• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Help fund pressing an EP that I didn't play on?

Mo'Phat

Mo'Phat

Oct 1, 2003
3,351
1,391
51
Raleigh, NC, USA
www.redhotchilipepperstribute.com
#1
I recently started playing with a band that wrote and recorded a 4-song EP over the past year. They then sought out a bassist (me) and now want to press a couple hundred CD's for marketing and sales.

Question: Should I contribute cash to press these CD's, or stay out of it completely?

Caveat 1: The EP cover is of the three other members and isn't going to change during this pressing.
Caveat 2: Although I will benefit from the sale and distribution of these CD's and use them as band promotion and marketing - it's not me playing on them. I can't sell them to friends or fans as representative of my work. I am also not listed as a creator or have any share vis-a-vis licensing.

But, does that matter?

Depending on the quantity, I'm looking at $180-$350 range for my share.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ellery
#3
Instead of weighing the decision as a personal promotion tool, think of it as a business investment. Do you have a good estimate of how many are likely to sell? Will you get your money back plus a decent profit? How long will that take? If you like the answers to all of those questions, then it sounds like a good investment. Otherwise, how much is the relationship with the other band members worth to you and are they pushing you to contribute?
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkinCoffin, Chico Ruger, danosix and 6 others
#6
It's a double edged sword.I think it's pretty crappy that they are asking you to do this.
There was some poopie that was pulled in my old band I didn't like.They are putting you on the spot.
I would definitely tell them this.
If you don't contribute,then suddenly you are not part of the team.Will you get paid from this gig?
If so just have them take it out of that( but keep track)
 
#8
lakefx said:
Instead of weighing the decision as a personal promotion tool, think of it as a business investment. Do you have a good estimate of how many are likely to sell? Will you get your money back plus a decent profit? How long will that take? If you like the answers to all of those questions, then it sounds like a good investment. Otherwise, how much is the relationship with the other band members worth to you and are they pushing you to contribute?
Click to expand...

I haven't thought physical product was a good investment in years.

Cd's, to me, are promotional handouts first and foremost. Any physical sales are gravy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: el_Bajo_Verde, Pirate Captain, Rich Fiscus and 2 others
#12
Mo'Phat said:
The idea of paying or not paying has been left up to me. They are not pushing.

However, if I benefit from the pressing of cd's, either monetarily or otherwise.....?
Click to expand...

And that's the question. Are you going to personally receive any profits from the sale of the CDs?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5below, pcake, smogg and 1 other person
#15
Mo'Phat said:
The idea of paying or not paying has been left up to me. They are not pushing.

However, if I benefit from the pressing of cd's, either monetarily or otherwise.....?
Click to expand...

The odds you get back even the cost of printing CDs are quite slim, like damn near unheard of slim. The odds the band makes back the money they spent recording it are even slimmer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: backin82
#18
How solid is your status at this point? If it took a lot before the previous bassist became un-associated, and took a lot of deliberation and consideration to bring you on-board, then it may be one of those things that seems like a big deal now, but will be in the rear-view before you know it. If this band hasn't been around as a band for a decent while, and/or is hair trigger on personnel changes, then I'd peace-out on financially supporting the CD.
 
#20
Wfrance3 said:
How solid is your status at this point? If it took a lot before the previous bassist became un-associated, and took a lot of deliberation and consideration to bring you on-board, then it may be one of those things that seems like a big deal now, but will be in the rear-view before you know it. If this band hasn't been around as a band for a decent while, and/or is hair trigger on personnel changes, then I'd peace-out on financially supporting the CD.
Click to expand...

There was no bassist. The drummer and guitarist played the bass lines.

I'm solid as in they have stopped looking and started writing with me.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back