Are you a touring band who wants to add new items to your promotional merch? Are you bored of the same old stuff but you’re still not as bigtime as KISS so you simply can’t make one of their crazy band merchandise? Here are some awesome (but CHEAP!) band merch items that can be made for $5 or less.

iPod Cover ($4)

Cover for Fifth Generation iPod (30, 60 or 80 GB) can be manufactured for less than $5 each,depending on the quantity. Your fans will surely swoon over this item. Just make sure you have a very catchy design. At least something that’s better than this.

Cloth Patch ($1 or less)

This is cheap to make but a favorite of many. This patch can be sewed on almost any fabric- hats, denims, tees, jackets! If you bring something like this on your next tour, I trust you it will sell like hotcakes.

Cassette Tape ($3)

Make limited edition tapes and you’ll hear lots of “ooohs’ and “ahhhs”.  And for a price of $3 (more or less), you’re making your brand stronger.

Guitar Pick ($0.50 or less)

This band merch is a classic and it’s one of the cheapest to make. It’s a win-win. Don’t worry about manufacturing too many, it’s cheap! You may even give away some to your fans and it wouldn’t hurt your bank account.

Cool Koozie

Cool koozies for the fans who love koozie-ing up their favorite beverage. Since this is not as common as buttons and stickers, just make a few of this and see how it sells coz it’s cheap but not that cheap.

Shot Glass ($1)

Stickers ($0.10 )

And here’s another favorite. Stickers are probably the cheapest promotional items that are still considered cool. No band should go on tour without a stash of stickers. Make sure your stickers are excellent by having them printed in a professional printing company. Do not DIY unless you’re a pro.

Wristbands

Make hand-crafted silicone wristbands with your band name and logo.  You may even sell USB bracelets that fuctional but looks equally cool as this.

Promotional  Ballpens ($0.50)

High School kids will surely love this because they love showing off their love to their favorite bands.

Pennant

This may look too sporty and may look a bit awkward as a band merch but with a clever design, it will surely work!

Pocket Mirror ($5)

Well, not for every band but I bet Katy Perry fans would love this! I certainly will buy one if it’s less than ten bucks.

Band Necklace ($2)

Of course! Let’s not end this list without including the band necklace.

These items are found in the social marketplace http://www.storenvy.com

__________________________________________________________________

Unified Manufacturing is a custom CD/DVD and Merchandise manufacturing facility based on both sides of the US. Our clients are indie artists to major label artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Ringo Starr. If you need a Instant Quote on a project now or something you are thinking of in the future AND you want FREE SHIPPING ( free shipping on all quotes from the blog) – Then CLICK HERE.

Releasing music on vinyl is one of the hottest trends in late 2000s. Vinyl records made a big comeback in 2008 and I do not think it’s just a passing trend- it is finally here to stay. Vinyl record sales is still growing each year since its comeback. The 2011 Music Sales Report shows that for the fourth consecutive year, more vinyl albums were purchased than any other year in the history of Nielsen SoundScan (a whopping 39% growth!).

But despite its popularity, vinyl pressing is still intimidating to a lot of bands. Maybe it is because the process is unfamiliar to most of us compared to burning CDs. It is popular but not yet too popular for it to become familiar to many bands. Maybe it’s also because of the price of Vinyl manufacturing. It is not so cheap to make vinyl records compared to, say, digital! Maybe some are hesitant because of the Vinyl myths they’ve heard. But releasing on vinyl does have its perks-branding,marketing,value,your confidence. I’m guessing you know this or else you wouldn’t be here reading this article.

If you’re planning to release an album on vinyl, let me tell you this: Vinyl Manufacturing is actually pretty easy. Yes, it is. If this is your first time, here are some tips for a worry-free vinyl pressing experience:

Absolute must: Choose a reliable Vinyl Pressing Company. This, my folks, is the number one requirement for a stress-free vinyl record production. You really don’t want to deal with amateurs or scammers who pretend to know everything about vinyl pressing but gives you trash in the end- Trash you’ve paid for and waited for such a long time. You can do some google search of the companies online and make sure you check with the Better Business Bureau for reviews. You may also ask bands who’ve done it before. Just send e-mails to bands you know and ask them where they manufactured their vinyl records and whether the company is good.

