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Quote7:10 pm
June 10, 2011
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This is a really good question. The only reason I bother making a CD at all is because I know that the most dedicated fans will want a physical "piece" of the band, something that can be looked at, signed etc. But the "feeling" I get from observing people using/consuming music, is that it would make very little difference if an artist just released a new song every few months. Since the record industry destroyed the notion of a great "album," instead replacing it with "here's one hit tune and a bunch of filler, now gimme my $20..." I'm not entirely sure the listening public even thinks in terms of albums anymore, they just pick out mp3's.
On the other hand, if you DID go out of your way to create great records, and your fans understood and appreciated this, it would go a long way towards cementing your relationship with your fans. They would understand that a CD that you made would consist of quality and keep them eager for your next one, and thus talking about you to their friends, and turning their friends on to you. This is the approach that I am taking and I don't have anything definite to say on it yet.
But, I think what we're learning here in the forum is that no matter what you plan on releasing, you need to keep the relationship with your list/fans going and start building expectation/excitement prior to your upcoming release. Asking them what they want/prefer would be a good starting point, and could save you money and time if they just want digital versions of things.
Anyway, that's my two cents. 
10:53 pm
June 7, 2011
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Did somebody delete their thread? This reads like the first thread says "nevermind". Just a little confused.
@Tim, yeah, I think anyone can kind of do anything now. It's about the tribe you cultivate and the expectations you set up. There are many artists out there who still release vinyl very successfully, just as their are artists who release only digital. There are those who put out albums every 5 years and those who only release singles, every month. I think if you make it fun and engaging you can carve out your own path and do anything you want. That's the cool thing about the internet and this new age.
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps you’re just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
5:36 pm
October 20, 2011
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Hi Guys,
Thought I'd add my two cents as well. I think it depends on your fans. I think mine are older, so they like physical cds. I also think these are easier to sell at live shows then download cards. So, it is beneficial for me to manufacture my albums. One rule of thumb I've heard is to release an album every two years, but I think that is changing. I am releasing 3 EPs (5 songs each) within 12 months and it is turning out to work really well (except it's a lot more work! :))
Kat
8:42 pm
June 10, 2011
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John, this thread was started with the question about "is it worth making a CD these days?" So that's why my
reply is up there. I guess StoneBird edited their initial message.
Kat, that's very interesting about the CD's. I think it would be easier to sell a CD at a show too.
1:02 am
April 27, 2012
OfflineI had an experience with two CDs that made me understand just how powerful the difference between physical CDs and downloads can be depending on the demographics of the audience not just for the act but for the material as well.
Our band issued a CD that featured a song Pete Seeger and I wrote together which he sang and played banjo on with us (Toys for Peace). The physical CDs sold like wildfire, but the download action was very weak and sad. Our CD just prior to that one contained a song that had been licensed for use in over 300,000 classrooms worldwide (Globalization Blues) and another song mocking a US Supreme Court decision against gay rights that had gone viral on the internet (Gay-Free Boy Scouts). CD sales bombed, but years later I still get pages of downloads from it monthly. It was by far my most successful release for digital sales.
Seems to me that a mostly older crowd that was attracted by Pete's cut wanted the "real" CDs and downloading tracjs was not a big part of their culture. On the other hand, students and the gay community in general are far more active in listening to music on the go and don't care all that much about having more CDs on the shelf.
So even with the same band, the nature of the musical and lyrical content greatly dictated the format.
11:29 pm
June 7, 2011
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Thanks for sharing Ray. Great insights.
Without a doubt, in general CD sales are shrinking. BUT, with direct response marketing the sales triggers are very different and people buy because of their connection with the artist. I think when you are using sales triggers to get people to take action then what holds true nationally no longer applies. Hence why artists like Amanda Palmer are selling out there vinyl releases. The buying triggers are just different.
Congrats on teh success of that track by the way Ray 🙂
Having trouble with your marketing? Wish you could have an experienced direct-to-fan marketing expert look over your actual campaigns, music, or content and offer feedback? Or perhaps you’re just looking for a little one-on-one assistance so you can ask questions that pertain to your specific goals and get a second, more experienced, perspective? Click here to book a session with me now.
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