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Preparing producer contest - need input (pg. 2)
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| Woony |
| quote: | Originally posted by Storyteller
I need about 20-30 releases signed in a period of 3 months. Pristine quality only of course.
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Uhm, isn't that kind of contradicting itself? I know it's hard to get started in your position, but it's hard to take a label that releases a billion things seriously.
IMO offering a vinyl release is the best thing. I don't know what kind of music you want to release but in Techno & House having a vinyl release is pretty much required to be taken seriously. I think it's also good because it shows that you have faith in your artists. A 300 copy run (the average underground release doesn't sell more, let alone a start up label) with mastering and all will probably cost you around 1500 euros or less. It's also great for the artists because having something pressed on Wax actually means something as opposed to being released on digital which doesn't mean . |
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| Woony |
And another thing, I personally don't think a contest will attract good producers. No offence, but the kind of producer that thinks entering a contest will get them somewhere most likely isn't very good. Talented producers will either wait until they get approached or they'll contact a label that they think is good.
I'm not saying good producers don't enter contests, ever, but the chance is very low.
I think looking for skilled producers on the web and making them an offer (vinyl release, good conditions etc.) is the best way to get started. Once you have a few releases and publicity you will probably start getting approached by talented people. |
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| Storyteller |
The unique thing about this would be the introduction of a new business model for record labels. Can't elaborate on that, but it could be interesting for many to be part of. Vinyl is not an option. The businessmodel is entirely focused on online principles.
The paradox is that a new label requires quality producers and attracting the attention of quality producers need quality releases. I have to start somewhere, and I'm not quite sure where, hence the question if such a competition would attract the attention I'm looking for. The 20-30 number is not yet fixed but I'm positive it is not contradicting anything.
Marketing and PR should extend well beyond the dj audience. |
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| tehlord |
| quote: | Originally posted by Woony
And another thing, I personally don't think a contest will attract good producers. No offence, but the kind of producer that thinks entering a contest will get them somewhere most likely isn't very good. Talented producers will either wait until they get approached or they'll contact a label that they think is good.
I'm not saying good producers don't enter contests, ever, but the chance is very low.
I think looking for skilled producers on the web and making them an offer (vinyl release, good conditions etc.) is the best way to get started. Once you have a few releases and publicity you will probably start getting approached by talented people. |
Actually there's some truth in this.
It might be a better idea to use contests to create 'brand awareness' several months before a label is even launched. As it becomes more popular (facebook/youtube following) you could then announce the launch of the brands label. If you do it right and keep the momentum up for several months you'll probably get the correct attention anyway.
I wouldn't look at releasing more than 5-10 tracks in the first 3 months though. And that'll be hard enough. |
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| Storyteller |
| quote: | Originally posted by tehlord
Actually there's some truth in this.
It might be a better idea to use contests to create 'brand awareness' several months before a label is even launched. As it becomes more popular (facebook/youtube following) you could then announce the launch of the brands label. If you do it right and keep the momentum up for several months you'll probably get the correct attention anyway.
I wouldn't look at releasing more than 5-10 tracks in the first 3 months though. And that'll be hard enough. |
Exactly what I'm going for :). Things like Beatport need solid plans though, I believe at least 6 months ahead, hence the 20-30.
| quote: | | I think looking for skilled producers on the web and making them an offer (vinyl release, good conditions etc.) is the best way to get started. Once you have a few releases and publicity you will probably start getting approached by talented people. |
I agree. Thank you |
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| Deillon |
| Out of interest: What are you studying atm? |
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| Storyteller |
Applied Art & technology, a bachelor course on Saxion, Enschede (NL).
This label thing would be a result of my thesis which is focussing on new business models for record labels. That and creating customer value. |
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| Woony |
| quote: | Originally posted by Storyteller
The unique thing about this would be the introduction of a new business model for record labels. Can't elaborate on that, but it could be interesting for many to be part of. Vinyl is not an option. The businessmodel is entirely focused on online principles.
The paradox is that a new label requires quality producers and attracting the attention of quality producers need quality releases. I have to start somewhere, and I'm not quite sure where, hence the question if such a competition would attract the attention I'm looking for. The 20-30 number is not yet fixed but I'm positive it is not contradicting anything.
Marketing and PR should extend well beyond the dj audience. |
Even if your doing digital-only I still think approaching people is much better. It will most likely give you more quality producers and you have the choice of what to release. I mean imagine you do a contest and you only get and then you'll have to release it anyway. (Nevermind, didn't see your edited post)
The other thing is that a contest doesn't do for your brand. The only people that care about contests are (mediocre) amateur produces. |
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| tehlord |
| quote: | Originally posted by Storyteller
Exactly what I'm going for :). Things like Beatport need solid plans though, I believe at least 6 months ahead, hence the 20-30.
I agree. Thank you |
You won't get an account with Beatport so you'll have to use something like Labelworx. Yes they'll need a 6 month plan as well, but 10 releases is more than enough in 6 months. Thing is you'll need names and tracks as well, although how much attention they pay to these details is questionable. |
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| wayfinder |
a few suggestions for attractive prizes:
- a guaranteed hour or two of a big name's time (could be producer, dj, a&r). they'll listen to a CD you send them and commit to writing detailed comments and suggestions. this is probably not an easy get for you, storyteller, since it kind of invites label competition if the winner is really good. might also be hard to find the right person.
- professional mastering for an album's worth of tracks - it'll cost you around 800 quid and it'll be a pretty good incentive for artists. again though, it's not something that would lock them in with you
- a day watching an established artist working in the studio – kind of an elaboration on the first idea, since the winning producers would probably get a chance to play some of their tracks to the artist along the way; for you as a label, it's probably even better if you're looking at the contest winner as a potential source of more material... again, hard to find the right people though, and it depends a whole lot on how good your own contacts are
- a custom, personal promo strategy for the winner – a plan to get them followers (edit: quality followers, not bulk-bought empty accounts) on youtube/soundcloud/mixcloud/myspace/bandcamp/facebook/twitter/wherever and expand their personal musical footprint. this is a smart thing to do if you plan on contracting more of their music, since it will help your label as well. |
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| Storyteller |
| quote: | Originally posted by tehlord
You won't get an account with Beatport so you'll have to use something like Labelworx. Yes they'll need a 6 month plan as well, but 10 releases is more than enough in 6 months. Thing is you'll need names and tracks as well, although how much attention they pay to these details is questionable. |
Yes but 10 releases probably won't work given the formula. I've contacted Labelworx and other parties. I'll be using a combination of non-exclusive distributors for profit optimization. Most important thing is for me to be on Beatport right off the bat. |
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| Storyteller |
| quote: | Originally posted by Woony
The other thing is that a contest doesn't do for your brand. The only people that care about contests are (mediocre) amateur produces. |
And I agree partially. I think a contest might well work for awareness but I agree on the audience (producers) it might attract, and that could be plenty of reason to have a go at this in a different way. |
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