3.

Cover Songs
Including material by other writers is standard practice in many genres, and including a cover

SONGWRITING / SONG SELECTION

Whether youre in an original band, playing jazz standards, or performing in a classical quartet, building a repertoire of excellent material is extremely important its what you have to work with when it comes to choosing the songs for your release!

song in your release can be a fun way to connect with your audience, explore different musical styles, or give a nod to a personal influence, no matter what your genre. Choosing and arranging a cover song, especially for an artist who typically writes his/her own music, can take as much effort as writing your own. Find a song you can adapt to your own style, that you (and your fans) can relate to, and try to create a version of the song thats a clear variation from the original recording.

4. Mechanical License
If you choose to cover a song on your release, you need to get the proper licenses. Copyright

1. Songwriting
Lets face it every song you dream up is not your best. A pretty standard ratio in the music industry is one recordable song for every three or four written. That means you might only release 25% of your material! Sound harsh? The only way to compete with all the other great music artists out there is to always put your best foot forward. Be selective, work hard, and vet your material however you can: live, online, CD handouts, social media... find ways to get feedback and use it to help you record and release your very best material. Obviously, that means it might take many months to get enough material together for your release, but the investment in time will be worth it.

law requires that you obtain a mechanical license before distributing a recording containing any composition you didnt write. Unless the song is in the public domain, mechanical licenses are issued by the owner of the copyright (publishers, labels, estates, songwriters, composers). The publishing royalty is a statutory rate of 9.1 per unit for all recordings up to five minutes (it is 1.75 per minute if a track is over five). Mechanical licenses are compulsory, meaning you dont need permission from the copyright owner to record his/her song, you just need to obtain the necessary license. Our friends at Limelight can help you clear your cover songs with no hassle and no confusion.

5. Copyrighting
Your music is copyrighted as soon as you make a physical copy including any recording or written transcription. That doesnt mean its not a good idea to spend the money required to officially copyright your compositions with the Library of Congress (online fees are $35 for a basic claim of an original work). Copyrighting gives you additional backup if you ever need to go to court, and it allows for a formalization of the writing credits as determined in #2.

2. Who Owns The Songs?

If you are in a collaborative situation a band, duo, or any co-writing relationship take the time to document and agree on who wrote what while you are creating the music. Determining who owns the copyright and how writing is split among the songwriters in advance will make things easier and save you time, money, and heartache down the road.

Budgeting For Your Album

6. Samples And Loops

Just like you need a mechanical license for cover songs, you are required to get clearance for all samples used in your recording. This can get rather tricky in many cases, but the law requires you get permission from the copyright owner as well as the owner of the sound recording for all sampled clips you include.

recording than it did when you were playing! Take

time to fine tune every section of music, every part, all the instruments, and all the nuances of the songs you choose to record. Finding out your part doesnt quite fit into the mix in the middle of the recording process can derail your timing and your confidence.

3. Rehearse To A Click Track And Use

One In The Studio

If you have a drummer, make sure he/she is comfortable playing to a click, and rehearsing to one is the only way to get there. Even if you do not

REHEARSAL
Preparation for your studio date is essential and that includes having your material rehearsed to the point of ultimate comfort. Dont waste time and money because you cant execute your part when the time comes to record.

have a drummer, rehearsing and recording to a click can really improve the professionalism of your playing and your recorded efforts. Not only that, but recording to a click affords you options in the mixing and post-production stages you wont have if you dont use one.

1. Rehearse With A Purpose

Whatever your musical style, thoroughly rehearsing the material you intend to record is recommended. While some spontaneity in the studio/recording process can be beneficial, rehearsing your parts so you can play them in your sleep will provide the comfort and confidence you need to explore ideas in the studio if the opportunity presents itself. Experiment while you are rehearsing, and do not be afraid to push your comfort levels this is the time to make (and learn from) mistakes. Create an environment where everyone is free to explore their artistic whims as you work toward the final arrangements that best suit the players and the songs.

