About IDC

About IDC...

Imagine if independent labels could harness the power of the major's distribution "Machine". Many independent labels, which have already had limited success on their own, banding together to create a stronger force as one cohesive collective. Each label already has standing in its own community, with a small sales force and a "Street Team". Each label already has artists and branding, websites and sales contacts. If these labels unite under one distribution banner, the power and market share would reflect a huge spike in each label's profit. This will allow each label to foster new and different products, and to underwrite the cost out of this new found profit. With the addition of other independent labels, and a marketing plan that focuses on expanding territories at a slow but steady rate, as well as claiming and exploiting new undeveloped, underdeveloped, and non-traditional sales points, as well as using each label's local business office as a subsidiary, the concept of an Independent Distribution Collective (IDC) is born.

Building on this concept as a base, IDC hopes to help the next generation of musicians and producers get their music to market. Never before has a distributor opened it's doors to the thousands of talented artists and musicians who work so hard to score a record deal. The idea is that many of these people could bring a CD to market, without the overhead of a middle man. IDC will actively promote its services to the thousands of bands and solo artists who have spent years trying to secure that ever-elusive "Distribution Deal".

IDC's Mission Statement

The music business is like the ocean in many ways, there are thousands of unexplored areas, and it seems deeper and more vast then many other businesses, yet there are eddies and currents that force actions and indeed opposite reactions. For most of the past 40 years, the music business has been a very profitable enterprise. The concept of taking someone with talent, and combining marketing, exposure, and a "Machine" type method of distribution with the end all goal of making "Stars" seemed to work for many years. In early 2000, many of the rules changed with the explosion of Napster and Mp3.com. Many up-and-coming artists used these portals to expose and showcase music to a huge potential listening audience. Fans then became enraged with major labels charging upwards of $18 for a new release from a favorite artist or band, when the first CD they bought at a show, when the band was unsigned was only $10.

Independent Distribution Collective is a type of music distribution association that has never existed outside of the major label system before in the United States. Although the majors have used this business model for years with great success, it has become apparent that the only way for independent labels to flourish in these uncertain times is to unite and use all of the tools available to them, to compete on the same field as the other, much larger, more powerful players. With a marketing plan that focuses on the growth of each label, and the collective as a whole over the next five to ten years, full exploitation of worldwide and non-traditional sales points, and a strong desire to succeed, IDC will allow a new generation of music products to reach its audience, without the downside risk of each label going it alone. Each label is an ally in the whole process, meaning that its resources become part of the collective's assets, and in turn when a label succeeds, the whole collective succeeds.

Management Team

Steffen Franz, aka Stand Out Selector, President & Founder

(see bio and resume below)

Melissa Baker who holds a degree in marketing, and who consults on many of the collective's marketing decisions, branding, and to some extent, its overall direction.

Advisory Board

Kurt Kunselman aka El Kutre - President of Chameleon Music, Founder of AMP3, MBA, Director of Digital Content (IDCD) and IDC Business Development Consultant http://www.chameleonmusic.com

Scott Smith, Esq. - General Counsel http://www.xamsports.com

Russell Gerlach, who was director of West Coast A&R for Artist Only Records for 4 years, and who works publicity for Reggae industry giants Burning Spear and Toots & the Maytals. Russell will act as a special liaison to the Reggae Community.

Greg Gordon, President of Pyramind Sound, and a former governor of the SF chapter of NARAS and co-chair of the Producers & Engineers committee and the dance music committee http://www.pyramind.com

Allen Whitman, a 30-year veteran musician, composer and music journalist, a founding member of SF Surf supergroup The Mermen.

Dr. Michael Hajimichael, PhD, performer, and college professor, with over 20 years experience in the international music industry. Haji will help oversee IDC's European development in the coming years. http://www.hajimike.com

Ces-One, well-known Bay Area hip-hop producer and performer. Ces will act as a special liaison to the Hip Hop Community.

