HERE'S THE SCOOP                                                         Click Here for larger image

Each and every Brown Box Music CD uses the exact same artwork for the CD face as well as the front and back printed jewel case inserts. The only difference between one musician's CD and another's CD is the information that's unique to each project, such as the title of the CD, the name of the group, the list of songs, etc. Even the lettering used for this customized portion of the CD uses the same font and color.

"Everything looks the same?" you say. "That's dumb!!""

Not really. Henry Ford did something very similar a hundred years ago with his now-immortal words when selling the Model T: "You can have it in any color, as long as it's black." And with that, he changed automotive history.

A century later, this unique approach is still valid and serves several purposes. First, it eliminates all costs associated with photographs, graphic design, negatives, color proofs and offset printing. Second, it eliminates the time delays associated with custom artwork. By their very nature, musicians are artistic individuals with strong opinions, and this can often result in significant delays reaching a consensus on the final art. Because the Brown Box Music CD artwork is already completed, weeks and sometimes months of delays have vanished. Third, the fact that it's a Brown Box Music CD lets the customer know that the music may be an early effort by the musician or group, so they'll purchase the CD knowing it might be a live recording, it may have been recorded in mono, the total running time may be somewhat shorter than a more traditional CD or maybe the group just wanted to order a smaller amount to test their market. No big surprises after the customers take it home and listen to it. In short, people identify the Brown Box Music brand with musicians on the move.

(If you can afford 1000 or more traditional CDs with full-up artwork, read no further. However, if you're looking for a way to have as few as 100 fully-packaged CDs for less than two bucks each, we invite you to continue.)

Another huge advantage is that every Brown Box Music CD order includes a free bar code. This not only lets you sell CDs in music stores and other commercial outlets, but also gives you an even more professional image by having a bar-coded product. Those in the know, KNOW how important bar codes can be. And of course, all Brown Box Music CDs are shrink wrapped, giving your CDs that extra added touch of professionalism and class.

Some musicians may have never seriously considered having a CD of their own (after all, they're way too expensive!) For those of you who may fall into this category, consider this: musicians who have a CD and perform at live venues - whether full-time professionals or weekend warriors - can significantly increase their take-home pay. It's possible to add several hundred dollars of extra sales - PER PERFORMANCE. Bottom line on this? If you don't have a CD to sell at your shows, YOU ARE LOSING MONEY.

Why sell at shows? This is primarily due to a common consumer trait: the impulse buy. When people go to a venue to hear live music, a subliminal bond is formed with the performers. While probably not reaching a level one might call euphoric, this bond nevertheless can result a very positive experience for the listeners and can motivate them to purchase the CD as a way for them to take this experience home. But the purchase needs to take place at the venue, before the audience members leave - hence, the impulse buy. If the customer does not purchase the CD at the venue, but rather is asked to purchase it the following day, the likelihood of a sale would be significantly lower.

And here comes the easy part! To get started with your own Brown Box Music CD, click on the "Design Studio" link. Here you'll be guided step-by-step to type in all of the information that will appear on your CD and the printed inserts. If you like what you see and want to make your purchase, you'll be taken to our secure e-commerce site where you'll enter your credit card information, the quantity of CDs you wish to order, your shipping information, email address, etc. You'll then send us your CD master via Fed-X, UPS, registered U.S. mail or some other traceable method of shipment (just in case it's not delivered and needs to be tracked). Once we receive your CD master, your project will be completed within three business days, and then shipped to you. It's that easy.