announcing...
the Backstage Pass Program

Amplify Your Music
Journey
Beyond the Studio

Join the Backstage Pass Program at MOON MUTT Recording Studio

The Backstage Pass Program

Unlock Your Music's Full Potential

Dive into a world where your music doesn’t just exist; it resonates and thrives. The Backstage Pass Program at MOON MUTT Recording Studio offers exclusive membership tiers, from Opener to Megastar, designed to elevate your music career with customized support, rewards through Beat Bucks, and a community that’s as passionate about music as you are. Ready to take your music to the next level?

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showcase

From rock to rap, acoustic to electronic, and everything around and in between, tracks have been laid down here near Roswell, NM that are nothing less than extraordinary. Check some of them out here and become a fan!

Already have your fav’s? Show them some love by finding out what’s new, when their next gig is, or taking a listen on your preferred platform. Really wanna show them some love?! Download their music or grab some merch, too! (Where available)

showcase
Famous 'V - Artwork - The Red Dot Tapes
Raining June - Cedar Valley Cover
Tethered - Album Cover
An illustrated album cover featuring a stylized female figure standing before a shadowy creature under a red and brown backdrop with the title 'Hands Around You' recorded in New Mexico by KillinGracy.
Famous 'V - Artwork - The Red Dot Tapes
Raining June - Cedar Valley Cover
Tethered - Album Cover

get that radio ready sound

skip the learning cure

no need to buy $$$ gear

better acoustics than your closet

that "sound" that has been missing

free up your time to write

work with other pro musicians

stay focused on creating

"what can

moon
mutt

do for me?"

RECORDING

EDITING

MIXING

MASTERING

BEYOND THE STUDIO

Artist Testimonials

Musician at MOON MUTT Recording Studio. | MOON MUTT Recording Studio
"My first time ever in a recording studio. Awesome experience! Chris made everything as comfortable as possible, even on a 100+ degree day. Thrilled with the final product!"
Matthew Burke
Matthew Burke
An ornately designed golden cube with the words
"I love this studio Chris is a true pro he understands what it takes to make my vision stand out"
Wicked Device
Christopher "Wicked Device" Montano
Man singing into a microphone under a neon sign at the MOON MUTT Recording Studio. | MOON MUTT Recording Studio
"After My first experience ever in a studio, Chris made the overall experience extremely comfortable and a true joy. If the final result is anything like the experience, I just can't wait. In Chris's own words, 'Man that was Cool ! ' "
Memphis Joe
Joseph "Memphis Joe" Pupsta
Guitarist with long hair performing outdoors in Roswell, New Mexico. | MOON MUTT Recording Studio
"Wow Windows Of The Soul came out amazing with Bestowed Spirit....Thank you Christopher Aguilar..Can't wait to share it with you guys.."
Bestowed Spirit
Paul Lugo
Alternative rock band 95 Behind with different expressions standing in front of a building with windows. | MOON MUTT Recording Studio
"We want to thank Chris for his amazing work and for his hospitality during the making of our record! It was a blast and we can't wait to show everyone what we've been working on"
95 Behind
Famous'V

Famous'V

Whats goin on?! I go by the name FAMOUS’V an artist out of artesia nm and one thing i can say is ive been working with The mutt goin on 5 plus years now, one thing i enjoy the most is I get My music Exactly how i want it to sound and top Quality mixes one thing that keeps me Coming back is the Vibe Chris brings and overall The Knowledge he has in music from Engineering to The artist side . i dont know anyone around NM that knows what he knows and He just brings the artist out of you i can definitely say he helped me find my sound and voice. I just dropped an ep all done with the mutt and now im working on A different melodic sound experimenting with my voice while working on my 2nd Ep. It’s definitely a must To get booked with the mutt studio !

Famous'V Rapper@Famous'V
Paul

Bestowed Spirit

Wow Windows Of The Soul came out amazing with Bestowed Spirit....Thank you Christopher Aguilar..Can't wait to share it with you guys..

Paul Bassist@Bestowed Spirit
Joseph "Memphis Joe" Pupsta

Joseph "Memphis Joe" Pupsta

After My first experience ever in a studio, Chris made the overall experience extremely comfortable and a true joy. If the final result is anything like the experience, I just can't wait. In Chris's own words, 'Man that was Cool ! '

Joseph "Memphis Joe" Pupsta Singer@Memphis Joe
Christopher "Wicked Device" Montano

Christopher "Wicked Device" Montano

I love this studio Chris is a true pro he understands what it takes to make my vision stand out

Christopher "Wicked Device" Montano Rapper@Wicked Device
Matthew Burke

Matthew Burke

My first time ever in a recording studio. Awesome experience! Chris made everything as comfortable as possible, even on a 100+ degree day. Thrilled with the final product!

