How to Make it as an Indie Musician in 2016 and Beyond
You might complain that it’s so hard being a musician today but the opposite is true. It’s actually much easier than the previous decades. For instance, if you want to learn how to play the guitar, you can simply go to Youtube or hire an online music tutor instead of ordering Learn Guitar on VCR. […]
7 ways to market yourself as an artist without turning into an annoying salesman
We want to market ourselves as freelance artists and we want to market our works. However, when the opportunity strikes for us to introduce ourselves to an individual or to a crowd, we fumble and only manage to let out a soft squeal. Or, when we’re not shy, we’re too scared that we’re sharing so […]
Colorful CD Artwork Designs That Kick Ass
When we hear the word colorful, we automatically think of fluffy things, candies, ponies and rainbows. However, here are examples of CD artwork designs that are colorful but are totally mature and classy. Whoever said colorful is tacky surely have not seen these CD artworks. When done right, colorful could be kick-ass! Jamie Lidell’s self-titled album cover Nameless- Album […]
Must-read legal tips for musicians forming a band
IF THERE’S SOMETHING THAT’S NOT CLEAR TO YOU, DON’T SIGN! Contracts often run for long periods of time so don’t be too cool (aka lazy) when reading it. Make sure you understand each word and each sentence. But it’s so technical, you say. You don’t have time for this, you say. Get a lawyer’s help! […]
Direct printing on clear CD jewel cases
Here’s proof that minimalist designs are the classiest. The typography and graphics of these CD packaging were screen printed right on the surface of the jewel case. As you can see from these examples, you don’t need to go crazy with your artwork to get attention. Subtlety works. Aphex Twin’s Syro Full Album Art and […]
Common Reasons for CD Duplication Errors and Their Solutions
So you’re almost ready to release your album. The release date is set and the booze is in the chiller…but where are your CDs? Oh, you’re not worrying about it because that’s the easiest part: CD replication. I say, don’t underestimate it, brotha! Sure it’s not as hard as composing music or recording music or mastering […]
Four Sneaky Ways to Market Your Music
I know you don’t want to be sneaky but I’m sure you don’t want to be an annoying salesman who pushes people to buy stuff, either. You somehow want to keep your dignity and voice intact. These “sneaky” marketing techniques aren’t actually sleazy, they’re just hacks so you market more without exerting more effort. That […]
2014 Grammy nominees for boxed edition music packaging
Here are the nominees for the 57th Grammy Awards for best Special Edition music package. Tell us which CD packaging you like best because it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite! They’re all worthy of an award. CITIES OF DARKSCORCH Leland Meiners & Ken Shipley, art directors (Various Artists) Label: The Numero Group Cities of Darkscorch […]
Setting the price of your CD: Six Things to Consider
The right price for your CD is the price that people are willing to buy in an instant. But it gets tricky because, of course, apart from that the price should also be enough to cover your expenses and pay royalties/ shares once all the CDs are sold. And oh, some profit left for you […]
7 Things to consider before pressing your first CD
FIRST OF ALL, DO YOU HAVE EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD MUSIC? Or are you just rushing to finally release an album? Really good music is the number one requirement before recording. I know it isn’t usually the case because we see a lot of well-marketed artists with zero talent. But for indie musicians, this is a must. […]