We
continue to receive questions about how to get ARS albums
re-released on CD. Here are a few frequently asked questions
with some answers:
Questions:
Why
are previous albums not available on CD?
Isn't there a demand to release these albums?
What can be done about it?
Answer: The basic problem with getting albums re-released
on CD is that it costs money to re-master, re-release,
market and distribute the products. Record companies and
distributors need to believe that a strong and active
market exists before committing the money necessary to
produce and distribute production quality material. But,
make no mistake, if they believe the market exists, they
will find a way to produce the product.
Question: How Can We Convince the Record Companies
that a Market Really Does Exist?
Answer: To identify the best material to release,
record companies look closely for products that offer
strong new (or renewed) market demand. One way they would
measure the demand for previously unreleased material
is by evaluating the demand for currently available materials
and products. So, for Atlanta Rhythm Section albums, the
clearest way to communicate interest is to buy currently
available materials. If record companies see strong and
sustained demand, they may take notice and be more interested
in supporting additional album re-releases.
Question: What About Organizing a "Write In Campaign"?
Answer: Organizing "write in campaigns" can sometimes
be helpful, but they really need to be well organized
and carefully timed. You have to target the right people,
have a sufficient number of "write-ins" and hit at a time
when they can also see strong market demand from other
sources (e.g. record sales, concert appearances, current/active
publicity, etc.).
Question:
What Other Factors are Involved?
Answer: Other factors can affect the ability easily
re-release ARS material. Over the years, ARS has used
several different companies to release material. Past
business relationships between the band and the record
company combined with current market demand and the ability
to reach acceptable financial arrangements for future
deals all have an impact on the ability to produce re-releases.
Question: We Want to Help - What Should We Do?
Answer: For now, the best answer is probably to
be patient. The band generally is trying to re-energize
their activities in several ways. Once they establish
an active 2003 touring schedule and do some other things
to increase their marketing momentum, it might make sense
for this group to make themselves known to the right people.
In the mean time, to make it easier to see what's currently
available on the broader commercial market, the web sites
merchandise page has been expanded to better display products
currently available at Amazon.com. We know that Amazon
ranks their sales - and that may help identify/track an
increase in demand. So, buy available ARS releases here
or at other retailers - and the record companies will
know.
Question: I Think a Suggestion to go "check Ebay"
or Other Outlets is Kind of Silly - How Does that Help?
Answer: The suggestion to check "used record stores",
Ebay and other places to get used albums or CDs is just
to help interested fans. These sales are not tracked by
the record companies and do not provide financial benefit
to the record companies or to the band. However, this
remains the best source of material for fans that don't
want to wait for potential future CD re-releases. It's
not a substitute solution - just an alternative to not
having anything for people who want to hear the music
now!
