You can get 100 cd's for $100
I hear you - but this band wants to make a nice package. Digipaks, I believe.
My previous band went with cardboard sleeves through Bisondisc.com at about $1.20/unit shipped. I've mentioned it to them.
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You can get 100 cd's for $100
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.
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.
you are going to try and sell a 4-song CD ? For how much ?
I'd say no way, not for that kind of money.
If someone is going to buy your music on a CD, they will buy it no matter what the packaging.
If they are going to be demos/promos, then you shouldn't be spending that kind of cash.
Why not? Without knowing much about this situation, it seems weird to ask you to throw in money as a goodwill gesture if they're not willing to at least sort out a cover with the actual band on it...as a goodwill gesture.Caveat 1: The EP cover is of the three other members and isn't going to change during this pressing.
Interesting - some split responses here.
I am a realist. People do not buy CD's. I've only purchased music online for the better part of 7 years. I have made CD's in other bands and given them all away for free. This band, however, wants to make a real thing - and you can't really fault a band for wanting to make physical product.
Promoters or bar managers don't need cd's either - a business card with a link to your Bandcamp or Soundcloud can often get you the gig or not. A physical CD can't be streamed - and long ago are the times when a club owner would 'pop in a demo' and see if the band is any good. Nowadays, it's how many followers/likes/friends you have and whether or not you have a live performance on Youtube that's decent.
I know this.
I agree that the money could be better spent elsewhere - hell, even a Facebook promotion is probably money better spent.
I don't want to make physical product - but it's tough being the new guy and convincing them it's not such a smart idea.
Why not? Without knowing much about this situation, it seems weird to ask you to throw in money as a goodwill gesture if they're not willing to at least sort out a cover with the actual band on it...as a goodwill gesture.
The thing I don't understand is why they would want to put something out as a duo when you are now a trio. If you're a bassist and they're not, you should rerecord all the basslines with your presumably better skills. If you can't do better than they did, why do they need you as a full member?
The story is they searched for a few months and didn't find the right player - then opted to record with the drummer and guitarist covering the bass. They are surprisingly capable. They felt under the gun to release something, at least digitally.
It's a quartet now, with a lead singer.