How to Release Your Own Recording: Tips from Nick Finzer

Sep 15 2015

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Welcome – 0:00
Can you explain how to release your own recording – doing it yourself vs. a traditional record label? – 1:17
What would be the advantages, why would a musician think “Maybe I should release a record myself”, as opposed to trying to get someone else to do it for me? – 3:40
Do you think it’s easier for someone starting out to put out their own product vs. trying to get other people interested to release it for them, generally? – 6:41
You released your album “Exposition” in 2013 – Can you give us a brief overview of what the process was like, some of the steps involved and how did you figure out how to go about those steps. – 8:55
In terms of digital vs. physical, can people get it both ways? Can they download it or get a CD? How did you do that? – 15:31
It sounds like you learned a ton by doing it yourself and that it has led to other opportunities – just reflecting back: Would you say “I am so glad that I did this, and it really has opened up doors for me”? – 17:10
Have you encountered a fair number of other people that have done what you’ve done, or do you think this has separated you to a certain extend as well? – 18:41
Are there other resources, tools, that you’ve found particularly useful in your experience putting our your own record? – 20:26
…How much money, a range maybe – could you give an idea – for people who want to do their own recording, but are not really sure how much they need to make that happen – What are your thoughts on that? – 24:23
How did you market your record and advice for people on how to market theirs? – 29:18
How to develop a concept for a record, especially if I am not writing my own music? – 36:10
…A little more about the company you started – Outside In Music, and maybe you can mention a little bit more about what a record company does, what you do, and maybe why you started it? – 38:56
Where can folks find you if they want to get in touch and want to learn more about the company? – 43:46
Thanks – 44:09

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Description:
Are you thinking about recording and releasing your own recording? You won’t want to miss this hangout with trombonist and music entrepreneur Nick Finzer. Get Nick’s tips on how to successfully navigate the process of recording and releasing your own recording: ideas for funding your project, how to manage costs, how to ensure a quality product, and how to market your recording. Bring your questions and join us!

Nick Finzer is one of the most exciting musicians of the millennial generation.

An award-winning composer, arranger, and trombonist, Finzer is bringing the joy and power of Jazz to both traditional fans and 21st century audiences who try everything from flying off cliffs in specially-designed suits to fugu sushi. He’s on a mission to be a passionate voice defining the sound of Jazz in this age, and to bring a little street cred to the trombone, which is a bold, tight sound.

In January of 2013 Nick released his recording debut as a bandleader and composer with “Exposition” (Outside In Music). Two tracks appearing on the album garnered Finzer a pair of accolades: The prestigious American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP)’s Herb Alpert Award for young composers (2013 & 2015)

Finzer has been seen across the globe on television and the web millions of times as part of the pop web phenom band, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. He has toured with the group in North America and Europe. His Jazz videos and albums are seen and heard around the world as well.

Famed trombonist and mentor Wycliffe Gordon called Finzer “a new voice [in] the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making” and added “Nick’s CD is a glowing example of things to come.”

In 2011 Nick was the winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshop’s National Jazz Trombone Competition and was a finalist in the 2010 International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition.

Born into the musical world (Mom Sherry Finzer is an international flutist), Finzer developed a fascination for the music of Duke Ellington and found himself, in high school, performing at the annual Essentially Ellington competition of Jazz at Lincoln Center. It was then that he decided to pursue a life in music himself. His budding talent was recognized by Wycliffe Gordon who began a life-long mentorship by writing four pieces for the young Finzer while he attended the Eastman School of Music. Nick went on to get his masters at Juilliard’s prestigious Jazz program where he was mentored by the trombone legend Steve Turre.

In 2014, Nick composed two new album-length works,. HIs first, “The Chase” debuts in July of 2015 on the Origin Records label, and his “Ten Year Suite,” is in performance development and will have a future album release.

Finzer has performed at top Jazz clubs and concert halls with Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Lucas Pino’s No Net Nonet, Bob Stewart’s Double Quartet, Frank Wess, Lew Tabackin, Terrell Stafford, Lewis Nash and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Walt Weiskopf, John Clayton, Slide Hampton, Frank Kimbrough, Carl Allen, Ray Drummond, Steve Turre and many more.

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