The Highs and Lows to Self-Releasing a Record

The Highs and Lows to Self-Releasing a Record

Technology has advanced to such a degree, that one can record a full album from the comfort of their own home, and still release it to the masses without much effort. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Let’s look at both.

The Bad

• You are responsible for all the costs and time involved
• There is no brand or agent to hide behind if it is a flop
• You put in a lot of money, and do not sell anything
• Unless you know somebody, you are charged full prices at recording studios, manufacturers and for any Public Relations
• You can be asked to pay for the finished product in advance or upfront before release and sales
• You will have to pay for Public Relations, newspaper articles and reviews in order to establish your name
• Building a brand and marketing your band is a full days work in itself:
  • Sales
  • Advertising
  • Press releases
  • Hiring venues
  • Booking gigs to play
  • Burning of album
  • Album art
  • Email lists
  • Promotions

The Good

• You own everything that you produce
• Any profits made can go into your own pockets
• You can work as hard as you want or as little as you want
• Choose your own style and way of expressing yourself
• You are not bound by the legal side of an agency
• You are not bound by the creative limitations of a record label
• You are in control of the access to your music, including its use elsewhere

At the end of the day, both the good and the bad components still cannot make the decision for you – but whatever decision you do make, be prepared to work hard. Nothing is for nothing and nothing comes for free.