How would you do it? What do you think is the best way to obtain RELIABLE international distribution on YOUR product - WITHOUT a record deal? Pure DISTRIBUTION only.

Old school - record deals, release parties, independent promo people, unloaded product from the back trunk of a car direct to radio and retail; grease, record store displays, free product to whoever counts, flyers & rags, great press, yadda yadda. And of course, new school would not ignore this today; promotion is where it's at - no promotion - no good.

Along comes www.
Are Internet Music Distributors, who promise to highlight new bands, new product, sell product, ship product etc; are they really selling enough product to benefit both themselves and the artists? Is it working? Do you think their distribution royalty rate of 60/40, some 50/50 is worth it for the artists. Or is it just as thieving as todays record companies?

Is there yet a better way?

What route would you go for an international release?