matt
Joined: Oct 18, 2010
Posts: 650
Boston, MA
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Posted on Nov 21 2021 05:08 PM
So, we're getting serious. I've got studio time booked, a designer lined up, the whole nine yards. (Including the existential terror of how long it will take to get vinyl pressed, but that's a whole other problem).
I'm looking for advice on how to release it. In terms of getting the word out, timing, etc. I notice a lot of labels release "singles" on Spotify, but any other advice would be welcome!
thanks, Matt
— Matt Heaton & the Electric Heaters
Boston's Premier Surf/Noir Combo
http://www.heatonsurf.com
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bigtikidude
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25538
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
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Posted on Nov 21 2021 05:09 PM
Do at least 200 cds also
— Jeff(bigtikidude)
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matt
Joined: Oct 18, 2010
Posts: 650
Boston, MA
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Posted on Nov 22 2021 11:33 AM
Jeff--I'll put you down for 158. 
— Matt Heaton & the Electric Heaters
Boston's Premier Surf/Noir Combo
http://www.heatonsurf.com
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bigtikidude
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25538
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
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Posted on Nov 22 2021 04:24 PM
— Jeff(bigtikidude)
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wfoguy
Joined: Dec 11, 2011
Posts: 2118
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Posted on Nov 22 2021 06:42 PM
Bandcamp is where I end most often to purchase music. I have no advice past that. 
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tahitijack
Joined: Nov 03, 2006
Posts: 693
San Clemente, CA
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Posted on Nov 23 2021 07:20 AM
Blast email to your entire mailing list. Headline announcements on your website and Facebook page. Similar announcements on Twitter and other social media. Flyer posted on as many bulletin boards as possible, such as colleges and music stores, laundromat. Early evening Monday night listing party at local bar/venue. Arrange an interview at a local radio station around the launch date. The announcements should include a where to buy the hard and soft copy of your album. As BTD suggests selling cds at merchandise table is obvious. Good luck, hope this helps.
— Happy Sunsets!
Last edited: Nov 23, 2021 07:22:09
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3797
North Atlantic
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Posted on Nov 23 2021 08:21 AM
Here are some thoughts on releasing an album in these times:
Know how many you can reasonably sell based on your audience, live shows, and folks who follow your band. If you have a small audience, and aren’t playing live (when things get back to normal)your sales will be more than likely be very small.
Use this info to figure your minimum order of albums, and break even number. Include all peripherals like mailing supplies, download cards, etc.
We had 500 records manufactured for each release. 300 sales was our break even point
Make sure you get it properly mastered for vinyl.
Have a good list of media contacts within your area, and in the surf world to send copies to in order to help spread the word.
Ask this question: Will your band be around to build momentum while you wait the long period of time for manufacturing the albums?
As you know, releasing is very expensive, and time consuming. We have released three 45s during our time (1999, 2010, 2014), and will be releasing another in 2022. Sales have been pretty good, the 1999 one selling out quickly, and the 2010/2014 ones selling quite well. Most sales have been through our network of distros and at live shows. Distro companies selling instro surf has shrunk over the years, and live shows…Covid. Vinyl is still fun to release, and we have at least broken even on all the releases, but it certainly has become more expensive, and the turn around is much longer.
Good luck with the release!
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
Last edited: Nov 23, 2021 08:23:03
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matt
Joined: Oct 18, 2010
Posts: 650
Boston, MA
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Posted on Nov 24 2021 09:17 AM
Thanks Rev.
It does make me wonder if I'd be better off doing a 45, and full length CD. clearly when you start making records the costs are waaaay higher.
— Matt Heaton & the Electric Heaters
Boston's Premier Surf/Noir Combo
http://www.heatonsurf.com
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matt
Joined: Oct 18, 2010
Posts: 650
Boston, MA
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Posted on Jan 03 2022 12:45 PM
In case anyone was holding their breath: I think I'm going to release it on CD and digital. I'm counting on CDs becoming the new retro hip format by the time it's out...
— Matt Heaton & the Electric Heaters
Boston's Premier Surf/Noir Combo
http://www.heatonsurf.com
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3797
North Atlantic
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Posted on Jan 03 2022 01:05 PM
At least it will be out his decade (as opposed to vinyl) 
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
Last edited: Jan 03, 2022 13:06:09
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matt
Joined: Oct 18, 2010
Posts: 650
Boston, MA
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Posted on Jan 03 2022 01:53 PM
That's kind of what I'm thinking! Though in fairness, it's taken us 10 years to get into a studio, what's 10 more...
— Matt Heaton & the Electric Heaters
Boston's Premier Surf/Noir Combo
http://www.heatonsurf.com
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2230
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Apr 01 2023 07:01 AM
What about living up this topic)
How and where do you release your albums digitally?
What platforms? Platform aggregators or DSP?
Is it possible to be released on major platforms by yourself or you need some mediator?
Label or not? What label have you signed with? How did you find each other?
What physical carriers do you still use?
Do you sell your cd/vinyl/cassette on gigs or elsewhere?
After my EP release on Bandcamp I have several offers from labels or streaming aggregators but feel that something is wrong…
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
Last edited: Apr 01, 2023 10:07:26
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TheOutpost
Joined: May 26, 2020
Posts: 253
Highlands Ranch
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Posted on Apr 02 2023 10:35 AM
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jtrollmann
Joined: Jun 24, 2021
Posts: 127
South Bay, CA
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Posted on Apr 02 2023 03:00 PM
15 years ago I released a non-surf acoustic folk-rock album. For physical CD and streaming distribution, I went with CDBaby. They placed it in all the usual streaming locations, Amazon, Apple, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Although I don't play or promote that style of music anymore (having gone electric and playing surf & intro), I do check my CDBaby account now and then to see if there are any sales.
— -John
"...enjoy every sandwich." -Warren Zevon
Fender Stratocaster American Pro II
Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue
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cricketseed
Joined: Dec 09, 2019
Posts: 44
North Carolina
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Posted on Apr 03 2023 09:13 AM
I'll second DistroKid. Easy, affordable, and effective.
—
https://hyperfollow.com/weepingfigs
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chiba
Joined: Sep 02, 2022
Posts: 504
Central VA
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Posted on Apr 03 2023 11:17 AM
My prior band had a lot of success with CDBaby. My current band uses Bandcamp. Both seem equally effective.
— --
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2230
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Apr 06 2023 07:18 AM
Thanks everyone! I’ve decided to try CD baby cause I don’t know when is the next release and would better buy just for releases and not for subscription.
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3797
North Atlantic
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Posted on Apr 06 2023 08:14 AM
I have had very good luck with CDBaby as well. They have always paid promptly and have been good to deal with. Having said that, I have also just used Bandcamp for some releases, forgoing the streaming model.
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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Tele295
Joined: Feb 16, 2012
Posts: 153
Rincon Beach, California, USA
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Posted on Apr 11 2023 10:51 AM
That reminds me - I need to check my CDBaby account $$$$
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1305
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on Apr 13 2023 05:31 PM
Matt, I've been considering the same thing, and I've decided not to bother with an album. Discussing it with the rest of the band revealed that none of them even have a CD player. One only buys vinyl, the other only listens to digital. So I think it's a waste of time releasing CDs. You could press a few, 100 or so, but it's a lot of work for a format that sells so little.
Our strategy is to go into a studio and record 4 to 6 tracks and pick the best four for an EP. Release the tracks one by one on Bandcamp and when there are four, release a vinyl EP. When there are 10 or 12, maybe release a full album.
Aim for singles or an EP - albums are a significant amount of work.
— http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/
Last edited: Apr 13, 2023 17:33:00
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