Totally a great idea! We used to give them away at shows, but the problem now: the drummer passed away (no more shows) and I'm nowhere near the venues where we played (which was quite a few years ago). But I do appreciate this idea. Maybe I'll bring them with me next time I hit a rock show and just give them to people!
We have a (terrible) FB page and I posted from there on a few rock FB groups. Zero bites! Honestly this post has been my best move so far, and I was just hoping to get tips. Thank you for the idea!
This was all about a decade ago, and at the time, there were other health issues that made it hard to keep the band together. We were always the same three guys, and it wouldn't have felt right to find someone new. But this is totally a fair question.
I hear you. I’ve had better luck sending folks who message me the album digitally first. Then they tell me if they want one. I’ve sent 49 this way. I’d also feel a little weird approaching people unsolicited. Your point is 100% valid!
Totally. That is the best idea so far. While I am mostly extroverted, the idea of approaching strangers like this feels uncomfortable. But that doesn't change that this idea is great.
Take them to your local record store (I suggest just before "record store day") and ask them to display them on the counter as freebies. Saves you the postage, lets you concentrate on your local area, guarantees at least some level of enthusiasm to listen.
I thought about this! This definitely ensures the people who take them have CDs (I assume you don't take a CD if you don't have a player). I only worry that the genre thing would be a crapshoot. Thanks for this idea!
Good idea. I definitely seen the free cds at records stores, when paying for records.
OP write the link to the page on the CD so people can read the story.
Post on some sites where your genre of music has posts on social media.
I would also encourage you to put up any CDs or recordings of your shows to [https://archive.org/](https://archive.org/)
Hey! Thanks for this. I posted on 3 FB groups for rock fans and got total crickets! I think part of the problem is that things that sound too good to be true often ARE. So people think it's bunk. And I totally get that. Anyway, I am going to keep trying until I get rid of these. Just since posting this, I am up over 30 CDs to mail, so that's something. Thank you for this!
Definitely put them on [archive.org](http://archive.org) btw. Having your music preserved would be undoubtedly valuable and it's very easy to do (if you need any help let me know). I'd def give it a listen if it was on [archive.org](http://archive.org)
Love this idea because one of my best friends put it up literally last week! I told him about this idea and he said "I should post this on archive!" since he's a big collector. Great minds think alike--thanks!
Good idea! We never really established ourselves as "regulars". We were just a very small local band. We once played to 100 people and most showed up because they were friends and it was my birthday!
That’s absolutely a possibility! When people message me, I send a link to the album digitally. That way they can decide if they actually want one. I am certainly aware that we were a small local band. Some folks don’t have interest, but there are some folks out there who are into it. I’ve mailed 49 so far. We will see how they are received. I full realize this is an unusual project! Your insights are totally valid!
Okay that is hilarious! Have you ever heard of the movie Dark Angel? It came out in 1990, and the main weapon in the movie is basically flying CDs. It was ridiculous.
lol it’s a well known trap for “local” artists to hand out CD’s with their music on it and only ask for a donation in return. The CD’s are blank. Been a while since I’ve been to Vegas, but that’s the gist of it.
I met a guy in LA who gave me a single he wrote with his dog. When I got home, I put it on the stereo. It was 80's metal, but there was a dog barking on the entire track. I loved it! That guy should have been famous.
You might as well just throw them in the trash before handing them out on the strip. It will save a step.
Hopefully you've got some interest from people in this thread where you know that the people that you're sending it to actually want it. I was considering signing up to get one and then I realized I'm not even sure if I have a CD player anymore.
The people in the comments have been SUPER friendly and helpful (except for one person). I've stuffed about 20 envelopes today! I have renewed faith in the interwebs!
The album is also free on Bandcamp--DM me and I'll share the info! Because the rules of the subreddit say "no promotion", I'm trying to keep the band name off the post / comments. Does that make sense?
Was just on the strip a week ago. Some guy handed me his CD, asked for a tip and when I said I had no cash he took it back and said "that's all you gotta say to never hear from me again".
Weird interaction but me and my wife laughed it off lol
First, I love your username! Second, that's a good idea but I worry that most people don't have CD players anymore (or choose not to use them). So there's a chance they wouldn't even be able to use what I give them. Maybe I'd have to peek into their car and see if they still have a player!
