Common Sense Ideas On Making Your First CD

Artists often ponder two choices when they decide to make their first CD. Either they want to make the best possible album, or they want to make the cheapest possible album.

The goal, however, should be to make the right album!

A first album is right when three things are achieved.

First, it suggests your potential for future growth.

This means it contains enough production and variety for producers, labels and promoters to hear the possibilities in your writing and performing. The span of material, performance and arrangements should show you to be more than a "one trick pony". You may not wish to be categorized, pigeonholed, and labeled. But you will be. An album showing your range will give you, and them, more options.

 

Second, it's an accurate representation of you at your best

It's important to take time to do it right. Each cut should be the best you can do. Keep in mind though, that elaborate production that makes you sound better than you really are can hurt you in the long run. If you can't deliver live what's on the tracks, then your career may suffer as people's expectations are not met.

 

Third, it costs what you can afford.

Your career will require money for travel, auto expenses, phone bills, printing and promo material, instruments, accessories. Maybe even an agent or publicist. If your first CD puts you in so much debt that you can't afford anything else, it's like buying a Ferrari with no money left for gas.

 

Most successful music careers are built in small steps over a long period. You don't have to hit a home run with your first CD. Just take a firm, level swing and get on base.

Steve Friedman engineered first albums for Vance Gilbert, Jim Infantino, Martin Sexton and Vox One, all since signed by labels.