Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

WHat's a good strategy to use when deciding the order of songs on a given CD. Assume a mixture of songs with varied tempos and meters (i.e slow to fast)

Thanks

Sine wave. Start @ %50 -75 work to peak back to base line and back to peak.

Unless of course you have some "storied" order to follow.

I see producing a CD no different than establishing a live set.

Hook em but don't hammer em. Built it up, let it cool, build it up and hit em hard at the close.

PaperDog wrote:WHat's a good strategy to use when deciding the order of songs on a given CD. Assume a mixture of songs with varied tempos and meters (i.e slow to fast)

Thanks

Well that kind of idea is Pink Floyd/Tull or Cheep Trick

Seems like track#6 is always the killer..

The order could be like a set list but think of it like a concert, not some pub jam.
But it really depends on the songs i guess... are they linked or just random?
The order could be like a story... intro- body- conclusion.
Or just.... best song first, then 2nd best, 3rd etc...

You have some good stuff to work with i'm sure you guys will figure out the flow.

Very seriously, I would ask YOD.
He has more experience at that than you realize.

I am sure he would be more than helpful if he has the time.

I would ask Yod.....

Paper, you're not going to press actual CD's are you?

JCP61 wrote:Paper, you're not going to press actual CD's are you?

Yes JC I was planning on it...(A mastered and cleaned up version)

I'm under no grand delusions about it, but I do have plans to use it in my portfolio for exposure around town... I figure if it evokes any professional attention (from other local musicians) , however slight, its still better than nothing... They will recognize that I made an effort...and might be inclined to jump on board with me... hence the birth of a full and cohesive band. Only time will tell...

PaperDog wrote:

JCP61 wrote:Paper, you're not going to press actual CD's are you?

Yes JC I was planning on it...(A mastered and cleaned up version)

I'm under no grand delusions about it, but I do have plans to use it in my portfolio for exposure around town... I figure if it evokes any professional attention (from other local musicians) , however slight, its still better than nothing... They will recognize that I made an effort...and might be inclined to jump on board with me... hence the birth of a full and cohesive band. Only time will tell...

so your going for a local sell, I can see that, that might be a good angle. Though I figured a computer guy might be more inclined to a more up to date distribution idea, given the costs of production and all.

as far as song order goes, simple is usually best, work from most popular to least.

JCP61 wrote:

PaperDog wrote:

JCP61 wrote:Paper, you're not going to press actual CD's are you?

Yes JC I was planning on it...(A mastered and cleaned up version)

I'm under no grand delusions about it, but I do have plans to use it in my portfolio for exposure around town... I figure if it evokes any professional attention (from other local musicians) , however slight, its still better than nothing... They will recognize that I made an effort...and might be inclined to jump on board with me... hence the birth of a full and cohesive band. Only time will tell...

so your going for a local sell, I can see that, that might be a good angle. Though I figured a computer guy might be more inclined to a more up to date distribution idea, given the costs of production and all.

as far as song order goes, simple is usually best, work from most popular to least.

Ahh Okay I see what you meant... I am indeed looking at posting the CD for online downloads as well... But One salient action that I will be taking is the announcement of a CD Release party (hopefully in Oct or Nov)...Actually, the Flyer will announce it as a "Beer Coaster release party". LOL!

The idea is to raise awareness of the CD and swap discs with other musicians, etc... But primarily , its to get drunk and socialize to make a presence.

One of the other key points is the publication of art work, which I'm using for the cover... I'm using a few pieces from a local collection ( the work of a renowned old-time artist here in town... who was also much like a dad to me... We were very close.) . He passed away last year and truthfully, a big part of this CD project is being done as a dedication to him,... So that party is also gonna include some visual artists and a couple of sculptors. My goal is bring friends together, have a good time, meet new folk and network...
I dunno where it goes from there.

sounds like a terrific idea.
good luck.

Good Luck Paper, I dont really have any advice on order of songs, its your art so make it like you want it.

Keep On Rockin!

1) strong song to open - get interest piqued
2) weaker songs sandwiched by stronger
3) strong song to finish - leave a good impression

Definitely open with the strongest 2-3 songs, but mix up the songs so you don't have multiple songs all with the same overall 'feel' or sound.
With today's listener typically playing individual songs (on an MP3 player), the overall order for songs on CDs is not as important as it once was.

jimmydanger wrote:1) strong song to open - get interest piqued
2) weaker songs sandwiched by stronger
3) strong song to finish - leave a good impression

Awsome...Thanks Jimmy!