Owen Maigret, Visual Artist, Artist Manager, Label Owner for 10 years. Owen has been a huge supporter of IDC in the past, and will head up IDC's Latin American expansion over the next few years. http://www.owenart.net or http://www.clsg.biz

Steffen Franz, aka Stand Out Selector - President & Founder

Stand Out Selector, aka Steffen Franz is well known as a dancehall innovator. As a DJ/Producer/Remixer and the owner of PSM Recordings, he has been bringing his conscious reggae vibes to throngs of people from New York to the Hawaiian islands (and San Francisco in between). A New York City native, SOS moved to Maui, Hawaii in 1991, where he broke the freshest dancehall tracks to scores of local people, as well as tourists from around the globe, at Studio 505, a nightclub co-owned by Stephen Stills. During that time he also managed and produced Marty Dread & Culture Shock, easily the most popular reggae band in the islands. July of 1993 brought him to San Francisco, after spending the previous six months commuting back and forth between California & Maui, making connections and playing in such venues as Miss Pearl's Jam House & The Kennel Club among others. It was these connections that made the July move possible. Together with former partner Stefan G. (renowned video/multimedia specialist), Positive Sound Massive a brand new concept in global sound systems, was formed. PSM, as a sound system, features an array of international vocalists, rappers, toasters and musicians, along with rapper Wookie J., whom SOS imported from Maui. In the Late 1990's, SOS DJed at hundreds of shows throughout California, Nevada, Washington, New York and even in Australia & New Zealand, where he played opening and break sets for the Beastie Boys "Hello Nasty" World Tour. He has produced dozens of multi-artist stage shows and the Nicodemus "Dancehall Giant Tour", as well as the Rocker-T "If Yu Luv Luv, Show Ya Luv" tour featuring Shinehead and Sleepy Wonder. He has remixed tracks for artists such as: Barrington Levy "Work" (MCA), Capleton "Wings of the Morning" (DefJam/RAL), Beenie Man "Tear off Mi Garment" (Island JA); as well as produced tracks for artists such as Nicodemus, Shinehead, Ras Michael, Barrington Levy, Rocker-T, Jamalski, Wookie J., Karney, DJ Collage, and SF local hip hop group New Dealers. Since forming PSM, SOS worked as Reggae Buyer for Rough Trade Records in San Francisco, and as Reggae Editor for American Music Press, a bay area music monthly. From 1994 through 1998, Steffen was the Production Manager for the Paradise Lounge and Transmission Theater in San Francisco and still found time to write and review for independent publications. Since leaving The Paradise Lounge in the summer of 1998, he has tour managed Mix Master Mike, traveling the globe on both of Mike's solo tours as well as with the Beastie Boys. SOS also fronts an alternative rock group called Crocodile Tears, plays bass in a Stoner Rock band called Not For Not, as well as is a member of "biL" a dancehall, surf, hip hop, who-knows-what else conglomeration of excellence. For the past few years SOS has been running a small management company as well, called Positive Sound Management. PSManagement currently represents Rocker-T, Poetz4Peace, Haji Mike, Cas Lucas, Ian Collins, and Karney, exclusively and has been consulting with a number of other well known and up and coming artists. Look for an ever expanding stable of artists and bands in the years ahead. For artist management consideration please contact brad@independentdistro.com Other recent developments include launching IDC in 2004 and growing the company from 9 labels to over 200 releases in just 3 years. In addition to lauching a physical distribution company, which now includes both Digital Distribution and Film and DVD distribution, SOS