PRE - PRODUCTION
Pre-production can encompass any number of different activities but at the very least, it should answer all the questions about roles, logistics, and expectations before you head into the recording process.

1. Determine The Scale Needed

For Your Recording

If you have a home studio and the skills to achieve a complete recording, you may not have to spend much money on a studio though having a professional home studio requires a cash outlay for microphones, preamps, a DAW, etc. (and having a home studio set up doesnt mean you have the

2. Record Often And Listen Critically

Get clear recordings of your rehearsals it always sounds different when you listen to the

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skills to make a professional recording). The other end of the scale requires that all your recording be completed in a professional studio, and your costs for that will vary wildly depending on the quality

only to find that the studio or engineer you want is booked or blocked out when youre ready.

of the studio, the amount of time you need to

book, the producer/engineer fees, etc. A common approach to lower your costs while maximizing production value is to record part of a project in a pro studio perhaps cutting drums and lead vocals tracks and record the other tracks and incidentals in your home studio. Your budget will largely drive this decision, though your needs will certainly factor into the equation.

3. Talk To Your Producer/Engineer

If youre working with an outside producer (anyone not in the band or creative ensemble), it is imperative you establish what the role of the producer
will be before the recording process begins. In some

cases, the producers vision has a huge impact the final product, and the band/artist partners with the producer as an equal (if not greater) part of the final equation. In other situations, the producer is essentially an engineer, enlisted to draw out the bands best possible performances and make the most accurate recording of the bands vision. Depending on the expectations of the artist/producer relationship, the producer can partner on decisions involving song selection, tempos, keys, arrangements, and everything that has to do with the songs. The producer can also have a lot to do

2. Choose Your Recording Location(s)

Choosing your locations, booking them, and setting your recording schedule is a big part of the budgeting process. Getting these steps out of the way while youre in the early stages of rehearsing can help ensure you dont plan recording time

You recorded your album Now what?

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Alternative ways to market your album

How to get your album on Pandora, Spotify and rdio

Go international: How to play shows for the State Department and USO

Get more gigs

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Budgeting For Your Album

with the choice of recording facilities. It is paramount that the artist/producer relationship is defined and agreed upon from the outset, as differences in opinion or expectations can affect the timing, expenditure, and quality of both the recording and experience.

a day. Drums and bass at the start, guitar and other instruments after that, vocals and incidentals to
finish things off. This keeps everyone involved every day, and can keep each session fresh and inspired.

2. Budget 10 Hours Per Song

There is no hard and fast rule. Every producer has his/her own formula, but planning for 10 hours of recording time per song is a starting point. Always budget extra time for the mixing and mastering processes and remember that the recording process itself most always takes longer than expected.

4. Pre-recording
Another part of the pre-production process can be recording a CD that includes every potential song you have for the release. If you have the capacity to do a multi-track home recording, this can give the players a chance to execute their parts and analyze every section of every song. If not that, a decent live recording of all the tracks can help the artist, engineer, and producer have a reference for arrangements and song options heading into the recording process.

3. Get The Right Format

If you are using separate recording facilities (e.g. pro studio/home studio), make sure the engineer knows exactly what you need to take with you to continue the process on your own. Be sure that your requirements are clear so you leave the studio with precisely the right tracks in a format that is compatible with your home system. And always make backup copies of everything!

RECORDING
Once the recording locations have been decided and the material agreed upon, having a plan heading into the recording process can keep you on track. Deviating from the plan is always an option, but starting with a clear idea of how to proceed can help keep things progressing and on budget.

