From the monthly archives:

June 2010

Are You Too Old to Make It?

by Scott James June 28, 2010

Most musicians I know hold a dream to someday ‘make it’ in the music business. To play in front of huge crowds and live a lifestyle that they can only imagine. Many of us believe that we’ll someday get there. Unfortunately most of us find ourselves growing older with an ever increasing fear that we’re missing the boat.

We’re conditioned to believe that if we’re going to make it then we have to do it at a young age. I had already started to have this feeling when I was in my early 20′s. I felt like I was slacking because I hadn’t ‘made it’ yet. Read more…

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New Study Reports on CD and Radio Popularity

by Disc Makers June 25, 2010

Myxer just released a report from a recent study they conducted, showing some very encouraging news for independent artists. The overwhelming majority of their users are buying CDs, and just under half of them use the radio as their primary means of discovering new music.

Despite the rise in smartphone users, and increase in purchases of mobile entertainment content, traditional media channels (including packaged CDs, live events, radio and television) still remain a popular way for people to access new music and artists. Captured in the latest BoomBox report, Myxer today reveals some surprising user preferences as they relate to music purchases, behaviors and trends across its 35 million-member community.

Check out the full results on the Music Industry News Network.

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A Visit from Squid the Whale

by Disc Makers June 24, 2010

Squid the Whale Two members of the Squid the Whale band drove 12 hours straight from Michigan to pick up their 1000 CDs in digipaks. After a full Disc Makers factory tour, we loaded the boxes into their car and took a look at the new album. View video…

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Formatting For YouTube

by Videomaker June 24, 2010

Kyle Cassidy is a Contributing Editor to Videomaker.com and a visual artist who exhibits regularly and has written books on technology and photographic art. The name YouTube has become so well known that it is no longer techno speak, but a huge part of the popular culture. Most people with a computer and Internet access have visited the site to search for videos ranging from how to tie a necktie to crowd-sourced news from foreign countries in turmoil. Read more…

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Why You Shouldn’t Post YouTube Links on Facebook

by CD Baby June 21, 2010

FacebookWhen you place a link to a YouTube or Vimeo video in your Facebook feed, viewers will have the ability to “like” and “share” that particular post. However, when they share it with their friends, there are no guarantees that all those folks out there enjoying the content you created will actually visit YOUR Facebook page. But thanks to a little-known Facebook feature, you’ll ensure that every person who watches it (no matter whose profile or page they’re looking at) will have the opportunity to “like” (become a fan) your Facebook page. Read more…

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DIY Performance Video Part 1: Pre-Production and the Shoot

by Keith Hatschek June 15, 2010

DIY VideoAs I was filling my car with gas the other day, a television was blaring commercials to me at the pump. Video has become the ubiquitous window that allows us to glimpse the good, the bad, and plenty of the ugly aspects of 21st century life. According to the latest Nielsen Television Audience Report, there are now more televisions (2.93) in the average American household than there are people (2.54), and an average of two computers per four-member family. Read more…

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Using CDs and DVDs to Boost Response

by Lee Purcell June 14, 2010

The benefits of CDs and DVDs go far beyond entertainment. They have introduced new opportunities for effective business communication. And that’s especially critical during an era when every marketing and PR expenditure is mercilessly scrutinized.

Discs offer a simple, universal means to convey information to anyone, anywhere. You have to do some serious hunting to find a household that doesn’t have a DVD player, and computer DVD drives will play everything from the latest movie releases to the earliest audio CDs. Read more…

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What are Region Codes?

by Craig Elliott Hanna June 14, 2010

When DVDs were introduced, studios wanted the ability to combat piracy and control release dates throughout the world. As a result, region codes were developed. Region codes restrict where (what region of the world) a DVD can be viewed. Each area of the globe, or region, is assigned it’s own specific number or region code. The regions are as follows..Read more…

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The Self-Released Album – A Four Part Series

by Disc Makers June 11, 2010

Cameron Mizell, freelance guitarist, producer, and consultant in Brooklyn, has written a four part series about self-releasing an album. Filled with helpful information and resources on everything from your production schedule to digital distribution to copyrights and cover songs, it is a must-read. Read more…

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The Power in Truth

by Scott James June 8, 2010

When you started singing or playing your instrument there was probably a strong reason why you picked it up. You probably had a feeling inside of you that you needed to get out; a drive to express yourself. The only problem was that you probably lacked the skill to communicate what you wanted to express effectively to the rest of the world. Getting from that point to “success” can be a path that’s lined with challenges. Read more…

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10 Practical Tips For Recording Amazing Guitars

by Shane O'Connor June 3, 2010

GuitarsAmazing guitar tones start with the player. Recording a great song with a good player is always key. Beyond the player, the instrument must be in top shape as well. Sending your guitar to be professionally set up is a great way to ensure your guitar tracks are properly in tune and there are no buzzes, squeaks, or hums coming from the instrument. A professional set up will also allow the guitar to play easier and feel better, which will help to create a better performance. Read more…

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Don’t Miss Press About Your Band – Use Google Alerts

by Disc Makers June 2, 2010

Google AlertsSo you sent out a hundred or two press packs to various newspapers, blogs, podcasts and internet radio stations. Now what? Well, following up is certainly in your best interest, but you might be surprised at how many people will start reviewing your album or playing it on their show without letting you know first. The best way to make sure you catch every press write-up or album review (or even just fans talking about you online) is to use Google Alerts. With Google Alerts, you’ll receive an email any time Google indexes a new instance or mention of your band or artist name on the web. (You can adjust your settings to specify how often you get emailed.) Read more…

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