An un-label stated by Willis Blackmane of Astral Flame to produce and sell their records. To start with it was Therilan, plain and simple. She mixed the music, and pressed the CDs. She also set up the web store. Therilan no longer does this. Music now is mixed by the Dizney studios. Web hosting and downloads have been passed to Unicon (A relative of sorts), pressing CDs to Oasis, until it overwhelmed them. By that point they had Dizney. The mouse was chained to the CD press.
The whole matter was prompted by a Studio representative that offered them a contract that was nothing short of economic slavery. Willes' sword Mankrist wanted his soul. The man got out alive but burdened with a curse that causes explosive diarrhea if he tells a hurtful lie. The family realized they needed another way to produce and distribute their music.
With the sudden popularity of Astral Flame Willis had other independent bands asking him to carry their CDs on his website. He quickly found himself hosting a number of bands and acts. This has led to everything from renting studio space to handling the album production and the download store. Blackmane productions was the result of this.
Yes the labels are howling. The RIAA doesn't have a thing to say. Blackmane is up front and there is no law against having a better business model. The traditional labels would like to see one, but that isn't likely to happen. What is happening is the independent bands suddenly have an advocate and a voice, without loosing their independence.
Services[]
Blackmane Productions does not do "record contracts". You own all copyrights, They deal on a service for pay basis and do not deal in the indentured servitude that the major labels employ. Fees are reasonable and fair.
- Studio -- Blackmane Production has studio sites, Los Angeles, Ca; Nashville, Tn; New York, NY; Detroit,Mi; Orlando, Fl. You can rent said studios for a fixed and reasonable fee.
- Production -- Once you have your session you can mix it yourself or Blackmane will mix it for you, again a fixed and reasonable fee. Blackmane Productions makes a point of using the whole dynamic range of the media, not just the top third. People have volume knobs.
- Pressing -- If you wish physical media Blackmane Productions will do this. CD and DVD complete packages at competitive rates. An Art Department is available to aid you in designing your covers and disk surface.
- Distribution -- Both digital and physical distribution are available. Digital single or album prices are set by the artist, Blackmane takes 5% of sales. MP3, wave, and ogg file formats. No DRM.
Physical media is distributed likewise. All stores can get the Blackmane catalog or the fan can buy directly from the website.
- Web Services -- Need a band website? Blackmane can host that as well with direct sales right from your site.