4. Budget Time And Money For Mastering

Mastering is an important step in the recording process, and you should consider having your work mastered by a separate facility that specializes in this process like the legendary Frankford-Wayne mastering studios. However you ultimately decide to master your recording, in addition to sweetening and balancing all the tracks, make sure you: Have the correct song order Are happy with the space between each song Remove any noise between tracks

1. Determine The Order Of Recording

The genre and musical arrangements of your act will determine a lot about how youll record, but in a typical multiple-player scenario, there is more than one way to approach the recording process. Drum and rhythm tracks first? Record them all at once, or one instrument at a time? Some producers prefer to go a different route and record a song

Add ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) information Add CD-text information, such as artist name, album title, and track titles displayed by some CD players

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4. Develop A Theme
A cohesive design theme across all your collateral (merch, posters, album, web site, online efforts,

DESIGN
When it comes to the look of your CD and the additional collateral included with your record release, having a cohesive (and professional) design to match the quality of your music can make a huge difference. Youve put your heart and soul into your project make sure the design reflects that!

promotional pieces, etc.) will help define your brand and will bring a level of professionalism to your release campaign.

5. Plan For Delays

This is good advice for every section of this guide! Not everything comes out perfectly the first time, and many delays are not due to poor planning. They can be caused by a necessary back and forth between the designer and the band for unforeseen circumstances. Any creative process takes time, so plan for it.

1. Album Title
Sounds stupid, but do not leave this to the last minute. Your album title can directly influence your design, and making sure everyone with a stake in the matter agrees to the title is better done well in advance of the design process.

6. Thank Yous And Liner Notes

If you plan to include liner notes, start making your thank yous and lists of credits during the rehearsal and recording process. Make sure all other liner notes (lyrics, stories, comments, credits, etc.) are tackled ahead of time. Also, if you have a cover song and want to include those lyrics in your CD packages artwork, you need a separate license.

2. Album Design
Having access to a graphic design program does not make you (or your Uncle Jimmy) a graphic designer. Unless you or someone in your entourage is a capable designer, hiring a professional is the best idea. Whoever is executing the design, make sure they are working with the proper templates and that ALL the design elements text, images, etc. are formatted properly with the correct resolution for printing. Oasis DesignWorks
TM

7. Use Legal Artwork

Just like you need permission to record someone elses composition, youll need permission to use any photographs, graphics, logos, and artwork that isnt your own. There are a number of outlets from which you can purchase stock images or get royalty-free images for your project. Make sure you properly compensate someone if they contribute an image or artwork to your CD or promo materials.

is always an excellent and affordable

professional option.

3. Pick A Package
Oasis offers a number of incredible, professional CD packaging choices, including Digipaks, Jewel Cases, Green Wallets, and Green Forestry Sleeves. Pick the one that best suits your act, the release, your design concepts, space requirements, eco needs, and budget.

8. Photography
A professional photo of your act is useful in many ways. Your web site, promotional materials, CD design, gig posters, your EPK all of these materials can benefit from a professional photo.

Budgeting For Your Album

1. Turn Time
Oasis turn times are typically 3, 5, or 8 business days, but dont forget to factor in weekends, the

MANUFACTURING
The CD manufacturing process is one in the long line of efforts you will embark on in your record release timeline. One word of advice: dont get ahead of yourself scheduling your record release. Recording, designing, writing, and rehearsing can all take longer than you expected, which means you might not get your product to Oasis when you thought you might. We work fast, but dont expect miracles on the manufacturing end to make up for any lost time from the recording process!

time for your approvals, any additional time to make edits/changes, and delivery time. If you approve everything on the spot, well keep your project rolling through production, but any edits, changes, or delays in approval will affect your actual turnaround time not to mention the extra time needed for mastering, designing, or shipping.

2. Check Your Materials

Have someone proof every word before submitting your materials to Oasis for manufacturing. When you receive your design proofs, make sure to give everything another thorough check before giving your final approval. Its worth the extra time to make sure everything is correct. Listen to your master from beginning to end before submitting.

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Make sure everything sounds exactly as you want it to, including song order and song spacing.

3. Gather All Your Materials

Make sure you have everything you need before sending in your job. Among other things, this includes your audio master (dont send us your only one!), design files, and intellectual property rights form.

DISTRIBUTION
Perhaps the most dramatic shift in the music industry is in the models for distribution. The good news: you have access to worldwide sales without the need of a distributor. The challenge: you need to get your physical and digital product prepared and delivered to your fans, no matter where they are.

