Fossil Records manufactures CDs using "Diamond on Silver" media which provides for a more stable product which appears "pressed" (i.e. more commercial). We create full color glossy four page inserts and tray cards using the artist's graphics or graphics created in-house. We also generate full color matte CD labels which do not peel or damage the discs. This is all contained within a clear jewel case with black tray.
In order to provide ALL information up front, we have posted the license agreement which is required prior to the manufacture and/or distribution of CDs. This agreement gives Fossil Records permission to manufacture, promote, and distribute an artist's work. It is a non-exclusive agreement (artists are NOT bound to work ONLY with us - they can work with whomever they please, whenever they please) and the agreement may be severed without penalty with 30 days notice should the artist find a more lucrative, but exclusive, opportunity.
Fossil Records has the capacity to accept check, cash, money order, and credit cards for the commercial sale of its artists' merchandise. We ship globally and do not overcharge for shipping and do not charge a "handling" fee. CDs are packaged in a bubble padded envelope or in padded boxes when large quantities are shipped.
If Fossil Records sells the CDs that it has manufactured for the artists, then Fossil Records pays those manufacturing costs. However, should the artists want Fossil Records to manufacture CDs for their own use, for distribution to reviewers, etc., then they pay for the manufacturing at a pre-determined "fair market price." Currently, this price is US$3.00 per CD which includes the CD, jewel case, full color 4-page glossy inserts, full color glossy tray card, matte label, printing, etc. How does this compare to duplication companies? Typically, a package like this costs US$4 to US$6 per CD with three colors maximum at a minimum package of 300 CDs (this does not include glass-mastering costs and other fees).
When Fossil Records distributes CDs that it has manufactured, the corresponding artists are guaranteed 50% of the profits. The other 50% goes towards manufacturing, credit card fees, and costs.
For those artists who have pre-manufactured CDs and promotional materials, the license agreement is also required to give Fossil Records permission to distribute that merchandise. Included in this agreement is a guaranteed 80% return of profit to the artist on all purchased pre-manufactured goods. The other 20% goes towards credit card fees and costs.
Fossil Records sends materials to online and traditional (magazine, radio, etc.) reviewers and radio stations for airplay at the artists' request. As of January 1st, 2004, Fossil Records will no longer initiate contact with reviewers on behalf of the artists (though we will continue to forward promotional opportunities to our artists). We are always working on assembling new compilation CDs and building a sound artist base.
Fossil Records manufactures small quantities of CDs using quality materials. These materials are purchased in bulk by Fossil Records and, when purchased by artists, carry the approximate following costs (prices subject to change without notice):
Diamond CDRs, Clear Jewel Cases, and Black Trays
$0.96 Matte CD Labels $0.26 Gloss Jewel Case Inserts and Tray Card (Standard) $0.94 Printing Costs (labels, inserts, and tray card) $0.84 Standard Package (CD, case, tray, matte label, high gloss insert and card) $3.00/CD
1) We are not a management service. It is the artist's task (or an agent's task) to promote the artist to publishers, editors, and the like. We represent ALL of the artists as a whole - never a single band - and all promotions will reflect that.
2) We can not represent artists that fall outside of the Progressive Rock and Metal or Instrumental Rock and Metal genres. Doing so would constitute infringement on our part against three other Fossil Records labels.
3) We are not capital investors. We do not have the funds to distribute to 20 or
30 bands (general range of "bands to return on investment" ratio for mainstream media) to pay for recording and touring. Artists must provide their own recordings and are responsible for all costs incurred in production.
If you are interested in becoming an artist with Fossil Records, please check out the Join page.