Frequently Asked Questions
1)
What do you think about the demise of the recording industry and why isn't there any retail any more?
I
actually don't subscribe to the "demise" of anything, in fact I subscribe to the idea that technology has simply made it easier for more really good musicians to get out there and get their music heard. Downloading is great, as long as people are honest and pay for it of course. We offer uploading via our partnership with IODA and we can talk at length about how wonderful that is. But we need to remember that if the environment has changed around us, we need to be more amenable to going with it rather than against it and be sure that our bases are covered in as many places as possible - MySpace, FaceBook, CDBaby, your own website and don't let any of it become stagnant. Don't forget about GigSalad and GigMasters; don't forget to advertise leading up to your release. Don't forget to get new photos. Here's a great free book that you can download and I found it quite refreshing: New Music Strategies, 20 Things You Must Know About Music Online Check it out.
2) Do you handle CD replication and packaging?
We are happy to help you in deciding on the appropriate mode of
replication and packaging and as most musicians do these days, we
suggest you go straight to the web for information on Disc
Makers or Oasis.
They are very reliable and price sensitive. They also provide "green"
manufacturing.
3) How do you promote my music?
We have several different programs, but the best way is to start
off with a good publicity program using any of our resources and
contacts. Doing your publicity program at least three months prior
to radio promotion will give you
reviews to use in your advertisements and one-sheets.
4) Do you work with Amazon, iTunes,
etc. to get my MP3's into their download stores?
Yes, we work directly with the Independent
Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) for getting all our music
online digitally to iTunes an all the other outlets and we do this
as soon as the music is mastered. We have a good response and take-up
rate with iTunes directly with IODA as well as the thousands of
other digital download arenas that
IODA works with.
5) Do you handle my bookings or do I
have to hire an agent?
We do not act as a booking agent or manager however if we receive
calls we forward them directly to the artist for which people are
calling. We are considered a label-sponsored festival program and
are actively looking for promoters who would like to take on PCJ
artists as a package deal.
6) Why should I partner with you and not go it alone?
There's nothing wrong with your going it alone but if you're good enough to be on the PCJ label, you might want to hang your hat here for a while. We offer national retail distribution - so you say that people don't buy albums any more? - I don't believe that. I meet people all the time who still want the artwork, the pictures and, your autograph. People are basically hunters and gatherers and they collect things, like CDs and albums and whatever you sell at your gig. We also advertise in the major publications, the ones that you find in offices and record stores and as part of our advertising conglomerate you get to be them as well. You do have to have a budget for all of this, that's why it's important to talk to us early in the process, not when you're finished with your manufacturing.
7) Why should I do publicity?
With hundreds of jazz records being produced each
month, it's a tremendous challenge to get the proper exposure for
your music. We can provide the personal insight and guidance you
need to plan and execute the right strategies and opportunities
for your new CD.
A 3 month publicity start followed by your radio promotion program starting 3 weeks before your street date REALLY help get the word out leading up to your release.
Our services include management of all of your
promotion, distribution, retail and advertising needs. What do you
have to do? You would be responsible for your share of the cost
of all advertising and totally responsible for the cost of your
promotional needs including publicity and radio promotion. In addition
to Big Daddy Music/EMB Entertainment working as our international distribution, we have formal arrangements with all the major
digital download companies (through our arrangement with IODA), Nielsen Soundscan (where we make weekly gig reports), Muzak, and many others.
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