CD Baby Introduces “Stages Selects,” A New Program Investing in the Next Generation of Self-releasing Artists

CD Baby, Downtown Music’s direct-to-creator platform and the original artist-direct digital music distributor, today introduced its Stages Selects program, a major investment designed to provide high-level support for a select group of emerging independent artists. 

Stages Selects reinforces CD Baby’s longstanding commitment to helping independent artists launch and grow their careers. The program offers priority distribution, targeted DSP marketing, paid digital campaign support, and strategic guidance around release planning and rollout. More than a distribution offering, Stages Selects is designed as a full-service partnership that gives independent artists the resources and support needed to reach new audiences in a competitive global market.

Launched with Morgan Nagler’s debut album, I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, and I’m Losing It, the program will support 10 artists throughout 2026 with a dedicated package of services, including marketing and financial support. The program aims to foster diversity and excellence across genre, geography, and generation, reinforcing CD Baby’s commitment to artist success.

“Morgan Nagler’s debut album is a testament to the power and passion of human creativity in this complicated time,” said Molly Neuman, president of CD Baby. “The purity of her voice, musicianship and songwriting make this album the perfect way for us to launch Stages Selects. CD Baby has always stood for artistry and providing direct access for the musicians we work with. We could not be more proud to kick off with Morgan Nagler and her team at Little Operation Records.”

“Working with CD Baby on Morgan’s debut album has already been a tremendous partnership as we’ve released three singles together over the course of the past year,” said Christian Stavros, founder of Little Operation. “We’re excited to see what we can build as we continue our collaboration and as Morgan continues to inspire us with her art.”

The launch comes as Downtown enters a new chapter following its acquisition by Virgin Music Group earlier this year. CD Baby continues to serve as a key entry point for self-releasing artists, now within a global platform that also includes music publishing, distribution, artist and label services, and royalty and financial solutions. Together, the combined businesses are expanding the tools and resources available to creators at every stage of their careers.

About Downtown Music Joining Virgin Music Group in 2026, Downtown Music’s global ecosystem supports creators, rights holders, and their partners to manage their music as a business and get paid fairly for their work. Across its core divisions – Publishing, Distribution and Artist & Label Services, and CD Baby – Downtown collectively serves business clients, creators & artists in 145 countries.