New Subscription Model Is Disrupting The Digital Music Industry

The L.A.-based indie record label Stones Throw has launched its own “Digital Discography,” which offers subscribers every new release from the label via email for $10 a month. This new artist-supporting business model for the digital music industry is based on consumer trust in a label.

The digital music subscription service will deliver new Stones Throw albums, singles and EPs to subscribers’ inbox as they are released, in the form of 320 kbps DRM-free MP3s, which they can download anytime and anywhere. Members will also have access to music from the catalog, advance material and exclusive tracks, mixes and sessions, all for just $10 a month.

The Digital Discography has been launched in partnership with Drip.fm, a platform created by electronic label Ghostly International to offer its own subscription service and help other music labels do the same. Stones Throw’s initial launch includes their three latest releases, Homeboy Sandman’s Subject: Matter EP, The Minimal Wave Tapes Vol. 2 (advance release exclusively on drip.fm) and M.E.D.’s Classic Instrumentals LP.

Aside from our long-running free podcast series, this is the first subscription service we’ve ever been able to offer.  We’ve spent a few months in planning with Drip.fm, developed by our friends at Ghostly International.  We think their service is a great one, and we’re proud to work together.

Stones Throw