We have assembled a multifaceted approach specifically designed for Louisiana artists to help you sell your your CDs. The music distribution system does not favor the independent artist. Most of the original "dot-com" music download companies have gone under. Even mp3 is charging for their services now (you have to pay for the privilege of “getting paid” when people download your music). Many small traditional distributors are gone or are on their way out. Even some big ones (Valley) are gone. Some are even beginning to require record labels to sign contracts that allow up to a YEAR to pay for product sold. Furthermore, many regular distributors (including Alliance) won’t even accept a “nonlabeled” artist (starting your own private label doesn’t count). Most do not have a comprehensive Internet plus international Brick and Mortar approach.

This leaves independent artists with few choices. Where the internet and distribution is going, no one can guess. Therefore, we recommend approaching distribution from many different angles. To get you started, we have made special arrangements with several distribution companies who specialize in working with independent artists and list some others you should contact.

Regional Sources

Gonzales Music Distribution
Gonzales is a Louisiana-based “one-stop” who will carry your CD for regional sales. They will ask for 60-90 units to keep in their warehouse. To place your CD with them, call Wade at 1-800-489-2133. Please tell them you were referred by Crescent Music Services. www.gonzalesmusic.com

www.LouisianaMusicFactory.com
210 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
A great regional source for selling CDs is the Louisiana Music Factory. They are a respected music store with a great site from which people all over the world can order your CD. When someone orders your CD from this site, the Music Factory will obtain the product from Gonzales (above). Call Barry Smith at (504) 586-1094. Find your favorite Louisiana & New Orleans music, including New Orleans Jazz, Cajun music, Zydeco music, Blues, R&B, Funk, Gospel, Brass Bands, Ragtime, Reggae, Swing and more. Most titles have RealAudio clips included, and their online ordering system makes it easy to purchase your favorite CDs. The Louisiana Music Factory specializes in Louisiana & New Orleans music, and has a wide selection of hard to get titles, as well as a large collection of rare vinyl recordings.

OffBeat Magazine
504-944-4300
If you’d like your CD reviewed in OffBeat, send 2 copies of your CD to:
OffBeat Reviews
421 Frenchmen St., Suite 200, NOLA 70116

National Sources

The Orchard - Internet Distribution

SAVE $20 BY JOINING THROUGH CRESCENT MUSIC SERVICES [click here!!!]

By joining The Orchard you will receive:

• Worldwide Digital Distribution: The Orchard supplies its catalog to the major legitimate digital music services, including iTunes, BuyMusic, MusicNet, Pressplay and others, plus virtually all of the leading European DMS providers.
• Online Retail Distribution: The Orchard supplies its entire catalog to all major internet retail stores, including Amazon, CDNow and Barnes & Noble, among others.
• Physical Retail Distribution: The Orchard makes its entire catalog available to thousands of stores, including all major chain stores and independent music stores in America.

The Orchard Advantage:

• The Orchard is constantly connecting with new internet sites. As long as your title is with them, your product will be placed on these new sites.
• Placement with major distributors in the U.S. (try getting your CD into their distribution system yourself.)
• Availability and EXPOSURE on Amazon.com, CDnow, and dozens of other internet etailer sites, including sound clips.
• When you hit it big, the distribution infrastructure for sales is already in place.

You never know who might hear your music - record labels, film music editors, ad agencies, other musicians to cover your song, and of course, customers. While the Orchard does not promote your CD, the availability and exposure of your music to the world can increase sales to customers who stumble on your music. Reality check - You still must promote your music and get out there and play. No distributor is going to be your promoter or guarantee sales.

CD Baby - www.CDBaby.com
CDBaby is an online record store that only sells CDs directly from independent musicians and pays the musicians directly. Musicians can make $6-$12 per CD, and get paid weekly. They claim to be the 2nd-largest seller of independent CDs on the web, 2nd only to Amazon.