CD Pressing

***Please note that there are literally thousands of places to print CDs... These are either places people have brought up to talk about, places I recommend, or places come across on random internet searches.***

One of the heavyweight questions asked by bands that have just spent their time, money, and sanity locked away in their respective recording area to put their lifeblood into disk form is, "Ok, the cd is recorded... now what do we do with it?"

Well, depending on what you're trying to accomplish with your shit is what and where you'll want to go with. I'm only going to talk about short run cds vs. large run cds. Doing a cd completely DIY (packaging and everything) will be saved for another article and time as I'm sure we all have more experience in that route and this has not been explored as much. I'll try to explain what I look for in getting cds pressed, write about some places to look at, and give my recommendations.

-WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Overall in cd pressing I look for quality, price per cd (one of the most important points!), extra options, hidden fees, and turn around time. If you can think of anything I missed here then please comment and let me know. You really want to cover all aspects of what a company offers because each project is different and could make any of the things listed previously more important than the other.

For quality, it's obvious. You don't want to have a cd that looks like shit. It's kind of a bummer to buy a cd that looks like shit. It's part of the experience of buying a cd. Most companies will send you samples of their work with either a self-addressed envelope, a small charge, or my favorite... for free!

Price per cd is so important to me. This is the highest risk when determining what to do. It also is a good way to determine whether or not to go with a short or large run of cds. For example, I feel that any band that plays regularly in and out of town should sell at least 300 albums in their first year supporting it if they do it right. So, let's say that my band recorded an ep that we're going to sell for $5.00.

If I do a short run of 300 cds at $800.00 that is going to mean I am being charged about $2.67 per cd. This means I will have to sell160 cds to make my money back and have 140 cds left over for profit making $700.00. Not so bad, right? The bad thing about this, though, is that you're now out of cds and will have to spend another $800.00 for another run.

If I do a large run of 1,000 cds at $1,200 dollars that puts me at $1.20 per cd. Now initially this will not look as good as a short run of cds because you will need to sell 240 cds to make your money back with 60 cds making that initial profit. It puts you $300.00 in the clear. The big thing to look at here, though, is now you have 700 other cds to send out to radio, out to music review magazines (don't say there aren't any that will review general submissions, I will list some later as I write more articles... and yes, they are nationally circulated magazines), to your grandma... anybody! Also, let's say you sell 100 more cds total. With a large run pressing, you're not losing any money where as a short run press you have to sell another 160 for every run you do or you're going to lose money. Yes, I hate money but it is the only way to make your band function and grow, sadly.

Also, always look into special deals. One company that you go with might have a better regular price but another company might have a better temporary deal that would be worth your dollar.

***Just a quick note... Most short runs are CD-Rs and personally, I would feel like an asshole charging $5.00 for an ep printed on a CD-R. So, with my personal ethics I would calculate the CD-R short run pressed cds at $3.00 which would completely make the short run cds not worth your time.***

Extra Options is something I think people forget about when looking into getting their cd done. What can you do that might make it a little more kickass for a kid that's going to pick up your bands cd? Enhanced cds are not only special but are becoming the norm of having a release right now. Inserts are a good way to maybe push your other merch or a cause you feel strongly about. Most of these things come at little to no cost now and should be taken advantage of. Always exhaust every option you can get out of a company. These small things are only going to help you connect with a listener and make it better for everyone. I know what you're thinking, "I've never heard of a place that has enhanced cds as a free option." but there is, and I will tell you where later in this article/blog thing.

Hidden Fees and Turn Around Time are pretty self-explanatory. A common hidden fee is the 10% over/under which means if they fuck up some of your cds you might have to pay 10% more so they don't lose money on pressing your stuff. The good thing is, some companies sometimes have the 10% under and will give you the extra cds. And turn around time is another thing to look at. This might be where short order cds will win because if you've got a small weekend tour coming up and you know your door money just isn't going to cut it, get a short run of cds so you have something to sell at the show and make some gas money.