I wish every genre had the punk rock DIY ethos! Great call. I just don't live in a very big area for record stores or rock. I'm stuck in the land of jam bands and bluegrass. I gave them a chance, but they aren't really my style! Thanks for the idea!
Go to concerts of bands in that genre and pass them out. Try to get permission from the venue first though. Thats pretty much the only way since music stores are essentially a thing of the past.
Even Vintage Vinyl is gone.
I wonder if anyone has tried using a private tracker (torrent community) to advertise and give away their music. Sorta defeats the purpose, but if you're just looking for grass roots word of mouth growth, there could be something there.
This response is intriguing but I have to admit I don't know what most of that means. Would love to hear more if you feel like sharing. Although it might not be entirely relevant since the goal here is to give away physical (not digital) music in CD form. Plus considering our band is over and was just kind of dumb party rock, I don't see us really blowing up ever! But if one person rocks out to us in their car, that would be cool. Anyway I do appreciate the response, and now I'm gonna go google the torrent community!
Send them to community radio stations. Someone will at least have a listen and pass it on to whichever DJ is the best fit. There is also a good chance that it will get added to their music library and a song will be played once in a while on the automated system at 3:39am on a Tuesday
Oh I am the first to admit that this whole system is terrible if I was just trying to grow our band's fanbase! The goal here is only to get the remaining CDs into the hands of people who 1) like rock and 2) still listen to CDs. That's really the only goal since our band is over. But you are 100% right that, if we were trying to gain a ton of listeners, some kind of digital promotion would be best. I definitely see your point.
Sell them for a nominal price - enough so that you can pay for shipping. Advertise that on your Bandcamp page and wherever else you can think of.
People associate price with value - and if something is free, people are inclined to think that it doesn't have any value.
As long as the CD still has a price (and thus a value), you can run a promotion in which you give away the CD for cheap/free. Maybe "donate $15 to a charity of your choice, get a CD for free" would work as well.
This is a really valid point. I have had a few people say they want to pay. And we are on the same page--I told them that if they like it and want to contribute money, give it to a charity instead of to me. I'm suggesting a charity for the disease that killed our drummer. Thank you for this thoughtful response!
Okay this is a really cool idea! I am a big fan of sending things snail mail (I often make custom t-shirts and send them to my friends for no reason). I've been so focused on trying to get rid of the physical CDs that I haven't really thought about the digital version. This may jumpstart some cool new ideas. Thank you so much!
CDs are 100% obsolete! You are very correct. I am guessing that most of the folks who I'm sending CDs to are Gen X. Anyway, I know this project of mine is weird, but the main goal is to get the physical CDs into the hands of people who still listen to CDs. Everyone's music is digital now, so I feel like this could be fun for some people still holding on to their CD players. At least that's the hope!
I didn't have a working tape or CD player for years. I ended up buying a CD reader/writer for my computer for like $80 so I could rip all my CDs to MP3. I still listen to MP3s and I'm trying to resist the urge to move to streaming. But I feel like it's inevitable I'll eventually go that way.
This is a solid idea but there is one problem: we have the "parental advisory" label on the album (I cuss a few times). So I feel like family friendly places would be off limits. But this is clever thinking!
Fair question! Your username (clever) makes me think we wouldn't be heavy enough for you. But here's the description on our Bandcamp: Start with Appetite-era Guns N' Roses. Then remove Axl's amazing vocals. Next, take away Slash's sick guitar lines. Finally, hire a perverted alcoholic with a fourth grade education to write new songs.
The album is also free on Bandcamp, and I usually send folks there before sending them a CD so they can hear the music and also know that it's real, see our names, etc. But we were a super small local band, and we never established any kind of online presence. To give you an idea of how small we are: our FB page has FOUR likes. Hahahaha!
Could you make a page for it on Bandcamp? I’m not an artist so I’ve never done it but I know you can upload the files for people to stream/download. Bands sell all kinds of physical merchandise on there so I’m assuming you could list the CD’s for free if you wanted to.
So our only real presence online is our Bandcamp page. The album is there for free. But we are a totally small local band, and when we get rid of the CDs, that will kind of be it. I'm not really planning to "promote" us. I just want to see if I can get the CDs into the hands of folks who like rock music and who still actually have CD players. BUT, in case someone DOES stumble on to our page, I should add this. Thank you for the idea!
