THE FUTURE OF MUSIC DISTRIBUTION PT.1 | MEET DRIP.FM
After our discussion on the future of publishing, C+E will be speaking to those pushing the boundaries in sister industries.
This time we speak to music subscription service Drip.FM brainchild of Sam Valenti IV of Ghostly International and Miguel Senquiz creating a way for fans and labels to connect with one another via a monthly drip feed of albums from the likes of Ghostly, Planet E, Mad Decent, Stones Throw and Rough Trade.
With fans being sent new albums and exclusive content from labels they love for between $10 and $15 dollars a month, it’s a superb way to remain connected whilst creating an adjacent revenue stream for smaller labels.
We speak to Sam and Miguel about Drip.FM, musical equilibrium, revenue and the future as well as participating label, Planet E, about their involvement.
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What inspired the creation of Drip.FM?
There was a place that we felt was lacking for music fans to be able to connect directly to the labels and artists they love and support them at the same time. As label runners, we also felt the innovation needed to come from those who live and breathe this stuff, so that we could speak to the needs of labels and artists.
You’ve a rather tasty collection of labels on there. What was the criteria of the labels you partnered with?
We want to work with labels that have great integrity, and are forward thinking about their role in the future of music.
Do you believe there’s an equilibrium to be found? Are we almost there already?
As humans we crave an equilibrium, but with media and technology, I’m not sure there ever is a “balance” to be struck, especially with music. Because music is so crucial to our lives and technology is forever changing, we will probably have new options to enjoy forward thinking music.
A little off piste, but do you also keep an eye out on the activities of sister industries such as literary publishing?
Yes of course, printed media is an interest of ours and think it shows different ways. When planning for drip.fm we thought about magazines and other forms of subscription media as an example.
Are there any labels you’re currently in talks with that we should know about?
We just launched Domino, Morr Music and Dead Oceans, more to come soon. : )
Once out of BETA phase, will you be opening up the framework to smaller labels? Or, perhaps, to larger ones?
We are hearing from different people all the time and learning how to make a better platform for any kind of music.
And finally, what’s next in the world of Drip.FM?
More great music!
PLANET E
We speak to Monty Luke from the seminal 20 year old Detroit techno label Planet E about their involvement in Drip.FM.
What was it about Drip.FM that took your fancy?
After Sam approached us about it and presented the idea, it was a no-brainer. To be alongside important labels and colleagues like Ghostly, Stonesthrow and Dirtybird in this crazy experiment is an honor and great opportunity.
Obviously this is a completely digital platform. Do you miss/feel that there’s something to be said still for the physical connection?
We still sell physical product, this is a new avenue for us. we are all about pushing forwards and finding new directions.
Will you be extending your Planet E fanbase an opportunity to receive physical bits also?
It has been discussed, but we also have these kinds of things available on our shop site: shop.planet-e.net.
Where do you envisage the future of music to be?
A disruptive, volatile landscape where on the most adept survive. And flying cars.
Is there anything else on Planet E dropping soon that our readers should know about? We are continuing to drip releases on the subscription service. In the physical realm, we have the upcoming Carls Davis “Last Decade” 12” release, which is a collection of Carl’s tracks we recently unearthed. And here in Detroit we’re preparing for the Movement Festival.
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