John's new CD

[petranite]

Kickstarter is a great idea and I will 100% be helping with this project. A good friend of mine just got his indie film financed through kickstarter this past month. A great thing. Currently the Christian Ska band the Insyderz have a project on kickstarter also. My buddy actually put everyones names in the credits of the film and gave a co=producer credit on his film to one major donor. If John gets creative with rewards it could be a big boost to making records for him.

[74CAPethead]

I'm in!!!

[sue d.]

What kind of creative rewards are you thinking about, pnite?

[petranite]

Well Sue,
Some of the things I have seen are things like

1. Digital download of the album
2. CD Copy
3. Autographed CD
4. Autographed CD & 8x10 photo
5. Thank You in liner notes
6. Special CD Release party invite
7. Special "Gold Record" Display award
8. Dinner w/ Artist
9. Producer Credit, Co-Producer Credit, etc.
10. Special Limited Edition Packaging for CD

These are just a few off the top of my head. Some obvious and some that would take a little work and investment. Of course with kickstarter you limit the number of people that can donate for some of the pricier things like the "Gold Record" Display or in the case of my friend 1 co-producer credit which cost $5,000 if i remember correctly. They can also be funny my buddy gave away digital hugs for anyone who gave $1. Funny useless but effective in a raising a little money and cost him nothing. Again as you go up in tiers you can combo these gifts. Hope this helps some.

[petranite]

A few more ideas. John Berry is doing a few cool giveaways like hand written lyrics to a song signed by him. That would be something I would love and is unique. Also he will lead worship at a church or perform a private concert.

[sue d.]

Thank you... I see already that you'll like what John has lined up to offer!

[executioner]

Thank you... I see already that you'll like what John has lined up to offer!

What kinda costs is John looking at in getting a full length CD out in the market?

[petranite]

The cost depends on a HUGE amount of factors. A lot of the projects on kickstarter for CD's range anywhere from $5,000-$30,000. Studio musicians, producers, engineers, duplication, artwork, distribution, mastering, mixing, studio time, and alot more. Of course all these expenses can be minimized or eliminated depending on the situation so I am sure John is weighing his options and putting together a business plan for this release. The last thing he wants is to undershoot costs and put out a subpar product or have to go back and ask for more money.

[executioner]

The cost depends on a HUGE amount of factors. A lot of the projects on kickstarter for CD's range anywhere from $5,000-$30,000. Studio musicians, producers, engineers, duplication, artwork, distribution, mastering, mixing, studio time, and alot more. Of course all these expenses can be minimized or eliminated depending on the situation so I am sure John is weighing his options and putting together a business plan for this release. The last thing he wants is to undershoot costs and put out a subpar product or have to go back and ask for more money.

Thanks for the response but its not what I'm wanting to know. I'm asking what it takes straight up without these fan or donor help programs?

[petranite]

I understand what your asking but from what I know the budget hasn't been finalized 100% yet so it can swing by a few thousand dollars and John isn't releasing a number until he is for sure he can put out a quality product for the price. Thats why Sue can't tell us yet what the final costs will be. I too am waiting to find out the final budget and I hear that it will be released (the money needed) pretty soon.

[petranite]

PS Brent is probably a good person to give specific costs if he is willing. The stuff he has done sounds very good and is quality. Personally I have never heard a really good quality product released for under $5,000 and that is stretching it with a lot of favours. Not saying it can't be done but it's not easy.

[gman]

How about an autographed CD in a John, custom built display case? Or a John custom built CD shelf, filled with John CDs to give away?

[sue d.]

We'll be announcing and posting everything within a day.... sit tight!

[Dan]

Can wait to hear the details!

[brent]

Someone asked me via PM to post what album expenses are. They are completely relative. If someone owns the studio, that people may or may not have to pay himself something on paper for the use of the facility. The people playing on it may or may not be friends, union musicians working at double scale with minimum calls and cartage, etc, etc, Too many variables. Using well connected union people is beneficial, because it adds in a certain amount of advertising in the industry.

It saddens we that there is not one label in the CCMachine that cannot or will not sign John and fund a record. But, the world is what it is. It's all about selling to moms, children and Christmas markets. I hope the Kickstart thing works. 50$ pledges....kind of steep, but some of those people are doing it. However, the largest amount of money pledged and received by a band is about $10k short of what the ideal budget would be for a proper album IMO....40k. Yes, albums are made cheaper, but that doesn't mean better. Good people cost money. I wish John had the money to get Dan Huff back. THAT would make for a great record and I know John would love to have him involved again.

EDIT: BTW, I think Kickstart is a cool idea. I looked at what John is offering and I think it is a good idea.