Reissuing Classic Albums

Can someone explain the album reissue process for me?

Stormspell, you should be a good source of info.

If someone were to start a record label themselves and were wanting to properly reissue a classic album, how does one start that ball rolling?

Sorry if this is a difficult question, I just have always been curious how to do it.

Not sure what you are wanting to know. The first thing you would have to do would be to get the rights to release the album from the band and or publishing company. This isn't always easy to do, depending on the band and the contract they had with their record company.

For instance, if you had wanted to re-release Puppet of Destruction from Ultimatum, we don't have the right to let you release it until our 10 year contract with Rowe Productions expires. As such, you would have to get the rights from Rowe and pay them to put the CD out before the time the contract between us and them expires.

Some independent records from bands may be easier as there never was a contract to begin with.

The nice thing about re-issues is you don't really have recording costs, unless you decide to remix or remaster the album. However, even this is going to cost you much less than financing a band to go into the studio to record new material. There are also the expenses of hiring a designer to put together cover art. Even if there is a pre-existing cover, chances are you will want to add new information and photos.

There are a lot of things to consider when doing something like this.

ult

I guess my question is vague. But once someone gets the rights, does the "reissuer" then get the master tapes which they then transfer digitally to produce the CDs?

I just find it to be a fascinating prospect.

If there are any master tapes. Some reissues are from master tapes, others are from different source files including old tapes and records. Digital mastering can still clean up those things, but the original is best. Of course, depending on the age, some master tapes might be worthless. The old way of recording was on tape, before all the digital recording. Tapes wear out with age, even if they are not used. The media basically turns to goo and becomes unusable.

However, to answer your question, yes, the reissuer would get the master tapes or whatever is available to transfer digitally to CD.

ult