Technical/compensatory music compilation guidelines.

August 14, 2008 1:58 PM

Technical/compensatory guidelines for creating a music compilation.

I would like to put out a music compilation. This wouldn't be a money-making venture. I've already had some bands say they'd like to take part. Now I have to put up or shut up, and the first step is admitting I don't know the technical nuts-&-bolts of putting together a compilation.

For example:

Recording guidelines: Do the bands need to be given any (such as might make things easier for whatever sound engineering comes later)?

Compensation: One band said they usually just get CDs that they can sell or give away, as they choose. Is that typical (especially for non-$-generating projects)?

Any info and experiences would be appreciated. Danke.

posted by user92371 to media & arts (2 comments total)

as far as technical advice re: recording, i'd say get unmastered mixes of the tracks if at all possible, and have the entire project mastered by your own engineer (can be done fairly competently for anywhere from a couple hundred to around a thousand.

i was on a compilation that didn't go down like that, and of course the levels and EQing varied wildly. the big label stuff of course drowned out the indie/DIY stuff, and it just seemed a little shoddy.

the comp i was on was a benefit, and as such i didn't expect to get any free copies. if you're doing it for the hell of it then it would be different- i'd appreciate a few copies thrown my way for something like that.
posted by tremspeed at 3:28 PM on August 14, 2008

Recording guidelines:

Just make sure you at least indicate a consistent format for all of them to return to you. Tremspeed's suggestion for mastering the whole project is good - and surprisingly often overlooked.

Compensation: One band said they usually just get CDs that they can sell or give away, as they choose. Is that typical (especially for non-$-generating projects)?

Does "non-$-generating project" mean you aren't selling the compilation or that you are selling them but just aren't expecting to make any money on the project?

If the former then it sounds like most bands would be happy to just have a few copies of an over-produced mix tape.

If the latter, then it would behoove you to have something in writing with each of them detailing what you're going to pay them - even if that amount is zero.
posted by GPF at 6:26 AM on August 15, 2008