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R&B Beats Manufacturing (CDs, Digital Downloads) – This R&B Beats article is part of a series on how to become a successful Rapper or Singer (becoming an Independent Music Artist).
So now that you’ve recorded, mixed and mastered your songs on the hot rap beats and R&B beats you’ve bought, it’s time to get the actual product. A big question on many new independent musicians’ minds is whether or not to get physical CDs manufactured. Is there even a point anymore or can you be successful artist who is strictly digital?
Q: Should I get physical CDs of my mixtape/album/single manufactured or is ALL DIGITAL (mp3s) ok?
A: We’ve all heard the horror stories about how physical CD sales are at an all time low and just keep dropping every year. It may seem like a no-brainer that all digital (only making and distributing mp3’s of your songs) is the only way to go. But before you decide to do that there are some other things you need to think about. There are still people out there who may be important to your music career that DON’T accept digital links to your rap beats, R&B beats and full songs. For example, a lot of radio stations prefer you send a physical CD of your single with a bio and related material. Some accept digital links, but you want to keep yourself as accessible as possible. So it’s important to get at least some physical CDs of your mastered vocals and rap beats manufactured.
The best idea is to do an on-demand short run of CDs. You don’t need too many, only a few so you can send out your songs (mastered vocals and rapping beats or r&b beats) to radio stations, music reviewers, and music magazines. You may also want some copies to give out at any performances you have or to people you meet. Even though MP3s are really popular, everyone still has the ability to play CDs and a CD is a physical object they can see and hold and feel – an MP3 of hip hop beats and vocals isn’t. A company called DiskMakers manufactures short run CDs for pretty cheap. You can get 100 CDs in sleeves with artwork for around $199. It is a good investment that will just add to your credibility as an independent artist. Remember, this is your career. Take it seriously and invest in it.
As for MP3’s, your engineer (the person who did your mixing and mastering) should be able to give you high quality MP3s of all your music. It’s a good idea to get two different versions of your mastered vocals and rap beats or r&b instrumentals – one at high quality (192 kbps) and one at super-high quality (320 kbps). Whenever possible you want to send out the super-high quality, 320 kbps file, but some sites (also email accounts) may have file size limits. In these cases you can use the 192 kbps file.
With this, you should be all set up with your music to start getting heard and played all around! Next comes distribution and marketing! If you want to learn more about the urban music business, check the other articles in this series. You can also email me anytime! Hope this way helpful…
Holla @ ur boy
DatPaki Producer/Songwriter PBE MUSIC
