Leerecs
Direct-to-Fan Music Sales
A practical guide to selling music directly to fans — with no label, no algorithm, and no royalty pool dilution.
Why Direct-to-Fan Sales
The streaming model pays fractions of a cent per play. For an independent artist with 5,000 dedicated fans, streaming generates almost nothing — while those same fans, if they could buy directly, would represent real sustainable revenue.
Direct-to-fan sales converts fan engagement into direct revenue. The mechanics are simple: the fan finds the music, pays for it, and the artist receives the money. No royalty pool. No quarterly statement. No algorithm deciding who sees the release.
What You Can Sell on Leerecs
- Digital downloads: MP3 320kbps, Lossless FLAC, WAV 24-bit
- Cassettes: on-demand, custom artwork, no minimum order
- CDs: jewel case, full-color booklet, on demand
- Vinyl: 140g 12" records, on demand
The Economics
Revenue comparison — 1,000 fans engaging with a $10 album:
| Leerecs direct sale ($10 album) | ~$8,500 (after fee) |
| Streaming (1,000 fans × 10 plays each) | ~$40–$50 |
Artist Quotes
"I want to tell the people who I am with my music."
FAQ
What is direct-to-fan music sales?
Selling music directly to fans through a storefront the artist controls — without a label, streaming royalty pools, or algorithmic gatekeeping.
How do I start selling music directly to fans?
List your music on Leerecs, set your price, choose your formats, and your storefront is live. Fans purchase directly.
Is direct-to-fan sales better than streaming?
Per unit of fan engagement, yes significantly. A fan buying a $10 album generates $10. The same fan streaming 500 times generates ~$2.50.