To add another dimension here, consider this:
After conversations with several small-label owners and self-releasing
artists, I've drawn the conclusion that most of these ventures are pretty
much just self-sustaining. After the costs of producing and promoting the
release, anything that comes back turns into seed capital for the next
release.
So for me, the question is of intention. If the intent is to put more
physical merchandise into the world, then this is probably still a good
way to go. But what is the point of that merchandise? No one's going to
make any money on it in the long run. To me, a CD is just a method of
distributing content, something like a calling card. The only way just
about *any* experimental artist is going to make a living is through
selling their time and prescence through commissions, lectures,
installations, performances, workshops and so on. [Or at least that's how
I do it, as a full-time working artist.] But certainly *not* from selling
CDs. Hands up if you know *anyone* besides Green Day that actually lives
on record sales...
So, if the point is to get your material out there so people can hear it,
and from that make a living from personal appearences and so on, then you
might consider other methods beyond a limited-run CD release. I've found
weblabels to be great for this, as there is a minimum of money and a
minimum of fuss involved in this method of distribution.
OTOH, having a great-looking CD out in the racks or in your hand to give
to people is also a great way of spreading the message. I really do wonder
if it reaches more or less people than on the web, espc considering that
there are at least 1000 copies of each 12K release [for example] floating
around on Slsk, Gnutella, EDonkey, Bittorrent, Hotline, etc at any given
moment.
So, if you find a label that is willing to do all those cool things like
the artwork, promo and distribution, give it a shot. But unless it's a
label with some brand-name recognition, you might reach a wider public via
other, less costly channels. Just a thought, certainly nothing
conclusive...
best,
derek
--
derek holzer ::: http://www.umatic.nl
---Oblique Strategy # 36:
"Consult other sources
-promising
-unpromising"
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