IdM EXCLUSIVE: From Cd's to Digital Download Cards

Here's an idea worth considering.....digital download cards that report your sales.

It’s no secret the music industry is and will continue to be digital, yet sometimes I wonder why I see so many independent artists still trying to sell old-school CDs at their shows. Let’s face it people, CDs are done.

Allow me to introduce you to SoundLoad Music, a new way to sell your digital music in the physical world. SoundLoad is a new company that provides artists and labels with customized digital download cards, that upon redemption, count for a SoundScan.

CAN YOU SAY WOW!!!

SoundLoad offers a new medium that combines traditional album sales with a contemporary digital music model. With their innovative redemption process they allow artist and labels the ability to track and report sales, so that every redeemed SoundLoad Card (with a unique PIN) is counted as the sale of (1) album or single by the same information system used to gather sales data for the Billboard charts.

Stop spending your money on pressing up old-fashion Compact Disks, and start reaping the benefits of digital download cards.

SoundLoad cards provide you with a “vehicle” that “drives” traffic to YOUR website or MySpace page, instead of hoping someone will remember to visit your website or expect that they will remember how to spell your name. The cards are a fresh new way to reach your fans and at the same time they help you promote and build YOUR brand.

In addition to reporting sales, the cards are also used to collect back-end data, such as fan's e-mail addresses. This way you are building a data base of valuable information from the people who are interested in your music, and with your SoundLoad account you can log-in anytime to view this information.

All MP3’s attached to SoundLoad Music cards are D.R.M.-free downloads and your fans will not be required to sign up for an account to redeem their card. Additionally, they are not bombarded with advertisements or spam, nor are they allowed access to other client’s promotions.

Independent artists have seen a steady decline in ways to get their material out there; from retail stores not accepting consignments to established MP3 stores making it almost impossible to get their material added in a timely fashion. SoundLoad cards will help drive the sales back into the hands of the artist. SoundLoad's goal is to help defer the high cost of producing, recording, and marketing your album, by ultimately providing an alternative means of producing the final product: cheaper, more efficiently, and at a far better value than a Compact Disk.

In addition to your music files, any file that can be uploaded to a computer can be downloaded from a SoundLoad card. No file size is too large.

1. A full length album (up to 30 tracks)
2. A single (up to 3 tracks)
3. High quality video content
4. Album artwork and credits on a .pdf file
5. Electronic Press Kits
6. Info. on upcoming events or concert dates
7. Special offers, discounts, or promotional packages

Digital album cards are another example of necessity breeding invention and as the majors try to squeeze out a bit more revenue from old-line retail, the music market will continue to move online.

To learn more or to request additional info, contact Lauren Zelgewicz at 678-468-6907 or by email at lauren@soundloadmusic.com.