Distribution and services company Vydia, founded by Roy LaManna in 2013, has announced that it is expanding into physical distribution and e-commerce services, marking an expansion beyond its existing online revenue management solutions for labels.
To realize its physical distribution plans, the gamma-owned company has partnered with AMPED, an independent distributor with a substantial customer base, to support operations across North America, Vydia said in a recent press release.
The collaboration aims to take advantage of AMPED’s distribution network to enhance Vydia’s physical releases. AMPED, a part of Alliance Entertainment, directly services brick-and-click retailers, large and small, along with direct consumers.
“I am truly honored and excited that Vydia has partnered with AMPED to distribute their physical releases. Vydia is a remarkable team with no shortage of amazing artists and we look forward to executing their vision,” said Dean Tabaac, Head of AMPED.
Additionally, Vydia has joined forces with [Integral], the distribution and services division of [PIAS], to support its international strategy. With over 40 years of experience, [Integral] will contribute distribution, sales, and complimentary services to Vydia’s global endeavors.
“We’re delighted that [Integral] will work alongside Vydia, gamma, and their label partners to drive the physical retail business forward across Vydia’s broad and eclectic roster of quality artists and repertoire,” said Adrian Pope, Managing Director of [Integral].
Vydia’s entry into physical distribution aligns with industry trends, as highlighted by the RIAA 2022 Year-End report, which noted continued growth in revenues from physical music formats. CD sales in 2022 in the US alone reached USD $483 million, while vinyl sales surged 17% to $1.2 billion, Vydia said, citing data from the RIAA.
The resurgence of vinyl records, accounting for 71% of physical format revenues, presents an opportunity for Vydia to tap into the collector and superfan market.
To spearhead this strategy, Vydia has brought on Alexander Brody as the Head of Physical Distribution & E-Commerce Sales. Brody, with nearly 20 years of experience, has held leadership positions at The Orchard and RED Distribution, where he led marketing initiatives across a range of retail channels, including independent record stores, online stores, retail chains, and wholesalers.
At Vydia, Brody will collaborate with the Label Relations, Label Services, Tech Services, and Client Success teams to develop and execute physical distribution strategies on behalf of Vydia clients.
“Vydia’s move into physical distribution & e-commerce supports our commitment of providing music entrepreneurs with the tools and services to power their business.”
Mark Gorman, Vydia
Commenting on his appointment, Brody said, “I’m thrilled to join Vydia at such an exhilarating time for the company. I look forward to taking my nearly 20 years of experience to build out a team entrusted by labels and their artists for all of their retail and direct-to-consumer needs.”
The company also plans to launch an end-to-end e-commerce service within its platform by the end of this year. The service will help Vydia’s clients establish and manage their direct-to-consumer stores and merchandise. This initiative is in line with Vydia’s existing service to provide independent labels and music entrepreneurs with the tools and services needed to boost their revenue, the company said.
“Vydia’s move into physical distribution & e-commerce supports our commitment of providing music entrepreneurs with the tools and services to power their business. We firmly believe in the positive impact these new offerings will have within our community,” said Mark Gorman, Co-President of Vydia.
As part of Vydia’s expansion, the company has also collaborated with gamma and Death Row Records to release a limited-edition, 30th-anniversary vinyl of Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, available for pre-order with exclusive color variants. The record will be available at Amazon, Walmart and other independent record stores.
Founded by US-based A&R and former Apple Music Global Creative Director Larry Jackson, gamma acquired Vydia earlier this year.
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