Music & Distribution

How is music distributed today?

Digital Service Providers: 

1. iTunes
2. Spotify
3. Beatport
4. Amazon Music
5. Google Play
6. Deezer
AND MANY MORE!

Professional record labels have deals with distribution companies who send their records to stores (physical or digital).
Digital has become very popular now as it is becoming the primary factor, with a huge cost reduction of not having to create a physical product. Resulting in more labels releasing new records on digital only. An exception would have to be records put on compilation albums ('Ibiza Summer Deep House Hits') which is made is small batches for sale via merchandise stores or radio charts.

The process of making a physical product involves copying the music onto CDs or pressing vinyls and having booklets, sleeves and cases made. Bigger labels however usually manufacture on larger distributors who are able to reduce costs. CDs/vinyls are the shipped to different distributors per region who spread to stores within their area of expertise. Bigger labels work with distributors on a territory basis - North America (America & Canada), Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.