Woebot
Well-known member
A mate asked me for some advice about starting off in the biz, and rather than just email him back i though i'd post my thoughts here:
a) Forget CD-Rs.
Pool all your resources, select your best material and put out a record.
b) Make an EP.
Be they 7" or 10" or 12" put out 4 track EPs.
c) Make limited runs.
Press 1,000 copies and leave it at that. Never, ever, ever reissue your three first EPs. Work up a sequence of at least 6 before talking to a major.
d) Put out a constant flow of records.
Try for at least 4 a year. Keep this up for as many years as you can.
e) Get great cover art.
Have a friend who is a hot budding designer? Let him do you an awesome cover. Stick with the same guy. Don't let a major touch your artwork.
f) Group together with like-minded musicians
With mates or within a "scene" you stand a MUCH MUCH better chance. Who really cares about the lone genius musician?
g) Make the majors beg.
I promise you, you're better languishing in obscurity. Forget the cash advance, you're in this for life. Your time will come.
h) Gig hard
Get out and about, and play/DJ as many gigs as you can. Meet'n'greet and let your vinyl do the fancy PR!
i) Insist on having your own label
If you do get signed insist on having your own small label under their "umbrella" which you can release your tracks and those of people you admire. Try and keep things collective.
j) Never abandon the scene from which you emerged entirely.
Keep an eye on the grassroots. Do collaborations with your peers. Play local gigs. Keep people coming through under your auspices.
a) Forget CD-Rs.
Pool all your resources, select your best material and put out a record.
b) Make an EP.
Be they 7" or 10" or 12" put out 4 track EPs.
c) Make limited runs.
Press 1,000 copies and leave it at that. Never, ever, ever reissue your three first EPs. Work up a sequence of at least 6 before talking to a major.
d) Put out a constant flow of records.
Try for at least 4 a year. Keep this up for as many years as you can.
e) Get great cover art.
Have a friend who is a hot budding designer? Let him do you an awesome cover. Stick with the same guy. Don't let a major touch your artwork.
f) Group together with like-minded musicians
With mates or within a "scene" you stand a MUCH MUCH better chance. Who really cares about the lone genius musician?
g) Make the majors beg.
I promise you, you're better languishing in obscurity. Forget the cash advance, you're in this for life. Your time will come.
h) Gig hard
Get out and about, and play/DJ as many gigs as you can. Meet'n'greet and let your vinyl do the fancy PR!
i) Insist on having your own label
If you do get signed insist on having your own small label under their "umbrella" which you can release your tracks and those of people you admire. Try and keep things collective.
j) Never abandon the scene from which you emerged entirely.
Keep an eye on the grassroots. Do collaborations with your peers. Play local gigs. Keep people coming through under your auspices.
Last edited: