Streaming vs. CDs — Who wins?
We live in a streaming world — yet revenues from physical media (i.e., CDs and vinyl LPs) continue to grow every year. Read the post.
custom vinyl
Mechanical royalty rates are going up… Or are they?
The Copyright Royalty Board announced plans to increase the mechanical royalty rates for product sales, which is great for songwriters. But will streaming rates do the same? Read the post.
Sell your CDs online: Stake a tent at Bandcamp
Ready to start selling CDs and merch online? Bandcamp offers a customizable solution with the independent musician in mind. Read the post.
There’s a CD revival in the making
CD sales are up for the first time in over a decade, and we take a dive into the DIY market to explore the details of what’s being hailed as a CD revival. Read the post.
Tony’s 2021 recap and 2022 predictions for the music industry
Let’s take a look back at the year in review and go out on a limb for what could happen in 2022. We’re in unpredictable territory, but there are encouraging trends in the music industry. Read the post
The art and science of vinyl records
Excerpted from “The Musician’s Guide To Vinyl,” we review a brief history of vinyl records and share some basics when it comes to mixing for your vinyl release. Read the post.
Disc Makers is making face shields to help combat COVID-19
There’s more social distancing, more quarantining, and more medical emergencies ahead. But it’s heartening to see so many companies rushing to help defeat this crisis — and I am so proud that Disc Makers is among them. Read the post.
The vinyl manufacturing process at work (watch the video!)
Whatever your relationship to music is, the manufacturing process for CDs and vinyl is just plain cool to see in action. Let’s take a look! Read the post.
Are we witnessing the rebirth of physical media?
With the explosion of music streaming, physical media appeared to be out for the count. However, the majors are now reporting physical music revenue growth compared to 2018. Heck, even cassettes are making a comeback. Read the post.
The importance of merch for today’s working musician
Being blind hasn’t stopped Joey Stuckey from living a life of intention, joy, and music-making. He also helps design and sell his merch, which is a big part of his revenue stream as an indie artist. Read the post.
How to make more money at your merch table
Your merch table, along with the stage, is the place in the music venue representing you and your music. It’s also a key source of income, so it’s worth planning it out so you can make it easy for your fans to buy from you. Read the post.
Fully independent, and damn proud of it!
Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen shares his history with the company, the changes in the industry, and where things are heading. Read the post.
Are cassette USBs your next merch table hit? Indie Music Minute
Thinking about making cassettes? Why not cassette USBs? You can release something really deluxe with music, video, photos, journals from the road… whatever you want.
Read the post
The Indie Music Minute with Tony van Veen
The Disc Makers YouTube Channel has a new series of videos, called “The Indie Music Minute,” featuring Tony van Veen (CEO of Disc Makers) distributing bite-sized nuggets of actionable information to help you make the most of your career as an indie music artist. Read the post.
Get social with Disc Makers!
You already know that Disc Makers sets the standard for independent CD manufacturing for musicians. Now it’s time to get social with Disc Makers’ social media. Read the post.