What defines a distributor in the music industry?

A distributor in the music industry plays a crucial role in the supply chain by effectively linking record labels to consumers. This means that the distributor handles the logistics of getting the music from the label—whether physical formats like CDs and vinyl or digital formats like streaming and downloads—into the hands of the listeners. They ensure that the music is available on various platforms and retail outlets, making it accessible to the public.

In contrast, the other options describe different roles within the music industry. Creating musical content is the primary responsibility of artists, songwriters, and producers, who focus on the creative process of making music. Conducting live performances falls under the purview of musicians and bands, who are responsible for presenting their work to audiences through concerts and gigs. Designing promotional material is typically managed by marketing and graphic design professionals who skillfully promote the music but do not directly interact with the logistics of distribution. Thus, linking the record label to the consumer is the defining role of a distributor.