CD Baby, which is one of the largest distributors of independent music to streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, has announced that it is closing its HostBaby hosting service.
But it is not leaving its users out in the cold. Instead, it is transferring all of its user accounts to the music-oriented hosting provider Bandzoogle.
As part of the deal, current HostBaby users will keep the following:
- Domain names
- Inboxes and other assets
- All hosting time purchased through CD Baby
- All deals made through CD Baby.
Also, current HostBaby users will get access to the following:
- Mobile-friendly templates
- Direct-to-fan eCommerce features to sell their music
- Merchandise
- Tickets
- Crowdfunding and fan subscriptions
- Integrations with platforms such as Bandsintown and YouTube
Kevin Breuner, who is the vice president of marketing at CD Baby, said in a statement that the company hopes to make the transition process as easy and effortless as possible, to the extent that users barely notice that the transition is happening. He also stated that the company will continue to make and support tools for music artists to help them advance their careers.
Stacey Bedford, who is the CEO of Bandzoogle, also issued a statement in regards to the announcement. She said that the two companies share similar goals and values, and that they are excited to work together to provide musicians with the tools that they need to succeed.
The transition of HostBaby from CD Baby comes about a half year after Downtown Music Holdings purchased AVL Digital Group, which owns CD Baby, for more than $200 million. But Tracy Maddux, who is the CEO of CD Baby, insists that the move was not directly related to the sale of the company.
CD Baby further announced that HostBaby will no longer be open to new user signups.
Ciniski rock drummer