Matthew Burke Singer Songwriter@Matthew Burke
95 Behind

95 Behind

We want to thank Chris for his amazing work and for his hospitality during the making f our record! It was a blast and we can't wait to show everyone what we've been working on

95 Behind Vocals/Guitar@95 Behind

"It's all about the music!"
Except when it's not.

Tips. Info. Music. Life.

May 13th, 2023

Steps for an Album Release for the Indie Musician

Reading Time: mins

In this post, we will guide you through the strategic steps that independent musicians can take to successfully release their next album.

Releasing an album is a big deal for any musician, especially independent ones. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning to ensure that your album will be a success. With so many artists releasing new music every day, it can be hard to get noticed in such a crowded market. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we will guide you through the strategic steps that independent musicians can take to successfully release their next album. From creating a marketing plan and building a buzz to choosing the right distribution channels and connecting with your audience, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started and make your next album release your best one yet!

1. Creating a marketing plan for your album release

Creating a marketing plan for your album release is crucial to the success of your album. Without a plan, your album may not reach as many people as it could, and you may not see the results you were hoping for. The first step in creating a marketing plan is to identify your target audience. Who is your music for? What age group, gender, and location are they in? Once you know who your target audience is, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach them specifically. The next step is to create a timeline for your album release. This includes setting a release date, creating a pre-release campaign, and planning a post-release tour. You should also plan out your social media and email marketing campaigns to coincide with your album release. It’s important to create a buzz around your album before it’s released to help increase the chances of it being successful. Another key aspect of your marketing plan should be to create impactful album artwork and visuals that will catch the eye of your target audience. Lastly, collaborate with other musicians, influencers, and industry professionals to help get the word out about your album. By following these strategic steps and creating a solid marketing plan, you can help ensure a successful album release as an independent musician.

2. Building a buzz and creating anticipation

As an independent musician, it’s important to build a buzz and create anticipation for your next album release. With so many artists vying for attention, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. However, there are a number of steps you can take to generate excitement and ensure that your album is a success. Firstly, you should start by creating a social media presence, if you have not already done so. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can be powerful tools to promote your music to a wider audience. You can use these platforms to share snippets of your songs, behind-the-scenes footage of your recording process, and teasers of what’s to come. Secondly, you can collaborate with other artists to create some buzz around your upcoming release. This is a great way to tap into new audiences and widen your reach. Reach out to other musicians or producers and see if you can work together to create something truly unique. Thirdly, you can also create online contests or giveaways to build buzz and create anticipation. You can offer fans a chance to win exclusive merchandise or tickets to your album release party, for example. This will help to create a buzz and excitement for your upcoming release. Finally, you can also consider holding an album release party or concert. This will help to generate buzz and hype around your new album. Invite fans, media and industry professionals to attend, and make it an event to remember. By following these strategic steps, you can successfully release your next album and generate the buzz and excitement necessary to make it a success.

3. Choosing the right distribution channels

Choosing the right distribution channels for your album is crucial for its success. It is essential to have your music available on multiple platforms so that your fans can easily access and purchase your album. There are various distribution channels that independent musicians can use to release their album, including digital distribution platforms, online music stores, and physical distribution through local record stores. When choosing a digital distribution platform, make sure to look for one that offers a wide range of options, such as iTunes, Amazon Music, and Spotify. These platforms have a broad reach, making it easier for your fans to find and purchase your music. Additionally, make sure to choose a platform that provides you with a good revenue share, as you want to ensure that you are receiving a fair share of your sales. Online music stores are another excellent option for independent musicians. You can list your album on popular online music stores like Bandcamp, CD Baby, and ReverbNation. These platforms offer a good revenue share and also allow you to sell merchandise along with your music. Physical distribution through local record stores is also an option for independent musicians. While physical sales may not be as common as digital sales, having your album available in local stores can help to increase your visibility and attract new fans. Ultimately, it’s important to choose the right distribution channels that align with your goals, budget, and target audience. With the right distribution strategy in place, you can increase your chances of reaching a wider audience and achieving success as an independent musician.

