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DistroKid launches new platform for artists to sell merch directly to fans. DistroKid has launched a new direct-to-fan sales platform marking the music distributor's push beyond audio and video distribution services and into merchandise sales. The new feature, called Direct, allows musicians to set up online stores to sell merch like T-shirts, tote bags and mugs printed with album artwork. The company is rolling out the platform in beta to select artists before a broader release in the coming weeks, DistroKid said on Wednesday (October 29). While DistroKid will handle production and shipping through on-demand manufacturing, artists using Direct will retain all revenue from sales. The service costs $6 per month. Matthew Ogle, Chief Product Officer, DistroKid, said: "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." "Direct is one more way DistroKid helps artists at every step - before, during, and after they release music." Matthew Ogle, DistroKid The move represents DistroKid's effort to diversify. Founded in 2013, the New York-based company claims that it handles 30% to 40% of new music releases globally and serves more than 2 million artists. Direct builds on technology from direct-to-fan platform Bandzoogle, which DistroKid acquired in 2023. The company plans to add more merch options and fan engagement tools in the coming months. Several artists have started testing the platform. Jazz musician Devin Gray said: "DistroKid's new Direct store makes that process seamless. It takes the stress out of designing, setting up, and shipping merch, so I can focus on creating music." "DistroKid's new Direct store makes that process seamless. It takes the stress out of designing, setting up, and shipping merch, so I can focus on creating music." Devin Gray, Jazz Musician Singer/songwriter Raye Zaragoza added: "DistroKid just gave indie artists the freedom to run a full-scale merch store without needing to personally front the money or the space for the inventory. It's also more sustainable since you are only printing what is ordered. Not to mention DistroKid giving artists 100% of the earnings." Los Angeles - based singer/songwriter Jeddy Knox said: "I'd always wanted to launch merch, but it all felt too complicated to manage. DistroKid made it easy, though - I chose my artwork, picked the products, and my store was live within minutes. It made the whole process fast and painless." The merch push puts DistroKid in competition with platforms like Bandcamp, which already offer direct sales tools to musicians. Bandcamp was acquired by video game maker Epic Games in 2022, which sold it to music licensing platform Songtradr in 2023. Last month, Bandcamp launched a new subscription service called Bandcamp Clubs that gives users access to monthly record selections, listening parties, recommendations and exclusive artist content. For DistroKid, the new merch service marks its latest offering to users after integrating with Spotify in June to allow artists to upload music videos to Spotify via its DistroVid service.

DistroKid adds 'direct' merch sales. Indie D.I.Y. music distributor DistroKid has launched Direct - a new platform that brings direct-to-fan commerce to smaller independent artists. Designed to go beyond traditional distribution, Direct enables artists to create and run on-demand merch stores. DistroKid Direct makes it simple for artists to turn album or single artwork into custom t-shirts, tote bags, and mugs. All are produced and shipped on demand to fans worldwide. There's no upfront cost, no inventory management, and no third-party integrations. Artists set their own prices and keep 100% of earnings. Currently available in beta to select artists, Direct will be rolling out more widely over the next few weeks. Built for for musicians. "Direct is one more way DistroKid helps artists at every step - before, during, and after they release music," said Matthew Ogle, Chief Product Officer at DistroKid. "We're building simple tools that let artists share what they create, from music to merch and beyond. They can connect directly with the people who care about them most." Independent musicians have already started to see the benefits. Jazz artist Devin Gray shared how the platform "takes the stress out of designing, setting up, and shipping merch, so I can focus on creating music." Singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza praised the flexibility and sustainability of the service. She noted that "you are only printing what is ordered," while Jeddy Knox said the experience was "fast and painless." This allowed him to launch a merch store in minutes. Built on Bandzoogle technology & more coming. For $6 per month, artists access an integrated, automated merch store where they control their brand and profits. Direct runs on infrastructure from Bandzoogle, the website builder and direct-to-fan platform that DistroKid acquired in 2023. The plan is to leverage this tech to expand Direct in the coming months. Planned are more merch options and new ways for artists to engage directly with fans. To learn more about DistroKid direct or join the beta, visit distrokid.com/direct. Bruce Houghton is Founder & Editor of Hypebot, Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and founder of Skyline Artists.