SongStuff Album

[Richard Tracey]

I don't know if this is the correct place to post this, but here goes.

 

I have been thinking since joining this site and hearing some excellent or soon to be excellent songs, that it would maybe be an idea to think about a SongStuff showcase album with songs from the members, the way you used to get in the 80's from upcoming indie publishers. Now I am not asking for SongStuff to put the money up for this, but given the knowledge contained within this site and the people that contribute, we could get a rough estimate of how much it would cost to get it off the ground and the members could contribute if they would like (almost like a kickstarter idea). I know John had mentioned about a membership scheme, this could maybe be something that could be linked with a small extra added to allow this to get off the ground.

 

Just an idea, what does everyone think?

 

Richard

[john]

Hi Richard

 

It's an idea that has been mentioned a few times, but with no one really driving it nothing has happened. Also, the practicalities always end up putting people off.

 

As an idea, it might seem very appealing,  the kind of thing that represents the community, that pulls us together and represents the community to the world (plus of course the possible vanity benefits for individuals and learning possibilities, plus perceived tangible promotion benefits) but there are some serious legal issues in doing such a project, in addition to a complex funding model. Not insurmountable, but very time consuming.

 

There are companies that specialise in such things, but I have always found the benefits to be questionable (at best) and no matter the claims, they really amount to vanity projects. Don't get me wrong, promo compilations COULD be beneficial to those artists involved, but in my experience, the implementations are half-hearted, lip service towards genuine benefits. Perhaps there

 

Realistically this would eat up way too much time, and expose Songstuff to significant, unnecessary risk with no real possibility of remuneration for time or risk, with questionable benefits for all involved.

 

We have been considering providing some label and publishing support services, but we are not there yet. We have to implement several things to be in a position to do so. We do not intend offering these support services commercially. Instead they would be available as a small part of the thank you to members who support Songstuff financially, with the services being provided by interns. Skipping steps would not be in the interest of either the site or community at this time. We have the know how, but there are practicalities involved... for example trying to stretch a site with no real income (currently) as risk always involves money, lawyers etc. and we have a limited workforce in terms of numbers (something our upcoming intern programs could help with).... but the investment is not worth it unless it was something we were doing regularly, and we wouldn't do that unless we could do it right and really make it worthwhile for the artists involved, and the site... and that I just can't see happening. If we were to get into actually being a label or publisher (rather than simple support services), I don't see Songstuff focusing on compilations, purely because of the complications involved and importantly... I don't believe it is the best bang for buck for the artists. Additionally... I really, really, really, wouldn't want Songstuff to be seen as a compilation CD scam.

 

If you and others decide that you do want to go ahead with this project (as I say, I can understand the appeal), I really do wish you well. There are a lot of things for you to consider. One key thing is the distinction between it being a vanity project and a serious project. It would be a very important distinction for those involved, and it is something that would need to be clear right from the start.

 

Cheers

 

John

 

 

[Richard Tracey]

John, thanks to you and HoboSage for replying so quickly... as I say it was just a little thought and I maybe saw it more as a boost to the website (getting new subscribers  etc) and would have given the members something to shoot for so to speak. I can appreciate the legalities involved and like the sound of the support service you mentioned above.

 

I know as a novice in this area, I haven't a clue where to start, if I wanted to start, looking at publishing music etc... so I thought I would put it out there to the members who do know.

 

Cheers

[john]

No worries Richard. I really appreciate you thinking of the well being of the community and helping with growing the site. Please, don't be discouraged, keep the ideas coming! There are bound to be things we haven't thought of, and there are always ways that you can help (officially or unofficially). We rely upon the goodwill of our members and their interest in spreading the word about this place. The more we get involved, the better