Sure it's always better to have your own album with all your own work on it, but there is no guarantee anyone will bother to listen to it, either. This is why many bands love to be asked to work on compilation albums, especially if the producer is well known or the topic or area they wish to cover has mass appeal. Sometimes this can be the very bit of exposure your music or talent needs to get you into that next level. Even if you work on one with a bunch of pals, just splitting the cost can make putting out a CD very affordable even for a beginning artist. Here are a few ideas you can try to get into this kind of a situation, and make it work for you.
LABEL WORK
Sure, it is always best to put a cut on a compilation that is with a lot of major groups. This isn't always possible, but many small labels will at least put your song on a vanity publishing CD along with other artists, and distribute it for you at least at large conventions like SXSW (South By Southwest), including it in the "goodie bag" that is given to everyone who pays for a full ticket as well as the special guests and speakers. This means that a lot of music industry execs will get your CD-something that may never happen if you try usual channels. Sure, you are stuck in with a lot of other bands on the same CD, and there is no guarantee that you will get heard, but at least you get your foot in the door. Just look out for unscrupulous deals, though-some compilers charge ridiculous amounts for this service, when you could just as easily pay to get your own CD inserted in everyone's bags for far less money. If you have a deal already with a small label or even someone like MP3.com, they often put out compilations that they hand out to reps, too-check into this, and if the price isn't too much, it may also be an excellent way to get your work heard.
YOUR FAVORITE TOPIC
If you have a cause that you really believe in, many of these folks put out compilation albums occasionally as well. Where I live, many local bands donate cuts to CDs for many local charities, and get some great exposure and help others at the same time. Some groups get together and do an album of topical songs as well, and it gives them a chance to put the word out about their feelings on those subjects. I personally would never do a pro-drug album, but wouldn't mind donating a song about empowerment to a CD that was about that idea. Get a bunch of buddies from other bands sometime and discuss the topic...you could all just do one cut, and put out an album for a tiny cost compared to doing one on your own. If some of the other bands are more popular than you, it can also really provide a boost to your career through the exposure you'd get that you otherwise never might. Give it a try.
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