DGN CD Volume 2: Musical Content

[Fierce Critter]

people are complaining about $20?  why?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My answer to this would also involve the following from Phee:

Most compilations that are at a local level are thought of as advertising tools... ie, these are commercials for your music. ...I have no intent on any profits being made off of the charge from the bands... IE, the bands would pay only for the cost to make the product, and then the profits from the compilation would then be distributed. It is an investment. ...if you do not pay in part to have your product made and distributed, don't expect others to do so for you...  we want people to invest in the art, and theirfore increase it's worth.

I would have no problem paying to have my contribution on the disc because of the reasons stated above. I did the first one only partly in support of DGN. I had personal motives in mind as well. I was looking forward to hearing my music played on local club playlists, possibly on college radio, etc. At least hear SOME kind of feedback beyond DGN members who bought the CD.

But none of that happened. More than likely because that sort of thing doesn't just "happen". There has to be some kind of push - some kind of PR to enable that. Far as I know, there was none. That's disappointing.

While response to me personally from people who did hear the DGN CD was very satisfying, nothing else came of it. Zip, zero, nada. I've had much more response from just laying vocals for some guitarist who wanted to submit a demo to some lable.

If I'm PAYING to have my song on a 2nd disc and it's already been stated that this will be accepted to be an "advertising tool", then I'd like to see some promise of that pay off.

For instance, there are plenty of local DJ's on DGN pushing their clubs & nights. Some of them ONLY post on DGN to do so - free advertising. Have any of them EVER played a single cut from Vol I? Ever?

As for profits and the distribution thereof, I was of the understanding that any profits from Vol I were to go toward the maintenance costs of DGN. That was fine and dandy with me - none of my $ went into making it, I didn't expect to see any. And I thought it was a good way to raise funds to keep DGN going - something I myself and others benefit from FREE OF CHARGE on a daily basis. No complaints there.

But if Vol II is, as Phee seems to be stating above, to be paid for and profited from by the artists, then I think that needs to be more officially stated. And in that case, there's going to need to be more accountability as far as bookkeeping, etc. Might be a bit more complex than you're bargaining on.

I'm willing to invest in such an endeavor. But if the onus of "quality" and cost is really going to be put on the artists involved, then I think the artists deserve a HUGE amount of say-so when it comes to final package, PR, etc.

[phee]

I have some more ideas that I would like to discuss with everyone but first... I would like to compile a list of people/bands that would like to be on the comp, in a general sense... then we can figure out the ins and outs

[Blackmail]

I'm in with another blast of synthpop merriment. at least one track.

[Ginevra]

I can't carry a tune in a bucket so I'll just wish you all luck in this endeavor.

[Rayne]

I have no talent beyond vocals. So I am no help.

But I can't wait for a new CD, I love the last one.

[Fierce Critter]

I hope I don't get any flack for this. But I'm going to suggest it anyway.

Perhaps the CD will more likely be played at local clubs if the songs on it are geared towards clubs and dancing.

I know not everyone on here is an EBM/Synthpop/Disco musician. Viva la differance. But if you really think about it, how "club playable" were a lot of the songs on Vol I?

I repeat, I MADE mine geared towards getting people dancing at CC. Not a big stretch for me, as I'm most interested in the kind of music I was emulating, and it seems to be a comfy, enjoyable niche for me where composing & arranging are concerned.

Just sayin'.

[phee]

I hope I don't get any flack for this. But I'm going to suggest it anyway.

Perhaps the CD will more likely be played at local clubs if the songs on it are geared towards clubs and dancing.

I know not everyone on here is an EBM/Synthpop/Disco musician. Viva la differance. But if you really think about it, how "club playable" were a lot of the songs on Vol I?

I repeat, I MADE mine geared towards getting people dancing at CC. Not a big stretch for me, as I'm most interested in the kind of music I was emulating, and it seems to be a comfy, enjoyable niche for me where composing & arranging are concerned.

Just sayin'.

OMG you read my mind... I was going to suggest this later...

[Fierce Critter]

OMG you read my mind... I was going to suggest this later...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I never said anything about that before because it can come off badly.

I found a lot of the music on Vol I enjoyable, different, challenging even.

But I could see where very little of it would be enticing to DJ's.

I just don't know how to suggest something like that without it looking like I'm telling Picasso to paint "more like Van Gogh, 'cause Van Gogh gets more gallery time."

[phee]

I never said anything about that before because it can come off badly.

I found a lot of the music on Vol I enjoyable, different, challenging even.

But I could see where very little of it would be enticing to DJ's.

