Not too long ago, the only way to get massive exposure for your music was by getting signed with one of the major record labels (such as Warner Brothers and BMG). However, getting signed by a major label was an obstacle that most bands were unable to overcome, and so along came the independent record labels (or indies). Unfortunately, especially in the beginning, these were often geared towards genre or local music.

However, the Internet has had an enormous impact on the way bands and other artists have been able to secure huge followings and experience substantial album sales without even being signed to a label. Instead of merely selling CD’s at performances, musicians can now easily promote their music online, sell CD’s and MP3 downloads, and basically have orders processed and shipped automatically.

One of the best ways to promote your music on the Internet is through the Create Space service (http://www.songwritersguide.com/createspace.html). Through them you can distribute your music on Amazon.com and other sales channels as an audio CD or MP3 download. There are no inventory requirements or set-up fees, and you can set your own list price for your CD’s. (The link above also details how the “Band From TV” achieved #1 on Amazon.com’s best-seller list for CD sales using Create Space… click on “Showcase”.)

No matter what avenue you use for promoting and selling your music online, you should always remain actively involved in the marketing of your music. And, while you may not have the resources available to you that many of the record labels have for promoting their artists, you do have nearly countless methods of online and offline promotion that are either free to use or close to it.

The days of record labels are certainly not over, and signing up with one can be an excellent option given the right set of circumstances. However, don’t let the lack of getting signed with a label stop you from getting the word out to the masses about your music (and make some good money while you’re at it)!

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Brian Cook is a published songwriter (with airplay… not alot though!) whose articles on music and songwriting have appeared in various books and websites.

You can find more of these at SongwritersGuide.com.

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