How to Press CDs and Market Your Own Music - a Primer

In this day and age, you don't have to be huge and famous or have a record deal to get your music out to the masses. Far from it actually….with an investment of well under $1000 you can be off and running with your own CDs, downloads, promotion etc. The Internet, just as it has with every other industry, has greatly changed the music industry and to an extent "leveled the playing field". As someone who has grown up in bands before the Internet age, I know both sides of the coin. My how times have changed! Here are some tips to get your music out there and get it heard.

I. Studio equipment and space
This is always the first major hurdle. Studio time was so expensive by the time you figured in recording costs, media and mastering. If you used analog tape to record with, the costs would be even greater. Not so any more. With the advent of affordable digital recording, it is now entirely possible to own a portable studio for your basement with a couple of microphones and some other gear, you can have a studio for $1000 or less. Vendors such as Roland, TASCAM, Korg, Yamaha, and others all make digital hard disc recorders with multiple tracks, mixing capabilities, effects, guitar amp modeling, and so much more.

II. Pressing a run of CDs
Compact Discs are more affordable than ever before. Many vendors offer various packages for pressing audio CDs in amounts (multiples of 100) with artwork, layout and other options. There is a little legwork involved here though; you have to come up with the artwork usually by doing it yourself with software or engaging a graphic designer. Discmakers, DiskFaktory, and many others all have packages for audio CD duplication. Just Google "audio CD duplication" and see for yourself.

III. Distribution and Marketing
OK, now you've just spent a decent amount o' cash for gear, and artwork. And your boxes of CDs have arrived. Feels like Christmas, doesn't it?! Now you have to get the word out that you have an actual CD on the market. The tried-and-true methods of selling them at gigs, at local stores, and to family or friends are just fine. But now, sites like CDbaby.com can do all of that for you and pay you a really nice percentage for your trouble. These sites will also provide digital downloads, accounting, and other services.

In my opinion, CDBaby is the best of these independent music providers. Their site is very clean and easy to use, they are very detail oriented and fun to work with, and they provide a whole wealth of services for the local musician. (including a credit-card swiper for you to take on gigs, and UPC barcodes for your artwork to track all of your sales anywhere anytime).

Here are some links for your viewing. If you've ever dreamed about releasing your own music, and now you think you've got the right tunes and the right sound, the opportunity and the means might be just under your fingertips.