has also developed services like "InstantDistro" and "A La Carte Management" which will both help forward the music community and educate a whole new crop of up and coming artists. Other recent studio works include production for over a dozen artists and bands these past few years. Production and Engineering credits include: Nuffsed "Ignite the Fuse", Rastrillos "Se Acabo El Reve", Haji Mike "The Storyman", Jahson Ites "Forward Outta Babylon", and new releases from Bhi Bhiman and Lou Dog Trio. SOS also teaches Music Business 301 at The Institute for Advanced Digital Audio Training in San Francisco. STAND OUT SELECTOR – DISCOGRAPHY 1992 "Wicked Wahine" - Marty Dread and Culture Shock (Five Corners Music) Co-Producer 1993 "Work" Hip-Hop and House Versions - Barrington Levy (MCA Records) Remixer "Sex & Guns" b/w "Unity" - PSM (PSM Records) Co-Producer, Artist 1994 "Bluevisions: The Solo Series" - Various Artists (RCA/Bluevision) Co-Producer "No Bow Down" - Ras Michael (PSM Recordings) Producer 1995 "Wings of the Morning" - Capleton feat Method Man (Def Jam/RAL) Remixer 1996 "Tear off Mi Garment" - Beenie Man (Island JA) Remixer 1997 "Time's Up" - Various Artists (PSM Recordings) Producer, Artist "Jah Everlasting/True Freedom Fighters" - Rocker-T./Jamalski (PSM) Producer "Girl's Pet" - Nicodemus (Kulcha Shok Muzik) Co-Producer "Under 16-Time Is Serious Mix" - Barrington Levy (KSM) Co-Producer "Race To The Sun" - New Dealers (Dila Productions) Remixer 1998 "Magic Thumper-6 Song EP" - biL (bathed in Light) Co-Producer/Co-Composer "Urban Reggae Vibes: Reggae, Dub, Ska" Sonoton Music Producer/Composer 1999 "Best New Album" - New Dealers (Dila Productions) Producer "Smell My Favorite" "Hot Wheels"- biL (EA Sports) Co-Composer/Producer "Tru Ganjaman EP" - Rocker-T (PSM Recordings) Co-Composer/Producer "If Yu Luv Luv, Show Ya Luv" - Rocker-T (PSM) Co-Composer/Producer 2000 "Mi Selecta" - Various Artists (PSM Recordings) Composer/Producer "Riddim Please" - Positive Sound Massive (PSM Recordings) Composer/Producer "Cyber Supplement" - Various Artists (PSM Recordings) Co-Producer "Prophets of the Most High" - Rocker-T (PSM Recordings) Co-Composer/Producer 2001 "Western Edition" - Various Artists (in process) (PSM) Composer/Producer "Shellshok Girl" SOS Remix - Karney (Tangent Records) Co-Composer/Remixer "Magic Thumper" - biL (PSM Recordings) Co-Producer/Co-Composer, Artist 2002 "A New Day Dawning" EP - Poetz4Peace (Olive Tree Music) Co-Composer/Producer "More Luv" - Rocker-T (PSM Recordings) Co-Composer/Co-Producer "My Little Bush" 7" - Karney feat DJ SOS (PSM) Co-Composer/Co-Producer/Artist 2003 "Retrospect" EP - Rocker-T (Conquering Lion Soundz/PSM) Co-Composer/Producer "It's My Life" EP - El Rock (First Class Noiz) Producer "A Pair of Olive Leaves" - Poetz4Peace (Olive Tree Music) Composer/Producer/Artist 2004 "Standout's Beat Sampler" - 60 Various Instrumentals Composer/Producer "Cyprus Thing Vol. 1" - Various Artists (Olive Tree Music) Composer/Producer 2005 "Ignite the Fuse" - Nuffsed (Best Coast Records) - Producer/Engineer "Se Acabo El Reve" - Rastrillos (P Y P Records) Producer/Engineer "The StoryMan" - Haji Mike (Olive Tree Music) - Composer/Producer/Engineer "Music Is Joy" - Various Artists (Olive Tree Music) - Composer/Producer "American Rasta" 12" Remix - Version (New Blues Musik) - Remixer/Producer 2006 "Judgement Day" - Bill Ortiz (Tangent Records) - Co- Producer "Not For Not 6 Song EP" - Not For Not (Independent) - Producer /Artist 2007 "Forward Outta Babylon" - Jahson Ites (Sick Donkey) - Composer, Engineer, Producer "Album Title TBA" - Bhi Bhiman (Independent) - Engineer, Co-Producer "Runt of the Litter" EP - Lou Dog Trio (Independent) - Engineer, Producer *Stand Out Selector is a member in good standing of ASCAP. Resume 2004—present Independent Distribution Collective, Independent Distribution Collective Digital (IDCD) and Independent Distribution Collective Film (IDCF) San Francisco, CA President/CEO/Managing Partner Owner and managing partner of 100 label independent distribution company. Current projects also include development of "InstantDistro" and "A La Carte Management Consultation" programs, as well as some other major services and programs inside of IDC's current business framework. 