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Getting a compilation CD signed
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| djillicit |
Hey all,
We've just finished putting together a compilation CD with various tracks from some signed and other unsigned artists. From those with experience - any ideas on how to go about getting a label with strong distribution and marketing power to pick this up? The artists on there that are signed are from various labels, both small and large.
What are some things to consider, and what's the best way to go about doing this?
Would appreciate your feedback - cheers! |
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| StanVoid |
| i dont think it works this way for compilations. Usually comps are done by DJs hired specifically for the job. Especially nowadays, when 95% of dj's also produce, you won't get much attention at all simply sending out compilations to agencies trying to get signed. |
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| Nemesis44 |
Yeah, if you want to release this, you will have to do it yourself.
Compilations don't work like music that you are trying to get signed.
You also mentioned that you have tracks that are already signed on there... that makes the job much harder as you will have to get permission from the labels to do so, not to mention that you will probably have to pay either a one off fee or % on sales.
Ofcourse if you just have the artists but with new content then it's not a problem.
You also have to look at the reason why anyone would want to make a compilation, it's usually in connection with a club or label. The labels will usually only do it with already signed artists or to test the water with some new tallent.
You could of course try to get a sponsor that will cover production costs but you still have the issue of distribution i.e. getting it to the shops. Unless you go digital in which case no production costs and distribution solved but you still have marketing. Because realistically, not many people will buy it unless it's mixed by someone with a name (Sad but true).
You also need to be a bit more specific as to who you are targetting, is it a global audience, a town/city or even a country? These factors play a part.
The best thing you could do is start your own label. Release these tracks individually and then do the compilation further down the line, if you find that you have had a reasonable amount of success with the tracks on an individual level.
The other alternative that you could do is a double whammy. You could actually start a series of complations based on new talent (Which I guess is what you are doing) but then you have the problem of the fact that nobody is going to sign you and it has to come back to being you that releases it.
You have the opportunity to have it mixed by an up and coming DJ too.
Compilations don't get signed though, but if you sign the artists to start with then there is nothing wrong with you sending out a copy of the compilation to the labels and presenting your idea and even offering the labels the chance to purchase the release rights to individual tracks. Your justification could be that you have done part of the promotion for them, but you haven't made a full unmixed version of the track available to the public.
I don't know, I could be wrong though.
Just some thoughts on the matter.
Cheers
Nem |
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