From the category archives:

Manufacturing & Printing

Fundraising with CDs and DVDs: Manufacturing and Packaging

by Andre Calilhanna December 7, 2011

When it’s time to raise money for your club or organization, you may already have your go-to method of procuring funds. But there’s always room to improve, and maybe it’s time to find an additional revenue generator – or it may be time for a totally new solution. Perhaps you’re terrified by the whole concept. Read more…

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Performance Contracts: For private events, weddings, and special performances, a band contract is key.

by Keith Hatschek August 10, 2011

Imagine this scenario: Your band agrees to play at a private event at a local hall for a healthy fee. You learn six new songs requested by the person that hired you and are counting on the gig and the fee you will earn. Two days before the show, you get a text message saying that the gig is off because of a mix-up between the person throwing the party and the owner of the hall. What do you do? Read more…

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The Print Shop at Disc Makers Earns G7 Certification

by Disc Makers November 29, 2010

G7What will the G7 Certification mean for Disc Makers customers? It means that Disc Makers’ print shop is conforming to some of the strictest industry standards, that our staff is trained and our equipment maintained to the industry’s best practices, and that ultimately, your print run will be produced to the highest standards possible. Read more…

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Countdown to Your Album

by Jason Feehan and Randy Chertkow September 13, 2010

stopwatchIt’s easier than ever to release your music to the world. And there is now a wealth of online services that will help you promote, distribute, and share your music. But even though musicians can release material whenever they want – and many fans are happy with the idea that they can download singles – the press, fans, radio stations, podcasts, and even digital distribution stores still ask the same question: “When’s your next album coming out?” 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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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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9 Ways Releasing a CD Can Help Your Career

by Andre Calilhanna October 15, 2009

The news surrounding the music industry these days might make you wonder if anyone is buying CDs any more. Major-label CD sales are down again. Downloads are up. So the question on the table is: As an independent artist, do you really need to make CDs these days? Read more…

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1,000 CDs in jewel cases for one lucky Twitter follower

by Disc Makers July 27, 2009

Win 1000 CDs! All you have to do is follow Disc Makers on Twitter (@discmakers) and post a tweet with this hashtag: #discmakers1000. One lucky follower will be selected at random to receive 1000 CDs in jewel cases – absolutely free! But hurry, this giveaway only runs from 9AM EST on 7/27 to 3PM EST on 7/31. Click here for more details.

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Safety and Bleed: An Interpretive Ballad

by Disc Makers July 23, 2009

Safety and Bleed

Chris from our Pre-Press department sings his heart out about safety and bleed (two important things you’ll need to ensure the best results with your supplied design). Watch video.

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Planning Your Album

by Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan July 22, 2009

Planning Your Album
A checklist to help you plan your next album and win fans worldwide.

If you’re sitting down to tackle making an album, there’s a lot to think about; from clearing the rights for your cover songs, to converting the cover art to the right format. These issues can trip you up, or cause the album to take a lot longer than you planned. Some musicians get so lost in handling the technical production of the album that they forget generating publicity and buzz about a new release. Read more…

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Chairman Ballen lifts 1700lb bag of polycarbonate

by Disc Makers June 17, 2009

Ever wonder how CDs and DVDs are made? Chairman of Disc Makers, Morris Ballen, shows us the raw material (polycarbonate pellets) that is fed into the injection-molding machines to make discs. Then he hoists a 1700lb bag of these pellets into position.

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