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| The theory behind everything that Recon Records does is very simple. Create a quality product, as cheaply as possible so that unsigned bands can afford to be a part of it. I stress the quality issue. We've all seen bands that have sloppily produced and packaged CDs for sale. We've all seen half-assed DIY compilations circulating around as well. The sad fact of the music industry is that unfortunately, presentation does count. This flies in the face of almost every punk rock etho. But I'll shoot straight with you. If you look professional, slick, and ready to rock, people will think that you are. The same logic applies to what we do. We present our bands and our product as professionally and slickly produced as possible. You don't want people to make up their mind about your music before they even listen to it do you? Why taint someone's opinion of your band with an inferior product? That is the underlying theory we work with at Recon Records.
Now that company theory has been explained, let's talk about the theory behind compilation records, which is what we as a label are focusing on right now. The underlying theory behind compilation albums is simple as well: getting the most bang for your buck. How many people have ever been dissapointed with any of the Fat Wreck Chords compilations? What about the Hopeless Records comps, or the Jade Tree Emo Diaries? I'll step out on a limb and say none. Does this mean that you like every song from every band on the record? Of course not! But what it does mean is that there are enough songs on each album that you like to leave you feeling like you got your money's worth, right? Do any of these records sell for $15? No. They are all in the range of $4-$8. That is the key. Produce a good product, but keep the price down so lots of people will buy it and be happy with it. Simple, right? The second level of the bang for your buck theory of compilation records is that every single band on the album promotes every other band. If Band A sells 50 CDs, and Band X sells 50 CD's, then Band A's fans are exposed to Band X's music, and vice versa. Now think about 16 bands all doing the same thing. If 16 bands sell only 50 CDs a piece, that means 800 copies of the same disc are in circulation, which then means that 800 people you might never have come in contact with have now heard your music. Once again, very simple. Finally, a compilation record needs to be profitable for everyone involved. The way it works with the major labels is that they have the distribution support to put a copy of the record in the hands of everyone who wants one, regardless of location. Most of the time the bands are not charged a fee to participate in a major label compilation. That is because the label is certain that it will turn a profit from its national sales. Typically the bands participate for free as well because they know they will benefit later from their own album sales. Once again, I'll shoot straight with you. Most likely, none of the bands on this album are going to have the fanbase or selling power to move these discs outside of the D/FW area. That is why the smaller/independant labels charge the bands to be featured on their compilation releases. If any of you have ever tried to professionally press and release your own full length album, you know how expensive it can become. I simply do not have the resources to front the money for a quality release, nor would I even be able to recoup expenses from album sales alone. For this reason I pass the cost of this project on to you. Now before you turn off your computer and shake your head in disgust at what has become of the punk rock scene, hear me out. It only costs $150 to be a part of this release. Consider what you are getting for only $150: a high quality live recording of your best new song to do what you want with later, tons of free promotion and distribution of your music through all of the other bands on this record, 50 professionally produced and packaged CDs to sell/distribute, and the air of professionalism that comes with it. If you sell each of your 50 CDs for only $5, then not only did you make all your money back, but you actually turned a profit. Can anyone considering taking part in this project honestly tell me that they can't find 50 people with $5 in their pocket to spend on a CD? I don't think so. The first Recon Records release was a tremendous success. It provided all of the bands involved with an amazing opportunity to spread their music beyond their normal means. It was a profitable venture for Recon Records. It was a profitable venture for every band involved. Nobody lost money. Every single band turned a profit. Most importantly, every single band got a huge amount of much needed exposure. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us by sending email to [email protected], or any of the other methods listed on the contact page. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you to make this release even better than the last. |