-SHORT RUN CDS

Here are some places that I have looked at, been recommended to me, or popped up on a search engine. I'll try to get as in depth as possible but my biggest suggestion is to always research for yourself. It's just too much for me to guide you through all of this.

DollarCD.com. http://www.dollarcd.com
I can't vouch for the quality of this company but everything else, to me, looks very appealing. They only offer black and white print. Your cds will be CD-Rs. It's only a $10.00 one time setup fee for the artwork and packaging and $1.00 per cd for hard stock sleeves and $2.00 per cd for jewel cases. They've got a 1-2 week production period and 2-7 days for delivery. Total turn around time: about 3 weeks after approval. They also distribute the cds through their website for free (meaning you can refer a fan to the site so they can buy it from a secure site). You can also dropship orders to radio, magazines, fans, etc. They will even download MP3s from your website. Very simple instructions to follow. No hidden fees that I came across.

Parasol Duplication http://www.parasol.com/cdmanufacturing.asp
CDR duplication up to 250 with a 25 minimum. Full color artwork on the disk face (printed on white or silver cds) for $1.25 each. Extra costs for cases. Doesn't look like this is their passion in life. They also do large runs.

Latex Records http://latexrecords.com/cdmanuf.html
Has no fee for over/under but effects quantity you will receive. All prices include barcode, assembly, wrap, and ground shipping. They do not do CDRs (they do actual cds). On your first order they will print 1,000 inserts which will save you money in the future. You have to send them quotes for prices but the short run deals they have are: 300 cds/$812.00 for 4 Page 2 Panel layout with 4/1 insert, 4/1 or 4/0 traycard; clear, white, or black tray; 3-color discs at $2.71 each with extra special deals... and the other: full color - 300 cds/$919.00 4 Page 2 Panel layout with 4/4 insert, 4/4 traycard; clear, white, or black tray; 3-color discs at $3.07 each with extra specials.

Oasis Express http://oasiscd.com/music/shortrunCDR.asp
Oasis Express offers runs as little as 100. Can do full color printing. CD-Rs are quality checked. Thermal printing onto the cd (nice!). Turn around time as little as 5 days. HIDDEN FEE: shipping calculated separately. Will design your cd for you for $75.00 for those artistically challenged. For 100 single color (black) printing, cds run from a range of $2.90 to $2.95 each depending on packaging and for 100 full color, cds range from $3.35 to $3.59 each. Oh, I just saw this... if you move up to 300 cds they are not printed on CD-Rs anymore. It's under the Pricing: Start Here on the menu to the left.

Record/Play Duplication http://recordplay.homestead.com/packagepricing.html
As low as 25 cds can be printed. 2 different types of packages that will vary the cost of 25 from $3.00 to $3.80. Also, a Window Package that has a minimum of 50 that brings the cost down to $2.18 each for cd duplication, color print on cd, and white paper window envelopes. Couldn't find much more information on the site but still looks like a good deal. These are CD-Rs.

In my personal opinion, I would only go with a small run if were desperate to sell cds quicky, was going for really cheap black and white demos to send out and sell cheaply, honestly could not get the funding for a large pressing or doing a free compilation cd. I just feel like if you're going to get a cd pressed and try to do something with your music then do it to it's fullest possible extent meaning: have the best quality you can, send out the promotion, send it to labels and such, and tour on a kickass quality cd that people are going to get something out of.

-CD PRESSING (1,000 COPIES OR MORE)

Yes, this is expensive. Yes, you're going to have to be serious about your band or you're going to lose tons of cash. Nobody said being in a band was lucrative or easy. I find it funny how many people think that. If you can make your money back after paying for studio time, cd pressing, and all of the minor expenses (gas for going out of town, free things to your friends, promotional shit, anything you don't do for yourself as a band) then you should consider that a huge success. Anyways, if you're going to do it right then getting a large pressing is a step in the right direction of making it better for your band.

