Layoffs at CD Baby as DIY & Indie Music Distributors struggle

[UPDATED] There are staff layoffs at CD Baby, one of the largest DIY and independent music distribution services.

CD Baby lays off staff as DIY and Indie Music Distributors struggle

Downtown Music owned CD Baby has laid off staff in its creative services team.

In October, DistroKid put 37 employees on “administrative leave,” just before it’s new union was set to meet with the company to continue contract negotiations.

These layoffs come at a challenging time for DIY and independent music distributors including changes in how streamers eliminating payments to the smallest artists, more creators failing to gain traction in an oversaturated market, and a $500 million UMG vs TuneCore lawsuit alleging infringement.

“In an effort to support the changing needs of artists and the industry, we are consolidating certain CD Baby functions within Downtown and re-allocating resources towards long-term growth opportunities. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the elimination of certain roles and positions at CD Baby,” CD Baby said in a statement to Billboard. “We want to recognize the achievements of these staff members during their tenure with CD Baby. Their dedication to innovation helped CD Baby to become a globally recognized leader in the distribution space. Going forward, we will stay committed to this music-first and pioneering approach, building the services that benefit artists today and in the future.”

The most popular DIY & Independent music distributors include:

DistroKid

• Overview: A popular choice due to its affordable flat-rate pricing model, allowing unlimited uploads for a yearly fee.
• Key Features: Fast uploads, automated royalty splits, and support for all major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

TuneCore

• Overview: An established platform that charges per release but allows artists to keep 100% of their royalties.
• Key Features: Detailed analytics, publishing administration, and sync licensing options.

CD Baby

• Overview: One of the pioneers in independent music distribution, offering a one-time fee per release.
• Key Features: Distribution to all major platforms, sync licensing, and a retail store for physical CDs and vinyl.

UnitedMasters

• Overview: Geared towards connecting independent artists with brands and sync opportunities.
• Key Features: Free and subscription-based plans, brand partnerships, and mobile-first distribution.

Bandlab/ReverbNation

• Overview: Combines music distribution with promotional tools.
• Key Features: Marketing tools, gig opportunities, and fan engagement.

Symphonic Distribution

• Overview: A premium service offering additional tools like marketing, sync licensing, and analytics.
• Key Features: High-touch services and advanced analytics.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.