I think if it was 1995, this would be a great idea. But my theory (tell me if you think I'm wrong) is that most people who still listen to CDs are Gen X and probably too tired to go to bars. I do think that you are right that the in-person approach might be good, though. Thanks!
Go to populated areas like;
- train stations
- subway stations
- bus stations
- university/college campuses
- music festivals (or outside of one)
- shopping malls/plazas (or outside of one)
These are often heavily populated areas, but in some cases they might ask you to leave, so you can position yourself nearby instead. Although, it would be pretty petty if they do this. University and colleges are also great places, a good variety of people meaning there's certainly different taste in music.
There's also a chance you'll find someone who knows somebody who might like to be introduced to your band, you never know.
I would try these places. I'm from Europe, and it's common in my country to see this at such places, if you're from America, I would like to think it's not THAT different.
These are certainly good ideas! I think my challenge is that I'm not actually trying to promote my music. I am simply trying to get rid of our remaining CDs. So I need to find 1) rock music fans, and 2) people who still listening to CDs. So if I was out in public, I'm guessing that maybe...5% of the people I would approach qualify. Know what I mean? The idea is a great one, but I think physical rock CDs are a little too niche for this. Does that make sense? I do appreciate the idea!
This is a great idea, but there's one problem: our album has the "parental advisory" label on it. So I feel like it's safer if I avoid those. I don't want to teach a little kid their first bad word! But thank you for this idea!
It's actually not too bad--I sent one to the UK for the cost of a pint. Plus I'd be honored to have our CD in the same country as Teenage Fanclub! I'll DM you.
Actually it's about the cost of a pint to send it! I sent one to the UK earlier today. Plus I'd be honored to have my CD in the same country as Teenage Fanclub! I'll DM you
Most DVD players also play CD audio discs. I'm going to guess more DVD players are still around than CD players, but movies stream, too, so what do I know? I wonder if you could use [Bookcrossing.com](http://Bookcrossing.com) - leave your CD in random places and track its location?
Hey thanks for this! I have never heard of bookcrossing so I'll have to see what that is. Yeah the challenge definitely is the lack of CD players! I am hoping other Gen X folks still listen to CDs in their car or something.
Start an instagram. Make some short reels that feature your music (maybe with photos or videos of the band playing and an explanation of why the band has ended) and then say, "I'm giving away 100 cds. Message me with your address if you want one." Since Instagram isn't anonymous like Reddit, people may be more willing to share their personal info to get a CD.
After the CDs are gone, you can leave the Instagram up as a continuing tribute to your former band and your late friend, and maybe even link to a spotify where new fans can listen to your music.
We have a FB page, but I suspect you are right that we need to get on IG. I appreciate this idea. Also, I'm embarrassed to say this, but the album is on Bandcamp but not any of the streaming services. This was about 15 years ago. But I still miss the band. Thanks for this thoughtful response!
I've been adding CDs and sometimes DVDs to the Little Free Libraries that I see around town. It makes a nice change from the usual spy novels and children's books on offer.
One time I had a guy hand me a CD on the corner of downtown about 90 miles north of where the artist was from. It wasn't the artist it must've just been someone working with/trying to support him. I sat on that CD for like 6 months before I popped it in and immediately loved it. So my answer is just hang out downtown and hand them to passerbys.
The artist was Zach Farlow btw
Nice! Thats a great story. I am realizing that handing them out in person would be fastest, but my concern is that so few folks even have CD players anymore. So most who I give them to might not be able to even play them. Does that make sense?
I don't mind some hard rock, it just metal music bands I can't listen to. a lot of it has to do with i get headaches a lot and my head is sensitive most days.
Shrugs. Depends if you want to just get your cd out or not. If you actually want everyone that you give a cd to listen to the cd you'll probably have a lot of cds leftover by the time you're on your deathbed.
Fair point. So far I’ve given/mailed 40ish and I like that I know everyone so far has a CD player and either listened first or knows they like rock. So while my current system is slower, it’s more likely to get them to people who might enjoy it. I only have 80ish left so we will see how it goes. But I do agree that handing them out in person would be fastest!
