So far you've got the technical stuff
Vinyl & CD production
Distributors
A fairly standard deal with the bands
Some complex stuff on MCPS
and PRS
Here's an updated version of what Keith Jenkins (Wurlitzer Jukebox) said in his tip sheet:
1. The first step is to find a band that you really like. Write to bands and ask them. You'll be surprised how many bands do not get asked to do things. Ask them if they will take 10% of the pressing as payment and waive MCPS money.
2. Get in touch with the manufacturers. Check out package deals, remember VAT and delivery charges.
3. To put a record out you need the permission of the MCPS which is a couple
of forms to fill in. If you can get the band to waive their MCPS money you will
not have to pay them 8.5% of the dealer price.
AP Clearance dept
MCPS Media Licensing
Copyright House
29/33 Berners St
London W1T 3AB
Tel: 020 7306 4500
Fax: 020 7306 4380
Avoid cover versions as they atract an unavoidable 8.5% of the dealer price
to be paid to MCPS.
Some people do not bother with MCPS. Some pressing plants used to ask for a
MCPS number before they would press a record. I'm not aware of anyone ever being
asked for this.
At the end of the process you get a confusing "Certificate of no licence."
All this means is that there is no prior claim to the material you are putting
out. Put it somewhere safe and forget it!
4. Contact distributors. You'll need to have a mixture of persistance and patience! Some distributors are apprehensive about new labels/unknown bands. You might need to go back to them when you've got a review or radio play.
5. Make friends with local record shops, especially if you are working with local bands. Start sending off some promo CDRs to people you think might be interested - be selective!
6. Get the record made - send off more promo copies.
7. Keith now says, "At this point you should be having fun!"
8. If you have any problems just ask someone like myself - everybody I asked (or continue to ask) were really helpful.
9. Now start thinking of the second release "and have FUN" as Keith reminds us!
10. After you've done a couple of records you will probably find a few short cuts.
Here's the link to the Fat-Cat & Indiecentre (USA) sites that have loads more advice and some useful links
Good luck
Please send feedback
August2002