Print-On-Demand and the Independent Recording Artist or Band

Music is diverse in the way that it is delivered to the consumer. Musicians and recording artist have alternative ways to package and distribute their works in the industry using Print-On-Demand services. It puts the power of publishing music in the independent publishing company’s hands and allows for artist or artist management firms to keep track of what is going on with the product from sales stand point. These services provide the independent recording artist a way to self package, design and distribute creative works such as albums for sale to stores or to online stores such as Amazon and iTunes. You can custom design album artwork and CD artwork to your liking.  

The economics behind Print-On-Demand services is quite unique. According to P.O.D. site CreateSpace their share is calculated by taking a percentage of the list price plus a fixed charge. The fixed charge is $4.95 for each unit and the percentage of the list price depends on where each different sale occurs. For the recording artist or record label accroding to CreateSpace if you sold a CD with a list price of $25.00 through a CreateSpace eStore, you would earn a royalty of $16.30. The calculation breaks down for selling an album is as follows: If the product is listed, as $25.00 CreateSpace share is $8.70. The profit you would make off of a $25 CD would be $16.30, which is considered a royalty rate for the seller.

There are many different P.OD.s to choose from. The best way to see what P.O.D is good for you is looking at what each of the sites offers and what you are willing to put into the project and what your expectations are. Below is a list of P.O.Ds that can help you with your next publishing project. 

Happy Self-Publishing!

www.createspace.com

http://www.lulu.com/

What Artist Managers Look for When Signing on New Talent

The task of artist manager is quite arduous when deciding what talent is worth managing or not. Personally I have worked with recording artist who has a unique message. That message could be to create awareness about a situation going on in a city. Mainly the most important thing I look for in a recording artist is determination to get tracks made and performing those tracks to the best of the artist’s ability. I have to see that the artist has passion and my arms are getting goosebumps.  That might seem funny but it is apart of the feel you want your audience to experience whether it is physical or mental. The consumer has to connect with your music in some way.

According to an interview on Artist HouseMusic’s website with artist manager Michael “Blue” Williams who has managed big recording artists such as OutKast, Scarface, and Killer Mike he states that you have to be able to spot that star quality.  He also states that an artist is always going to look good. So as a recording artist you have to present your best performance or best song with your heart in it. You can’t just put out garbage and expect for a manager to help you get to where you need to go. Help the manager help you and make good music.

At the end of the day the manager needs artist more than the artist needs the manager. Recording artists has the ability to self manage to a certain point. That certain point is reached when the business side of the artist’s career starts to be too hectic. Recording artist starting out should try to self manage as long as possible. If you become that artist that everyone is looking and wanting to hear you will need a manager.