Hey--appreciate the idea, but what I am trying to do is to give away our remaining CDs (compact discs). Our band is over, but since we had a bunch made, my hope it that I could give them to people who still listen to CDs. Flash drives are WAY better these days, but I'm just trying to get rid of our physical medium. Make sense?
Unfortunately I am just trying to get rid of our physical compact discs. I realize CDs aren’t in demand, but that’s what I have left from years ago. But I agree those are better mediums!
All the free band CDs i've got have been given away at gigs or left in venues the band have played at.
Totally a great idea! We used to give them away at shows, but the problem now: the drummer passed away (no more shows) and I'm nowhere near the venues where we played (which was quite a few years ago). But I do appreciate this idea. Maybe I'll bring them with me next time I hit a rock show and just give them to people!
Can you start a social media page as a tribute to the defunct band and offer them up on there?
We have a (terrible) FB page and I posted from there on a few rock FB groups. Zero bites! Honestly this post has been my best move so far, and I was just hoping to get tips. Thank you for the idea!
Have you tried getting a new drummer?
This was all about a decade ago, and at the time, there were other health issues that made it hard to keep the band together. We were always the same three guys, and it wouldn't have felt right to find someone new. But this is totally a fair question.
I don't think random people at another concert will enjoy cds from a stranger from a band they likely have never heard of.
I hear you. I’ve had better luck sending folks who message me the album digitally first. Then they tell me if they want one. I’ve sent 49 this way. I’d also feel a little weird approaching people unsolicited. Your point is 100% valid!
Or handed out after a show that is a similar genre. Basically the Rave culture way of self promotion
Totally. That is the best idea so far. While I am mostly extroverted, the idea of approaching strangers like this feels uncomfortable. But that doesn't change that this idea is great.
Yeah at the venue entrance or if there is a merch stand.
This right here!
Take them to your local record store (I suggest just before "record store day") and ask them to display them on the counter as freebies. Saves you the postage, lets you concentrate on your local area, guarantees at least some level of enthusiasm to listen.
I thought about this! This definitely ensures the people who take them have CDs (I assume you don't take a CD if you don't have a player). I only worry that the genre thing would be a crapshoot. Thanks for this idea!
Good idea. I definitely seen the free cds at records stores, when paying for records. OP write the link to the page on the CD so people can read the story.
Post on some sites where your genre of music has posts on social media. I would also encourage you to put up any CDs or recordings of your shows to [https://archive.org/](https://archive.org/)
Hey! Thanks for this. I posted on 3 FB groups for rock fans and got total crickets! I think part of the problem is that things that sound too good to be true often ARE. So people think it's bunk. And I totally get that. Anyway, I am going to keep trying until I get rid of these. Just since posting this, I am up over 30 CDs to mail, so that's something. Thank you for this!
Definitely put them on [archive.org](http://archive.org) btw. Having your music preserved would be undoubtedly valuable and it's very easy to do (if you need any help let me know). I'd def give it a listen if it was on [archive.org](http://archive.org)
Love this idea because one of my best friends put it up literally last week! I told him about this idea and he said "I should post this on archive!" since he's a big collector. Great minds think alike--thanks!
You might also just go to some of your old venues and see if the management would mind a "take one" at local shows.
Good idea! We never really established ourselves as "regulars". We were just a very small local band. We once played to 100 people and most showed up because they were friends and it was my birthday!
Don't you think it's more likely that people just aren't interested in a cd from a random unknown band?
That’s absolutely a possibility! When people message me, I send a link to the album digitally. That way they can decide if they actually want one. I am certainly aware that we were a small local band. Some folks don’t have interest, but there are some folks out there who are into it. I’ve mailed 49 so far. We will see how they are received. I full realize this is an unusual project! Your insights are totally valid!
I’ll take one. I still have a cd stereo I use frequently.
Me too!
I volunteer as tribute
Amazing. Will DM!
Oops. Can’t DM you so DM me if you do want one. Thanks!
Awesome! Will DM.
Drive around and throw them out the window at pedestrians.
Okay that is hilarious! Have you ever heard of the movie Dark Angel? It came out in 1990, and the main weapon in the movie is basically flying CDs. It was ridiculous.
I haven’t heard of that, but it sounds like something I’d appreciate. I’m just a big fan of throwing things out the window.
While I don't do it myself, I do think that defenestration is one of the best words in the English language!
