Use this easy-to-follow task list to make sure you don't miss any steps along your journey to a finished vinyl record!!

1. Record your music
   By the time you're reading this, you will likely have already begun, or even completed this part of the process. If not, the best way to choose a recording studio is by asking for referrals from people you trust, or whose finished music sounds great to you. For some general studio tips, check out our Information Articles.
   
   
2. Look after copyright & licensing issues.
   For many musicians, both new and experienced, this part of the process seems like a huge hurdle. In fact, it can be accomplished with a series of simple steps, depending on what music you're recording:
   

   I) You're performing your own music, and are using no samples of someone else's music.
   In this case, obviously, you do not need to get a license from anyone! However:

   a) You need to submit an IPR Form with your finished master, and indicate on it that you own the performance (you sang or performed the song yourself) for the tracks on the vinyl. Your vinyl will not be manufactured without a completed IPR form, which you can download here.
   b) You should also look after protecting your own material. You can do this by registering with SOCAN (Canada) (socan.ca) or ASCAP (ascap.com), BMI (bmi.com) or SESAC (sesac.com) (US).

   
   

   II) You're performing "cover" versions of someone else's songs.
   When you record a version of someone else's song, you must obtain what's called a mechanical license from the original writer(s) and publisher(s) of the song. The easiest way to arrange this in the US, is to contact the Harry Fox Agency (212) 370-5330 (www.nmpa.org), or in Canada, the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Association (CMRRA) (416) 926-1966 (www.cmrra.ca).
   You can also contact the song's publisher directly to obtain the rights.

   a) You need to submit a copy of your mechanical license, or proof that you have applied for the mechanical license, for any "cover songs", with your finished master.
   b) You need to submit an IPR Form with your finished master, and indicate on it that you own the performance (you sang or performed the song yourself) for the tracks on the vinyl. Your vinyl will not be manufactured without a completed IPR form, which you can download here.

   
   

   III) You're including someone else's performance, software or samples on your vinyl record.
   Even if your vinyl record is not for sale, you cannot include some one else's performance or samples without getting what's called a master use license. You do this by contacting the original artist or the artist's label.

   a) You need to submit a copy of your master use license, or proof that you have applied for the master use license, for any non-original performances or samples on your vinyl record, with your finished master.
   b) You need to submit an IPR Form with your finished master, and indicate on it that you DO NOT own the performance (you DID NOT sing or perform the song yourself) for the tracks on the vinyl record. Your vinyl record will not be manufactured without a completed IPR form, which you can download here.

   
   

   IV) You're including images in your packaging that are owned by someone else.
   Copyright also exists for graphic material you may wish to use in your packaging materials. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES strongly suggests that you obtain rights to reproduce these materials prior to manufacturing in order to protect yourself from potential legal action.
   
   

3. Think about what your vinyl record sleeve will look like.
   While you are recording, you should be thinking about how you will be packaging your vinyl record. Do you plan a full-color sleeve? Will you need photos, drawings, lyrics? Are there a lot of people to thank in the liner notes? Does your band have a logo, and does it exist in a printable format? Unless you're a designer yourself, and know your way around professional design software, it's best to start looking for a graphic designer, and set aside some money to have your vinyl sleeve artwork designed professionally.
   
   
4. Master your vinyl.
   It's been said many times, but you simply can't underestimate the value of mastering your music. Mastering is the final opportunity to clean up and tweak a master before duplicating CDs, cassettes or vinyl. This process makes your music sound louder, bigger, smoother, cleaner, and more 3-dimensional. If you want your music to have maximum impact for radio, or if you want to be able to compete with major record label releases, don't miss this final opportunity to improve the sound quality of your project!
   
   Find a good mastering studio, or call MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES to take advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities and reasonable mastering prices. Find out more about mastering.
   
   It is best to submit your master by courier, or by hand. General mail delivery can take a long time, and it is much harder to ensure the safety of your material. Always keep a safety master of your vinyl record!
   
   
5. Hire a graphic artist.
   If you're planning a vinyl record sleeve with any kind of design at all, it's best to find an experienced graphic designer to make your music look great, or call MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES and let our experienced design department create the design that's best for you! It's a great idea to let your designer hear your music too, so they get a feel for your project - and don't forget to show them other vinyl sleeves or designs that you think work with your music.
   
   Make sure you or your designer read the graphics specifications and that you or your designer download the MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES downloadable templates for your vinyl sleeve and label art. Once you're ready to submit the artwork for your project, your designer needs to complete the MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES Graphics Form to accompany your art.
   
   Your artwork can be submitted on disc, or ftp'd using our EASI site. Always keep a copy of your artwork on disc.
   
   
6. Manufacture your vinyl record.
   Now you bring it all together! It's best to choose a pressing plant that can look after all your manufacturing needs for you - pressing the vinyl, printing the sleeves and labels, and packaging the finished product. If you decide to manufacture your vinyl record at MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES, here are some of the things you need to know, before proceeding:
   
   Copyright. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES complies with all international copyright conventions and participates in copyright compliance and anti-piracy initiatives undertaken by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) (riaa.com), the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) (cria.ca) and the International Recorded Media Association (IRMA) (recordingmedia.org).
   
   Warranty. At our discretion, MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES will either replace any product with obvious manufacturing defects, or refund the applicable amount. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES cannot be held liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from our actions or products (including damages for loss of profits, revenue or business and the like) in any way.
   
   Delivery Dates. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES prides itself on delivering vinyl records exactly when promised, if not before! However, please, do not schedule an official release for your vinyl record too close to the anticipated delivery of your product. Any number of steps in the process can create unexpected delays.
   
   Color Matching. All MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES vinyl sleeves are "gang-run" as per industry standard (several jobs printed on the same sheet). This allows us to offer printed inserts at an economical cost to you, but it also means that exact color matching for any one job is not possible.
   
   Bar Codes. If you plan to sell your vinyl record in stores, you must have a bar code or UPC (Universal Product Code) included in the packaging, so that retailers can easily track the sales of your product within their inventory system.
   
   If you need a UPC number, we will provide it free of charge, and will generate the correct barcode for your artwork. If you don't want the barcode to be part of your sleeve graphics, MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES can supply barcodes on stickers applied to the shrink-wrap.
   
   If you already have a UPC number, simply give the number to MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES or your designer (whoever is designing your packaging) and the bar code can be generated and inserted.
   
   
7. Send us your materials.
   Collect everything you need to go with your order:
   • Finished master, to MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES mastering specifications
   • Label and sleeve graphics on disc, or zipped/stuffed for upload, to MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES graphic specifications
   • All necessary completed forms:
     • Graphics Form. Print & complete to include with the disc, OR upload with graphics to the ftp server.
     • Intellectual Property Rights Form (IPR)
     • Credit Card Authorization (if you are using a credit card to pay for your order)
   • Deposit, as specified by your MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES rep when you place your order. You can pay in several ways:
     • Certified cheque or cashier's cheque.
     • Money order.
     • VISA or MasterCard, with signed credit card authorization form. Your credit card statement will say MMSdirect Inc.
     • Cash, only if you're delivering your order in person.
     • Bank Transfer: Ask your MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES rep for details.
     • Review our Terms & Conditions document, and make sure you understand it.
   
   Then package everything carefully and send it by courier or mail to:
   
   MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES
   25 Defries Street,
   Toronto, Ontario
   Canada, M5A 3R4
   
   ** Let us help you track your order. Once you've given your package to the courier, email the tracking/waybill number to info@musicmanufacturing.com, and we'll keep our eye out for it.
   
   
8. Take delivery!!