It's been a busy day here at the Santa Monica Library. I got here just after 10am. I decided not to ride 70+miles on my bike on this nice sunny California Autumn day.
As soon as I got here I spent over half an hour trying to configure my Powerbook G4 to get on the library's wireless internet. I then called Scott Harrigan, the graphic designer for my album, to see that I hadn't left this project on his desk for too long. He was really cool and said to take as long as I needed (he has been paid by the way).
The next people I want to get paid are the ones who will license two jazz songs I want on this album. I've gone as far as finding one Publisher for Caravan by Duke Ellington, but Beau-Jack by Jackie Mclean I'm not having any luck with.
I'd become pretty frustruated with The Harry A. Fox Agency(HFA) not returning my call. I knew I should email them, but I'm still old-school and like getting someone on the phone, especially since they're website on my iphone was not letting me register for their SongFile service.
As of today, I have;
1)Opened a DBA with LA COUNTY as OUTCLASS INC.
2)Had DBA listed for a month in the Santa Monica Daily Press. 3)Become a member of Ascap as a writer and a publisher.
4)Payed Graphic Designer for Album Design.
5)Cleared permissions for photographs of musicians to be used in CD
6)Registered online with HFA and sent them a thorough email regarding my 1,000 CD release and Digital Downloads to be available worldwide.
I will be sending an MP3 of my recording of Caravan to EMI Music Publishing. I also have to register the copyrights to all the my originals. All that is left to do
after all is cleared is placing the order with Discmakers.
This process of releasing a self-produced album is not rocket science, but it has been stressful for me and is definitely showing me alot about where I am. I have blown through the majority of the funds at one point, then again spent it at massage parlors:), overeaten, considered taking long trips, and more! Yet I am standing my ground. I know this is a high quality product and I want to see it to completion. It's a labor of love and I look forward to sharing it with the world ASAP.
Yours Truly,
Cosmic Sound Artist
