Rob,I don't intend to be offensive, but for someone who is...

Rob,
I don't intend to be offensive, but for someone who is singing praise of Valleyarm I find both your questions to me somewhat disturbing in their apparent lack of research.

The artists such as Missy Higgins and Silverchair are signed to one of the Liberation Records, Obese Records, Pyramedia, Major Label or Musica. These labels all have partnerships to some extent with Valleyarm.

I would find it very surprising if these labels were paying Valleyarm a full distribution fee given they have been distributing albums without charge via existing contacts with online music retailers. Again there is no incentive for the artist to be charged $169 for distribution fee when they are already paying royalties to their label. I would suggest you get in contact with Valleyarm to establish the extent of the relationship with the labels and fees charged to labels as opposed to independent artists.

I would suggest they may distribute some music on behalf of the rights holders in a bid to test the waters to see if Valleyarm can offer revenue from outside of existing distribution arrangements the labels have. In my opinion this would be a heavily discounted service provided in an attempt to attract other artists to Valleyarm via these big names. Which at least appears to have attracted some investors anyway. (My opinion only, but you did ask).

Without research it is merely speculation as to what revenue is obtained from these labels who have signed the artists you have named.

As for other music distributors allow me to assist you with your research...
http://www.tunecore.com/ $50 per album (possible USD) 'Partners' i-tunes, zune, emusic, nokia, amazon etc...

http://www.iodalliance.com i-tunes, amazon, nokia, jamster, napster

http://www.theorchard.com/ I didn't go through the list but they claim 660 outlets in 75 countries, plus physical distribution.

Also there is INgrooves, Ditto music, CD Baby, eMusic...

List goes on all with 'billion dollar corporations signed with them'. As always good luck to investors, without research you may as well be gambling. So happy punting Rob.

Regards,

JB