1) What do you think about the demise of the recording industry and why isn’t there any retail any more?
I actually don’t subscribe to the “demise” of anything, in fact I subscribe to the idea that technology has simply made it easier for more really good musicians to get out there and get their music heard. Downloading is great, as long as people are honest and pay for it. We offer uploading via our partnership with The Orchard and we can talk at length about how wonderful that is. But we need to remember that if the environment has changed around us, we need to be more amenable to going with it rather than against it and be sure that our bases are covered in as many places as possible – FaceBook, Twitter, musician Websites and don’t let any of it become stagnant. Don’t forget about GigSalad and GigMasters; don’t forget to advertise leading up to your release if you can afford – leave some money in your budget to spend AFTER the recording for publicity and promotion. Don’t forget to get new photos. Here’s a great free book that you can download and I found it quite refreshing: New Music Strategies, 20 Things You Must Know About Music Online Check it out.
2) Do you handle CD replication and packaging?
We are happy to help you in deciding on the appropriate mode of replication and packaging and as most musicians do these days, we suggest you go straight to the web for information on these opportunities. We work a lot with a reasonable and reputable company in NY and we can give you their name if you use our services. They are very reliable and price sensitive. They also provide “green” manufacturing.
3) How do you promote my music?
We have several different programs, but the best way is to start off with a good publicity program using any of our resources and contacts. Doing your publicity program at least three months prior to radio promotion will give you reviews to use in your social media and one-sheets that you will send to your radio promoter.
4) Do you work with Amazon, iTunes, etc. to get my MP3’s into their download stores?
Yes, we work directly with The Orchard for getting all our music online digitally to iTunes an all the other outlets and we do this as soon as the music is mastered. We have a good response and take-up rate with iTunes directly with The Orchard as well as the thousands of other digital download arenas that they with.
5) Do you handle my bookings or do I have to hire an agent?
We do not act as a booking agent or manager however if we receive calls we forward them directly to the artist for which people are calling. We are considered a label only and not your management.
6) Why should I partner with you and not go it alone?
There’s nothing wrong with your going it alone but if you’re good enough to be on the PCJ label, you might want to hang your hat here for a while. We offer national retail distribution – so you say that people don’t buy albums any more? – I don’t believe that. I meet people all the time who still want the artwork, the pictures and, your autograph. People are basically hunters and gatherers and they collect things, like CDs and albums and whatever you sell at your gig. And it might also be the case that some of the more reputable companies like MVD and The Orchard require you to be on a label to get their kind of distribution. Remember, you want the best and the broadest reach possible. Unless you get a big time record label to sign you – how good are those chances? – you need us. And we do not rip you off. We caution you about CD Baby because you can’t be with us and them at the same time.
7) Why should I do publicity?
With hundreds of records being produced each month, it’s a tremendous challenge to get the proper exposure for your music. We can provide the personal insight and guidance you need to plan and execute the right strategies and opportunities for your new CD. A 3 month publicity start followed by your radio promotion program starting 3 weeks before your street date REALLY helps to get the word out leading up to your release. Our services used to include management of all of your promotion and advertising needs but we found that we couldn’t make any money doing it that way. Our goal now is to bring fresh music to all in whatever format and budget the independent musician has access to. If you came to us today and had a real advertising and publicity budget, we’d do what we know and use all our big guns to help with that, but most musicians don’t have access to that. Don’t forget that you could raise money on Kickstarter or Indiegogo or the others.
What do you have to do? You would be responsible for the cost of all advertising and totally responsible for the cost of your promotional needs including publicity and radio promotion.