Digital music distributor DistroKid has launched a new artist platform which aims to help artists easily set up their own online stores to sell merchandise.
The platform, called Direct, has been rolled out in beta form to select artists for now, but will be pushed more widely in the coming weeks. DistroKid will handle the production and shipping of merchandise via on-demand manufacturing, while artists will keep 100 percent of revenue from sales. The platform costs $6 per month to use, and launches in competition with similar such services from platforms like Bandcamp.
“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,” DistroKid’s chief production officer, Matthew Ogle, said.
Launched in 2013, DistroKid is an independent company that allows artists to upload releases to major streaming platforms – such as Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal – for an annual fee.