4. Connecting with your audience through social media and live shows

In today’s music industry, connecting with your audience is key to a successful album release. Social media and live shows are two powerful tools that independent musicians can use to reach their fans and build a loyal following. Firstly, social media is a great way to engage with your audience before and after the release of your album. You can share behind-the-scenes footage of the recording process, snippets of songs or music videos, and exclusive updates about the release. This generates buzz and excitement around the album, and fans will be more likely to share your content with their friends and followers. Additionally, social media is an excellent platform to connect with fans on a personal level. You can respond to comments and messages, and even ask fans for their input on album artwork or track listings. Secondly, live shows are a crucial element of an album release. Performing songs from the new album in front of a live audience creates a sense of community and excitement. Fans get to experience the music in a unique way and connect with the artist on a more personal level. Independent musicians can use live shows as an opportunity to sell physical copies of their albums, and merchandise, and even connect with fans after the show. In conclusion, social media and live shows are two essential components for independent musicians looking to release a successful album. By utilizing these tools, you can build a loyal fan base and generate buzz around your album release. So, connect with your audience and give them a reason to be excited about your next album!

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Your email address is only used to send you our news and info about the activities of and related to MOON MUTT Recording Studio. You can always use the unsubscribe link included in the emails.

MOON MUTT Pack Subscription Form

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extra

MOON MUTT wants to help artists like you with

learn more

Does your track need a touch of pitch correction? Maybe you’re looking for the “auto-tune” effect. Or, maybe the timing needs a little tightening up, and recording again just isn’t an option. No matter the circumstances, the studio can help! Contact MOON MUTT Recording Studio to discuss your needs and what you can expect.

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editing

No mom would serve up Thanksgiving pumpkin pie without whip cream, and no recording is quite ready to be served to the fans without mastering. Now that we’ve got your tracks laid down and every instrument has the attention it deserves, it’s time to make that music taste sweet by giving it the punch, width, clarity, and volume to compete with other commercially available tracks.

After we’ve finished capturing your vibe though, rest assured that MOON MUTT is also operated by a fellow lifelong musician who actually is invested in helping you! I can offer tasteful input when asked, assist with a riff or vocal harmony when needed, or simply sit back and feel blessed to share a love for the sonic picture you, the artist, are painting.

I have enjoyed the opportunity and privilege of helping (and learning from) talent to get their music from the “idea stage” to the masses, and have over 40 years of combined schooling and practical experience, not only as an engineer but as a working musician (and music lover and enthusiast).

So, I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, which is why I want so badly to help you!

moon
mutt

mastering

Equipment is only a part of the picture. The utmost care is given to the artist & their vision before recording even begins, and incredible attention is given to capturing the best recordings possible before any mixing or editing is done (since getting a great recording, in the beginning, can lead to a stellar track in the end, after all).

After we’ve finished capturing your vibe though, rest assured that MOON MUTT is also operated by a fellow lifelong musician who actually is invested in helping you! I can offer tasteful input when asked, assist with a riff or vocal harmony when needed, or simply sit back and feel blessed to share a love for the sonic picture you, the artist, are painting.

I have enjoyed the opportunity and privilege of helping (and learning from) talent to get their music from the “idea stage” to the masses, and have over 40 years of combined schooling and practical experience, not only as an engineer but as a working musician (and music lover and enthusiast).

So, I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, which is why I want so badly to help you!

moon
mutt

mixing

MOON MUTT is a custom-built, beautiful & budget-minded recording studio located in the country just south of Roswell, New Mexico. It is available for live recording & multi-tracking, mixing & mastering services both in-house & through online collaboration.

 An all-wood dedicated tracking room promotes an intimate session between you and your music, while acoustic treatments help to capture the life and spirit of your recording. Proven techniques used in conjunction with the same tried and tested professional microphones used by artists from Snoop Dogg to Miscke Butler, tube pre-amps, and other analog equipment and interfaces begin the signal chain whether you prefer a “live” or multi-tracked recording format.

From there, all tracks are recorded using the widely accepted industry standard bit depths and sampling rates through quality A/D/A converters allowing for clean, well represented sonic reproductions within the dynamic audio spectrum.

MOON MUTT – #yourmusicepic

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recording

MOON MUTT Landing Page Rate Sheet Request

By the time all of this is said and done, we will have gotten to know each other pretty well. We'd say that entitles you to a "family rate"! (And if you like this, just wait 'til the family reunion three-legged race!)

Get 15% off of any studio service for life! 

That's off of every single invoice. Even if we're running a special!

Rack up those savings! For life!

These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 500-word pro bio.