And hopefully, one that’s close to where you live. Among the good vinyl pressing companies you’ve chosen, choose the one that’s close to where you live so you can just visit the company anytime you feel paranoid about the project. It will also save you lots of dollars on shipping and fuel. Lastly, you can protest outside their office or plot a revenge if you got a very bad service.

Allot at least one month for Vinyl manufacturing. Vinyl pressing is not as quick as CD manufacturing. And, even CD manufacturing could take up to 3 weeks from submission of artwork til the final copies. If you submit your order today complete with all necessary (and correct) requirements, expect to get the test pressing in 2 to 3 weeks. Then once you approve the test, they’ll press your order and ship it to you in 1 to 2 weeks. So never rush this job and be at peace with the fact that this is the usual timeline for a good vinyl pressing job.

Submit the required file format.The vinyl company will want your songs in the highest quality possible, so pretty much a WAV or AIFF file, unless you want to take the time to post them a CD. Export them as the highest available quality your software will allow. Make sure you listen to your files before transfer to ensure there are no errors – although Vinyl Factory checked our files before pressing, not all companies are as thorough.You can generally get the files to them via FTP transfer or via a file transfer like SendSpace.com [Source]

Make sure Vinyl artwork is 100% ready. For Vinyl artwork, make sure you follow their template, remove template layers, have images that are not less than 300 dpi, etc. Here’s an article on how to avoid artwork issues.

Save money. Go for base colors. Coloured vinyls can be expensive especially if you have multiple colors or the color that you want is not one of the company’s base colors. If they mix colors, they will charge you for it. Send them your desired color in CMYK and ask them how much they charge for it. If it’s too expensive for your own good, just go for the base colors.

________________________________________________________

Unified Manufacturing is a custom CD/DVD and Vinyl Manufacturing facility based on both sides of the US. Our clients are indie artists to major label artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Ringo Starr. If you need a Instant Quote on a project now or something you are thinking of in the future AND you want FREE SHIPPING ( free shipping on all quotes from the blog) – Then CLICK HERE.

This cardboard box contains a compilation of Pretty Girls Make Graves‘ first three 7″s which comprises the songs for their very first album, Good Health. This is a very special edition release because there are only 140 of these hand-numbered and silk screened cardboard boxes. What I love about it? First, it attempts to be eco-friendly. Second, the Velcro! Third, the lovely clash of the loud pastels and the earthy colors of the box.

photos source

_______________________________________________________________________

Unified Manufacturing is a custom CD/DVD and Vinyl Manufacturing facility based on both sides of the US. Our clients are indie artists to major label artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Ringo Starr. If you need a Instant Quote on a project now or something you are thinking of in the future AND you want FREE SHIPPING ( free shipping on all quotes from the blog) – Then CLICK HERE.

Humans are like magpies. We like pretty things. If your CD packaging stands out, there’s a change we would want to pick it up and maybe even buy it. Don’t roll your eyes now. I know 2008, 2009- in fact a lot of 2000-sucked for a lot of us. The industry has changed. Digital downloads are 50% of revenue for major artists. And another thing: people are broke. So simply releasing an album in a CD takes courage.

I know what’s on your mind. Why would people pay for music when they can get it for free? And why, pray tell, should musicians invest in a creative (expensive!) CD packaging when they’re not even sure they’d sell half of their CDs?

But hey, did you read the latest in music sales report? In 2011, according to Nielsen, overall physical album sales declines 5%, BUT this is significantly less that the 19% decline in 2010. Yes folks, contrary to popular belief, CD sales is going up. It never left despite digital downloads and by the looks of it, it is here to stay.

Even though the major music industry has for sure taken a back seat in the previous decade, the plus side is that people still love music. People still go to music shows, live music is still a great place to increase your fan base, and they still buy CDs if they’re really good (worth their dollars). CD packaging/ CD duplication saw a 62% increase in 2011, according to Sony Manufacturing.

If you’re not focusing on CD packaging, then you’re F)*&^ed.

This one is truer that true. People are getting picky. They want fun stuff, cool stuff, whimsical stuff. If they can’t find that in your CD packaging, then they might as well just get the music online. People are broke and they want value for money more than ever. So if you’re really scared that people won’t buy your CD, the best solution is this: Market your CD by having a really impressive CD packaging.

