Welcome to Indie411.com.

People come to us all the time at Kathode Ray Music asking for recommendations. We don't do this lightly.

Below are resources that we have personally used or been referred to by a trusted colleague.


ONLINE DISTRIBUTION    

Amazon.com - The #1 distributor of independent music on the Internet. Why aren't you for sale here?

CD Baby - The 2nd largest distributor of independent music on the Internet. If you've got a CD, it needs to be for sale at CD Baby.

MERCHANT SERVICES - TAKE CREDIT CARDS!    

Click Bank - The absolute easiest way for you to sell mp3 files and other digital merchandise on your own Web site. A must have for all bands a musicians. No monthly fees.

2CheckOut - Similar to Clickbank.

Paypal (Business) - With PayPal, you can start accepting online credit card payments instantly. In addition, PayPal offers a full suite of tools to keep your payment processing running smoothly, so you can focus your energy elsewhere.

Paypal (Personal) - This a great way to send and accept payments via email. If you don't already have a Paypal account, do it now. It's free and you'll get $5 just for signing up.

ECX - If you're moving a pretty good volume of merchandise off your site and at gigs, ECX can hook you up with a competitive rate on merchant services and all you need to start taking credit cards.

TRAVEL

Hotwire - Their slogan is "Get a 4-star hotel for a 2-star price at Hotwire!" and it's true! This is the best way to book hotels rooms online.

Priceline - If you're flexible with your travel schedule, this site can save you a lot of money.

AUDIO EQUIPMENT

Internet Audio Guy - Need audio equipment? Mike Stewart at Internet Audio Guy is who I use.

Music Alley - Another great "Mom and Pop" store. Excellent service that you won't find with the big guys.

SCHEDULING TOOLS

Yahoo! Calendar - Having problems getting your band in one place? This is an easy way to schedule gigs, rehearsals, and other appointments. Best of all, it's free!

SOFTWARE  

1ShoppingCart - Shopping cart software which handles digital delivery of mp3 files and more.

AWeber Autoresponder - A great autoresponder service that will automate your email process. Perfect for sending out a newsletter or keeping your street team motivated.

AdTrackz - This software analyzes advertising & conversion stats, return on investment, affiliate sign-ups, opt-in list subscribers, etc., all it in real time... giving you a complete and accurate overview of all your marketing efforts!

Smart Page Creator - This software will help you get top placement in Google and other search engines.

1-2-3 Music Store - Online music store specially designed for independent musicians and record labels.

BUY AND SELL

eBay - Whether you’re looking for a new car or an ink jet cartridge for your printer, eBay has it. This site is also a great way to earn extra money and get rid of stuff you have no need for.

Half.com - Similar to eBay, this is a great place to pick up needed items and get rid of things you don’t need.

Amazon.com - Great deals on used books and other merchandise as well as new products.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND TOOLS

Music Business Goal Planner - Get your thoughts and promotion plan in order with this 52-week, music business goal planner.

How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business - Practical, step-by-step guide for getting more gigs, bringing more people to your shows, and making more money in music.

Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook - 201 self-promotion Ideas for songwriters, musicians, and bands.

KR Tip Sheet - Monthly listings of producers, music publishers, labels, and others looking for new music.

Blank Sheet Music - 17 music business tools to help you make more money in music.

Visit MusicBizBooks.com for more...

LEGAL SERVICES

Danica Mathes - Entertainment and Intellectual Property Attorney with Blumenfeld, Kaplan & Sandweiss, PC in St. Louis. She represents and counsels clients in various areas and genres of the arts, including music, film, radio, television, theatre, book publishing and interactive media.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

OneByteDesign - Great customer service and a "less is more" design style. Recommended for everything from CD art and layout, to ad design, to logos.

HEALTH INSURANCE

eHealthInsurance - The best deal you will find on health insurance. Get it. You don't want to wind up being the guy everybody is doing a benefit show for.

MUSIC CONFERENCES  

Nashville New Music Conference (2NMC) - Every Fall, over 2500 music business professionals and 400 showcasing bands make this national, multi-genre music business conference one you won't want to miss.

Atlantis - Summer conference in Atlanta with great networking, especially for those in the Southeast US.

NeMO - Excellent opportunity to network for those in the Northeast US (or those trying to be).

SXSW - This is the big one and anybody who is anybody in the music industry will be there. Don't miss this!

INDIE MUSIC ORGANIZATIONS  

IndieAd.org - Grassroots advertising campaign to promote awareness of independent music.

Future of Music Coalition - Not-for-profit collaboration between members of the music, technology, public policy and intellectual property law communities. The FMC aims to identify and promote innovative business models that will help musicians and citizens to benefit from new technologies.

Nashville Songwriters Association - NSAI is the world's largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization. Not just country music.

CD AND RECORD MANUFACTURING  

Oasis CD - Sampler CD program and more! Talk to Alex and mention "Indie 411" for special rates!

Disc Makers - Top customer service and great quality. Largest independent CD manufacturer in the US.

United Record Pressing - Need vinyl? This is where the major labels go for 7", 10", and 12" records.

MUSIC PROMOTION HELP  
IndieBiz.com - The cheapest way that you'll ever find to get personal music promotion help.