SoundOps - Online Mastering
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under musicians, technology
A friend of ours, Greg Rollett, recently sent me an email explaining a new project he’s involved in called, SoundOps. It’s online audio mastering and it seems like a good opportunity for any musician going the DIY route. There’s a lot of competition out there and quality is more important than ever, so I thought I would share the press release with you in case this is a service you could use. ~ Erik
Digital music is not the future; it is the now, with record sales numbers for paid downloads and the continued rise of file sharing. Musicians have tools at their disposal to create music at their keyboards and make it available online in seconds for fans to stream, purchase or download for free. The quality of the music in digital downloads is more important than ever where files can lose audio properties even after being added to a media player playlist. Is your music prepared for this digital world?
SoundOps provides a solution for musicians looking to unveil their music and compete with major label artists at an indie budget through online audio mastering. When asked about their unique mastering services, SoundOps co-founder Will Duke said,
“You don’t need more cowbell - you need more control. Once you’re happy with your mix, send it to the team here at SoundOps. With our multiMASTERING, you actually get 3 different studio versions of each song that have been enhanced in different mastering environments so you can pick the one that fits your style. This is not an upgrade - it’s just the way we do it!”
The process is purely digital and secure, as artists upload their mixed .wav files into the Studio Gateway and are instantly connected to the SoundOps experience. In the Studio Gateway, you’ll get real-time updates while you and the other members of your band can chat independently with the mastering engineers to give pointers and receive feedback during the entire post production process. When you get your tracks back, you get to pick the version you use to release to the public and the other 2 are yours to keep if you ever change your mind.
“I have worked with SoundOps on several projects. Their attention to detail and production techniques have helped make my recordings something I am proud of.”
-Corey Crowder - Recording Artist, Tooth & Nail Records/EMI
Through strategic partnerships, SoundOps can also help deliver your newly mastered music to leading innovative outlets to get your songs heard by more fans faster and put some cash in your pocket to pay for gas to get from city to city to show the world your talent!
Grooveshark, a revolutionary music delivery service currently streaming millions of songs every week with their AutoPlay system, has given SoundOps clients direct access to Grooveshark Artists where their music can be played alongside the big boys (and girls). This direct-to-the-consumer approach of personalized radio is a great chance for indie artists to be heard on the same stage as the big boys (and girls).
Josh Bonnain from Grooveshark artists had this to say about the partnership,
“We set out to create Grooveshark Artists with the goal of providing the services artists require in order to have successful careers. Our partnership with SoundOps ensures that artists continue to have the tools they need at their disposal as well as the ability to produce the richest sounding music possible.”
SoundOps has also taken a step to get your music on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other leading digital distributors through an extensive partnership with WaTunes. WaTunes offers a free and seamless approach for bands to make money from digital distribution, and SoundOps customers will receive custom attention through their network.
“Creating new opportunities for musicians to expand their music careers has always been the cornerstone of WaTunes. With the power of SoundOps’ multiMASTERING technology, we’re now able to offer our customers a unique mastering service that will propel them to sell their music to their fans in higher quality. We’re very excited to be able to work with SoundOps and offer this unique service to our customers.” said Kevin Rivers, Founder and CEO of WaTunes.com.
About SoundOps
SoundOps isn’t just a new mastering studio; it’s a new kind of studio. Co-founders and friends, Will Duke and John Taylor bring a combination of major label connections and underground music wisdom to online mastering.
John, who also started Xadex Studios in 2002 and JTT Studios in 2005, oversees every SoundOps session as head engineer. Will entered the studio world from music marketing.
“Mastering is more than enhancing audio; it gives bands a better chance…makes their music (their hard work) more marketable.”
Both Will and John have said their experiences as recording artists are their greatest qualification to serve their fellow musicians.
“…we knew what we wanted…and it wasn’t available. What would happen if a studio was run by guys who knew what it was like to be a musician on the other side of the sound board? We wanted a better studio, and we believed better music could come out of it – so we designed SoundOps around that idea.”
Contact information
Site: http://www.soundops.com
Blog: http://mastering.soundops.com
Email: studio@soundops.com
Phone: (888) 290-9663
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIY1gnU6akA
How Plugola’s Download Codes Work
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under marketing, site news, technology
In the last post, I mentioned how we’re trying a new promotional idea using Twitter, and that any PLUGOLA artists using our free promo feature should supply us with their download codes (obtained in your secure ‘Account’ section after you set your selected tracks to ‘promo’). In the comments section one of our members/musicians, Pal Sheldon, asked if using his download code would enable him to collect email addresses from fans who choose the free method. The answer to that is, not yet (coming soon though). But let me explain a bit how our ‘codes’ feature operates.
Once you have set a song or two(or however many you choose) available for ‘promo’ (or free download) in your “Account”, there will be a link to click to obtain your personal code. If you do not see it, try refreshing the page. More info about setting your songs for ‘promo’ can be found on this earlier blog post. We actually have them set-up in a printable coupon fashion. Although it’s not the prettiest at the moment, you will see what we’re going for. You don’t have to use the coupons, though. You can use your code any way you would like (ie: print, promo material, online, etc.) In order for a fan to download your free music, they will have to register with the site (it’s quick & completely free) using your code. Once they have confirmed their registration (as all members do), they will get an automatic message with instructions to your free music, and they will have free access to your “promo” album. How does this free download process benefit you, as an artist? The fans that take you up on your offer are not just freeloaders.
The idea behind our download codes is to drive fans to YOUR profile, where you’re selling your music and communicating with your audience. Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall for any takers, we designed PLUGOLA to help artists filter-out the noise and cater to their true fans; the fans that purchase your music and attend live performances. So, at this point and time, you do not get an email adress out of it, but you do get genuinely interested or true fans downloading your music.
