Release Research

Statics show that most music is consumed online via streaming services and 'people are less likely to pay for physical copies.'(1)This means that when I release music it needs to be on as many available streaming services. "Smaller artists with less buzz will benefit from releasing additional singles before releasing a album"(4) As I am a not very well known artist releasing more singles before attempting to release a album would help create a buzz for the album. This article states how releasing singles in a structured way could be the best release strategy. "Give your audience content monthly and don't waste your material by dropping it all at once"(1) Staggering content will mean I will alway have music to release and can create a release schedule. Music videos can be used along side releases to help the music tell its story. "Try using videos to explain each single" (1) videos produced should be relevant somehow to the vibe of the song. 

"Lead single, Deep Diver, The B-side, The bouns content, The Collaboration, The featured artist track" (2) These are types of singles that could be released in staged to compile as an album at the end of the release. When releasing these singles I need to thing of a hook for each one "find a hook and make everything swirl around it."(2) "Depending on the scope of your campaign you might even need 1-3 months of preparation"(2) I need to leave time to promote the release in ways such as "Press, Radio and pre savers." It would benefit me to have a song out now so that I can set up a pre saver for my next release.

This venn diagram show all the key parts of promoting yourself a independent artist. 

"The music industry is build on appearances. you need a modern functional site you can update yourself." I will look into online website makers as they are simple to run yourself and still look clean and professional. Aswell as having a website alot of traction can be built up using social media. "Your content calendar is a crucial component to your social media success"(3). As with the releases I need to have a upload schedule for all social media platforms. (https://cyberprmusic.com/musicians-guide-to-marketing-plans-part-1/ This website has a "Musicians guide to each social media platform)

"Email is still the most vital asset you will build for generating revenue."(3) Email is the next step to turning fans on social media to customers with email. I need to create a professional looking email and come up with ways to capture fans emails. 

Once my track is released I will message micro influencers. These are influencers/vloggers that have from 1000 to 50 thousand followers on their platform. Because these influicers have a smaller following a lot of them are more engaged with there following. This means there followers are more likely to check out something they're promoting compared to paying/asking a bigger influencer. I will approach people who's content I think my track could fit in with.(5)

(1) https://burstimo.com/best-release-strategy/
(2) https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/music-promotion/it-all-starts-with-a-song-10-strategies-for-releasing-a-single/
(3) https://cyberprmusic.com/musicians-guide-to-marketing-plans-part-1/
(4) https://sonicscoop.com/2019/01/16/6-crucial-steps-to-planning-a-successful-album-release/
(5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_UxfdcLCYI

Session plan

I will be running a session for a band made of Drums, Bass, 2 guitars, keys & vocals. I will be running the session in MB studios. 

Layout;

• The drums and guitar one will be in one live room one.
• I will put guitar 1s amp in a separate room using tie lines so that there is no bleed on the drum mics.
• I will have vocalist the vocal booth.
• The Bass will be DI'ed into the desk into the control room.
• The keys will be be in live room two & DI'ed into the desk.
• Guitar two will be in live room two with a amp.

Drum Mic Positioning/Selection;

• I will be using the Glyn johns technique as you can achieve a big sound with minimal micing. (https://www.recordingrevolution.com/the-glyn-johns-drum-recording-method/)
• I will have a kick mic so the attack and fullness of the kick & I have more control over it when mixing.
• For the over heads I will use Rode NT1000 Condenser microphones as there large diaphragm & cardioid polar pattern works well with the glyn johns technique.
• For the kick I will use the ATM250DE as it can capture low frequencies well & its hypercardioid dynamic element means it can pic up the attack of the beater. I will position the mic inside the bass drum & off centre it as it strengthens the low end. (https://blog.audio-technica.com/5-quick-tips-miking-kick-drum/)

Guitars;

• The guitar 1s amp will have 2 mics, one will be a SM57 close to the amps speaker for a punchy sound. A second condenser mic about 8ft from the amp to add some room ambience. This will make the guitar cut through the song and sound full.
• guitar 2s amp will have a Rode NT1 mic about 12 inches away placed at a 45 degree angle. This gives a clean sound focused on mids and highs, which is good for backing guitars.(https://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/tech-tips/how-to-mic-guitar-amps-and-cabs-in-the-studio)

Vocal:

• I will audition a few vocal mics with the signer. Rode K2, Neumann KMS 104, AKG C314 & a SM58. We will choose the one that we believe will sound the best.

To Do;

• Set up drum Kit and get it sounding nice.
• Set up amps.
• Set up microphones, headphones & patching.
• Set up two TVs and camcorders so the vocalist & bassist can see the band and vice versa. 
• Do line checks and set up a gain stage & audition vocal mics.
• Go for practice takes 7 get everyone comfortable.
• Get a good drum take & then bass take. This acts as a bed to build the rest of the track on 
• Then focus on guitar and keys.
• Then add vocals.