ICON OMNIMEDIA http://www.builtbyicon.com
Ok, so maybe I'm biased but I honestly feel this is the best company to go to. For as little as 85 cents a cd to up to $2.33, this place has so many options all pre-priced and easy to navigate. There is the 10% over/under and shipping hidden fees. Turn around time is 2-3 weeks from approval. The best thing about this place? All of those extra options are here! If you have someone author and enhanced cd (which is simple now with free programs downloadable from the internet) they will press it with NO EXTRA COST. If you find a better deal somewhere else they will match it. The quality is great. For what you get, every other company I have checked out is at least $200 more on the overall cost. Check it out for yourself, please. Some local cds that have been pressed by Icon Omnimedia would be Cryptorchid Chipmunk's new enhanced ep, Librarians' Neo-Rodeo ep, and the Caterpillar Scheme's self-titled ep.

Furnace Manufacturing http://www.furnacecd.com/
I can't really say much about this company since I have never worked with them and you have to do pretty much everything by mail and quotes. They are highly recommended, however. I've seen some albums made from there and the quality is just as good as anyone else's. I'm hoping Mr. Iafrate will share his experience with this company.

CD Forge http://www.cdforge.com
Again, like Furnace, I haven't dealt with this company directly. I think it's because their quote was too high for my liking. They have done some pretty famous indie cds which means the quality is top notch. The site is definitely worth checking out.

There are not many more large pressing places that I would recommend. Whatever you're trying to accomplish should be covered by those three companies at a fair price. If you have thought of something that wasn't covered then feel free to comment and I'll look into it. The only way this blog will be good is if people comment so that everything can be covered.

image #1 was taken from Icon Omnimedia's site. It is for a Daughters cd. Clarksburg, West Virginia native Perry Pete was the bass player for the successful underground band.
image #2 is from Librarians' Neo-Rodeo cd. Artwork by Dave Klug. Pressed through Icon Omnimedia.
image #3 is from the Caterpillar Scheme's self-titled ep. Artwork by Scott Andrew. Also pressed through Icon Omnimedia.

Getting Your First Show in Morgantown

Ok, so you have the right guys, the songs are written, and the songs are solid enough to play in front of a crowd. Who do you have to talk to for a show around here?

Unfortunately for a new local band, places like 123 Pleasant Street and the Rosewood get a lot of established local acts, regional touring acts, and the occasional national act all trying to get a spot on any given night at one of their clubs. This is a good thing that the clubs have such a demand for shows but for a new band this can be very discouraging.

When I moved here and was in my first Morgantown band I didn't know anyone and was eager to be the booking agent of the band eventhough I had no clue or experience in any aspect of booking shows. I don't know if LJ still recommends this or not, but when I would request shows in the beginning he would either not reply or say "why don't you come down to an open mic night and show the locals what you're about and get a buzz going around."

So, basically what I'm saying is start from the ground up. Register for the open mic nights at 123 and play the smaller places that have a less demand for shows. The Corner Cafe, Fuel, The Side Pocket Pub, open mic night at the Brew Pub (although it's recommended you're a bluegrass outfit for that), Fielder's (watch out for Fielder's though... it's quite the redneck joint) and house shows are all great places to start... and if that's not enough then be creative, one way that Cryptorchid Chipmunk would try to get people to come to shows would be after practice we'd grab an acoustic guitar, trombone, and anything else not electric and sit somewhere on High St. playing our songs and dancing. It became such a hit that we actually had some fans come from Parkersburg just to see us play on the street.

