SoundCloud is partnering with elasticStage to allow artists to sell vinyl with no upfront cost and no minimum order requirement. Artist Pro users can join a waitlist now to secure their capabilities in creating their own vinyl releases from tracks uploaded on SoundCloud, and with the option to add credits and upload artwork.
Using elasticStage’s resources, approved SoundCloud Artist Pro users (more on that later) will have access to the platform’s print-on-demand model. Fans can then purchase physical music instantly, while artists begin earning from the first sale.
“Vinyl sales have surged over 300% since 2016, yet most independent artists have been excluded from this growth due to high manufacturing costs and logistical limitations,” said Eliah Seton, SoundCloud CEO. “At SoundCloud, we’re committed to helping artists thrive by providing new opportunities for connection and monetization. This partnership is another step toward ensuring that every artist—no matter where they are in their career—has the tools to build a sustainable career.”
SoundCloud will allow users to utilize the service based on a few approval criteria, “beginning with current Artist Pro users in good standing,” per a press release. All processing, shipping, and customer service requests will be handled by elasticStage with shipping available to over 90 countries. ElasticStage also ensures there will be no leftover stock in users’ orders, as their on-demand model only produces what is ordered.
“We created elasticStage’s on-demand vinyl technology to make physical music as accessible as streaming for artists and music fans everywhere,” stated Steve Rhodes, elasticStage CEO and co-founder. “Records have been bringing fans closer to their favourite artists for decades, but today’s modern music creators are now shut out of the vinyl market by high costs and outdated practices – our mission is to break down these barriers so musicians can sell vinyl with zero cost or risk. SoundCloud’s artist-centric platform is a perfect fit for us, and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with them to help independent artists connect with fans and build long-lasting music careers.”
The partnership launches with vinyl from artists including AM.RADIO, Blonde Maze, Diorvsyou, Kelcey Ayer and Raina Simone.