You got to do more for the common folk nowadays, my friends. This is why you see major labels put out CD box sets more than ever. Custom CD packaging, creative 4 panel digipacks, 8 Panel digipacks…Heck, we are being asked to do &^% I didn’t even think was possible till recently. Give people value for money. If that means increasing your effort on your CD package or by throwing in extra merch, go do it.

WHY? Because you go to do that little bit of extra to convince them to buy the CD.

Another advantage of a kick-ass CD package is that record labels and potential investors are going to take note if it looks like you give a shit and you spent time coming up with a decent CD package. If you’re sending stuff out to get airplay on radio stations, station managers, program directors are going to notice if your CD package is decent. If it’s anything below exceptional, it’s going in the trash.

If you worry about money, do less units. Yes, you hear me. Do less. Less but more. Instead of doing 3000, do 500 or 300 but make them awesome. Put the extra cash into marketing the best CD package you can.

You’re an artist. It’s your job to be creative. Your CD package should be an extension of your music. Dude, you’re about to cross the finishing line, don’t drop out now.

__________________________________________________________

Unified Manufacturing is a custom CD/DVD and Vinyl Manufacturing facility based on both sides of the US. Our clients are indie artists to major label artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Ringo Starr. If you need a Instant Quote on a project now or something you are thinking of in the future AND you want FREE SHIPPING ( free shipping on all quotes from the blog) – Then CLICK HERE.

I’m a film graduate but I’m not good with photography. I know the rule of thirds, I know what colors look good, I know a good subject when I see one but when it comes to the technical stuff (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) I’m dumb as an ostrich. And because of that, I let lots of “good moments” slip- consciously. It’s such a waste! I am able to identify and witness picture-perfect moments, people, and things but since I’m not good with the numbers in photography, I end up with bland pictures. It is beyond frustrating.  I do not want to rely on gut feel and miracles everytime I click my camera’s shutter button.

So my point is this: Enthusiasm is necessary. Love for the arts is necessary. A good eye is necessary. But we won’t be able to produce a work of art without SKILL.

We need technical skills and not just abstract love for the arts. If we want to be a participant of the arts and not just a mere observer or lover, then we gotta have skills. We gotta study it, absorb it, hone it, and live it. When passion and expertise combine, boom! You’re unstoppable.

This is the same to almost any art-related craft. For musicians, it’s great if you’re passionate about making music and you know all the good bands and you feel that you’re destined to have a life filled with music. But if you want to create something, you have to know how to strum that guitar. Abe just know it, but be an expert in it.

Yes, folks! Art does require lots of self-discipline and not just mere enthusiasm.

Break It is a body and mind relaxation kit that contains a meditation CD. The wonderful thing about this CD packaging is that before you can check the goodies inside, you have to literally break it. So flex your muscles and crack your knuckles and get ready to give this CD case a good smashin. Well, not too good or you might break the CD. The CD packaging is made of starch so you don’t have to worry about your hand getting an injury.

__________________________________________________________
Unified Manufacturing is a custom CD/DVD and Vinyl Manufacturing facility based on both sides of the US. Our clients are indie artists to major label artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Ringo Starr. If you need a Instant Quote on a project now or something you are thinking of in the future AND you want FREE SHIPPING ( free shipping on all quotes from the blog) – Then CLICK HERE.

Here are some of the best iPhone and iPad apps for making films without blowing your budget:

___________________________________________________________
Screenplay Writing
___________________________________________________________

Screenplay

Black Mana Studios’ Screenplay is the world’s first fully-functional mobile screenwriting application. It allows professionals and hobbyists alike to write complete movie and television screenplays directly on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
Scripts Pro

When writing in desktop screenplay programs, you forget about the program all together and are focused entirely on writing your story. The same thing is true with Scripts Pro because there is no cluttered interface or complex solutions to writing. With Scripts Pro you can write your ideas in screenplay format whether you’re on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.

__________________________________________________________________
Storyboarding
__________________________________________________________________

OmniGraffle

is used in many different circumstances. A great way to use OmniGraffle is to create storyboards on the iPad. The app itself is designed to be a visual outlining tool which makes it a great storyboarding app.

Cinemek Storyboard Composer

for iPhone and iPod Touch is a mobile storyboard and pre-visualization composer designed for Directors, Directors of Photography, Producers, Writers, Animators, Art Directors, film students and anyone who wants to be able to visualize their story.

