Advice on releasing an EP, has anyone done this independently?

[Fiddynotfifty]

Ok, this is our first time doing this so i want to know if anyone has released music independently before.
I originally looked into setting up a record label but we have signed up to www.dittomusic.com
£25 for a chart eligible release, 50 download stores and a release date, bada bing bada boom, brilliant!!!
So we have set ourselves 8 weeks pre release period. This means we have around 8 weeks to generate sales before our official release date.

I am in no delusions that we will crack the top 40 but it would be nice to break the top 200.

Has anyone released music independently?
Do they have any tips on generating sales etc?

Would be great to hear from you!!!

Charles

[Velvett Fogg]

Hi fiidynotfifty

First of all
WELCOME to the forum,
and we hope you take a look around.

Thanks for your post, and hopefully you will attain your goal.
We have a Sub- Forum, where we offer help in marketing and distribution,
and I have moved your post here.

Feel free to check the threads out here,


MARKETING AND PROMOTION:-Managers, Record Companies etc. (http://www.unsignedcity.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=60)

as only today, one was posted that could be of use to you.

Take a look at what our Admin has posted:-

Good Tips On Band Promotion (http://www.unsignedcity.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=570)


However we always advise caution when parting with any 'up front' monies,
as the world promises everything, and more than not offers nothing in return.

Please Note our sticky thread:-
Dealing With Third Parties

I admire your endeavour, but it might pay you, if you're already not,
to be on as many network sites, such as MySpace, Facebook.
Also see if you can sell your downloads there as well.
Although I have record contracts, and signed to record companies,
I do have an independant record label,
however it is for direct sales only, so I can't offer the advice you need.

The biggest problem you will face, of course is distribution!
However, don't lose sight of the fact, that the Internet is the place to be,
and more exposure you have, the better.

Hopefully if any of our members have further advice and experience,
I am sure they will help.

Good luck

[WaxMan]

Yeah there are all kinds of places to promote your downloads, contact places such as Juno, Picadilly, Boomkat, HMV, Play, Beatport... loads of places, and you can do some CDs and take em around local record stores to see if they fancy selling em sale or return.

[JohnDTraynor]

Ditto music has been disected by many who work in the independent music business, with not great results.

No-one knows what the £25 is for.