Don’t schedule your CD release party before you order your CDs.

A couple of things we have learned over the years.

Don’t schedule your CD release party before you order your CDs.
We understand that clubs and venues often book dates up to two months in advance and that it is very tempting to book your release party before you’ve placed your order. Based on our experience, we also know that it often takes longer for you to pull together your artwork and audio master than anticipated. Our advice is to resist the temptation to book your release party until you have at least placed your order with us, and approved your audio and graphics proofs. Since most orders are completed in about 12 business days, you can begin booking and promoting your party once you know for sure when your CDs will be done. Having your CDs several weeks before the release party allows you to get radio airplay and press — both of which will help you increase attendance at the show and sell more CDs!

Do put together an impressive package to promote to radio.
Most program directors and music directors don’t have the time to read through an extensive press kit. Keep it simple. Include a pitch letter — they’ll read it if you keep it short. Tell them who you are and offer to do interviews and benefit shows for the station. Put together a bio with a description of your music style, highlights of major events, info on the band members. Include a few press clippings. Most importantly, make sure you have a contact name and number prominently displayed on your press kit and on your CD. We recommend you sticker your CD and press kit with your contact info.

Do use a professional graphic artist to design your CD package.
Maybe you have a friend or relative who knows about computers and offers to create your CD artwork for free. It might be tempting, but think twice before taking them up on their offer. It’s important that your designer is experienced with the software and hardware necessary for a successful design. Having your artwork professionally designed also enhances your image as a serious musician. Media Services Design Studio specializes in CD package design at great low prices.

Don’t delay your project by not having the proper licenses.
If you’re using someone else’s copyrighted material, you must get permission from the copyright owner. Even samples, no matter how short they are, must be authorized by the copyright owner. Whether it’s someone else’s entire song or a sample, you need to get the appropriate license(s) to use it. You can find out who owns the copyrights in musical compositions by contacting ASCAP (1-800- 95-ASCAP), BMI (212-586-2000), or SESAC (615-320-0055). Or you can contact the Harry Fox Agency (212-370-5330), who is authorized to issue licenses. (If you’re ordering less than 2,500 copies you can apply online at www.songfile.com.) You must also credit the owner of the copyrights on your artwork. When you’re ready to send us your CD manufacturing order, don’t forget to include the required licenses with your master to avoid delays of your project.

Do include a release number and bar code on your project.
A release number is an identification number for your project. It is usually a combination of up to seven letters and numbers that you select. Since retailers keep inventory this way, they won’t even consider putting your music on their shelves unless you have a release number on it. A UPC bar code is a must for retail sales. Stores won’t sell products that don’t have them. A bar code will cost $750, but when you order CDs from Media Services, we’ll give you a bar code number free. If you are supplying your own artwork or negatives, they must contain your release number. If you are using a Media Services UPC bar code, leave a space on your artwork where your bar code will be inserted.

Do make a safety copy of your master.
It is extremely important that a safety copy be made of your master before you ship or deliver it anywhere. We’ve all had experiences with items that were damaged or lost during shipping and handling. Your master is the result of months of hard work and money spent — a safety copy is a small price to pay to preserve your irreplaceable performances. Keep the secure copy in a safe place, and send out the original master to be mastered or manufactured.