Smart Choice Music Free CD Giveaway boost for Independent Americana artists

The latest initiative from UK based Online and Mail Order Americana Music store Smart Choice Music is to produce an 18-Track sampler compilation album, showcasing the cream of today’s independent artists. Included are established names Lyle Lovett, Bruce Robison and Peter Rowan alongside new rising stars making an impact on both sides of the Atlantic, including Grayson Capps, Willy Clay Band, Wade Bowen and Kevin Montgomery.

This certainly isn't a new concept, but it is rare to find a record store inviting up-and-coming artists to appear on a sampler album without asking them or their labels to contribute financially, and it is even more unusual to find the store literally giving away copies of the CD free!

Echoing the ambitions of Rough Trade in the 70's, Smart Choice Music are relying on the recommendations of their customers and their own in-depth knowledge of the music business for the choice of music that features on their shelves, rather than being dictated to by the industry movers and shakers.

Despite Rough Trade being known for its support of Punk and New Wave rather than the Americana, Country and Roots CDs and DVDs adorning the virtual shelves of the Smart Choice Music store, their ethos is broadly similar – James Endecott, A&R Guru for Rough Trade was once quoted as saying "we’ll just make great records and do our damnedest to make people aware of them and make people buy them".

Sally Smart, Director and the guiding force behind Smart Choice Music explains, "We know that it is becoming more and more difficult for independent artists to make an impression on radio playlists, and ultimately no matter how good reviews and recommendations are, customers need to hear music before they will spend money on CDs or attend gigs".

Sally's plan is simple; "Customers will have a free copy of our Sampler Album sent out with any CD they order through the store. We know that these customers are already confirmed fans of Americana music, so they will get the chance to properly hear tracks by artists they may have heard about, but not actually had a chance to listen to".

Smart Choice Music already boasts the lowest prices around for import CDs, and free worldwide shipping is included with every order. This latest move is part of a long-term strategy to make Americana, Roots and Country music more accessible and affordable in the UK.

Contact us for review copies of the CD and information about Smart Choice Music