Q and A

Questions We Are Frequently Asked..

 

 

 

Q.  How much does it cost to produce an CD?

 

A.  The cost to produce a CD can vary greatly depending on the cost of the studio's fee, engineer’s fee, producer’s fee, musician’s fees, graphics needed, duplication, shrink-wrapping, bar coding, licensing, etc.  Professional studios typically charge anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 or more to produce a CD.  At Edgewater Studio, we have much more affordable packages available for you.  Please click on the Fees link here or above for more information. 

 

 

 

Q.  How long does it take to  produce a project?

 

A.  There are basically 3 phases to a recording project.  The first step is preparation.  Preparation includes; choosing, writing or arranging the songs, acquiring the required licenses, lining up other musicians, practicing, attending a pre-recording meeting with me, and pre-recording the MIDI if possible.  The second step is the studio time.  The time for this step is by far the most variable.  It can range from an hour per song to several days per song.  This length of time varies greatly depending on the complexity of the song and the preparedness of the performers.  The third step is production time.  Depending on which package you purchase, number of songs, and the complexity of the songs production time can take from a couple of hours to a month or more.  We will discuss these topics during our first meeting to ensure it meets your expectations.

 

 

Q.  Am I able to play someone else’s song on my CD?

 

A.  Yes.  When the most recent copyright laws went into effect, all songs written since 1923 are now under a copyright until at least 2020.  All songs written prior to 1923 are considered public domain and require no permission or payment. If you’re using someone else’s copyrighted composition(s), you need to get a mechanical license in writing.  The easiest way to receive a mechanical license is through the publishers website.  If you are unable to contact the publisher directly, try agencies such as the Harry Fox Agency (212-370-5030 or nmpa.org).   If it is not listed with the Harry Fox Agency, continue to search the web. See the Links page for more agencies to try.   The statutory rate is currently 9.1 cents per song per CD. (I.e. 1 of their songs on 1000 CDs would cost $91.00)  If the song is over 5 minutes long, the rate is 1.75 cents per minute, rounded up to the next full minute.  (I.e. 1000 copies of a 5:04 minute song would be 6 X .0175 X 1000 = $105)  No one can deny you permission to record their song if they have granted anyone else permission in the past.  So, if you know it has been recorded by a different artist before, they are required by law to grant you permission as well.... and charge no more than the current maximum rate 9.1 cents per song per copy.

 

 

 Q.  I would like to copyright my own songs, how do I do that?

 

A.  Copyrighting songs is fairly simple. To officially copyright your songs you will need to get the forms from the Library Of Congress. (202-707-9100 or copyright.gov)  You will have to send the form along with a recorded copy and/or a lead sheet with lyrics along with a $35.00 fee.  In a few weeks, you will receive a clearance form that confirms your material has been copyrighted. To copyright your songs a little less formally, you simply would need to write "Copyright 20?? by (Your Name)" 

 

 

Q.  I can't find an accompanist, what can I do?

 

A.  We have access  to several studio musicians available for you on a fee per hour basis.  If you can't find or can't afford an accompanist, you can check the Internet for piano tracks, sound tracks, and congregational hymns.  A good source I have had recommended to me is Faith Music Missions at faithmusicmissions.com.  Keep in mind that I play the Alto and Tenor Sax as well as the drums which includes everything from the standard drums to timpani, bongos, timbales, as well as any type of trap instrument you could possibly use.  I would be glad to work with you for a nominal charge.

 

 

Q.  How can I add orchestration to my songs?

 

A.  While nothing is quite as good as the real thing, part of the beauty of MIDI is it's ability to emulate most any instrument.  If you can't afford to hire instrumentalists, we can add orchestration using MIDI that is very close to the real thing.  At Edgewater Studio, the MIDI instruments we are currently have available for your use are; STRINGS (violin, viola, cello, double bass, acoustic 6 string & 12 string guitar, electric guitar, electric bass guitar), WOODWINDS (Alto sax, tenor sax, piccolo, concert flute, alto flute, bass flute, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon), BRASS (trumpet, French horn, trombone, alto trombone, bass trombone, tuba, contra tuba), PERCUSSION (timpani, bongos, timbales, tubular bells, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, bass drum, gong, toms, bell tree, snare drum, cymbals, hand bells, maracas, tambourine, castanets, claves, wood block, triangle and many other trap instruments), and KEYBOARDS (Steinway concert grand piano, harp, harpsichord, celesta, Rudolph von Beckrath concert pipe organ, several other organ selections).  Be sure to ask for a demo of these instruments.  You will be amazed at their quality and how much it can add to your music.

 

 

Q.  How many songs should I include on a CD?

 

A.  The typical album consists of 12 to 14 songs and lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.  There is no requirement to the number of songs or length of the CD.  If you are selling your CD to the public you will want to make sure they are getting their money's worth. 

 

 

Q.  What if I want to record a song or two instead of an entire album?

 

A.  I have done a LOT of single songs for weddings, solo accompaniment, training,  etc.  So, whether you need  two songs or twenty, we can work together to get you what you need.

 

 

 Q.  Do I need a bar code?

 

A.  A barcode is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) that is unique to your item. You don’t necessarily need a barcode but it is a must for retail sales. (I.e. bookstores, record shops etc.) This is how they track their inventory. Some stores won’t even accept your product if it doesn’t have one. A unique barcode costs approximately $35.00 from various resources on the Internet.  Bar coding is also typically available through CD duplication service companies as an added service. You will need only one bar code per CD title, not per CD sold.  It doesn't matter if you want to sell 100 or 10,000 CDs of one title, you will need just one bar code for those CDs.

 

 

 

 

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