_________________________________________________________________
Cinematography & Camerawork
_________________________________________________________________
PCam

Cinematographers will find this film calculator very helpful. The app will calculate depth of field, hyper-focal, splits, field of view, angle of view, focal length, exposure, running time to length, shooting to screen time, diopter, macro, time lapse, underwater distance, screen illumination, light coverage, mired shift, conversion siemens star and much more. A very powerful app that should save time and energy during production.

Sun Seeker

The location of the sun is vital when filming. Having the sun at a particular location will help continuity in the film and create the good lighting for the shot. The app works on iOS devices with compasses (iPads, 3GSs, and iPhone 4s.) A wonderful tool that can cut down on film prep time.

MagicHour

MagicHour™(formerly VelaClock) is a world clock that can quickly display the time of sunrise, sunset, three kinds of twilight (civil, nautical, astronomical) for dawn and dusk, moonrise, moonset, duration of daylight, current phase of moon, date and times for the next four moon phases, countdown to the next sunrise or sunset and next moonrise or moonset, and more.More Info

DoF

DoF is a small utility for Photographer or Videographer allowing to calculate the depth of field.

DoFMaster

Use DOFMaster to calculate the depth of field in your photographs. You’ll be able to select the lens and f/stop combination that provides the zone of sharpness you need. Use it to calculate the hyperfocal distance for landscape photography.

Match Lens
This calculator computes the equivalent lens focal length to produce the same field of view between two cameras with different aperture/sensor sizes. It will do a “Match Lens” calculation, and produce the closest equivalent angle of view lens, in millimeters, for both vertical and horizontal frames, between the original camera’s focal length and the current camera’s focal length.

BeamCalc

Use BeamCalc to calculate the geometry and photometrics of spotlight beams. Place and direct up to three light sources (chosen from the included library) to evaluate and compare lighting characteristics: elevation angle, beam and field pool width, illumination, and shadow length.

______________________________________________________________
Logging
______________________________________________________________

DSLR Slate

DSLR Slate is the perfect companion for the DSLR Filmmaker. As a Universal App, DSLR Slate runs natively on iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Designed for all needs from student to hollywood, DSLR Slate will be just as useful as the traditional film slate, if not more. “Slating” shots has become standard practice on set and helps streamline shot logging and post production.

Movie Slate

Movie Slate is the the Rolls-Royce of iPad/iPhone clapboards” says HandHeldHollywood.com. MovieSlate a convenient, all-in-one digital slate, clapper board, shot log, and shot notepad— designed for use in film, TV, documentaries, music videos, and interviews. This professional production tool is the easy way to log footage and take notes as you shoot— saving you valuable time later when capturing and editing footage. At a fraction of a bulky digital clapperboard’s cost, you’ll be saving money too.

Action Log

Action Log is a film and television logging tool, designed for use on location or in a studio with up to 25 recording devices. At the touch of a button the logging system keeps track of all reel names and timecodes for each recorded piece of action.

_________________________________________________________________
Rehearsals
_________________________________________________________________

Rehearsal 2
A fantastic and effective new way to learn your lines, explore your character’s nuances, prepare for your shoot or stage performance, record continuity notes or plan shots, and submit VO auditions and more – and carry all of that work around with you on the devices you love, your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

_________________________________________________________________
Legal Stuff
_________________________________________________________________

mRelease

Filmmakers often have to make sure the content they film is legal. MRelease makes that process very simple. It comes ready to help the user get property, location, or crew release. These releases give permission to use recorded media, locations, objects, artwork, animals, locations, and crew members in recordings. It is a wonderful app to have handy when preparing for a film.

Easy Release

Lets you collect all the data and signatures you need right on your iPhone, then mails a PDF and JPEG of the release right to you. For convenience and ease of use: Lets you retrieve model and witness information from your contacts.

__________________________________________________________________
Animation
__________________________________________________________________

Animation Creator

Animators will be pleased to find they can create an entire film on the iPad. Creating animations with this app then editing and posting with other apps. The app will allow the user to create very powerful and smooth animations that can then be exported off to YouTube and other mediums. The time where animations were difficult to do may be behind us with apps such as this one.

Omni Graffle

Need to create a quick diagram, process chart, page layout, website wireframe, or graphic design? With OmniGraffle, your iPad touch screen is your canvas (or graph paper, or whiteboard, or cocktail napkin…).
__________________________________________________________________
Sound and Score
__________________________________________________________________

FiRe
was created for audio professionals by audio professionals. It’s powerful enough for the most experienced musicians and recording engineers, and its efficient workflow and intuitive interface makes it a breeze for business and casual use.

