SERVICES

PACKAGE DESIGN & LAYOUT
World-class package design and layout is available to MSR artists through our long-term partnerships with experienced graphic artists. MSR releases have the benefit of being created by design professionals who have worked with internationally known artists on such esteemed record labels as EMI Classics, Blue Note Records, Angel Records, Virgin Classics and Manhattan Records. Art Direction is carried out by our experienced staff, which collectively has managed the design of more than 1000 CDs. Production is carried out by one of the top disc manufacturers in the world to exacting standards. The entire process from planning through design and manufacture is handled with the utmost care and efficiency.

ANNOTATION
While the majority of MSR artists furnish written material for inclusion in their CD packages, MSR offers annotation services for an additional fee. Whether the project calls for a brief overview or a highly detailed musicological analysis, MSR artists are assured of interesting, accurate and appropriate annotation, created by seasoned music professionals, many with conservatory training. In addition, MSR maintains relationships with numerous skilled writers versed in all areas of music performance, history and composition, including Richard Freed, Eric Salzman, Erik Eriksson, Stephen Zohn, and many others.

PRODUCTION
MSR releases are produced to the highest possible technical standards, and with a skilled direction that only dozens of years of experience in this area can provide. The coordination of materials with package designer and manufacturer is handled with expertise, and the manufacture itself is carried out entirely in the United States by one of the largest and most highly regarded disc manufacturers in the world. Through careful project management and long-term industry relationships, MSR disc production is typically accomplished in less than four weeks.

MECHANICAL LICENSING
For projects involving compositions not in the Public Domain, and therefore requiring mechanical licenses, MSR can manage from start to finish the process by which all necessary licenses are obtained, and royalty fees payed. It is not uncommon for MSR artists to benefit from reduced license royalty rates as a function of our ongoing relationship with experienced licensing administrators and the world’s major music publishing houses.

ROYALTY ADMINISTRATION
MSR artists receive detailed Royalty Statements, and are paid generous royalties on net sales of goods (sold and not returned) on a semi-annual basis. Inventory management and all subsequent royalty accounting and disbursement is handled on premises by MSR, reducing the likelihood of error and missed payments. The royalty rates afforded MSR artists are among the very highest in the recording industry, ranging from 30% to 50% of retail.

STORAGE
MSR artists are given the option of storing up to 210 units of their release at the MSR facility at no charge. Having product on-site offers many benefits to the artist. MSR Classics Webstore orders are fulfilled directly and immediately from the on-site warehouse. Artists do not have to bear the burden of storing all quantity of their product on their own. Further, the product is available to the artist at any time during normal business hours. MSR can ship discs at the request of the artist (shipping expenses are charged back per the request).

DISTRIBUTION
Albany Music Distributors
Three to six months after the initial MSR webstore release, the CD is released by Albany Music Distributors to their extensive network of domestic accounts on a consignment basis for traditional retail and internet merchants.

Amazon.com
Immediately upon release, MSR CD releases are available on Amazon.com through the AmazonAdvantage program. The item listing includes a color image of the CD cover, detailed information about the artist and musical selections, and brief audio samples. The site is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MSR WebStore
Immediately upon release, MSR releases are featured on the MSR Webstore website (www.msrcd.com), with multiple category listings and an individual webpage. The individual page includes a color image of the CD cover, detailed information about the artist and musical selections, press reviews, and an audio sample. Hyperlinks can also be provided, and text attachments. The site is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

International Distribution
MSR Classics is currently in negotiations with several international retail and internet-based distributors to secure the label's presence outside the United States. MSR titles are now selectively available in Canada, and in territories in Europe, South America and Japan.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
MSR establishes and administer Digital Download services through www.IODA.org

DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION

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