CD Baby and Bandzoogle are partnering to migrate all HostBaby hosted sites to the Bandzoogle platform. Both companies specialize in serving the d.i.y. and independent music community.
As the transition occurs, HostBaby will not accept new sign-ups. While both companies declined to offer a specific number of music-related sites would migrate from HostBaby, sources tell Hypebot that they are in the “many thousands.”
The move comes about 6 months after CD Baby and HostBaby owner AVL were sold to Downtown Music Holdings for a reported $200 million.
Asked if shifting HostBaby to Bandzoogle was part of a post-sale restructuring, Tracy Maddux, CEO of AVL/CD Baby told Hypebot, “Downtown Music Holdings has been a terrific owner and has encouraged AVL to find best in class solutions for artists. There is no question in my mind that Bandzoogle offers the leading suite of web hosting tools for artists and bands in the world. Beyond that, CD Baby and Bandzoogle both have strong communities of independent artists that are stronger together.”
Stacey Bedford, CEO of Bandzoogle echoed a similar motivation for the partnership. “Bandzoogle and CD Baby share similar values and goals: our sustained, honest efforts to provide all of the tools DIY artists need online today,” said Bedford. “We both have longevity in the industry (over 35 years combined!) and we are thrilled to be able to work together to help musicians.”
What Happens Next?
HostBaby users should notice very little change as their sites are migrated “slowly and seamlessly.” Each site will keep the same domain, inbox, and other assets, as well as all hosting time purchased and all deals with CD Baby. “We aim to make this move so effortless and easy for users, they barely notice,” said Kevin Breuner, VP of Marketing at CD Baby.
Bandzoogle has been rolling out new features in recent weeks including no-fee crowdfunding and fa subscriptions which will now also be offered to all former HostbBaby sites at no additional costs. Bandzoogle features also include customizable mobile-friendly templates, direct-to-fan eCommerce to sell music, merch, and tickets, as well as integrations with popular platforms like Bandsintown and YouTube.
“Our goal is to create or provide the strongest, most effective tools for artists to make the most of their creative lives and music careers,” adds Breuner. “This partnership will allow us to move forward in a focused way, putting energy into new offerings while keeping our high standards of support and service.”
More info is available here.