(AllHipHop News) Rostrum Records CEO Benjy Grinberg recently discussed the independent success of Mac Miller’s new album Blue Slide Park, which is currently the #1 album in the country.
Blue Slide Park is the first independent release to reach #1 on the national sales charts in over 15 years.
The last time such a feat occurred was in 1998, when the Dogg Pound hit the top with their debut album Dogg Food.
Mac Miller’s rise to the top of the charts is significant, because over 76% of his sales were comprised of digital copies.
The digital version of the album was distributed by INgrooves, while Fontana Distribution handled the release’s shipments to physical retailers.
“We wanted to release this album independently and on our own terms,” Benjy Grinberg, President of Rostrum Records told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “INgrooves and Fontana have been great partners for Rostrum on this project, and the current success of Blue Slide Park is a true testament that it’s possible for us to compete as an independent on a grander scale.”
Rostrum formulated a strategy with INgrooves and Fontana to capitalize on Mac Miller’s Internet presence.
Mac Miller has over 1 million Twitter followers, while his YouTube videos are approaching an aggregate total of 100 million views.
Those numbers, along with constant touring, helped the Pittsburgh native move a whopping 144,487 copies in the first week.
“This is a big moment for the independent music community,” said Dave Zierler, EVP & General Manager, INgrooves. “Rostrum and Mac are proof that a digitally-focused independent effort works in today’s dynamic music marketplace, by engaging fans directly and maximizing availability to all consumers via our global online retail network.”
For Fontana, the album’s success proof that traditional record labels and independents can maximize their distribution power by developing distribution strategies for all mediums.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this history-making album. The evolving commercial landscape calls for changes in the way that music is marketed and the success ofBlue Slide Park shows a great understanding of social media, by all those involved,” added Ron Spaulding, President of Fontana. “To be a part of this success is very gratifying. I see it as a vote of confidence for the independent music industry.”