Making Your Own CD? Getting Started
* To begin, you will first need to record your album. If you need a recording studio recommendation in your area, word of mouth is really the best method, much preferable to the Yellow Pages and other paid listings. There are also some studios listed on the Oasis CD Manufacturing resources page, www.OasisCD.com.
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You should begin the mechanical license application process with the Harry Fox Agency at www.songfile.com if you are recording "cover" songs (songs you didn't write). You can now apply for your license directly online, using a credit card.* Begin thinking about the artwork and design while you are recording . Start by collecting photos, drawings, names of people to thank, cut out fonts that you see in magazines to use as examples, and lyrics. Decide what type of packaging you are most interested in so you know what direction the project is headed before you hire the designer. This saves money and time.
* Master your CD. For mastering facilities, email
Alex@OasisCD.com, she will be more than happy to recommend someone in your area or give you the rates for mastering at Oasis. Ask your mastering facility about Single-Speed Glass Cutting for the audiophile edge.* Hire a graphic artist, or decide to use Oasis' in-house graphic design department. Email Alex@OasisCD.com for help finding someone in your area or for a quote to hire an Oasis designer. If you decide to hire your own designer, make sure to have him or her contact Oasis before beginning the project - this way Oasis can help them to get started on the right foot.
* Manufacture your CDs; includes printing, packaging, and replication. It is almost always more efficient and cost effective to find a company that can handle all of your manufacturing needs, as well as assist you with promotion and distribution. You may also want to consider alternative packaging; while the conventional jewel box is right for most projects, many projects benefit from an alternative cardboard-based package instead.