There are a couple of sites that when you order a physical CD they send you a link so that you can download the tracks straight away and dont have to wait to listen.


I agree that the artists intention when producing a physical CD is often to present the whole package as one - its the way I like to purchase music myself. I am however suggesting that its worth considering alternatives and whether adding downloads as an option for physical CD buyers is worth thinking about.

Money wise you dont have to use CDBaby - and certainly you dont have to use them or similar EXCLUSIVLY. The main reason for using digital distributors like CDBay is that they get into markets we cant (iTunes, Tower Records etc.) May not be relevant to a folk artist - probably isnt. But my main point is that you get 100% of the money (almost!) if you put the downloads on your own website and have a Paypal shop for people to pay.