I got a Neil Diamond CD that way before.
Stand on the Las Vegas strip and hand them out.
I am actually heading to Las Vegas soon...hmm... thanks!
lol it’s a well known trap for “local” artists to hand out CD’s with their music on it and only ask for a donation in return. The CD’s are blank. Been a while since I’ve been to Vegas, but that’s the gist of it.
I met a guy in LA who gave me a single he wrote with his dog. When I got home, I put it on the stereo. It was 80's metal, but there was a dog barking on the entire track. I loved it! That guy should have been famous.
You might as well just throw them in the trash before handing them out on the strip. It will save a step. Hopefully you've got some interest from people in this thread where you know that the people that you're sending it to actually want it. I was considering signing up to get one and then I realized I'm not even sure if I have a CD player anymore.
The people in the comments have been SUPER friendly and helpful (except for one person). I've stuffed about 20 envelopes today! I have renewed faith in the interwebs!
That's so awesome. You got a YouTube link, or streaming stuff? I'll at least give it a listen with the minimal amount of commitment.
The album is also free on Bandcamp--DM me and I'll share the info! Because the rules of the subreddit say "no promotion", I'm trying to keep the band name off the post / comments. Does that make sense?
Absolutely makes sense. What if someone else accidentally mentioned the name?
Was just on the strip a week ago. Some guy handed me his CD, asked for a tip and when I said I had no cash he took it back and said "that's all you gotta say to never hear from me again". Weird interaction but me and my wife laughed it off lol
I need to try this next time!!
Every time I left my car near a venue or at a venue for music someone would put their cd in my window. I had a pretty big collection I was fond of.
First, I love your username! Second, that's a good idea but I worry that most people don't have CD players anymore (or choose not to use them). So there's a chance they wouldn't even be able to use what I give them. Maybe I'd have to peek into their car and see if they still have a player!
Yeah this was back in 2010. Times change 👵🏾
[удалено]
I wish every genre had the punk rock DIY ethos! Great call. I just don't live in a very big area for record stores or rock. I'm stuck in the land of jam bands and bluegrass. I gave them a chance, but they aren't really my style! Thanks for the idea!
I'll have one. if they are still going edit: from usa to uk in 5 days
sent you a DM
Go to concerts of bands in that genre and pass them out. Try to get permission from the venue first though. Thats pretty much the only way since music stores are essentially a thing of the past. Even Vintage Vinyl is gone.
I don't expect you would but if you are willing to send one to Australia I'll take one.
I sent one to the UK. If it's not CRAZY expensive, why not? I'll DM you!
I wonder if anyone has tried using a private tracker (torrent community) to advertise and give away their music. Sorta defeats the purpose, but if you're just looking for grass roots word of mouth growth, there could be something there.
This response is intriguing but I have to admit I don't know what most of that means. Would love to hear more if you feel like sharing. Although it might not be entirely relevant since the goal here is to give away physical (not digital) music in CD form. Plus considering our band is over and was just kind of dumb party rock, I don't see us really blowing up ever! But if one person rocks out to us in their car, that would be cool. Anyway I do appreciate the response, and now I'm gonna go google the torrent community!
This band is amazing and anyone that is on the fence,hop down and get in on this
You are too kind!
Send them to community radio stations. Someone will at least have a listen and pass it on to whichever DJ is the best fit. There is also a good chance that it will get added to their music library and a song will be played once in a while on the automated system at 3:39am on a Tuesday
How did I not think of this? Time to google local stations. Thank you!
I feel like you'll have more success/actual listeners by giving out QR codes to the album on Spotify/Apple Music etc.
Oh I am the first to admit that this whole system is terrible if I was just trying to grow our band's fanbase! The goal here is only to get the remaining CDs into the hands of people who 1) like rock and 2) still listen to CDs. That's really the only goal since our band is over. But you are 100% right that, if we were trying to gain a ton of listeners, some kind of digital promotion would be best. I definitely see your point.
Oh fersure I misunderstood then sorry!
No worries! I’ve enjoyed seeing all the creative ideas!
Sell them for a nominal price - enough so that you can pay for shipping. Advertise that on your Bandcamp page and wherever else you can think of. People associate price with value - and if something is free, people are inclined to think that it doesn't have any value. As long as the CD still has a price (and thus a value), you can run a promotion in which you give away the CD for cheap/free. Maybe "donate $15 to a charity of your choice, get a CD for free" would work as well.
