I’ve been around long enough to guarantee one thing: YOU might only be in one place, but your potential fans are NOT.
In the insightful article “Bandcamp & SoundCloud are NOT enough (Why you need music distribution)” by Chris Robley on the ReverbNation Blog, a compelling argument is made against the limitation of distributing music exclusively through platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud.
Robley expresses surprise and concern when artists mention they only utilize one platform for their music distribution, highlighting the significant drawbacks of such an approach.
The article outlines three major challenges artists face when they restrict their music to a single platform:
- Fragmentation of Listenership: With the vast array of Digital Service Providers (DSPs), livestreaming platforms, video platforms, and more, listeners’ preferences are widely dispersed. By focusing on only one platform, artists risk missing out on reaching potential fans who frequent other platforms.
- Changing Terms & Features: Platforms evolve, and with these changes can come restrictions that might hinder an artist’s ability to grow and nurture their audience. Relying solely on one platform exposes artists to risks such as reduced organic reach, altered revenue-sharing models, and the need to pay for previously free features.
- Impermanence of Platforms: The digital landscape is ever-changing, with platforms rising and falling out of favour. By distributing music across multiple platforms, artists can safeguard their work against the decline or disappearance of any single platform.
Robley advocates for broad music distribution as a strategy to overcome these challenges, ensuring that music is accessible where potential fans already spend their time.
This approach not only increases the likelihood of reaching a wider audience but also future-proofs an artist’s work against the volatility of the digital age. Proper music distribution, as emphasized in the article, is straightforward today and crucial for artists seeking to maximize their reach and impact.
This summary encapsulates the essence of Robley’s argument, underscoring the importance of embracing a comprehensive distribution strategy to navigate the complexities of the modern music landscape effectively.
Source: Bandcamp & SoundCloud are NOT enough (Why you need music distribution) – ReverbNation Blog
