Selling music in h.m.v and the like

Jim Link

Hello there,

We have just finished recording our bands first e.p and want to get into major record shops like H.M.V. We have got it sorted for I Tunes and most internet based music stores but there seems to be a lack of info out there on how to sell it in HM.V and the like Has anyone had any experience in doing this and if so what is the right road to go down?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thank you,

Jim

joeygl

Hey Jim,

I'm not too up on the scene myself, but on researching it a bit more it seems that to hit the major retail outlets nationwide, you have to have a "distribution deal" I think EMI would be an example. Where you make an agreement for them to distribute your music on your behalf. I suppose just check out the irish ones first and see how u get on, but you can get international ones who distriubte it anywhere for ya.

Sorry for the sucky advice but thats all i got!
Cheers
Joeygl

Briandamage

I know you definitely have to have a barcode for HMV etc.
And if you want to get it into a whole chain of shops you'd have to have a distribution deal. But even without one you can still get into individual local stores, eg a Galway band could have their CD on sale in HMV Galway but not in other HMV stores. You need to speak to the individual store manager/department buyer and see if you can do a deal.

son.of.jimi

If you contact RMG they'll be able to help you out, they're one of the biggest irish distributors that deal with HMV and the like but go in with a definate plan of where you think your target audience is. demand, etc it's the dirty side of it but sure make sure your manager (if you have one) is up to date with everything. RMG will sort out your barcode/packaging but you need to have everything else ready for them so be prepared.

Hope this is helpful.

P.S make sure you register all your material with I.M.R.O

BumbleB

I had dealings with HMV, they give you about 10 forms to fill out etc. I got the impression they just want top 40 music .You are best off going to independent record shops much more approachable.and good luck !

-Chris-

Normally if you do an instore performance with Tower they'll then stock your CD. Might be a foot iin the door before talking to other retail outlets.