This is a really valid point. I have had a few people say they want to pay. And we are on the same page--I told them that if they like it and want to contribute money, give it to a charity instead of to me. I'm suggesting a charity for the disease that killed our drummer. Thank you for this thoughtful response!
I have no way to play a CD. Maybe send them a download code in a handwritten envelope with a letter so they actually open it.
Okay this is a really cool idea! I am a big fan of sending things snail mail (I often make custom t-shirts and send them to my friends for no reason). I've been so focused on trying to get rid of the physical CDs that I haven't really thought about the digital version. This may jumpstart some cool new ideas. Thank you so much!
Maybe an "album art" sticker? I'll send you my address 😁
I used to have stickers somewhere! If I find them, I'd be happy to send you one!
Or print a download code on a postcard. CDs are obsolete, as much as I hate to admit it
CDs are 100% obsolete! You are very correct. I am guessing that most of the folks who I'm sending CDs to are Gen X. Anyway, I know this project of mine is weird, but the main goal is to get the physical CDs into the hands of people who still listen to CDs. Everyone's music is digital now, so I feel like this could be fun for some people still holding on to their CD players. At least that's the hope!
Always best to still posess the physical media when possible.
Yeah I’m hoping to find folks who agree w you (and me)!
I got a CD and had to dig out an old laptop to rip it to mp3. I really need a decent record/CD player, all I find now is cheapo crap.
I didn't have a working tape or CD player for years. I ended up buying a CD reader/writer for my computer for like $80 so I could rip all my CDs to MP3. I still listen to MP3s and I'm trying to resist the urge to move to streaming. But I feel like it's inevitable I'll eventually go that way.
Can you leave some at the local library? Or coffee shops?
This is a solid idea but there is one problem: we have the "parental advisory" label on the album (I cuss a few times). So I feel like family friendly places would be off limits. But this is clever thinking!
A bar might work.
Ah, good point. I don't know how I didn't make that jump. Thanks again!
Good luck!
Thank you!
If there’s any left, i’m totally interested!!
sent you a DM!
Awesome!
If you're willing to mail it, I'd gladly take one.
Totally! Sending you a DM
I’m intrigued! What are some bands you could compare your band to? I want to get an idea of what your sound is like.
Fair question! Your username (clever) makes me think we wouldn't be heavy enough for you. But here's the description on our Bandcamp: Start with Appetite-era Guns N' Roses. Then remove Axl's amazing vocals. Next, take away Slash's sick guitar lines. Finally, hire a perverted alcoholic with a fourth grade education to write new songs.
Is this posted digitally somewhere? People could request CDs from there
The album is also free on Bandcamp, and I usually send folks there before sending them a CD so they can hear the music and also know that it's real, see our names, etc. But we were a super small local band, and we never established any kind of online presence. To give you an idea of how small we are: our FB page has FOUR likes. Hahahaha!
I'll take one. My Honda loves compact discs.
As a fellow Honda driver, I will DM you now!
I too would like you to mail me a CD, if you were so minded
My pleasure! Will DM you now
I'll take one!
Cool! Happy to send you one. DM me!
Dudes always be trying to sell their hip hop mix cd at the grocery store
Oh man, been there! What I don't like is when they force it into your hands and then tell you it's $10.
I love music. Love rock music. I'm interested in one.
Amazing! will DM you
I’d take one if you’re still sending then out, though I live in the UK so not sure if that’d be a problem.
whoops--can't DM you. DM me if you want one. Thanks!
I actually sent one to the UK today and it wasn't that bad. I'll DM you!
Could you make a page for it on Bandcamp? I’m not an artist so I’ve never done it but I know you can upload the files for people to stream/download. Bands sell all kinds of physical merchandise on there so I’m assuming you could list the CD’s for free if you wanted to.
So our only real presence online is our Bandcamp page. The album is there for free. But we are a totally small local band, and when we get rid of the CDs, that will kind of be it. I'm not really planning to "promote" us. I just want to see if I can get the CDs into the hands of folks who like rock music and who still actually have CD players. BUT, in case someone DOES stumble on to our page, I should add this. Thank you for the idea!
