Since the success of the Mamaleek digital release and vinyl pre-orders, I’ve gotten more than a few emails asking where the records are and how long it’ll be before they’re ready to ship.
A brief answer: I was recently sent the test-presses, which are essentially demo versions of the vinyl records to listen to and approve. Getting test pressings means we have an idea what the records will be like, and can spot errors, bad mixes, etc, before pressing the full run.
In my opinion, the Mamaleek test presses were not satisfactory. Though the audio quality was there, they were very quiet, and lacked “punch” – not an audiophile term, but the best I know. Essentially, the record didn’t represent what the music felt like to me, and listening to the vinyl didn’t give me the same feeling I got when listening to Mamaleek on MP3, which is exactly the reverse of the way things should be.
I did not approve the full run, and asked for a recut at a louder volume. This will lose a bit of audio fidelity, but will also provide a much more enjoyable listening experience – and one much closer to the artist’s original intent.
That’s caused a delay at the plant. Good news, though: the new test presses should be here today or tomorrow, and I’m confident these are going to stand up to scrutiny. Once we OK the full pressing, it shouldn’t be long before we get the actual records and start shipping them out.
Sorry for the delay and radio silence, folks. I have always believed that quality was more important than punctuality, and I’m pretty sure that if you listen to the music we put out you believe the same. Still, not letting everyone know right away was bad form on my part, and I apologize. You guys and girls support us more than you know when you pre-order records, and it’s deeply appreciated.
If you have questions, drop us an email or post a comment.
