Soundworks Record Pool FAQ

How much does it cost to be in a pool?
The prices vary. All pools charge a monthly fee. Soundworks' dues are $75.00 a month. New members are required to pay first and last month's dues. Many pools charge an initiation fee as well, Soundworks does not.

How many records do I get?
This question is always a tough one to answer, the numbers vary. As far as actual number of pieces a DJ can receive; in the busy months 60 to as many as 80 pieces are not uncommon, while during slow periods there may be as few as 30 or 40 pieces. The professional DJ will look at the big picture. Non-pool DJs never really pay much attention to the definite seasons of music. There are two primary "off" periods during the year. The first runs from the last part of June through the first part of August, the second from the last part of December through January. The major labels plan "release schedules" for their records, often planning well ahead of actual releases. You can count on most 12" releases from major labels to just precede or follow the release of a full length album to bolster full length sales. Independent dance labels often use the "off" periods for promoting new releases, taking advantage of the less crowded market.

What is expected of me after I am a member?
Pools probably vary more in this aspect than any other. We require that dues be paid promptly on the first of every month and that the required charts are tendered on time. We encourage each member's responses to the records they receive, but no formal feedback is required. Most pools still require written reactions and mandatory pool meetings. We find that written "opinions" waste everybody's time and meetings end up being merely social events. Charting a record is all the positive "feedback" required.

What if being in a pool doesn't work for me?
Soundworks only require thirty days notice for members to end their membership. Record pools are not for every DJ, we do our best to get that across to every applicant. Pools are a service business, and if a DJ can't use the service we would rather have them drop out.

This page maintained by greg@soundworks-sf.com. It was last modified on 19 Feb 2004.