Why Are Vinyl Records So Expensive?

Vinyl records have become a fan favorite as well as a significant income stream for many artists. But vinyl records are expensive and can take many weeks to produce. Discmakers CEO Tony Van Veen explains why in this short video.

Japanese Music Sales Dragging, But It Could Be Good News

While the US is well established as the largest music market in the world, number two, Japan, is perhaps less well known. Recently, the island nation’s music sales have seen a bit of slowdown, however. Still, this may not be a bad thing for the music industry overall. _________________________ Guest…

1 In 4 Albums Sold In US Last Week Were Taylor Swift’s Lover

Taylor Swift’s Lover sold 679,000 copies in the week ending Aug. 29th, according to Nielson Soundscan and Billboard. That is 27% of the total of all albums sold in the U.S. last week. Overall, 2.487 million total albums sold last week in the US across all formats of albums: CDs,…

Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ Becomes Best Selling Album 2019 Less Than 48 Hours After Release

Just 48 hours after its release, Taylor Swift’s "Lover" became the top-selling album in the U.S. for all of 2o19, according to Nielsen Music and Billboard. Released last Friday (8.23), "Lover" neared 500,000 on Saturday besting the "A Star Is Born" soundtrack who has sold 444,000 sold through the week…

The Value Of Merch Sales In Today’s Music Economy [VIDEO]

As music streaming increasingly edges out traditional physical sales, pushing them further and further to the margins, artists are becoming increasingly reliant on merch sales – once a supplementary revenue stream – as a main source of income. ___________________ Guest post by James Shotwell of Haulix With streaming music replacing…

HMV To 1000 Indie, Unsigned Bands: ‘Come Play Our Stores’

Doug Putman and HMV have announced that the famed UK music retail chain is opening its doors to developing artists and unsigned bands for in-store performances. The move is in line with the chain’s ambitions to restore its specialist credentials and create a music retail community hub, similar to Putman’s…

Up To 25% Of CDs Sold On Aamzon, eBay Are Counterfeit, says RIAA Study

Amazon and eBay are facilitating the sales of thousands of counterfeit CDs each day, according to a new study by the RIAA. The rampant sale of counterfeit CD was first revealed in 2016 studies conducted by both the RIAA and A2IM. In 2016, The Association of Independent Music issued a…

5 Top Ways To Boost Music Merch Sales

While most musicians would rather spend time focused on honing their craft than they would perfecting their salesperson skills, revenue from merch has become a key part of a touring artists income, so selling as much possible is essential. Here we look at five tried and true tactics selling more…

Are Merch Sales More Important Than Song Streams?

While streaming is the new normal for music consumption, the income that many artists receive from it is far less than needed to sustain a career. But, as some artists have learned, merch sales, remain an excellent way to net much larger profits. _____________________________________ Guest post by James Shotwell of…

CIMS Executive Director Michael Bunnell To Retire 

Michael Bunnell, Executive Director of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) has announced that he will retire at the end of the year. Andrea Paschal, CIMS’ longtime General Manager, will succeed him. Bunnell first assumed the Executive Director position in 2009. He was a founding member of CIMS in…