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"I want to be famous! Where do I start?"

So, you're an artist and want to be famous.....just how do you go about it? The first thing you need is a representation of your talent, whether it's singing, writing and/or playing. We can help you by providing professional production, musician and studio services at a reasonable cost.

"What do I need to get a deal with a major record label?"

You will need a "demo" of your talent (recordings used in "shopping the deal"). We've seen anything from songs recorded with just a "blaster" to full blown productions. However, as the music business shifts more toward business and less about "art," the odds are better that major labels will see your vision if it's complete and presented in good taste. Bear in mind that there is a tremendous amount of competition out there; your submission should sound as professional as possible.

"Is it expensive?"

Compared to major label record budgets, no. The industry average major label album budget ranges from $100,000 to $150,000--which is the budget for an entire completed and mixed CD, minus cover art (photos & design), mastering and actual manufacturing. This averages out to be $10-15,000 per song, recorded and mixed. Demo recordings range anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per song, recorded and mixed. We generally like to keep costs "in the middle"--around $1,500 per side--to ensure proper time spent with each song while maintaining professional quality. (Costs can vary, of course, depending on whether or not you are a self contained band; how fast and skilled you are in a studio environment; time needed for vocals, etc.; but our quotes have a ceiling figure, once we bid it, that's it..)

"How many songs should I record?"

Quality is much better than quantity, so generally speaking, 3 to 4 songs should be enough. If a label likes you (or not), they will know without listening to 10 songs. As many submissions as they get, throwing more songs at them will be less in your favor since they won't listen to all of them anyway. Make it simple and give them your best.

"What is mastering?"

Mastering is the final process where the finished two track mixes are sequenced, equalized, and the playback levels are brought up to "0" so that your final product will play as loud and sound as good as one bought in a store. Also a CD parts master will be provided, which you will need for the manufacturing plant to press your CD. The cost of mastering 3 to 4 songs averages $300-$400, and we can recommend good mastering facilities.

"Do you sign and promote artists on Sonic Sorbet?"

Yes we do, but because we are a small, independent label, we have to keep our roster very small to ensure proper attention to our artists. We look for working artists (4-6 nights per week) since promotion needs to be attacked on both live and radio "fronts". Promoting product to retail and radio is a very expensive proposition--much more than the actual recording costs, so a working band is a must to help us in attaining the goal of success. Major labels have major corporate funding; we do not. It is not uncommon for a major label to invest a million dollars on CD, video, and promotion of a new artist and still lose money.

"We want to sell CDs at gigs. Is this a good idea?"

If you are a working act and have an established fan base, then the answer is definitely "yes!" You can record an EP/CD (5-6 songs) or a full-length CD depending on how much you want to spend and how much your selling price will be. Keep your sales projections reasonable, and you will see a profit, usually after selling your first 1,000 to 2,000 units. We've seen bands sell EP/CDs for $10-$12, and full-length CDs for $15-$16 at venues. This merchandising is an excellent way for artists/bands to make extra money at venues while also having product to shop a deal.