RE: [Harp-L] how do we best support harp players when buying their music?

[Tom Ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

Marc asked:
If an artist has music available through multiple retail outlets 
(music stores, Amazon.com, CDbaby, iTunes, and/or other venues), 
which is the most supportive way to buy their music? Which option 
puts more money in the artist's pocket? Is it more important that 
they have higher sales figures on something mainstream like 
amazon.com or iTunes or that they receive a higher amount of 
royalties via a lesser-known retail outlet? For those of you who sell 
your music, do you have a preference (beyond that people buy and 
listen to it in the first place)?
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The best scenerio is always to buy directly from the artist, if 
possible. Anytime you can eliminate the middlemen, both the purchaser 
and the artist can get a better deal.  Sales figures at places like 
Amazon and iTunes are pretty much irrelevant at this level.

Granted, it's not always possible to buy direct. In that case, CDBaby 
is preferable to Amazon, at least from the artist's perspective.  The 
Amazon Advantage program is such that Amazon receives 55% (and the 
artist 45%) of the selling price.

All of this assumes that the CD is self-produced, however.  When an 
artist has a label deal, 100% of the proceeds on a CD (bought 
anywhere except directly from the artist) goes to the record company. 
Then, much later, the artist *might* receive a "royalty."  Of course 
there are two sides to that story -- when an artist has a label deal, 
at least s/he can be theoretically assured of distribution and 
promotion. Speaking for myself, I've had very pleasant label deals 
with several labels -- most notably Flying Fish, Rounder, Kicking 
Mule, Taxim and No Guru. Also had a few losers which I shant mention 
in a public forum.  :)

So in a nutshell, the direct route is always best for all concerned. 
But believe me, all of us are just plain thrilled to make ANY sale, 
no matter how it's accomplished!

cheers,
Tom Ball
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new CD at
http://CDBaby.com/cd/tomball3/from/havaball