subject: The Classic Album [print this page] They say experience is the best teacher so if you are a new group coming up in the music business then the number one thing for you to do is get some experience doing what you do best. The Music!!! You may be not be a musical prodigy but if you have an ear and some consistency then you have a great opportunity to create a classic CD(do they still call them that nowadays?). So let"s take a little time and dive into your world on creating the classic CD/Album.
Having a great concept
This is the foundation for everything. You must have a great concept for your album, this is what keeps the listener involved in what you are doing. You take us into your world and we begin to take this ride along with you and if the ride is a good one we reward you with our hard earned dollars. Think David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Raekwon (Only Built For Cuban Links), Ice Cube(Death Certificate). These artists have taken you on a great journey with their music and you can"t help but appreciate the great picture that they paint for you.
The Right Team
You have the right idea and now it is time to put your production team in place. Use someone you can trust who will understand your concept and what you are trying to get across. If you have the budget to get the best guys then do so but if you don"t then just make sure that your music is tight and your engineer understands your vision.
The Music
I am partial to hip hop music and even the bar has been lowered in these recent years it is still a must that your lyrical content be the best they can. You have to paint a portrait in the head of the listener in order to capture and keep their attention. The attention spans are much shorter these day so you have to make sure you move fast to get it and keep it. Engineering is critical!!!! When it is time to record and master your project make sure you have an engineer who can relay your vision through the music. He creates the sound scape the keeps the listener wanting more.
The Video
What can we possibly say about the video? Michael Jackson was the master so walk in his footsteps with a much cheaper budget and use Youtube.com and other websites on the internet to get it out there for the world to see.
The Machine
OK, if you don"t have a record deal, so what! You can do this and make lots of money in the process. First take advantage of http://2010hiphop.info and http://testpressing.info these are two websites that will help you get your projects out there immediately. Then, get your project on every social network on the internet. Take advantage of itunes.com and other websites that will allow you to sell your music online. In order to get radio play start at the college level first, they are more accepting of new music also work with internet radio you will find it much easier to get spins.
Take the time and put together a process that will ensure that you succeed in your music career and that you create a classic CD that we will listen too for years to come.
