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1. Finding a strong concept for your album

This might seem like a strange consideration to put at the top of your list - and to be honest it's one area which is very frequently neglected by amateur and semi-professional groups. But I've listed it here because it can have a huge impact on the success of your project - and it really does affect every other aspect of the recording process.

There are many types of concept or "theme" around which to build an album project. A strong concept will tie in all the elements of your album to give the finished product a real sense of identity, purpose and cohesion which will make it stand out from the crowd.

By looking round your local record shop you'll quickly notice how the major labels capitalise on strong concepts. Some typical approaches are:

Repertoire-based: e.g. the music of one composer, works for choir and organ, music of a specific era

Artist-based: e.g. greatest hits of XYZ, compilations featuring one conductor/orchestra

Event-based: e.g. highlights from the Proms, music for the millennium, Christmas favourites

It's sometimes possible to find a theme based on one element of your project, then apply it across the board. For example, if you've found a particularly strong cover image you might be able to derive a good title from it and choose repertoire which is themed around the image and title.

Alternatively, one or more items from your repertoire might suggest a good title and concept ... if you can apply that concept to your choice of further repertoire and cover artwork, the whole album will be stronger.

Time and time again, we've seen that albums with strong concepts are more likely to become best sellers. While the effect might be small in your immediate market (for example to friends and family of band members), you'll find that a strong theme can give your album a far wider impact.

You'll need to choose your concept carefully, because if it's too obscure or specific it might not have enough general appeal to interest the wider public. At worst an obscure concept could even alienate your immediate "home" market and reduce sales of the album. On the other hand a strong concept will ensure a result which broadens your reputation for musical excellence ... and dramatically increase the profitability of your project.