ABSTRACT

Music distributors are a vital conduit in getting physical and digital music product from record labels ’ creative hands into the brick-and-mortar and virtual retail environment. Recognize that as the marketplace shifts to a digital environment, distribution companies are reevaluating their value in the food chain and continually developing sales models that refl ect direct sales opportunities to music consumers. By the end of 2008, nearly 1 out of every 4 albums purchased were at “ nontraditional ” outlets, which include digital services, Internet retailers, mail order, “ nontraditional stores, ” and concerts. Whatever the sales channel, distribution companies think of themselves as extensions of the record labels that they represent.