Compilations - Good or Bad?

[Spoiled Grape]

Has anyone here been on a compilation? From my experience, I've seen two types of compilations:

a) Tributes, covers, and compilations that go out to "sell."

b) Promotional devices, compilations that are handed out, label compilations.

Anyways, my band has had experience with both, and I was just curious if anyone here has had any experience with them as well. For the most part, alot of compilations of type "b" are somewhat of a scam. The label charges a fee for the band to get a song on the compilation, and than in return gives the band a few of the CDs so they can hand out themselves or sell.

Does anyone have any really positive experience with this? We've been on a few of type "b" and I'd safely say that I haven't seen the return on them, even though a few of them were huge (Skratch Comp for Warped Tour, etc.)

[IanStephenson]

Some friends got a track on a motorhead tribute album - not really their thing, but they got some good exposure they in rock magazines, and supported one of the other (bigger) bands on a UK tour as a result. I don't think they made any money from it, but its been a good thing for them.

As for type B - almost certainly a scam. If the "label" doesnt think they can sell them why do you want to be on them. If they can seel them why do they need to take you for a few $100. The other bands on these "albums" will be their cause they put up the cash, not cause they're any good.

Ian

[ebladeboi123]

I've never been on either but I've been on compilations. Odd. They're for like BOB competitions and as part of the finals you get to record a song and it goes on the cd. Pretty cool actually. You get to go to a professional studio and do your thing (a first for most bands). They make a decent amount, but we don't pay jack for the recording, and we can do whatever it is we want to when alls said and done.

Dan