Amazon recently announced and opened a new store called CreateSpace that provides 'on-demand-printing' for independent and small businesses. They already had the ability to release books, audio CD's and DVD's and have expanded the offering to include download services for video and MP3 on Amazon's DRM-free music service.

"The CreateSpace MP3 service allows musicians and labels to easily distribute DRM-free MP3s to Amazon.com customers," said Dana LoPiccolo-Giles, co-founder and managing director of CreateSpace. "Musicians and labels now have the freedom to make their music available in both digital and physical formats on Amazon.com, and to earn royalties through both channels without an investment in inventory or setup costs. Amazon.com customers will be able to discover even more music from independent musicians and labels and be able to enjoy that music on any hardware device or on CD if they prefer."

It's great new innovations like this that can make it easier and affordable to get distribution happening without the massive initial outlays. The only thing this store is missing is a vinyl press and then it would be good to go. Disc on demand services like this should only encourage the smaller guys to get their music and information out there.