The Step by Step process of creating and launching an Album the Independent way

This is the process I used to create and launch my album within the Australian Country Music scene. Other genres and countries may vary. Either way I hope you get something out of this information.

 

The process of production is broken up into several stages. Preproduction is the process of getting a piece of work to demo quality with the arrangement 80-100% complete with documented references of production ideas for each track and list of instrument suggestions. I currently have a good pre production studio for creating this process with no costs.

The next step is selecting a producer to assist in the final arrangements and co ordination of the production process.

The producer will provide the artist a quote for total production of all stages with costing options for each stage of the process including their own service fee.

The following steps are broken up as follows;

Tracking- either selecting local session musicians or out sourcing to international musicians via digital means for each desired instrument or track. The costs of this are broken into a few parts; musician hire fee, studio hire and engineer fee. All are provided at an hourly or block rate.

Mixing- The producer is responsible for the majority of editing process and presentation of each body of work to the mixing engineer. The mixing engineer will provide a quote usually for an hourly rate or per song rate.

Mastering- Once the mixing engineer has completed each song he is responsible for presenting them to a mastering engineer in the desired formats for the mastering engineer to work with. The mastering engineer will usually provide a quote by per song, hourly or full service.

 

Once the full production of the recorded work is complete the next process is art work and design. This will involve a full or half day photo shoot with the hire of a photographer.

 

Once I have been provided with treated top 10 or 20 photos I will hire a graphic designer to create the artwork for the album to be submitted to the manufacturing company.

 

With guidance and selection of physical Cover and CD style I will purchase an initial run of 1000 copies.

 

Register each body of work with PPCAA, APRA and Amcos!!!

 

Next step is to create a film clip for the first single from the album. Depending on the production and hiring of actors/models/props I get the director to work within a strict budget.

The video will then be submitted to programs such as CMC and Rage as well as Nightlife and of course Youtube.

 

Having created an initial buzz through strategic social media marketing around the full process of the album process. Involving production footage, competitions and pre sale promotion. The first single will then be submitted to radio via a digital service involving a publicity campaign with the hire of a publicist. This will also involve me doing interviews and in studio performances.

 

With assistance of my agents I will set up album launch tours involving extensive touring through out Australia and the U.S.

 

From the previous experience of my first fully funded album I found a single will have a 3-5 month cycle with all media coverage (radio and Television). I plan to release 3 singles of this album to give it as much coverage and exposure as I can within a limited budget. So that will give the full marketing cycle for this album approximately 15 to 18 months.

 

There, I hope you got something out of this. Please post a comment with any feedback or questions you may have.

 

Benn