AVA210: Could you do a podcast about making a CD please?

Vidas: Hi guys, this is Vidas.

Ausra: And Ausra.

V: Let’s start Episode 210 of #AskVidasAndAusra podcast. This question was sent by John, and he asks, “Could you do a podcast about making a CD, please?” So he returned back home from his trip to play in Vilnius, and now he’s in Australia. And he’s thinking about recording some of his organ performances on CD and presenting them as a gift. So, I thought we could talk about how I do it. And I use Kunaki service--it’s an automatized service you can find on Kunaki.com. And once you create your account, you can simply order a CD or a DVD for as low as $1.10. This is a really nice price, and I’ve been using it, and the quality is quite good. So what you do is, you create the account there with your password, and then you log in; and then they say you can make a CD or a DVD, because Kunaki offers a new web-based software which works on Mac, Apple, PC, and Android, and this allows you to quickly and easily create CDs and DVDs. And you click on this link--I did--and I’m transferred to the page for uploading your material, basically. Is it simple enough, Ausra?

A: Yes, I think it’s very simple. And you have done both--audio and video, yes?

V: Yeah, DVD, too.

A: Yes.

V: For the same low price.

A: Yes, that’s amazing.

V: And, for example, in order to create a new product, in most cases a professional-looking, shiny, cellophane-wrapped, retail-ready CD or DVD will be available for sale within an hour. Very quickly, because it’s all-automated system. The downside is that you cannot change anything once you publish, and you have to order at least one unit of your CD or DVD every six months--every 180 days.

A: What if you will not order?

V: You can order just for yourself, you know. I’ll do that, too. Because if nobody buys your CD over that time, they will de-list it.

A: I see.

V: So you have to occasionally order...It works as a gift very well, because it’s all professional-looking, and you will not regret it. I think for the first time, once you do this CD or DVD copy, they can even send you a free copy to check the quality, if you are happy with it. And after that, you can release it. So you have--in red color--the audio CD option which will work on all CD audio players; in yellow color, an mp3 CD that will work on audio players that support mp3; the green option, a video DVD that will play on all DVD video players; and that DVD or CD has a blue color option. And audiobook--you can even record an audiobook that will work on audio players that support mp3. The black color version is simple DVD storage and backup. You can store anything on the disc without any artwork. And the last option is an empty, printed disc with no case. So basically, it’s everything you need on one page, right? Let’s say John needs an audio CD which will play on all CD players. Right? But I also need an mp3 CD. So maybe let’s do the version with mp3 CD. So you upload artwork for the jewel case, and audio files, right? And you click this link to do this, and you are transferred to the page which lets you upload. Right? And in this step, you can open a design software, and design--you can design your own artwork, too, which is very handy.

A: Yes, that’s very useful.

V: This is a matrix for ?? CD jewel case, and you can do an insert, too...You can upload or you can format it on this side, too. And then you can upload a back tray image, too. And then you can select and upload audio files, up to 20 files--the normal length of a CD.

A: Yes, it is.

V: And then enter your product information. Only title and label are required, but you can add subtitle and release date, copyright message, label website, performed by...performer website, composer--even assign a catalog number and genre, even put a description. The description is for convenience, if you decide to sell the CD on your website. Because this CD will be available--it will have a separate catalog page, if you have several CDs--let’s say 3 or 5 CDs--you can sell it and receive your payments through PayPal. Right? And you click the green button, “Submit Product,” and off you go--in a few moments, they will be uploaded, depending on your internet speed; and within a few hours at least--maximum, I think--you will get notified in your email inbox that your CD, your product, is retail-ready. So then you can simply order it for yourself, or send it as a gift to other people, other addresses--and even publish it on your website for other people to buy.

A: It’s amazing how easy technology makes our life nowadays.

V: You can assign your own price, right? Any price you want. And if you send it to yourself, you just pay for the production cost, which is $1.10 for one CD or DVD. You see? It’s really simple. It’s all automated, and therefore you will not receive any customer support. Therefore, if something goes wrong, you have to delete this product and start over. Which is understandable.

A: Well, things happen.

V: That’s why they keep this price so low. Because it’s all robot-based somewhere in, I believe, the US--maybe Montana. So, what do you think about it?

A: It’s amazing. I really like it.

V: Yeah, I even recommend this Kunaki service for my colleagues here in Lithuania...I’m not sure whether they’ve taken advantage of it yet because they’re so...they lack initiative. Other than your mp3 files and pictures for artwork, there’s nothing really stopping you, right? From doing this?

A: True.

V: To do a DVD is a little more complex, because it takes more space, right? A gigabyte or something. But still, I did 8 or 9 improvisation CDs, and they worked well, too. But the simplest way is, of course, CD.

A: Sure.

V: You upload artwork, and upload your mp3 files, and description, and off you go.

A: And that’s a great gift for your friends, family, and followers!

V: Well, exactly! For example, for your students and friends, for your colleagues in church, if you have some supporters--they will definitely appreciate it. If you have a Patreon page where somebody can donate to your support, like a subscription-based support for you as an artist, you can send your CD as a gift to them--your best supporters, too. Wonderful! Thank you, guys. This was Vidas.

A: And Ausra.

V: Please send us more of your questions; we love helping you grow. And remember, when you practice…

A: Miracles happen.