So I've established myself over the past 4 years release-wise as Foci's Left, a multi-genre producer, which I like really. I've had some big successes - critical acclaim from magazines, best sellers section on Bandcamp yada yada. (If you're interested, go to http://www.focisleft.bandcamp.com for most of the catalogue).
It occurred to me that I could make more waves for one by offering full tracks for free in an archive / portfolio folder on http://www.muttley.kapsil.net (where 22,600 downloads happened across 4 months this year). In turn, this would give something useful to fans or people with a passing interest, as they could sample anything I intend to release before it hits the stores.
The key is: lower bitrate tracks - say 96kbps - 128kbps - which is acceptable for listening, but not long term listening. This would 1) give individuals chance to hear the tracks in full before they made any purchase decision, and 2) give them a bit of short term good feeling by getting unreleased stuff for free - in limited quantities (no way am I going to bung second-rate tracks up on the server).
What do interested parties think of this? Is the bitrate too low at 96kbps (it does depend on the track how good it sounds)? Would you like to download some lower bitrate unreleased, mastered tracks? I would offer the unreleased tracks as £1 each for a 320kbps version if anyone was interested. I can't see it being a problem with the labels I've worked with. If anything it gives them more exposure and vice versa.
Thanks for letting me know your thoughts guys and girls
Mick Muttley (Foci's Left)
It occurred to me that I could make more waves for one by offering full tracks for free in an archive / portfolio folder on http://www.muttley.kapsil.net (where 22,600 downloads happened across 4 months this year). In turn, this would give something useful to fans or people with a passing interest, as they could sample anything I intend to release before it hits the stores.
The key is: lower bitrate tracks - say 96kbps - 128kbps - which is acceptable for listening, but not long term listening. This would 1) give individuals chance to hear the tracks in full before they made any purchase decision, and 2) give them a bit of short term good feeling by getting unreleased stuff for free - in limited quantities (no way am I going to bung second-rate tracks up on the server).
What do interested parties think of this? Is the bitrate too low at 96kbps (it does depend on the track how good it sounds)? Would you like to download some lower bitrate unreleased, mastered tracks? I would offer the unreleased tracks as £1 each for a 320kbps version if anyone was interested. I can't see it being a problem with the labels I've worked with. If anything it gives them more exposure and vice versa.
Thanks for letting me know your thoughts guys and girls
Mick Muttley (Foci's Left)