When a jazz musician only known locally (e.g., L.A.), w/ no label,"releases" a CD, what does that really mean?

Question

I'm a jazz pianist and vocalist planning to record a CD. Locally known a little, I'm not in that coveted "inner circle," but on the fringe of it, wherein I sub occasionally for those who are, and thus get to play periodically with some local L.A. "greats." But all these musicians "releasing" their CDs - I have yet to know what that really means. Is it when you present it at a venue and invite your friends, who come and buy it and sign their names in a notebook so you know who bought it? Is that what constitutes it, when you are simply doing it on your own, with your own budget? Musicians, please give me YOUR definition of "releasing" a CD, by an independent, only locally semi-known, jazz artist. I'm 50, a good singer likened to Diana Krall, and a competent pianist though not virtuosic, which keeps me out of that "upper echelon" category. Thank you!... Nina

Answer 1

You don't have to have a CD Release Party but it helps to spread the word since you are independent. Simply releasing a CD just means it's available for purchase. You can sell it from your website if you have one and after live performances.

Answer 2

One of my former co-workers and her husband are in a band, like you known locally (dallas-ft worth) but not really anywhere else. They have released two cd's that they sell both off the internet and at shows. they paid for the cds to be made, but they have gotten that money back from sales (they also sell shirts too.) the reason that they decided to put out cds were to keep the band in their fans mind-to get them back to their concerts, and its a good promotional tool to get radio airplay and to attract promotors to maybe get a big recording deal. They are playing rock music, so it may be different from the jazz scene.

good luck

Answer 3

i think u can call it a "demo cd" or just "demo". i mean its not ur debut album is it? its just like a sample of ur work. i hope my info works, even though im 12!