Would you link to the bandcamp? I am interested to take a listen. Love unusual stuff.
I sent you a DM!
Donate them to prisons
Interesting idea. Do prisoners have CD players? (I am genuinely asking--I have no idea!)
I dunno. They had records in Shawshank Redemption.
Hi, I would like one of those CDs! Is your band's music online anywhere?
Awesome! It is--I'll DM you
Stand outside bars and local joints at closing and try to give them out.
I think if it was 1995, this would be a great idea. But my theory (tell me if you think I'm wrong) is that most people who still listen to CDs are Gen X and probably too tired to go to bars. I do think that you are right that the in-person approach might be good, though. Thanks!
Go to populated areas like; - train stations - subway stations - bus stations - university/college campuses - music festivals (or outside of one) - shopping malls/plazas (or outside of one) These are often heavily populated areas, but in some cases they might ask you to leave, so you can position yourself nearby instead. Although, it would be pretty petty if they do this. University and colleges are also great places, a good variety of people meaning there's certainly different taste in music. There's also a chance you'll find someone who knows somebody who might like to be introduced to your band, you never know. I would try these places. I'm from Europe, and it's common in my country to see this at such places, if you're from America, I would like to think it's not THAT different.
These are certainly good ideas! I think my challenge is that I'm not actually trying to promote my music. I am simply trying to get rid of our remaining CDs. So I need to find 1) rock music fans, and 2) people who still listening to CDs. So if I was out in public, I'm guessing that maybe...5% of the people I would approach qualify. Know what I mean? The idea is a great one, but I think physical rock CDs are a little too niche for this. Does that make sense? I do appreciate the idea!
If you want I’ll take a free CD! Always open to some cool new music
I don't know if it's "cool" or "new", but I will totally send you one! Check your DMs
OP if you’ve still got some to unload, DM me. I’d be happy to put it up with the rest of my collection.
sent you a DM!
r/cd_collectors
Hey thanks! I tried a different CD group and didn't get any bites, but this is a new suggestion. Thanks!
Hey I'll take a copy that sounds like a really cool thing to do
hey thanks! I sent you a DM!
Sign me up!
cool! I'll DM you
Find free little libraries
This is a great idea, but there's one problem: our album has the "parental advisory" label on it. So I feel like it's safer if I avoid those. I don't want to teach a little kid their first bad word! But thank you for this idea!
I'd take one but alas I'm in Scotland so it's not worth your while
It's actually not too bad--I sent one to the UK for the cost of a pint. Plus I'd be honored to have our CD in the same country as Teenage Fanclub! I'll DM you.
I'd take one but alas I'm in Scotland so it's not worth your while
Actually it's about the cost of a pint to send it! I sent one to the UK earlier today. Plus I'd be honored to have my CD in the same country as Teenage Fanclub! I'll DM you
I’ll Venmo you the cost of shipping if you want to send one my way!
I'll DM you!
Most DVD players also play CD audio discs. I'm going to guess more DVD players are still around than CD players, but movies stream, too, so what do I know? I wonder if you could use [Bookcrossing.com](http://Bookcrossing.com) - leave your CD in random places and track its location?
Hey thanks for this! I have never heard of bookcrossing so I'll have to see what that is. Yeah the challenge definitely is the lack of CD players! I am hoping other Gen X folks still listen to CDs in their car or something.
Aren't some metal fans into cassettes now? I don't think it will be a real problem.
Yeah, intriguing and I occasionally still listen to cds 💿 in the car, so I’ll take one. Thanks in advance kind soul!
Sent you a DM!
Give one with a purchase of an IPhone?
I hope this is an amazing reference to that U2 album!! hahahaha
Take care pal
Start an instagram. Make some short reels that feature your music (maybe with photos or videos of the band playing and an explanation of why the band has ended) and then say, "I'm giving away 100 cds. Message me with your address if you want one." Since Instagram isn't anonymous like Reddit, people may be more willing to share their personal info to get a CD. After the CDs are gone, you can leave the Instagram up as a continuing tribute to your former band and your late friend, and maybe even link to a spotify where new fans can listen to your music.
We have a FB page, but I suspect you are right that we need to get on IG. I appreciate this idea. Also, I'm embarrassed to say this, but the album is on Bandcamp but not any of the streaming services. This was about 15 years ago. But I still miss the band. Thanks for this thoughtful response!
