dd

But yes, it’s time I did something like this really.

The initial idea was to make a few CDs with my contempary concert hall music  and send them off to radio stations, in case they would be interested in getting them on air. But after talking with lovely auriond! I also got a lot of back up from other people, who are always very supportive, coming mostly from CGEmpire.

However, being the perfection freak that I am, I had to do everything myself to make sure that it’s exactly like a want it!

So here is a small break down:

• I obviously need printed CDs, covers and back covers and Jewel cases. For any amount over 100 the obvious choice is to go to some CD replication/duplication company. But for such a small amount prices, in the UK, are sky high at around £1.50!
• I also need an artist, or graphic designer to make the cover sleeve for the CD. Luckily my friend Petter (Andail), from AGS, came to the rescue and agreed to do it for free. But certainly if I sell any considerable amount, I have already told him that I will pay him! By no means I would want anyone working for free for me, while I make even $1!
• Shipping. It’s not a predetermined cost and I could have customers pay for shipping but it somehow seems weird. In addition it will add up to the price; and the price in self publishing is everything. I certainly cannot match the quality of professional and commercial published CDs.
• The artists! Thus far I have a somewhat limited amount of quality recordings. So I found a great pianist, called Avguste Antonov who has agreed to do a recording of a fabulous 9 minute piece of mine. Of course he will be paid and so will the recording studio. Luckily all other artists have agreed and there are no other complications.

While the initial idea was to go as cheap and as good as possible, by now I have realised that if I want quality I will have to go quantity to simply cover my expenses. I’m really starting to understand the companies…

I mean 500 CDs will cost £1.5 (or hopefully less), for a full printed and ready to be sold CD. Avguste is also adding to the budget (of course I can’t name the exact price) and so is Petter. This would mean that with everything included every CD from the 500 costs me around £3 each! £3×500=£1500 in total. If I sell the CDs for £7/10 euros/$15 then I do  need to sell at least 200 CDs to make up the initial costs.

If I didn’t have a family I would be completely romantic, but now I do have to think about what’s happening and what will happen.