 When I released my first record in 1998, I had an October 29 release party, and sent my DAT (1998!) in for duplication in August, with the promise that I would have my CD's back in time for the show. That didn't happen.
So for a full week and a half before my cd release, I did nothing but make cdrs and print inserts. One at a time. I made 120 or so by myself on a machine that took long enough for me to go to the grocery while it burned one copy.
Technology has changed a lot in 4 years, but not enough for me to ever want to go through anything like that again. For those of you thinking of starting recording projects:
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BUDGET your money...don't spend it all on the recording. Set aside enough get a great looking package together. It’s the first thing they see, and if it doesn't look good, your music will be the last thing they'll hear. Don't think, "Well, if they can't see past the packaging, they won't "get" the music anyway." You'll never find out. |
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DON'T book your release party until you have cds in hand. Not a promise of cds someday, but be holding the cd in your hand when you dial the phone. Not kidding. This is a really hard one to stick to, especially if you are booking clubs that book 6 months in advance and need to get a confirmation from a venue before you have even put the order in for the CDs. I booked my last cd release in June for November, and had some project delays of my own design...luckily, Oasis is true to their word and delivered when they said they were going to, several weeks before my release, so I could start doing promo well in advance. Not all companies are that reputable or honest. (We love Oasis!!!) Stuff happens. Don't screw yourself. |
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WAIT! If you can't afford to get the real thing done, wait until you can. Maybe it’s a sign. It’s a cliche because it’s true: you only get one chance to make a first impression. |
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ASK FOR HELP. The last 2 records I've made were financed solely through selling pre-orders to fans, my mailing list and by private investors who liked my music and sent me checks with little notes that said "don't worry about paying me back, just make good records." They wouldn't have known that I needed help unless I asked them, though. These people do exist..patrons of the arts who will do anything to help you out, but you have to ask. |
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xoxo
Holly |
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