Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal (Part I)

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website (Part I)

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence (Part I)

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal (Part II)

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website (Part II)

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence (Part II)

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

By Randy Chertkow & Jason Feehan

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal (Part I)

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website (Part I)

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence (Part I)

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal (Part II)

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website (Part II)

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence (Part II)

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

By Randy Chertkow & Jason Feehan

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal (Part I)

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website (Part I)

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence (Part I)

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal (Part II)

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website (Part II)

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence (Part II)

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

By Randy Chertkow & Jason Feehan

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal (Part I)

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website (Part I)

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence (Part I)

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal (Part II)

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal (Part I)

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website (Part I)

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence (Part I)

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal (Part II)

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal (Part I)

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website (Part I)

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence (Part I)

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal (Part II)

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website Part I

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence Part I

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Submit for Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Legal Part II

Register CD with Copyright Office (if applicable in your country)

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website Part I

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence Part I

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word Post any album reviews

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Making The Album

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Preparing For The Album Release

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Plan & Start the Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites

Inquire about submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website Part I

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence Part I

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

The Album Release

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Update Your Website Part I

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Additional Promotion & Support

Do a contest

Make a video

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website

Update Your Website Part I

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Promotion & Support

Do a contest?

Make a video?

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website?

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are)

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Update Your Website Part II

Update the band website to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Update Your Web Presence Part II

Update websites you maintain presences on to announce album is out and where it can be bought

Thank those who helped and cross-promote

Ask fans to spread the word

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Promotion & Support

Do a contest?

Make a video?

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website?

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights

Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Prepare Audio for Promotion

Make MP3s from mastered WAVs

Tag and name MP3s correctly (add album art, ID3 tags, etc.)

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Promotion & Support

Do a contest?

Make a video?

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website?

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Get Heard

Compile list of radio shows, podcasts, music blogs

Determine and inquiry about rules of submission

Submit CD or MP3s

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights

Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Promotion & Support

Do a contest?

Make a video?

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website?

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights

Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Promotion & Support

Do a contest?

Make a video?

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website?

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights

Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Compile list of blogs, podcasts, and websites Inquire abot submission guidelines or reach out to blogger, podcaster, website owner

Reach out, send, and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Promotion & Support

Do a contest?

Make a video?

Partner with a blog, podcast, or website?

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Official Album Release Show/Listening Party

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Tour to Support

Plan tour (local, concentric circles, or go-where-the-fans-are

Repeat!

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights

Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Send and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce upcoming album

Update blog

Reach out and share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Update websites you maintain web presence on (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and announce upcoming album

Official Album Release

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all)

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights

Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable)

Track listing

Your website

How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication/Duplication

Proof artwork

Sign copyright release & grant approval

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.) and/or upload through Printing Houses' website

Prepare for Online Sales

Pick your CD and online sales distributor and sign up

Fill in relevant details about the album and songs through the distributors website in preparation of CD

Upload artwork

Publicity Campaign

Plan PR campaign

Prepare PR docs such as press releases

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR documents with the new album information

Make online/offline press kits for album review submissions

Compile list of album review sites

Send and keep track of albums sent for submission

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Update Your Website

Update the band website to feature the new album and announce it's coming

Update blog

Share pre-release with fans

Add songs to your audio player

Update Your Web Presence

Determine venue for CD release show or listening party

Schedule CD release show (provide buffer as to when the CD shipment arrives)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

Online Sales

Send CD/upload to your CD and online sales distributor

Choose digital music stores you want your music in (recommended: all) Add

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable) Track listing Your website How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

Mastering

Ch

CD Replication

Find CD Replicator

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Determine issues regarding photo negatives, etc.

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.)

Album Release Party

Determine venue for release party

Schedule CD release for a few weeks after CD replication shipment arrives (just in case it's late!)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

PR Items

Write press release for new album (separate from the release about the CD Release PARTY)

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR text with the new album information

Update the band website to feature the new album

Make press kits for album reviews

Compile list of album review sites and send to those sites

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable) Track listing Your website How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

Mastering

Ch

CD Replication

Find CD Replicator

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Determine issues regarding photo negatives, etc.

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.)

Album Release Party

Determine venue for release party

Schedule CD release for a few weeks after CD replication shipment arrives (just in case it's late!)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

PR Items

Write press release for new album (separate from the release about the CD Release PARTY)

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR text with the new album information

Update the band website to feature the new album

Make press kits for album reviews

Compile list of album review sites and send to those sites

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable) Track listing Your website How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Optional

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

Mastering

Ch

CD Replication

Find CD Replicator

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Determine issues regarding photo negatives, etc.

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.)

