Three different platforms providing support for independent artists have announced new features, with SoundCloud adding a ‘fan support’ tool and removing commissions from its distribution service; Bandsintown launching a new Artists Marketplace that brings together its own artist services and promotes an assortment of other providers; and DistroKid unveiling a new merch sales platform.
There are no shortage of platforms that independent artists can use to distribute and market their music, and grow and monetise their fanbases. Many of those platforms begin focused on one service, but then move into other areas too. Which is in theory all about simplifying things for artists - and reducing the number of portals they need to interact with - although it can somtimes make things a bit more confusing.
Either way, SoundCloud began as a digital content platform and moved into distribution and direct-to-fan. Bandsintown has tour listings at its core but now provides marketing tools and promotes distributors. And DistroKid, a DIY distribution platform, is moving into direct-to-fan merch.
SoundCloud
With the latest revamp of its artist subscription product, SoundCloud says it now “gives creators every tool they need to distribute, monetise and grow their audience, in one place”. The main new feature is the ‘fan support’ tool - basically a tool via which fans can make a financial donation to the artist, with supporting fans highlighted on the artist’s SoundCloud profile.
The other big change is in distribution. SoundCloud has enabled subscribers to deliver music to a plethora of other digital platforms for some time, but previously charged a 20% commission on any royalties generated on those other platforms. It will now pass on 100% of any income generated, which is much more common in the DIY distribution sector. The new Fan Support tool will also be commission free.
“SoundCloud has always been about putting artists first”, says CEO Eliah Seton, With this revamp of the company’s artist subscription product, he adds, “we’re taking that mission further by giving artists a truly all-in-one subscription, including distribution without detours, community without barriers, and monetisation without compromise, including direct support from their fans”.
Bandsintown
Tour listings aggregator Bandsintown has launched a new Artists Marketplace, which it describes as “a centralised hub of services helping independent artists reach billions of fans with their tour dates, own their fan data, and drive revenue globally”.
Artists can use the new marketplace to provide their tour dates to Bandsintown, which is in turn integrated with various streaming services and other digital platforms, meaning their gig listings will appear there too. Hence reaching “billions of fans”.
In addition to that core product, the marketplace also includes marketing and merch tools. Plus Bandsintown has allied with a range of other companies that offer distribution or promotional services - including DistroKid, Tunecore, Groover and un:hurd - which will be promoted via the new platform.
Says Bandsintown Managing Partner Fabrice Sergent, “We are on a mission to help artists connect with fans and build careers on their own terms. The Marketplace takes that mission further by ensuring artists don’t just reach billions of fans - they own those relationships and can activate them across every tool in their workflow”.
DistroKid
DistroKid’s new direct-to-fan merch service will make it easier for artists distributing their music via the platform to also turn their artwork into merch products like t-shirts, tote bags and mugs, which can then be sold direct-to-fan, with products being printed on demand.
DistroKid’s Chief Product Officer Matthew Ogle says the new service, which is called Direct, is “one more way DistroKid helps artists at every step - before, during and after they release music. We’re building simple tools that let artists share what they create, from music to merch and beyond, and connect directly with the people who care about them most”.