Your Free-Download Codes on Twitter
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under marketing, technology
We’re trying something new on Twitter (new for us) to help promote PLUGOLA artists. You don’t even have to be a member at Twitter to participate. You just have to be willing to try something new.
First, as a Plugola artist, you should be aware that we have a feature where you can allow the song(s) of your choice available for free download for your fans. I know, I know; we don’t have a very good explanation of how this works yet, but we ARE working on some tutorial videos. For the time being, I did a blog post a while back explaining how to set your songs for free download and how to obtain your personal download/coupon code you can freely share with potential fans. It’s a great alternative to passing-out CDs at shows (and cheaper too!) and it also gives you an advantage when marketing your digital music online. This is where Twitter comes in.
Now, I’m not going to go into a detailed explanation of what Twitter is and why you should join if you’re unaware, but it’s basically a very powerful social publishing online platform. In Layman’s terms, think of a cross between; chat, blogging and texting rolled into one and the messages are broadcasted to any number of interested “followers”. It’s quickly becoming the social network of choice among music industry types, as well as the general public; your potential ‘music fans’. It’s not just hype, though. Twitter is the real deal.
Plugola started a Twitter profile called, Music Codes. The idea is to build a follower-base of people interested in discovering fresh, new music. By Plugola artists providing us with their download codes, we can broadcast your offer to a growing number followers. As we all know, everyone likes free music. So if you’re willing to give-up a song or two for free and try a new approach to spreading your music, please send us your code(s).
Include this info:
- Artist Name
- Number of free songs
- Download/Coupon code
…and send to: support[AT]plugo.la or you can message me on the site. My PLUGOLA profile is located here: eRock
Combining Both Plugola Blogs
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under site news
Just a quick note — In case you were unaware, Plugola had both a site (Plugo.la) blog and a corporate blog. For some reason, I put the site blog on the Blogger platform, while this one was on our own servers. So, instead of going back forth to post, I decided to combine them both into one blog. The one you are currently reading. I will no longer be updating the Blogger.com version, so please update your bookmarks and/or RSS subscription.
To a Mother Concerned About File-Sharing
Posted by Erik Peterson | Filed under industry, technology, trends
First, I would like to indicate that this post is in response to MusiciansWages group blogging event for all music and musician bloggers, also brought to us in part by; Music Careers at About.com and KnowtheMusicBiz.com
A mother of a teenage son is concerned about his online file-sharing:
I have a teenage son who tells me his pirating music is no big deal. Since he is a musician himself, I point out to him that someday that’s going to be his money people are stealing. But he remains unphased.
He tells me the record sales make money for the record label, not the artist. He says that the artists make all their money from touring and live concerts. He thinks the pirated music promotes the concerts and therefore helps the artist make more money. I still don’t allow pirating in my house.
But tell me what you think - as artists out there having your work “shared,” are you just glad to have it being enjoyed, or does it bother you? Admittedly, he is stealing music that is recorded by major record labels, so maybe its different than the independent musician working for his living. But I’d still like to hear what you think. ~Valerie
It’s true that mainstream artists see little in direct compensation from music sales, however it’s a common misconception that major labels do not pay artists for their work. It may not come in the form of pocket money or a salary, but payment comes in “advances” and supporting a large network of promotional/distribution avenues (ie: music videos, airplay, TV/radio spots, etc), producers, songwriters, recording and sometimes even tour support for the artist. If it weren’t for this support network, most of us would never know about some of our favorite artists. Although the music industry may be very slow in adapting to new technology, music sales are what currently feeds this support network. Essentially, when pirating or illegally sharing music on a mass scale, one is biting the hand that feeds them what they love.
Also take into consideration that, illegal file-sharing is looting what most artists hold near-and-dear to their hearts. Last month I read an article about U2’s Bono, and his thoughts on music piracy. I thought he did a great job of putting it into perspective:
“because people think people like me are overpaid and overnourished, and they’re not wrong,” the U2 singer says. “What they’re missing is, how does a songwriter get paid? There’s no space for a Cole Porter in the modern age.
“It’s not the place for rich rock stars to ask for more money, but somebody should fight for fellow artists, because this is madness. Music has become tap water, a utility, where for me it’s a sacred thing, so I’m a little offended.”
When it comes to independent or D.I.Y. musicians, making a living at music becomes tougher with piracy. Often, pay for live performances is quite low and merchandise sales don’t work for every genre, or fan base. Music sales help the indie artist make ends meet. It’s one thing if an artist intentionally allows his music to be downloaded for free and/or to be passed around freely, it’s quite another thing when an artist relies on music sales as part of their business strategy.
I can’t speak for all musicians, but I would think that most do not care about anyone sharing their music with close friends, and probably even encourage it. However, it becomes quite a different scenario when their music is freely being shared and spread between tens of thousands (or possibly more) of other file-sharers, if the artist is relying on music sales.
Ultimately, it’s not really up to us to decide whether or not who gets paid and who does not get paid. It’s only our decision if we enjoy what an artist has to offer enough to pay for it. I’m fairly confident that most people, including your son, would not at all be cool with strangers deciding if they should be paid or not for their hard work. Especially when it’s for survival. There’s no way to stop piracy, but we don’t have to contribute to it. There are plenty of new ways for music fans to legally share and discover music these days, and new technologies and music services are popping-up almost daily, quite often for free.
Bottom-line is, if the artist or record label does not authorize a free download, it’s stealing. Just because it’s easy to take without getting caught, and other people are doing it, doesn’t mean it’s okay.