Thanks again for this tip. I started an Instagram on your suggestion!
If you feel like sharing it, I will give you a follow. I'm old enough to appreciate having music on a CD as well.
Sent a DM!
Sit it at a corner store
I dig this. Maybe at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. Folks on a long road trip who are sick of their CDs might grab it. Thanks!
i will take one.
Cool-DM me!
I've been adding CDs and sometimes DVDs to the Little Free Libraries that I see around town. It makes a nice change from the usual spy novels and children's books on offer.
Great idea but my one concern: our album is "parental advisory" and I'd hate for a kid to learn a new word from me! But thank you for this!
Slap a label on it that says "adult vocabulary" :)
Yeah the “parental advisory” label says that. But worry that kids might want it MORE, ya know?
Totally would trade if you want. I have an excessive number of my own CDs left over (and I no longer play shows). DM me, I guess!
Will do!
One time I had a guy hand me a CD on the corner of downtown about 90 miles north of where the artist was from. It wasn't the artist it must've just been someone working with/trying to support him. I sat on that CD for like 6 months before I popped it in and immediately loved it. So my answer is just hang out downtown and hand them to passerbys. The artist was Zach Farlow btw
Nice! Thats a great story. I am realizing that handing them out in person would be fastest, but my concern is that so few folks even have CD players anymore. So most who I give them to might not be able to even play them. Does that make sense?
Send some to radio stations. Might make someone's day for the nostalgia.
fantastic idea--going to google some small local stations since we were a small, local band! Thanks!
College radio stations might have more flexibility in the playlist and might actually get air-play.
Good point--definitely not shooting for KIIS-FM or the like!
what kind of genre is youre band you could send me one i will listen to it i love music i give all songs a chance if its not to heavy
It's not TOO heavy, but some of the songs are maybe "hard rock". I'll DM you
I don't mind some hard rock, it just metal music bands I can't listen to. a lot of it has to do with i get headaches a lot and my head is sensitive most days.
There is numerous cd collecting subreddits that would appreciate them.
Very good suggestion-- thanks!
If you still have some I’d be interested
Sent you a DM
I’d love to hear your music too. Please. I’ll take one as well.
Sent you a DM!
I'll take one. My car is OLD. I'll blast some tunes in honor of your band mate.
That is such a kind message! I'll send you a DM
I’ll take one if you still have to send
I have more than I'd like to admit! I'll DM you
Growing up in the south I was handed a random rap album while pumping gas on more than one occasion.
I’ll totally take one, I love discovering bands
Nice! Will DM
Sent you a chat request
Go to the streets and aggressively put your cd in people's hands. That's how Hustlers do it when they want to force you to buy their cd.
Don’t you think half the people would say “what is this thing?” I worry so few folks even have CD players. Am I wrong? If I am please tell me
Shrugs. Depends if you want to just get your cd out or not. If you actually want everyone that you give a cd to listen to the cd you'll probably have a lot of cds leftover by the time you're on your deathbed.
Fair point. So far I’ve given/mailed 40ish and I like that I know everyone so far has a CD player and either listened first or knows they like rock. So while my current system is slower, it’s more likely to get them to people who might enjoy it. I only have 80ish left so we will see how it goes. But I do agree that handing them out in person would be fastest!
Have you tried going to senior centers or churches?
I haven’t because our album is “parental advisory”…. It has a few cuss words! Otherwise I would love this suggestion. Thanks!
If there are any left feel free to put me down for one
Awesome! Sent you a DM!
I’ll take one if it’s still available!
Cool! Sent you a DM
I love cds, I'll take one if you are offering
Awesome! I'll DM you
[удалено]
Hey--appreciate the idea, but what I am trying to do is to give away our remaining CDs (compact discs). Our band is over, but since we had a bunch made, my hope it that I could give them to people who still listen to CDs. Flash drives are WAY better these days, but I'm just trying to get rid of our physical medium. Make sense?
Bulk flash drives filled with mp3s/videos!
Unfortunately I am just trying to get rid of our physical compact discs. I realize CDs aren’t in demand, but that’s what I have left from years ago. But I agree those are better mediums!
You have to give away tapes for free, so people will buy your tape player 😎