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Disc Makers

Home Recording: Choosing Your DAW

by Disc Makers August 24, 2010

pro-tools 8Home recording has exploded over the past decade as digital technology has given musicians more and more powerful tools for capturing and mixing music on laptops and desktops. One of the key choices a musician or engineer must make is which DAW to invest time and money into.

What’s a DAW you say? Well, why don’t we see what wikipedia says: Read more…

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Preparing Your Project for Manufacturing

by Disc Makers August 10, 2010

Three tips to help get your project done on time and on budget:

Anyone can make a CD or DVD, but a seasoned project manager understands the planning and steps involved to ensure their discs get completed and delivered on time, on budget, and in the right packaging for the job. While each project is custom and unique, there are some universal guidelines you can follow to ensure that your project flows through the manufacturing process smoothly and efficiently. Read more…

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Creating a Budget for Your New Album

by Disc Makers August 6, 2010

creating a budgetCameron Mizell, freelance guitarist, producer, and consultant in Brooklyn, has written yet another excellent article for independent musicians. This article comprehensively details the time and costs involved in creating a new album. Mizell put together “a realistic cost scenario for every stage of creating a new album,” which could serve as an indispensable guide for those about to embark on the process. Read more…

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Five Huge Takeaways from the New Music Seminar

by Disc Makers July 28, 2010

Last week, Disc Makers CEO, Tony van Veen, spoke at the New Music Seminar in New York City about how artists, no matter where they are at in their career, can make more money. Digital Music News, the premier news and information authority for the music industry and technology executives, put together their top five takeaways from the three-day seminar, which we thought was worth sharing: Read more…

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The Self-Made Musician

by Disc Makers July 20, 2010

Sharon Jones & The Dap-KingsGabe Roth is the bass player, producer, main writer and founding member of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and the head of their label Daptone records. Gabe also recently won a Grammy award for engineering the Amy Winehouse record “Back to Black”. I was lucky enough to be in a band with Gabe in college back when he was a drummer. He is one of those enviable musicians who can pick up any instrument and make it look effortless. 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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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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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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The eMagazine – Catalogs Go Digital

by Disc Makers May 19, 2010

With the growing uses of documents with “page turn” functionality on PDAs and online, producing a white paper or journal that uses the page-turning feature or converting your printed catalog into an eMagazine can keep your marketing efforts current, cost-effective, and easier to deliver. Read more…

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An Indie That Believes in CDs

by Disc Makers May 11, 2010

The New York Times recently published “An Indie That Believes in CDs,” an article about the Concord Music Group and their continuing success. Glen Barros, Concord’s chief executive, says their label focuses on older folks, those who are committed to “timeless and authentic” music as well as great sound quality. This, in addition to their more balanced business model – all albums in their catalog pull their own weight – has Concord on track to make more than $100 million in revenue this year.

“The future of the music business is very bright,” Mr. Barros said. “People want to listen to great music.”

Read the entire article on the New York Times site.

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Burning Windsor Survives a Tornado – and Doesn’t Miss the Gig!

by Disc Makers May 6, 2010

Burning WindsorBeing an independent act on the road has its various pitfalls and obstacles. Traffic, bad clubs, bad weather, ornery soundmen… that’s all part of the deal. But few bands have ever had to cope with literally being swept off the road by a raging tornado while en route to a gig. That’s just what happened to Vicksburg, Mississippi’s Burning Windsor late last month. Read more…

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Expert Panel: How to Earn a Living in Today’s Music Industry

by Disc Makers May 3, 2010

Show me the money If you’re a musician in the Philadelphia area, there’s an event on Sunday May 16th from 2 to 7 p.m. you may be interested in. Marcy Rauer Wagman, professor at Drexel’s music business program, has organized a seminar and music event with a number of local industry experts, including Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen. Read more…

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What To Do When Nothing Is Working

by Disc Makers April 28, 2010

Things have been slow moving since this recession hit, and at times it can feel like nothing is working. Maybe you’re doing the same things you used to to get gigs, but no ones calling and you’re not making as much money – what do you do?

The short answer is “try something else.” Read more…

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Direct to Fan – The Art of the House Concert

by Disc Makers April 26, 2010

You want a relationship with your fans? Why not go to their houses and play. No way to get to know people better than invading their homes and doing your thing right in the middle of their living rooms. Right?

The future is all about breaking new ground and combining that with solid business models that you can predict and work with. Here is a guest post from Fran Snyder on house concerts and what they should be a part of your future. Read more…

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