Why are Master Series tracks so much more expensive? Master Series tracks are more expensive because they're the ONLY tracks made with a complete vintage analog chain, and recorded to the originals matching not only the notes as closely as possible, but also the playing inflections. All of this insures that these tracks are as close of a sonic match to the original recordings as possible. Many companies tout their tracks as having the notes right - NO other company has what we have, because no other company cares enough to spend as much time and money as we do to get these right. Vintage equipment is not only expensive, it takes a lot to maintain; and no one else cares enough to do that. Let's also be clear: you know and we know that not all ETAs care about their sound - most care much more about how they look. So that means that if you want your tracks to be just right, there is a (much) higher cost to that, which means that higher up-front cost and support are needed. However, those costs are a fraction of what the VIPs pay per song, even moreso for those who purchase the single song for an album that gets a full non- VIP release, and we came up with that specifically to help those who can't afford to support the label like the VIP buyers do. In addition to purchasing, how can we help a single song reach it's quota so we get the full album released? There are a few ways you can help, and we're always thinking of more! The best and fastest way is: 1: by telling others about the single song releases so they purchase them, too. We'll announce once we're close to the quota so you'll know when a release is nearing the numbers we need. But there are other ways, too! 3: When an a song or album's guide vocal version is released, purchasing that will help add to the amount needed to release a full album. 2: We'll be releasing t-shirt designs for our albums soon, and that's a small portion of that (the portion we get) will also go to support a release. Why is an album release based on single song orders? And VIP? How does that work? As we've said before, creating these tracks is VERY expensive - the equipment alone is over $150,000 - which is why no other track maker has them. In finding ways to help pay for the costs of making the tracks, several tracks were sold exclusively to just a few individuals privately for a lot more than what the prices are for any tracks on the website. This sparked a lot of conversation here and on our Facebook page - and at one time we were considering selling ONLY at those prices, because it would mean an easier way to support what we're creating. However, we know that there are folks who LOVE our tracks but could never afford those prices. So we looked at how to offer tracks to early supporters before we can make them available to everyone while still honoring their early and large support - and still give those who can't afford those prices a way to get these tracks as well - and the VIP Store and new Master Series single-song releases were born. One song from an album is released at the normal single-song price for Master Series. All other songs, as they're finished, will be released in the VIP Store for those who want the tracks early for a premium price - but with a TON of extra features AND the promise that they will get much of their investment back once we hit the single-song quota for an album and it gets released in the regular Master Series store. In short, your single song orders for an album help us pay for what we need to complete an album. Once we have enough single song orders for an album, the VIPs are paid back a large portion of what they paid for early access and special treatment, and everyone who ordered the single song will receive the full album for no additional cost - which is usually half or less than half of what the full album will cost after release. So all single song and VIP buyers are getting a huge deal that we worked out specifically to help everyone get these tracks. Why do you sell multiple mixes of a song or album with Master Series? Why not just the original mix? There are a few reasons for this, actually! 1: Some like it how it was on the album, some perfer a more “in person” sound - when releasing our older tracks, we had some asking if they could get versions that gave a bit more of a live feel: less hiss, less reverb, and more mor of a “what it was like in the room” sound or “what the performance would have sounded like on stage”. Because of this, all Master Series releases will have both available. Some even like and purchase both! 2: Some songs have more than one “original” mix - especially when we get into the later material, there’s much more to consider: there are undubbed versions to consider, as well as the very unique mixes on the “Our Memories of Elvis” albums. We love these versions, too, and will release them on the corresponding albums that have those mixes. 2: Catering to multiple preferences helps us hit our quota- since supporters of our label have asked for them and we like these as well, we want to offer them for those who prefer them to the original mix. Choice is always good - and every sale helps us hit our quota, so that’s good too!