Your vital statistics, what town you're reppin’, and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 500-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.

Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.

  • – Your first release is included**

  • – $50 credit/year for life

  • – $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream

You've poured your heart and soul into your music. Don't drop the ball now by just throwing it 'out there' with the hope that someone will listen! (Just dropped a new track! Take a listen! Hello? Anyone out there?)

Hopefully, you started getting all your ducks in a row when you entered the studio, but if you didn't there's still hope! We know you're stoked to drop your track, but just pump the brakes a little and exercise some discipline. You want to generate some hype and get your fans salivating for your release before you make it public. 

This Upgraded Plan will equip you with a set of enhanced tools you need to execute a solid release and post-release strategy. Customizable social-buzz templates, content ideas, and even a calendar outline and release checklist to make sure you're all set to unleash your music beast with maximum impact.

You're able to post your events online, and now you've got the ability to sell tickets, too! Know exactly how many fans to expect, get attendees to fill out forms and learn more about your fans, and even set up tiered tickets!

The average ticket commerce system takes a 15% cut of the face value of your ticket price. So, imagine selling 100 tickets a month at $10 a pop. If you're part of a 5 piece band, that's each of you bringing 10 paying fans to two shows a month. Easy! (Thanks for coming Mom and Dad, and for bringing the dogs!)

Selling the tickets yourself puts an extra $1800 a year in your pockets! That ain't chump change.

Your music is killer, but your eye for fashion is even killer-ee-er. (It's a word. Look it up. Please, don't.)

And one of the cool things about good-looking merch? Even non-fans will sport it if it looks hot! Now you've got fans and not-yet fans as walking supporters of your brand. That gets attention. And that's worth way more than the cost of a shirt.

This isn't your grandad's slideshow presentation. (Not you, pops! I really enjoyed your 76-slide presentation of how your liver spots have progressed.)

Set up a live stream for your fans! Plus, you can sell seats or even put your live feed behind a password-protected wall, available only for your special fan club. Take advantage of reaching your fans even when you're not in their city.

By the time all of this is said and done, we will have gotten to know each other pretty well. We'd say that entitles you to a little "hook up"! (Just please don't ask us to help you move. Ok, maybe just once. We'll see.)

Get 10% off of any studio service for 3 whole years! 

That's off of every single invoice. Even if we're running a special!

Rack up those savings!

These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 300-word pro bio.

Your vital statistics, the town you're reppin’, and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 300-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.

Your music isn't just up against other music. It's up against everything else out there! News, DM's...you name it. Everyone and everything is vying for the attention of your fans and potentially stealing their time away from you and your craft. Cut down the noise at least a little by embedding your social feed on your site! 

Your fans can now listen, download, or even shop, all while still checking out your live IG feed.

Hey...every minute spent with your music is another opportunity for someone to get it stuck in their head. (Which is a welcomed thing, as opposed to this infernal CD that is skipping in my mind!)

You've poured your heart and soul into your music. Don't drop the ball now by just throwing it 'out there' with hope that someone will listen! (Just dropped a new track! Take a listen! Hello? Anyone out there?)

Hopefully, you started getting all your ducks in a row when you entered the studio, but if you didn't there's still hope! We know you're stoked to drop your track, but just pump the brakes a little and exercise some discipline. You want to generate some hype and get your fans salivating for your release before you make it public. 

This Basic Plan will equip you with at least the minimum tools you need to execute a solid release strategy. Customizable social-buzz templates, content ideas, and even a calendar outline and release checklist to make sure you're all set to unleash your music beast with maximum impact.

Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.

  • – Your first release is included**

  • – $25 credit/year/3 years

  • – $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream

You've got your fans craving your TikTok content. (All that dance MTV really paid off!) What about your long-form content? Add your super-rich video content to your YouTube channel so it can also be streamed from your website. 

Again, all so you can keep your fans focused on the greatest thing you have to offer them; you!

Plus, by adding a custom subscribe button near your award-winning video, you can focus on driving fans to your site, and your CTA's (call-to-action) like your email opt-in form, without having to sacrifice potential subscribers to your YT channel!

Standard Version: Add your entire channel to your website so your videos aren't just front and center, they're the whole enchilada! This way your fans can watch your video content, add streaming views to your channel, and see what else you, and only you, have to offer.

Facebook event is a great place to mention what you've got going on. That is, so long as your fans, both current and potential, see it in time! (I missed The Ramones' farewell show, again?!)