1993—present Positive Sound Massive Recordings, Positive Sound Management, San Francisco President/CEO Owner & operator of independent record label specializing in dancehall reggae and other turntable friendly music. The artist management business has 5 to 7 clients at any one time. September 1994—1999 Paradise Lounge/Transmission Theatre, SF, Production Manager/Floor Manager Technical direction and lighting design, as well as all aspects of nightclub management for high volume, live venue. Design and Installation of lighting and video systems for Transmission Theatre. 1993—1994 The Crash Palace/Kennel Club, SF, Technical Director/Lighting Designer Also DJed weekly worldbeat night, as well as booking both national and local acts. American Music Press, San Francisco, Reggae Editor Wrote monthly feature entitled "What A Gwan", edited reggae section, compiled reviews, charts and solicited advertising for a 20,000 circulation, independent, bay area music newspaper. Rough Trade Records, San Francisco, Reggae Buyer Dealt with all functions of large volume record store, including ordering, inventory, displays and special events coordination for events such as WOMAD, Reggae in the Park, Reggae by the Bay, and others. 1991—1993 Marty Dread & Culture Shock, Maui, HI Manager/Producer Handled booking, accounting, production, inter-island transportation and promotion for local reggae band. Studio 505, Maui, HI House DJ Played music nightly to international audience in 400 person capacity, high-profile nightclub. 1984—1991 Technical Director The Red Zone, New York, NY La Palace de Beaute, New York Limelight, New York, NY The World, New York, NY Danceteria, New York, NY Lighting Designer Palladium, New York, NY C.B.G.B, New York, NY Lighting Designer and/or Technical Director for many New York City nightclubs including those listed. Work included technical direction for 5 years of New Music Seminar showcases, lighting design and technical direction for fashion shows, video, film, and photo shoots, and many national acts on single and multi-night shows, as well as dance nights. Some featured artists included: Neil Young, Joe Jackson, Eartha Kitt, Sinead O’Conner, Squeeze, Echo & the Bunnymen, Madness, Big Audio Dynamite, Black Flag, Cab Calloway, Frank Zappa, Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, Shabba Ranks, John Lee Hooker, Psychic TV, Nick Cave and Lydia Lunch, and many more Lighting Design and Installation of theme clubs and restaurants throughout New York including: The Big Hunt Club, Cafe Sphinx, The Big Kahuna, Boston Beach Club, Save the Robots, and The Michael Todd Room (Palladium NYC). Since relocating to San Francisco, Steffen has also designed sound and lighting installations for Luka's Tap Room in Oakland and Red Devil Lounge and the Cinch in San Francisco. Tours (Tour Managing or Lighting Design) – 1998—present Tour Manager - Mix Master Mike DJ for Beastie Boys & 3 X World Champ 2002—2003 US Tour Manager- Linton Kwesi Johnson and Dennis Bovell Dub Band 2001—2003 US Tour Manager- Lee "Scratch" Perry and Mad Professor 1994—1995 Tour Manager - Nicodemus "Dancehall Giant" US Tours. 1993—1994 Tour Manager - MCA Recording Artist Barrington Levy 1989—1990 Lighting Designer - Jane’s Addiction "Nothing Shocking" US Tour.

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