an HMI album.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Conner on June 16, 2008 at 2:15pm

Hey, if you want some hot brass on the tracks, I'm sure we can mix it up!

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Permalink Reply by Rich Clarkson on June 16, 2008 at 4:36pm

sounds like fun, I'm up for being part. do we need some kind of voting competition to choose the songs? I'm sure there'll be an abundance of guitarists on offer but I'm up for playing if needed! I'll also submit some songs.

Rich

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Permalink Reply by Paul Kent on June 16, 2008 at 5:03pm

I'm suggesting that it work like this :

people get a demo of their song along with chord sheets and lyric sheets and post them (or link to them) in a new group (that I'll create in a minute).

Then we'll accumulate entries for a month or so before we have open votings... The highest rated 20 songs will then go forward to a panel of 'executive producers' (Phil being one?, and then a couple of guys who will offer their time to 'produce' the album. ie - make it work thematically, coherently and musically as an album. I suggest they be people who have expertise in that area. Who are willing to commit time and resources to make the project work and who have a passion for the project.) Who will go on to pick the 10/12 that will work best on an album together.

I'm guessing we may be able to use any profits to invest in future projects? Or give it away to a good cause?? Either way.. This can't be about the money. It's about resourcing the church with great worship music and getting the little guys stuff out there.

I'm sure, if we run with this idea it's going to be a difficult, fun, hard, hilarious, emotional journey that will have some great rewards if we're all willing to invest in it.. and let God take the glory (and money).

Comments?

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Permalink Reply by Phil Williams on June 16, 2008 at 5:21pm

Hi Paul - I like the idea of this and sounds like you've got some expertise in this area. I'm not sure where we'd get the money to fund the project or where we would sell the album but I really like the idea behind making an HMI album...

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Permalink Reply by Lee Wyatt on June 16, 2008 at 7:31pm

I think its a cool idea Paul.

I do think people would buy it as well, and it would give a great to chance for 'unknown' worship leaders, bands and contemporary Christian artists to get something out.

Im up for it and im more than sure I could get a band together....in fact I have already!!

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Permalink Reply by Dave Clemo on June 16, 2008 at 8:04pm

You can check out my songs on my page.
I know we're supposed to think that there are no problems only opportunities, but I must give you some of my hard won experience here. Not in any coherent order. Just thinking out loud
1. It's a good idea, but is it a God idea? Pray first.
2. Count the cost now. Mainstream releases plan for 50-60% of the budget on publicity and advertising.
I know- 50% of nothing is nothing, but we've discussed these issues on the post about getting a record deal. All we're doing is pooling resources to get an album out, with no obvious market.
3. Why not go for a download only release? Publicity via this site and our email contacts, Myspace etc.
4. Are we doing our own version of the "People's album" or ICC/Spring Harvest's new songs? without an outlet like Soul Survivor or Spring Harvest can you get enough people interested in the product in an already crowded market?
5. Already touched upon. Who selects the songs? I notice that there are industry people on HMI. On first glance they might seem ideal, but would they commit to a project that is commercially in competition with their own?
5. How do you get radio play? Vital for sales. People need to have heard something about 8-10 times before it registers in their brain
6. Who plays/sings on the recording? Do we use the members own recordings (subject to quality)?

I'm sure there's more but that'll do for now

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Permalink Reply by Paul Kent on June 17, 2008 at 9:35am

1. - Good point. I think it's a definite Good idea. Ii also feel it is God inspired. But more prayer certainly can't hurt :)

2. - Defining the purpose is important. Is this meant to be a 'mainstream' release, or a release for HMI members, our friends, our churches etc. That defines our budget for sure!

3. - That's what I'm thinking. Though.. it'd be nice to have some CD artwork. So we can send it to industry people (magazines, radio stations, labels) Just incase we get approached by somebody who wants to distribute it in hardcopy. I have some contacts that would take a look at it at least. If anybody else does.. that'd be cool.

4. - In a sense I guess we are doing our own version of the Peoples album. But that is just a compilation of user submitted songs.. there's nothing new about the concept. So although comparisons are bound to happen, I think we should steer as far away as possible.

In terms of the crowded market... you're right. That's why we need to find ways to make this product stand out.. We can go more down the route of "Guerilla Worship". Recorded on the tightest budget (possibly free) with volunteer musicians, for the passion of worship and the glory of God... I think we can think outside the box and find an entirely new way of making this work!

5. good point.. I think I answered this to some degree.. Though, It deserves more discussion.

5. - HEY!! are there two fives here???

6. It's a possibility. That would certainly be a good way to make costs plummet!

I personally think that re-recording the songs (for the most part) would improve the quality. As well as making the songs feel 'related'. It may also be prudent to use the best musicians we can get our hands on (who will offer their time). How we qualify that is dangerous ground. But I'm sure there are musicians that have session experience or are 'professional' musicians.. Also.. I love the idea of us meeting up to work on a project..


just thoughts..

Paul

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Permalink Reply by Jonny Shepherd on June 16, 2008 at 8:44pm

Just shouting up to voice my interest in a possible project...sounds interesting...!!

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Permalink Reply by Gav on June 17, 2008 at 9:18am

yeh good idea paul,

i'd be up for that. ive got songs on my page and my myspace that i would love to submit www.myspace.com/gavinjcball

i reckon we sell the cds for charity. kinda like compassion art of youve heard of that?

cheers,
Gavin.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Kent on June 17, 2008 at 10:15am

cool.

anybody else got recording services available?

We can get our heads together and work out logistics.. as we progress the idea

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Permalink Reply by Jonny Shepherd on June 17, 2008 at 10:23am

I have a Roland VS2400 which aint Protools but could be handy for location recording...(I'm in Rugby, nr Cov)

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Permalink Reply by Paul Kent on June 17, 2008 at 11:17am

1. - an ongoing discussion.

2. - I would recommend that a royalty agreement be drawn up. Complete ownership of the 'recorded version' of the song lie with HMI (who is HMI?? how does that look). The song itself belongs to the writer. So, any profit from the album (or a sampler based on the album) go to HMI (which then get given away to charity? or invested in future projects?), any performance rights and other recordings of the same song belong to the owner. With a limitation that no other recording of the track be sold within 2 years.

3. - Yes. Though there's major costs involved with that. Also, in the eyes of a label, we are an unproven, unfinanced operation. When we start to see what the quality of the songs will be, it may become clearer whether we should approach a label. Personally, I like the idea of plowing a new path. Itunes and guerilla Labelling! Lets see if we can't do something new?

4. - good question. Contributers being songwriters? I don't think so. If we assume that we are going to go down a guerilla Marketing road, and we try and get 'in kind' support from members (many of whom are in the industry) then we will be able to get an album done for very little.

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