Digital distribution packages now come with different angles and options. Catapult Digital Distribution helps artist and labels get their music on iTunes and other major online retailers. Their distribution outlets include: iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, Emusic, Amazon mp3, Best Buy Digital Music Store, Connect, Puretracks, Audio Lunchbox, Urge, Independent Bands, V Cast.

The cost for setup is only $25. There are no yearly or monthly charges. I was shocked at first to see this pricing because services like Tunecore and Songcast have yearly or monthly costs and basically provide the same service. The difference between services lies in the amount of royalties you want to receive, and what payment structure fits your bands needs.

1. Catapult: 91-95% royalties, $25 setup fee, no monthly or yearly fee
2. Songcast: 100% royalties, $25 setup fee, $5.99/month for unlimited albums
3. Tunecore: 100% royalties, $19.98 setup fee, $19.98/year per album

The plans listed above all have great aspects and are affordable. The question really lies in factoring your specific costs according to your future plans. I currently use Songcast because I like the fact you can get 100% royalties and you can upload unlimited albums, which means alot for our record label.

Catapult gives another easy option to upload your music with major online retailers, explore your choices and see which one you suits your needs best.

Find different ways to market your music, keep the independent spirit alive.

Songcast has an amazing service. You get to have the same benefits as a major label with this form of distribution. Songcast is a music distribution service that places your music with major online retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, eMusic and many more if you choose. The beauty of this service is that you dont have to worry about waiting for independent submission to each retailer, they take care of the dirty work.

To get the process started, you create an account and upload your album. You then choose where you want your music. You have the option of distribution just on iTunes or adding more stores such as Napster, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Puretracks.

To begin you must make sure you have a barcode and album art for submission. Some services offer these at an additional cost. As an independent artist, I needed both and didn’t want to spend more money. Currently till the end of this month, Songcast is offering a FREE UPC Barcode and album cover design.

The current pricing is very affordable. You get membership for $5.99 a month or pay for the year upfront and earn some months for free, depending on current promotion. I use Songcast and paid upfront for the year and earned two free months of distribution. The monthly fee allows you to upload an unlimited amount of albums to your account, which makes it great for my future projects.

You maintain the rights to your music and recordings and you can also cancel the service anytime. You don’t have to live in the United States to use this service, so you can set up your record label anywhere across the world.

If you don’t have an album, then just upload a single or EP. For more information, visit Songcast and judge for yourself.