I saw that the Atomic Breathing record was distributed through Post-Ambient Motion. I'm involved with. It can be a record label, distribution, a production company, and I've even promoted a few concerts. Because of the contacts that I've made in the past, I can find distributors more quickly and easily than the band could and convince the distributors to take something, even if they have not heard of it. It is very difficult for new artists to establish themselves and it's becoming harder and harder.
Distributors have only so much room on their shelves.
They have to make decisions and prioritize what they will carry. The chances are greater that they will carry something from someone or some label that they have carried in the past. That's an interesting question. Fame is something that is relative. I'm sure I have some degree of notoriety to certain people in certain circles, particularly in Europe.