How an Independent Artist can Survive Tough Economic Times

It is no secret that the world is in an economic recession and consumer spending has significantly slowed. The music industry had already been facing some of its greatest challenges. As CD sales started to slow, record companies, which traditionally invest time and money in discovering new talent, instead stopped new signings and cut established acts from their roosters. The end result was an increase of Independent labels. Artists, churches or small investors generally own these labels.

At first it all seemed great as artists stepped out on their own and could now focus on making good music and have greater control. However, recent times have seen the closure of record labels and retail outlets. As a result distribution access has become more difficult to obtain.

There is a bright side to this story. One company, Comin Atcha Distribution (CAD) offers independent labels full national distribution and access to retail services for its clients. CAD distributes via Provident-Integrity (Sony) system. CAD accepts a variety of musical styles including R&B Soul, Country, Gospel and Christian Contemporary. The president of the Boston based Music Distribution Company, Joe Langham, an industry veteran, says that several years ago he set out to level the playing field for independents. Despite the current economic climate, he says, his company will continue its quest to be a ‘new haven’ for independent artists and labels. “I have spoken before about the changes that were taking place in the music industry today”, he says, “yes there are mergers and cuts and distribution companies have changed the way they conduct business, but artists still have talent, music is still being made and the new superstars are still waiting to be discovered. Comin Atcha is positioned to be the help that independent artists & labels need to get over that final hurdle.”

Langham knows that newly formed labels have thrust artists into the unfamiliar roles of record label executive, having to deal with the business side while still being the artist. “ This is one area where being affiliated with a big label helped both the established artist and the newbie,” says Langham, “ At Comin Atcha we offer all the services that the label has to deal with, from digital download services to marketing and promotions. We also offer manufacturing services.