Album Release Party

Determine venue for release party

Schedule CD release for a few weeks after CD replication shipment arrives (just in case it's late!)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

PR Items

Write press release for new album (separate from the release about the CD Release PARTY)

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR text with the new album information

Update the band website to feature the new album

Make press kits for album reviews

Compile list of album review sites and send to those sites

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs

Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record

Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant, printed lyrics to origiona song needs songwriters permission)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album

Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well)

Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable) Track listing Your website How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Options

Band Name

Album Title

Where it was recorded

When it was recorded

Where it was mastered

Who played what

Running times for songs

Guest musicians

Other albums for sale

Song notes

Lyrics

Thank yous

CD Replication

Find CD Replicator

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Determine issues regarding photo negatives, etc.

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.)

Album Release Party

Determine venue for release party

Schedule CD release for a few weeks after CD replication shipment arrives (just in case it's late!)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

PR Items

Write press release for new album (separate from the release about the CD Release PARTY)

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR text with the new album information

Update the band website to feature the new album

Make press kits for album reviews

Compile list of album review sites and send to those sites

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well) Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable) Track listing Your website How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Options

Band Name Album Title Where it was recorded Who played what Running times for songs Guest musicians

-Track listing (Optional, but we recommend this as many albums are separated from their jewel cases)

-Band Website

Folder text

-Lyrics

-Attributions

-Copyright information

-Performance society information for songs

-All musicians that played on each track

-Thank yous

-Track listing

-Recording studio info (if applicable)

-Mastering studio info (if applicable)

-Cover photo/etc info and copyright info

-Band Website

CD Replication

Find CD Replicator

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Determine issues regarding photo negatives, etc.

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.)

Album Release Party

Determine venue for release party

Schedule CD release for a few weeks after CD replication shipment arrives (just in case it's late!)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

PR Items

Write press release for new album (separate from the release about the CD Release PARTY)

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR text with the new album information

Update the band website to feature the new album

Make press kits for album reviews

Compile list of album review sites and send to those sites

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores

Below is a checklist to help organize all the things that go into making an album from beginning to end. Obviously, you don't need to do everything that's listed below, but the goal here is to list out everything as a reminder of some of the items you may want to tackle and when. Note to Guiders: the goal is to hyperlink this text to the relevant parts of the IndieBandSurvivalGuide.com as the information becomes available.

Pre-Recording

Write or choose the songs you wish to record

Rehearse and/or arrange the songs

Choose to record at home or at a recording studio

Recording

Record the songs Make mixes, get feedback, make decisions on what to change/add/re-record Make final mixes

Mastering

Choose mastering studio or service

Decide on the amount of "space" between songs

Decide final album song order

Master the album

Legal

Document who owns the copyright in the song if original

Document who owns the sound recording if origioal (the masters)

Clear the legal status of all non-original work - cover songs, samples, and loops

Clear the legal status of all non-original artwork used on the album

Clear the legal status of all non-original text (i.e. printed lyrics to a cover song needs separate license/permission grant)

Get permission for guest musicians (if needed)

Register original songs at a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to ensure perfromance royalties

Picking the CD Printing House

Decide on a CD printing house

Decide on type of packaging (jewel case, sleeve, etc.) and what type of booklet (1 panel, 2 panel, multi-panel)

Get artwork design templates from the CD printing house or use their online design services

Artwork Design

Name the album Get UPC barcode if incorporated into your artwork (the printing house may provide, but also services like CDBaby sell as well) Work on artwork depending on packaging:

• cover
• traycard
• ondisc
• liner notes (discussed below)

Liner Notes - Must Haves

Copyright and publishing information/notices for:

• music (original or covers)
• artwork
• text

Performance Rights Organization the songs are registered to (if applicable) Track listing Your website How you can be contacted

Liner Notes - Options

Band Name Album Title Where it was recorded Who played what Running times for songs Guest musicians

-Track listing (Optional, but we recommend this as many albums are separated from their jewel cases)

-Band Website

Folder text

-Lyrics

-Attributions

-Copyright information

-Performance society information for songs

-All musicians that played on each track

-Thank yous

-Track listing

-Recording studio info (if applicable)

-Mastering studio info (if applicable)

-Cover photo/etc info and copyright info

-Band Website

CD Replication

Find CD Replicator

Determine CD run/cost/etc.

Determine formats required for album art and text, CD art and text, etc., and put the CD info into this format

Determine issues regarding photo negatives, etc.

Send Mastered Album with art info to Replicator (leave time for shipping, etc.)

Album Release Party

Determine venue for release party

Schedule CD release for a few weeks after CD replication shipment arrives (just in case it's late!)

Write CD release party press release

Send press release to press regarding party at least 1 month in advance (3 is best!)

Send announcement to fan mailing list regarding party/new CD release

Update band website with CD Release party and feature new CD on site.

PR Items

Write press release for new album (separate from the release about the CD Release PARTY)

Update the band "resume", fact sheets, and other PR text with the new album information

Update the band website to feature the new album

Make press kits for album reviews

Compile list of album review sites and send to those sites

Follow up with all review sites

If reviews come in, update the album press release and website with review quotes and clippings

Online Sales

Send CD to online stores (Cdbaby, etc)

Add new album to digital stores if you are using them

Write album text for online stores