SMPTE Score HD

A film would not be complete without its score. The app will help a composer know how much music is needed for each scene. Simply enter the various timings and the composer can select different time signatures, tempos, and other settings to have all the data needed to begin scoring the film. A wonderful tool that should make composers’ lives much easier.
__________________________________________________________________
Editing
__________________________________________________________________

iKeysToGO

This personal shortcut assistant is a powerful learning tool that puts the complete list of Final Cut Pro 7 commands in the palm of your hands! With over 800 commands, shortcuts, and definitions at your fingertips, you’ll find your knowledge of Final Cut Pro 7 grow in leaps and bounds, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced pro!

AJA Data Calc

The AJA DataCalc computes storage requirements for professional video and audio media.

Film Editor’s Calculator

The Film Editor’s Calculator is a valuable tool for any film editor which allows you to calculate feet and frames for 35mm motion picture film. The calculator’s database also gives you information such as manufacturer and film stock based on the keycode’s prefix. The keycode calculator interface is very simple to use and is helpful when working with film at the bench or working with telecines on an editing system.

Gradiest
With Gradiest, your iPad and iPad2 will work as a wireless control surface for the Mac OS version of First Light.

Multi-Touch Color Wheels
Keyframe Control
Adjustable Sensitivity
3D Alignment

Are you experiencing a big slump in your music career and 2012 doesn’t excite you one bit? Have your big dreams and strong motivation turned into the size of a pea? Then you are just like me…a year ago. That was around this time in 2011. Hope and motivation and enthusiasm were running out of batteries yet I had nowhere else to go.  Music is my life and I know nothing else. Oh yes, I remember those days when a week, a year, a decade didn’t excite me. I dreaded thinking about my career and the future so I pushed those thoughts to the back of my head until it became one big lump that immobilized me. It was that time that everything was so stale and I wasn’t looking forward to anything. I was so sure back then that nothing great will happen to me.

If you’re losing your enthusiasm for your career, here are some of my personal tips to getting your groove back:

1. Forget about your music. For a few days, at least. Maybe the reason why you got tired of your dreams is because you’re thinking about it day and night to the point that it becomes a crazy obsession. It’s good to be self-disciplined and responsible but don’t take it so seriously. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Music and career-making and life should be fun.  Take a break from goal-reaching, progress-monitoring, and other stiff rules you impose on yourself for just a week. Successful people need short breaks now and then to recharge and realign.

2.  Read motivation books. Seeing a psychologist or a coach to inject some motivation in your bones costs a lot and may not be that necessary. Self-helps are a better alternative.  Well, to be seen with a self-help book is not so cool but being a grouchy unenthusiastic bithc is worse than being uncool. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of actually purchasing one from a bookstore, you can read good stuff online or download free ebooks (here’s a good one by Don Harrison).  A good book or two will hopefully make you hopeful again.  Even one really good article can do this.

3.  Disregard age-appropriate developmental milestones.

Yep, just like what the card says.  My age is one of the reasons why I had a burnout.  I thought “Hey, I’m 28 yet I’m still going nowhere. Is it time to grow up?”. Why did I say “grow up”? It’s because that’s what other people (especially the elderly) tell me during reunions. Jokingly, of course. But still. They say that I am still a little kid trapped in an old person’s body. And I just got tired of defending myself. I actually started to believe them. This is tougher if you have a kid or you’re the eldest of your siblings. This is tougher if you come from a lower middle class family. It’s okay to rethink about your life as long as it’s coming from you and not because you want to please them. If you still love your career (which I think you do or else you wouldn’t be reading this), then you have to shrug em off and give it your best shot once again.

4. Get other sources of happiness.  Some geniuses have laser focus that’s why they succeed. Think about those scientists who forget to eat or clean their ears because of their love for science. Everything else does not matter to them. Maybe you are like them. But not too many people can sustain this focus and enthusiasm. You have to get a hobby, have an exotic trip, build a small business you enjoy(best option if you can’t psyche yourself up from #3).  You need to get more experiences because they contribute to your well-being and to your art.