Open Mic Nights at 123 are one of the best ways to get your band started in Morgantown. They are every Wednesday night and all you need to do is call the bar (304.292.0800) at around 9pm and talk to the sound guy (currently at this time it will be Paul) and just ask what is available for the time your band can play and sign up! 123 has an established open mic crowd and you can make great contacts while playing. When I started out we were lucky enough to share open mic nights on a consistent basis with Pats!e, Egoslavia, Lover, and the best open mic night band Morgantown has ever seen... the Tighty Whiteys. You'll even meet some bands that are on tour and just filling in a last minute open slot (the High Strung is a big notable). Aside from the contacts you'll get to work with a sound guy, have complete freedom that 123 offers, and almost all of the other perks that playing at 123 has to offer. The only cons is that you're not playing your own shows yet, gotta have those 18 and over friends, and no free drinks but hey, you can't win them all.

213 Green St is my house. We do about two shows a month depending on how lazy we are. We open up our basement for bands and friends to play music. We open up our living room and dining room for artists of all types. Want to put on a puppet show? Want to show a film? Want to put up your life's work? Contact me at: t.shirt_revolution@yahoo.com or Anthony at: withoutapause@gmail.com All shows are $4.00, all ages, and alcohol free. $3.00 of the door is split between bands and $1.00 is split between the artists. We're really laid back dudes. If you have a problem with anything just talk to us or email us and we'll try and work it out.

IThe Flipside is a new venue that has taken the place of the old Rosewood venue. I haven't been inside there or talked to anyone about it. So, I know virtually nothing about this place. If someone could comment and give me contact information and a general rundown of how things work and the atmosphere... that would be pretty rad.

The Side Pocket Pub requires the submission of a demo and two hours worth of material but it's still pretty easy to get booked there and the pay out is enormous for local bands. A guaranteed $200 is well worth is eventhough you'll be using your own PA and playing to some exchange students under some NASCAR decorations. What a lot of band will do is rent a PA since they have a guaranteed amount of money to pay off the rental and will split the two hour time with another band so that it's still a good pay out and you're not overkilling the crowd with too many songs. I don't have the specifics for contact information for this either because every band I've ever been in has been the band asked to play and never booked it ourselves.

One more thing is to talk to other bars and places about holding shows. We used to nag the bar Spanky's into having shows every week until it became a regular thing. Brian Pennington and Jeremy were spinning records at Fatty Loaf's... most owners like the idea of live entertainment. It brings people in to eat and drink. Don't be afraid to scout some places and look for a place where you could clear some tables for a show.

Remember in the beginning to never turn down a show. Play as many as you possibly can until you start building somewhat of a following. No matter how many times you play in this town at first someone new is going to see you every time. Hit every open mic night that's available, attend any party or show and talk to people and make some friends (because honestly, if you're in this for the money then quit right now. If you're into playing shows because you want to get your music heard and have some adventures then this is for you), and always look for oppurtunities to hop onto some shows. Help out the other bands just starting out when you can and never forget about the already established bands that helped you out or gave you a chance on one of their shows.

image #1 is from April 28th, 2001. First official Cryptorchid Chipmunk show at 123 Pleasant Street with Kids Eating Pizza.
image #2 is the first show ever held at Liquid Lounge
image #3 is from a house show featuring Devil Inside Her (amazing surf rock), Eli from Devil Inside Her made this flyer.

What is DIY Music and Ethics in Morgantown?

"How do I get my favorite band to come to 123?"

"I want to play as many shows as possible... but how do you get shows out of town?"

"Hey, can you get me a show at 123?"

"Gee, nobody ever shows up to my band's shows. It's like nobody cares about independent music in this town."

Maybe it's because I've been listening to too much Bikini Kill lately or maybe it's because I've answered these questions over and over on a monthly basis but I've been inspired to write it all down and hopefully others will contribute for the purpose of helping each other so that the process of trial and error doesn't have to keep continuing.

So, I Double Dare Yah to ask questions, answer questions, keep each other updated on new places to post fliers, play shows, and anything else that could possibly make this town a better place for art, music, and expression in general. We all know West Virginia can use all it can get.

You don't need a mohawk to do it yourself.

Image taken from Amy Spencer's highly recommended DIY: the rise of lo-fi culture. You can order the book from AK Press.

http://www.akpress.org/search?action=find_book&search_key=title&query=diy