Make sure everyone knows what you're up to by adding your events to your very own calendar on your site! You get a front-end login to add all the important details, like date, time, and location, and can add other fun stuff, too! Like who else is going to be there, vendors on site, etc. You also get to showcase your killer flyer artwork AND visitors can add it to their own calendar straight from the site!

We know, we know...we bring up the lopsided truth of streaming royalties a lot! But seriously, do you know how many streams it takes to make a buck?! (It's just under 144 streams. Somebody, please, make that make sense to me!)

You put in the hard work. You put in the hours honing your craft. You put in the blood, sweat, and tears. Why should "they" reap all the rewards??

Sell downloads to your fans and see why streaming only is the worst way to go. (Hack: you could even make that B-side recording available only by downloading on your site <wink>)

Your fans already have their phones at your shows. They carry them while they walk downtown. Making sure you’ve got your phone is the same now as making sure you’ve got your ID on you. Leverage that fact!

Use your QR code to give fans a quick and easy way to get where you need them to go. Your socials. Your email. Your downloads. Wherever! With this bundle, you even have the chance to direct social traffic with your own link-in-bio tool. It’s so much more than just a link. It’s a feature-packed custom landing page, too!

Use your very own QR account and log in to create unlimited static or dynamic QR codes that can point anywhere you desire. We will also help you set up your own branded link-in-bio page and send you regular analytics to see which clicks and views are coming from where so you can tailor your efforts to where they’re making the biggest impact!

It’s under the hood stuff, but without an engine, your ride will go nowhere. Let’s make sure when fans search for you on the web, you don’t get buried under the rest.

Google analytics is constantly changing and so is what “it” deems qualifies as a website worthy of popping up when someone does a search. Your website will be built with all the boxes checked to give you the best chance of ranking high on the search results.

Even if you don’t know what “SSL” stands for, you’ve seen it. It’s the little padlock up next to the web address that lets everyone know your site is safe to transmit info. One little icon makes all the difference. 

We will handle setting up and installing your SSL certificate so that the web, and more importantly your visitors, know that your site is safe and secure. (Isn’t that cozy?!)

There are a ton of places to host your site. Saying they’re all the same is like saying any economy car is like a Benz. We host on reliable and fast servers. And, we do the heavy lifting of setting it all up.

The painstaking and tedious task of finding reliable servers has already been done. You’ll have plenty of storage and plenty of power to run your website, and it’ll be with servers that utilize the latest technology and are here to stay.

The web was born for the full-screen experience. But, let’s face it. Too many people miss out because they use their cells. No worries! Now you can include them, too.

How infuriating is it to try and navigate a website that was obviously not meant to be seen on a smaller screen, right?! Get a website design that dynamically adjusts to the size of the screen the user is…using.

Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.

  • – Your first release is included**

  • – $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream

These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 100-word pro bio.

Your vital statistics, like what town you're reppin', and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 100-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.

Collect your fans’ emails. Send out blasts with “need to know” info. The point? Your fans are your fans. The platforms can’t take’em away.

Create a powerful custom form that integrates with your very own email management service account. Collect emails and have the ability to send out campaigns, notices, and automatic replies, or get creative and send out things like contest notices. You name it! And, keep your brand on your fans’ minds. Keep the keys to your fans in your pocket…not the pockets of big socials’.

Share important music news, or chronicle your road trip, backstage antics, or even what “they” wore on stage, if that’s your bag! (Dear Diary…)

Get your own login and access to your site’s blog and say or promote anything you think is valuable. That sort of thing keeps’em coming back!

You've got your fans craving your TikTok content. (All that dance MTV really paid off!) What about your long-form content? Add your super-rich video content to your YouTube channel so it can also be streamed from your website. 

Again, all so you can keep your fans focused on the greatest thing you have to offer them; you!

Plus, by adding a custom subscribe button near your award-winning video, you can focus on driving fans to your site, and your CTA's (call-to-action) like your email opt-in form, without having to sacrifice potential subscribers to your YT channel!

Basic Version: Features the video of your choice. Suggests other videos when yours is finished playing.

This is why you’re here! Instead of letting your fans get distracted by other music, ads, and who knows what else, send’em here to keep their eyes (and ears) focused on you. Plus, a website shows you’re a pro to be taken seriously.

Your music will be hosted and playable on a widget that is designed with your brand in mind. Your colors. Your style. Your sound. And it’s all yours. You’re the opener and the headliner. No distractions. Plus, when you give industry people the link, they’ll see your custom professional website. Not you and a ton of other artists on Soundcloud.