with either of these, or any other, distribution medium.
Selling physicals may not be as important for every artist/genre, but having your music put on CD/Vinyl, even for yourself, is the best thing you can do. Years from now any of these "apps", can be deleted, or an algorithm can change, or your subscription to your distributor can subside, but having it on record will last forever. And it's something to pass down to family.
Can you contact me I have a new way
👍
Playlist creation would be a great video topic Adam!!! Thanks in advance man!!! Mike Dillon 54 W
I guess, a free, First give away Mixtape CD ist a good Idea , 2 build your Brand in the Hood , or Hometown City. Is probably a nice present (Gift) and A good Start Up 4 a Newcomer Artist. My own Website address, visiting Card inclusiv. Marketing is the Most important Thing. Because, Nobody knows your Artist Name etc..a hard Job..
I feel so validated every time I watch one of these. “Who even has a CD player” is exactly a thing I have said. It was ignored. So now I’m inventing ways to sell them 😝😝😏
I'll use cds just because some cars still have disc holders. Check out my page I have great hip hop content .
Streaming sucks for indie artists! Streaming services pay a misery
Streaming should never be your priority focus of revenue generation.
this digital age is wack
No period
FIRRSSSSSTTTT