4. Develop A Formula For How Many

Units You Want To Order

This may be the most important budgeting step of this entire process, and should be the formula by which you determine your monetary budget for recording, design, and promotion. Determine how many CDs and downloads you believe you can sell. Ask yourself: How many gigs do you play a month? How many CDs can you sell at each gig? How many people are on your mailing list? How many might buy a CD or download online? What other promotional efforts are you doing? Determine a realistic sales figure, and determine what revenue that will bring in. Factor in and subtract whatever profit percentage you want to keep, and that final figure represents your budget. You can also use fan-funding, your own cash reserves, or Uncle Jimmys endorsement to fund your project, but this process is not a bad one to go through in an effort to ground your recording and promotional efforts in realistic expectations. Once you have a budget figured out, you can work backwards to determine your possible studio expenditures, design allowances, packaging options, etc.

1. Plan For Physical And

Digital Distribution

One easy way to kick start the distribution of your album is through Oasis Tools of PromotionTM program. This includes: Download sales on iTunes, Spotify, AmazonMP3, and Rhapsody CD sales on CD Baby Physical CDs available at Amazon and on demand at over 15,000 brick and mortar retailers A music store widget to sell CDs and MP3s right from your own web site

2. Prepare MP3 Versions Of Your Songs

Optimize your songs as MP3s for downloads, streams, giveaways, etc.

5. UPC Code
If you plan to do any online sales through retailers,

or if you want your sales tracked by Nielson SoundScan, you need a Universal Product Code. Oasis offers them for $20.

3. Bonus Material
If your promotional efforts are to include bonus tracks, free downloads of unreleased material, or any music not included on the release, budget time for that process.

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Budgeting For Your Album

4. PR Campaign
An effective PR campaign can take many weeks to run its course, so make sure your timeline

PROMOTION
This warrants a guide of its own, but a basic run-down of your promotional plans can help you determine where you need to budget extra time and funds, and where you might need to solicit help from your fans and your creative team.

includes sufficient time for this important step. What your campaign covers is largely connected to your available budget. A PR campaign can include press releases, hiring a publicist, appeals to bloggers/reviewers, email campaigns, social media efforts... the list goes on. Mapping out your PR campaign strategies in the rehearsal phase can help you get a handle on the long-term timeline for your project from start to finish.

5. Gigs And Merch

A proactive and dynamic plan for gig sales includes a variety of merch for sale, a well-designed

1. Social
A concerted and organized social media effort to build up to your CD release takes planning and creativity. All of your promotional efforts should work in tandem with one another, and your social network is a great way to drive people to where you want them to go.

display area for your wares, a capable and friendly staffer running your booth or table, and an effort to pitch your CD and merch during the show.

6. Email
Nothing is more valuable than your email list. These are the fans who have explicitly told you they want to hear from you. In the months leading up to your release, actively grow your list. In the weeks leading up to your release, let them know about it.

2. Web Site
Your web site should reflect the news of your new CD in multiple ways, including design elements connected to the new release, direct links to the locations selling your new CD, and your biography updated to mention the new CD.

7. Video
A great method of promoting anything you are doing is to tie in a video release. Coordinating the time and money for a full-on video could add up to an extraordinary expenditure of resources you do not have, but some behind-the-scenes videos of you in the studio could make for a brilliant spin-off that easily ties into the CD release.

3. CD Release Party
Some sort of party or CD release show (or series of shows) should be part of the promotional mix to launch your new release. As mentioned before, do not be premature in scheduling this. In addition to making sure you have the actual CDs in hand before the show, effectively promoting this show requires a concentrated PR campaign, which may necessitate waiting on the completion of the CD, or at least the completion of the mastering and MP3 process to provide clips or free downloads and streams.

8. Blog/Review Submissions
Start a running list of blogs, reviewers, and press youd like to reach out to early on. Connect in advance, if possible, and try to establish some sort of relationship. When the time comes, make sure you conform to each outlets specified submission protocol when submitting your CD for review.

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