I just don't know how to suggest something like that without it looking like I'm telling Picasso to paint "more like Van Gogh, 'cause Van Gogh gets more gallery time."

Obviously if you don't do clubby music it will be fine... but pick the most clubby one... or a remix er somthin

[Marblez]

I will suggest that not everyone creates music so that it is City Club appropriate. To specify this would be limiting and yes, insulting to some.

Besides, how often does a club DJ play an entire CD?? They will pick and choose what they like.

Don't take away from other people's art by saying that it is not acceptable because it is not what YOU want to hear. I suggest that we are not pandering to the DJs. This has been about a collection of works FOR and BY DGN'ers, not FOR DJs by DGN'ers who make dance music.

[Marblez]

If it is decided that this will be a dance music compilation, decide that in a hurry and bill it specificcally as that, a dance volume, not a representative of all DGN musicians.

[Blackmail]

I have to agree with Marblez. However I do hope there is a natural instict for more dance music simply because I like it - but it should not be required. Some people enjoyed the wide mix of styles on the last disc. If pulse state puts a song on here that would be clubby most likely......my song will be more dancey than the last one, maybe firwerk adds anotherr track, fierce critter makes a club track and that is four right club songs right there.

plus who cares if the clubs didn't play the cd? I still think it was a success, it got our music out to a few people, it was a good cd and I am proud to be on it. I listen to it quite a bit really.

[phee]

I have to agree with Marblez. However I do hope there is a natural instict for more dance music simply because I like it - but it should not be required.  Some people enjoyed the wide mix of styles on the last disc.  If pulse state puts a song on here that would be clubby most likely......my song will be more dancey than the last one, maybe firwerk adds anotherr track, fierce critter makes a club track and that is four right club songs right there.

plus who cares if the clubs didn't play the cd?  I still think it was a success, it got our music out to a few people, it was a good cd and I am proud to be on it.  I listen to it quite a bit really.

Good input all

[Fierce Critter]

It's easy to construe that I was suggesting that Vol II appeal to ONLY a certain type of ear, or that it should ONLY include a certain type of music. That's taking my words in the negative way I thought someone might.

There has been discussion going on in this thread about Vol II being more BY the artists, FOR the artist's benefit - particularly if they're paying for it, and have a stake in profits. And, if that's the case, that maybe it'd be good to hear the cuts played beyond the CD players of DGN members.

To construe that I was saying only ONE type of music be on Vol II is a misunderstanding by anyone who might suggest such a thing. I think I made myself clear that it's not a good idea to ask a musician to compromise their artistic integrity JUST to get played at a club.

But it's a pretty easy line of logic that if you DO want to have your music played in clubs, it'd better be "club friendly".

Please don't be tempted to twist my words into something they're not meant to say. If you have any question about what I mean, ask. Don't assume.

[Marblez]

I hope I don't get any flack for this. But I'm going to suggest it anyway.

Perhaps the CD will more likely be played at local clubs if the songs on it are geared towards clubs and dancing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Please don't be tempted to twist my words into something they're not meant to say. If you have any question about what I mean, ask. Don't assume.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is fairly difficult to not understand your points. You are thoughtful enough to provide enough information from which to draw conclusions.

I am comfortable with my understanding that you are suggesting to people that they should supply "clubby" music due to your personal desire (understandable) to have your music played in clubs.

My opinion is that this is not a fair thing to ask of someone that might not have this as a goal. That person/artist may be tempted to not contribute due to the expectation that they will be somehow be not in sync with the goal.

I will admit that "I" would prefer to hear more dancy tracks but I want to hear everything else too. I enjoyed the variety and think it is much more representative of the community we have here.

[Fierce Critter]

It is fairly difficult to not understand your points.  You are thoughtful enough to provide enough information from which to draw conclusions.

I am comfortable with my understanding that you are suggesting to people that they should supply "clubby" music due to your personal desire (understandable) to have your music played in clubs.

My opinion is that this is not a fair thing to ask of someone that might not have this as a goal.  That person/artist may be tempted to not contribute due to the expectation that they will be somehow be not in sync with the goal.

I will admit that "I" would prefer to hear more dancy tracks but I want to hear everything else too. I enjoyed the variety and think it is much more representative of the community we have here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't take away from other people's art by saying that it is not acceptable because it is not what YOU want to hear.

The 2nd quote is all your interpretation of what I was saying. Nowhere did I say other people's art is unacceptable because I personally don't want to hear it. That's ludicrous. I believe I even used the word "enjoyable" in referring to other's music.