5. Get Real. So maybe your goals are so unrealistic that’s why you always disappoint yourself. Think about it. Are you being too hard on yourself to get your goal? Do you feel that you have to achieve your music career goals really soon or else…Well this scaring yourself to success works for some but if you’re experiencing a burnout now, maybe you have to have a different approach. Maybe it’s about time you condition yourself to relax a little because you’ll get there eventually.

We’ve only scratched the surface here, but I think these tips above are very helpful in getting your groove back (or at least recovering from a motivational slump). Cheer up! Who knows your big break is just around the corner.

image 2

I’m no gamer- in fact I do hate games because I believe they promote laziness and violence. Yes, I’m unpleasant like that. But I do love collector’s edition packaging! So much that it made me forget my hatred for video games. If you’re looking for a perfect gift for a gamer in your life or if you’re simply looking for CD/DVD packaging inspiration, then this is for you. Here are some of the most creative packaging and collector’s items for video games.

Fall Out 3

I’m not a gamer but I fell in love with Fall-out 3′s goodies! The set comes with the iconic bobblehead and a functional lunch box. Too cool!

___________________________________________________________

Shogun Total War 2

Definitely the best gift to give a video gamer who’s a chess addict as well. Spell N-E-R-D. The Shogun Total War 2 Collector’s Edition has been announced, and it includes a complete chess set, artbook, “Art of War” Bamboo box replica, and a Takeda Shingen Daimyo figurine.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Batman: Arkham City

Warner Brothers Interactive  Collector’s Edition of Batman: Arkham City. This $99 set includes custom Batman statue,art book, early access to the Iceberg Lounge Challenge Map and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns skin, Batman: Arkham City album, Batman: Gotham Knight Four collectible cards. I just love the black and white and red combo. Makes the whole set a work of art.

_________________________________________________________________________________
Rage

The Special Edition of RAGE contains an individually numbered A3 Rage Print, Rage Wing stick, Gang Badges, and Anarchy Edition.

___________________________________________________________________________________
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

This set comes in “Travelling Chest” which contains the kick-ass 8.5″ Nathan Drake Statue, Wearable replica of Nathan Drake’s belt buckle, Wearable replica of Nathan Drake’s ring with necklace strap, Exclusive Steelbook™ game case. Kudos for the wearable concept. Perfect gift for hard-to-please men (or boys). If he finds the game lame, at least he still has the Nathan Drake statue. If after 2 minutes he gets tired of it, well…at least he has functional items like the buckle and necklace.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Gears of War

Includes an Artbook, redemption code,game items, and of course- a handsome statue.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Aside from the usual stuff, this also contains 10,000 extra credits that can be used to purchase or upgrade in-game artillery.

___________________________________________________________________________________

What other games did I miss?

__________________________________________________________

Unified Manufacturing is a custom CD/DVD and Vinyl Manufacturing facility based on both sides of the US. Our clients are indie artists to major label artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Ringo Starr. If you need a Instant Quote on a project now or something you are thinking of in the future AND you want FREE SHIPPING ( free shipping on all quotes from the blog) – Then CLICK HERE.

2011 is indeed a great year for music. Vinyl sales continue to go up, overall physical album sales declines 5%, but this is significantly less that the 19%decline in 2010. Oh yes, people. Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes. Here are the numbers made by Nielsen & Billboard:

• For the first time, total music purchases reached the 1.6 Billion mark for the year.
• Overall Album sales (including Albums and Track Equivalent Album sales) were up 3.2% compared to 2010.
• Total Album sales were up for the first time since 2004 (1.3%) with sales totaling 330.6 million compared to 326.2 million in 2010.
• There were 228 million physical album sales in 2011; a decline of 5% over 2010. This is significantly less than the 19% decline in 2010.
• During 2011 there were 76,875 new albums released that sold at least one copy, that’s up slightly from 2010 when there were just over 75,000 new albums released.
• Similar to a year ago, there were 11 albums that sold 1 million or more copies and 35 albums that sold 500,000 – 999,999 copies.
• While there were a number of album genres that had saw growth over the previous year, 3 smaller genres experienced double digital growth in 2011. Jazz, New Age and Electronic grew by 26%, 16% and 15% respectively.
• The genre that experienced the biggest decline for 2011 was Soundtracks; down nearly 20% over 2010.
• For the fourth consecutive year, more vinyl albums were purchased than any other year in the history of Nielsen SoundScan.