What's Up with Cast Albums...

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 8:39am

Great article from Theatermania about the past, present and future of original cast recordings. Interviews include Brian Drutman (Decca Broadway), Hugh Fordin (DRG), Tommy Krasker (PS Classics), Kurt Deutsch (Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight), and Bill Rosenfield (Sony/BMG). I figured that a lot of people here would find this especially interesting.
http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/6631

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 10:22am

Thanks for sharing this, mef...

I found it particularly interesting that they've given up on recording any more "Encores" because they didn't pay off... and that Equity wasn't cooperating with them at all on negotiating performers rates. I love the way they break down the rates for actors as well!

I was glad to hear that the reissue of "Brigadoon" did so well ---One of my favorites, because of Susan Johnson.

And I didn't realize that companies like PS Classics were getting outside funding help to pay for the cost of recordings! That's certainly something new. There are some other great ideas for future recordings of cast albums (such as using a Pro Tools set up to do them live), etc. I like the way these people think.

The only thing I found a little disheartening was the Sony/BMG guy saying that in the future, more obscure shows will only be available as downloads, and not ever released on CD, because they can't recoup their costs. For collectors out there, they want to have the hard CD, not just a set of MP3 files living in a folder on their computer.

And the BEST part is the last line about calling "cast albums" "soundtracks," and the former VP says he's given up on trying to get people to call them by their right name! Posters---take note!

Updated On: 11/5/05 at 10:22 AM

[CaroleeFan]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 10:54am

I'd prefer a "hard cd" over a download any day.

That article makes me feel optimistic and depressed at the same time.

Updated On: 11/5/05 at 10:54 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 10:57am

I think the main thing I got out of this was that the labels all know there is an audience out there, and they are going to continue to find ways to get "us" the music.

It may not be the ways we are used to getting it. (i.e., downloads... and less studio recordings, but perhaps more "live" recordings done in the theatre, etc.)

Exactly as you said, CaroleeFan... I'm excited for the future, and hestitant about the "changes" at the same time.

Updated On: 11/5/05 at 10:57 AM

[CaroleeFan]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 11:08am

So basically, we need to buy all the Decca and DRG reissues before they disappear into download land. Some of those RCA reissues are impossible to find for under 50-100 bucks.

I just can't get into this downloading stuff, at least for cast recordings. There is something exciting about having the CD, the liner notes, the packaging, that can't be duplicated through a download.

And for me, I'd prefer my cast recordings in a studio vs. live, but if it saves costs and allows for more shows to be recorded, than I am all for it.

[broadway betty]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 11:09am

Thanks for the link, MEF.

Even if I'm just going to rip it to my computer and onto my mp3 player, I still love having the cd. Support cast albums!

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 11:18am

It's all speculative... If people don't buy the downloads, then I'm sure they'll stop thinking in those terms and perhaps figure out a way to subsidize a CD issue.

And if live Pro Tools recordings of shows end up not costing any less (or even cost MORE) than studio recordings, it will be an artistic choice as to which road to take, not a financial one.

Basically, I just like that they are thinking in terms of the future, and getting us the music, one way or another. (...As opposed to same old methods, if it doesn't sell, then let it die, or we just won't release it, etc.)

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 12:07pm

Great read! Thank you!

[AuditioningWaitress]

Posted: 11/5/05 at 7:34pm

Wow! Great article! Thanks for the link!

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 11/6/05 at 3:28am

And if live Pro Tools recordings of shows end up not costing any less (or even cost MORE) than studio recordings, it will be an artistic choice as to which road to take, not a financial one.

I feel this plan is a mistake. Yes, Pro Tools can possibly give us the sound quality of a professional studio recording BUT the perfomances we listen to have to be far different from those done live.

The best cast album producers know this and find ways of enhancing the performances to fill in nuances that are lost along with the visuals.

Live-in-the-theatre recordings will lose that edge and sound dull and flat.

I STILL think it is time for the unions to change the antiquated rulings on cast albums. Pay the performers for their actual studio time but don't limit the number of hours, and stop making record labels pay salaries of cast members who don't appear on the CD.