Your 2nd paragraph above is further evidence that you're spinning your interpretation further.

I believe it was Phee who took my pointing out that "if your goal is to have your track played at a club, it needs to sound a certain way" further by suggesting that if you don't compose "clubby" music, you should pick something more "clubby" or a remix.

Where I'm concerned, you misconstrue me. I'll leave it at that. I'd like to get back to the business at hand.

[phee]

Just wanted to be clear that..... I in no way have any interest in "editing" peoples art... people should put whatever they would like on the comp, it it will be....great

I was ONLY trying to state that if you wish to have your music played at a dance club... it has to be dance music.....

Thanks

[SanctumNocturna]

Though I know that I'm much more of a lurker and many of you don't know me, in discussing arrangements with Marblez and getting a feel for the compilation...I knew despite the fact that my band isn't necessarily a clubby group...I knew that's what we'd be going for if we want any exposure. A gothic volume themed toward gothic DJs on a goth message board. I also agree iwth the point that there should be a variety, as obviously the ENTIRE cd will not be played at clubs regardless of whether it's a masterful collection of the dance...

In my humble, lurky opinion....I would say that if you're interested in putting it on the CD...put it on no matter what it is...and if people like it, then they do. I'm under the impression...and I COULD BE WRONG...that there's not necessarily enough dance oriented artists on the board to merit an entire CD, unless it were a short one.

Which is why I think you try something of a half-and-half nature. Have your focus on the dancy artists as necessary, but leave the door open to other things.

I don't know...just my thoughts.

[Pulse State]

I intend to get the clubs moving with my submission! But people can put on whatever they want, I suppose. I think as long as you can stand behind your submission and are able to say to yourself honestly that you did a good job on it, I am sure you will be fine...

PS -- I am up for remixing someone if they want.

[Steven]

Although they are thought of as a vehicle to help create a certain degree of awareness for artists, compilations in and of themselves rarely garner the type of attention that can help an performers propel themselves forward. Sometimes it happens, but not often.

I've been on a few in the past. I've also been on TV and on the radio in Los Angeles. Cost me some bucks, didint make a dent in the industry. Still...I've no regrets. It was worth it to me and very satisfying.

I'd pay the $$ to be on a compilation, and cross my fingers, and be happy that I had another opportunity to be creative. Hopefully the CD will feature a wide arange of artists and styles.... to me, those are the kinds of CD's I enjoy the most, its like a little adventure. I'd love to see this CD be a combination of Heavy music, dance mix music, dark tranquil and even acoustic. That to me, would be great.

For this to be a DGN product.... I'd be much more inclined to say "this is us" and show some diversity thatn try to create a marketable product that is one sided.

[phee]

Although they are thought of as a vehicle to help create a certain degree of awareness for artists, compilations in and of themselves rarely garner the type of attention that can help an performers propel themselves forward.  Sometimes it happens, but not often.

I've been on a few in the past.  I've also been on TV and on the radio in Los Angeles.  Cost me some bucks, didint make a dent in the industry.  Still...I've no regrets.  It was worth it to me and very satisfying.

I'd pay the $$ to be on a compilation, and cross my fingers, and be happy that I had another opportunity to be creative.  Hopefully the CD will feature a wide arange of artists and styles.... to me, those are the kinds of CD's I enjoy the most, its like a little adventure.  I'd love to see this CD be a combination of Heavy music, dance mix music, dark tranquil and even acoustic.  That to me, would be great.

For this to be a DGN product.... I'd be much more inclined to say "this is us" and show some diversity thatn try to create a marketable product that is one sided.

Thanks for the input

[Blackmail]

If anyone needs a place to record their song(s) please let me know, I may be able to help. Send me a PM.

In reply to Steven, the $$$ they are talking about as a entry fee for the CD will be very cheap from what I've heard.

[phee]

If anyone needs a place to record their song(s) please let me know, I may be able to help.  Send me a PM.

In reply to Steven, the $$$ they are talking about as a entry fee for the CD will be very cheap from what I've heard.

As cheap as I can possibly make it.... yes... nothing DEC charges

[Steven]

My opinion is that this is not a fair thing to ask of someone that might not have this as a goal.  That person/artist may be tempted to not contribute due to the expectation that they will be somehow be not in sync with the goal.

I will admit that "I" would prefer to hear more dancy tracks but I want to hear everything else too. I enjoyed the variety and think it is much more representative of the community we have here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

um, what she said.

a purdy one that Marblez is....

[Brenda Starrr]

I want to sing "It's Raining Men"