First CD release in December, so.......

  • Thread starter Thread starter Big Jinx
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Big Jinx

Big Jinx

Artist and Producer
I know a couple of you on this board have done some "semi"-commercial releases, if not full ones. I have a couple of local retailers in mind such as barbershops, urban clothing stores, etc. that will more than likely allow my product on their shelves. What I need to know is:

1. How do I begin the music copyright process??
2. I'm selling for $7.99 because it contains 19 tracks, and I have pretty decent audio quality. Is that too much for my first release??
3. Should I offer an "off the top" cut for the stores selling my CD??
4. Which online sites are best for selling?? (i.e. CD Baby, Soundclick, etc)
5. When is FYRE gonna send me his 16 bars for "When the Smoke Clears"?

Thanks for any information you guys can give...!!!
 
I checked your myspace and yeah the quality seems pretty good for a first album...I've seen a handful of first albums sold for $5...but for 19 tracks I think $8 is good.
 
u got a email address I can send it to cause I kno i sent u that joint a while back but ill re-record it now and send it to u again tho
 
I think you shouldn't short change yourself. At least ask for 10. :cool:
 
has nothing to do with your questions, but im really into the song its my time
 
Quoted from Jinx with my answers to his questions in blue.

I know a couple of you on this board have done some "semi"-commercial releases, if not full ones. I have a couple of local retailers in mind such as barbershops, urban clothing stores, etc. that will more than likely allow my product on their shelves. What I need to know is:

1. How do I begin the music copyright process??
Get an SR form from www.copyright.gov/forms/formsri.pdf, fill it out, pay the fee and send it in. Make sure that you note EVERYTHING that you did i.e. beats, vocals, writing, mixing, anything.

2. I'm selling for $7.99 because it contains 19 tracks, and I have pretty decent audio quality. Is that too much for my first release??
I agree with willz, don't sell yourself short. I'd aim higher like $10 first. Me personally, if someone is selling their shit for under $10 (based on # of tracks) and I haven't heard anything off of it, I probably won't go for it. Your product price shows people what YOU think of it. You sell it at 7 and I'd think you're doubting your own shit. I know I'm more likely to actually buy from an underground artist if their shit sells me on it than I am an established artist. An underground or indie artist is being himself, not what the industry puts him out as (ala 50 Cent). A mainstream puppet is just that...a puppet.

3. Should I offer an "off the top" cut for the stores selling my CD??
For small businesses like Mom and Pop shops, barbershops, and indie clothing outlets, I would say yes. Show them respect and they're going to show you respect on your next release. If you made money off the shit and they're helping you network (and you're unknown), why would they help you any further if you're not showing gratitude financially for their help? Hell, they may even help you expand into further business ventures. Larger outlets are going to have commission forms for you to sign which is going to make sure that they get their cut for stocking your shit (only when it sells though). When I did my first CD in 2000, I did a consignment deal with Sam Goody, I filled out the forms and gave them product. They put it up on the shelf and let it be seen (I had to pay extra for them to put it in the listening booth, but it wasn't required). Helped me sell some units though.

4. Which online sites are best for selling?? (i.e. CD Baby, Soundclick, etc)
In all honesty fam, if you're looking for online stores to advertise for you, I think you're in for a rude awakening. As far as pushing units, I would go for CD Baby (if you absolutely HAD to pick). Me personally, I keep beats on Soundclick because you can preview it and there is no limit to what you can upload. Be wary that if you put stuff on Soundclick, it's very easy to rip music off from, even if you don't set it to download. This is why I fade my music out so that if you do try that, you're not getting enough for a full track, just a verse and a hook. If you have established clientèle that will buy shit from you, I would suggest having your own site and pushing it yourself. Eliminate as many middlemen as you can. That means that you can rely on your own abilities and not have to suffer for someone else's faults or wait on their schedule. That's why I try to learn as much as I can on my own, that way if I have extra people on my team hustling then it's good but if one of them slack, I can cover it and have it come out as intended.

5. When is FIEVA gonna send me his 16 bars for "When the Smoke Clears"?
Whoa....I didn't know about this...lol I'm just kidding. Fyre should have some solid shit laid down already by now...c'mon slacker :)
 
man Im a be real wit u i forgot about this joint this weekend im a have to get it to u tomorrow when I get outta class..... But I got u homie
 
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