Question about my new full-length album...

[afurth]

So you guys (at least a lot of you) have heard my recordings and listened to my music. Thanks for the support and the critiques. I'm in the process of desgining cover art and packaging for a full-length cd. However, I haven't been in a studio to record things 100% clean. Thus, I'm thinking about selling a CD with 11 songs, professionally pressed, for $7.50 or $8.00 - I could even go to $10.

What I'm wondering from you guys is - how much would you pay for the tunes given the quality of my recordings - they aren't studio, but they sound damn good and they are near-professional quality.

If you haven't heard my stuff, my website is http://www.andrewfurth.com . However, those tunes have lost quality in the upload (had to convert them to 80 kbps for the slower internet users). Any feedback would be really helpful. Thanks a lot.

[RunsWithBuffalo]

While the recordings do sound good, they are lacking a studio touch to them. Specifically the tone of the guitar sounds like a mix of piezo pickup and microphone.

Your voice also could use a little bit of verb to smooth things out.

The recordings are good but they are lacking in production. Also, I dont know if i can listen to a whole cd of just 1 acoustic track and 1 vocal track. I would just lose interest quickly. Get together with some good musicians and fatten these songs up a bit.

I am only being harsh because you sound like to are trying to get to that next level. You are one of the best talents on the board, but that doesnt mean much when you are trying to make a living playing music.

Fatten the songs up and get in a studio with professional sound engineers, it makes a huge difference.

Good luck

[afurth]

While the recordings do sound good, they are lacking a studio touch to them. Specifically the tone of the guitar sounds like a mix of piezo pickup and microphone.

Your voice also could use a little bit of verb to smooth things out.

The recordings are good but they are lacking in production. Also, I dont know if i can listen to a whole cd of just 1 acoustic track and 1 vocal track. I would just lose interest quickly. Get together with some good musicians and fatten these songs up a bit.

I am only being harsh because you sound like to are trying to get to that next level. You are one of the best talents on the board, but that doesnt mean much when you are trying to make a living playing music.

Fatten the songs up and get in a studio with professional sound engineers, it makes a huge difference.

Good luck

much appreciated. i am going to put together a little studio band when I get the money to record an ep (dijembe/congas, a sax player, and maybe even a bassist and/or lead guitar player - though on acoustic). this is basically to "get the money together to record an ep" haha. what I'm thinking right now is $5 at shows and $8 online (will probably come out to $10 with shipping). That way, if I sell 100 of them, I should be able to get a few hours in the studio to record some tunes.

and the guitar was recorded strictly with a condenser mic, which I COULD make sound really really good. however, I don't have the space or the technical nohow to do it haha.

[RunsWithBuffalo]

Miking a guitar is an art. I would browse harmony central's forum and also check out recording.org, a lot fo them are pros and you can learn a lot.

[mangold]

want a cover artist?? eh? eh!?

[afurth]

want a cover artist?? eh? eh!?

i already have one - thanks though. i've seen your website and i like the stuff a lot.

[AustinG]

Hey what's up brother, I dig your stuff and I think it's worthy to take to the next level. I'm split about the whole full band thang... I like both to be honest with you.. There's a sense of rawness when it's just an acoustic performance..
But for the people who don't appreciate it they turn it off right away...

Sure I'd like to hear the sound thickened a bit, but I see nothing wrong with selling an acoustic version... But that's personal preference and if you're trying to appeal to the masses.. then do it.. but if you don't give a shi*, then just keep doing your thing brother..

All we can do is be honest with people and ourselves... and let the pieces fall where they may...

[TriPPin'BiLLies']

I agree with AustinG about the rawness of just the single acoustic guitar... I know few of my friends that are into your type of music and they just love to hear that one acoustic guitar. It sounds so basic but sometimes thats all you want to hear. It sounds like you would be playing in front of a live crowd minus the crowd which a lot of people like. I know a few of my friends would really like these songs so if i have a few friends then other people should too. I dont know how much to get into a studio would cost plus getting a full band. I think you should go with what you got already, maybe learn more about recording just to give your recordings you already have a better edge.... anyways good luck.

[whatshername]

i really like your music. let me know when your cd is ready

[whatshername]

and i just friended you on myspace

[RunsWithBuffalo]

One more thought:
Currently there are hundreds of thousands of kids with guitars and a decent voice. What is going to separate you from them?

I think the market for singer songwriters is over saturated and a lot of talented people are going to be thrown to the wayside.

You have to find a way to separate yourself from them, show us why you are better and different and unique. Even if it is just playing with a kid who plays a mean snare drum with brushes.

I love acoustic performances as much as everyone on this board, but i think that a percussive element makes it soooooo much better. Give people a reason to shake their ass!

My $.02

[AustinG]

There has to be something that seperates you... whatever it is... find your niche...

[afurth]

I love acoustic performances as much as everyone on this board, but i think that a percussive element makes it soooooo much better. Give people a reason to shake their ass!

My $.02

Agreed... I appreciate and agree with the input. I'm trying to form a band right now... Berklee is in the same town as me. As far as finding your niche goes... fuck that. I just want to make music that makes me happy - and at the same time makes other people happy. If you are yourself... other people will think you're unique. Everyone's different you know. I have something to say... if you want to listen... then listen.[/i]

[AustinG]

take it the wrong way man, Finding you're niche as in being yourself, seperating your sound.... I told you dug your stuff, I wasn't infering you needed to find your niche......you already have

[afurth]

take it the wrong way man, Finding you're niche as in being yourself, seperating your sound.... I told you dug your stuff, I wasn't infering you needed to find your niche......you already have

nononono... took me the wrong way. i was just saying, i'm trying to maintain my individuality while loving what i do. the integral problem of professional music haha.

i really appreciate your input. i'm trying to find what I'm gonna be "known" for. i feel like i have the voice and the guitar playing skills, but finding a "niche" is half the battle. my frustration with finding a niche is what caused me to say that. sorry man.