When a new BLOODRED release goes live – whether it’s a full-length album, a video, or even just a single track – what you hear is the result of months, sometimes years, of work. And while that work is deeply fulfilling, it’s also complex, demanding, and driven almost entirely by personal commitment.
This isn’t about self-pity or glorifying hardship. But I believe it’s worth offering a look behind the curtain for those who are curious about what it really takes to keep a project like BLOODRED alive and moving forward. Not to complain. Not to fish for sympathy. But simply to share a part of the story that usually stays behind the scenes.
The Work Behind the Sound
At its core, BLOODRED is a solo project. I write the songs, craft the lyrics, and shape the overall concept for each release. Over the years, Joris Nijemhuis, who handles the drum recordings, has become an essential part of the creative process and a close musical companion. Together, we shape the sound that defines BLOODRED.
Some parts of the production – like recording guitars and bass – now take place in my own studio, which helps reduce external costs. But other steps still require collaboration with professionals: drum and vocal sessions, mixing and mastering, as well as the visual elements like photography and video. I also take care of the broader communication, promotion, and visual presentation that surrounds each release.
This is not a quick or linear process. From the first riff to the release day, months go by – and sometimes much longer. For the upcoming BLOODRED album, several years have passed since the first songs were written. That delay was shaped by various circumstances, not all of them within my control. It’s something I aim to improve, because I want to bring the music to listeners in a more timely and consistent way.
Albums Aren’t Cheap
To date, BLOODRED has released three full-length albums and one EP. The fourth album is fully produced and ready for release.
Every album requires a significant investment. The main cost drivers are professional studio work (recording, mixing, mastering), visual assets like artwork and photography, and the production of music videos. Even with parts of the recording done independently, a release still amounts to a low five-figure sum.
There are also costs for social media promotion, occasional collaborations with PR partners, and commissioning videos. Each release typically includes at least one fully produced video and a lyric video.
And while there is a financial side to all of this, the more substantial investment is time, care, and the will to create something lasting.
The Question of Return
Let’s address the obvious: BLOODRED is not a profitable project – and it doesn’t need to be. That was never the goal.
Of course, there is income – from physical album sales, digital streaming, performance royalties, and now, for the first time, an official BLOODRED T-shirt. But compared to the effort involved, the financial returns are modest. That’s simply the reality of working in a niche genre with an independent structure – and I came to terms with that a long time ago. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say the income from a BLOODRED album covers a single-digit percentage of the investment. The rest? That’s on me.
There’s something inherently valuable in knowing that the music resonates with people – even if it’s just a few. It’s not about chasing numbers. It’s about that moment when someone discovers a track, connects with it, and chooses to share that experience. That kind of feedback has always meant more to me than sales statistics or digital metrics.
To be clear: there is no break-even point. Unless a track unexpectedly gains major traction, the music will never pay for itself. That’s not pessimism – it’s just the truth.
Why I Still Do This
So why continue, knowing full well that I’m investing time, energy, and money into something that likely won’t pay off in numbers?
Because it matters. Because making music isn’t just something I enjoy – it’s something I need to do. It’s how I reflect, how I express myself, and how I create meaning in a way that’s deeply personal. And it’s incredibly rewarding to know that somewhere, someone listened and connected with something I made.
Those moments – when I receive a message, a comment, or even just see that someone gave the music their time – mean a lot. There’s no single defining fan interaction, but the accumulation of small, genuine responses is what keeps me going.
What It’s Really About
No, I’ve never considered quitting BLOODRED. But I have adjusted my expectations. I’ve become realistic about what this project is and what it isn’t. And that clarity is liberating. It allows me to focus on the things that truly matter: the music, the message, and the connection with those who are open to it.
BLOODRED is an act of dedication. It’s about staying true to a vision, navigating a complex process, and continuing to push forward – not because it’s easy, but because it’s meaningful. It’s not about success in the traditional sense. It’s about building something I believe in, and sharing that with anyone who’s willing to listen.
And as long as that’s possible, BLOODRED will continue.
Inside BLOODRED is the official blog and news section of BLOODRED. Here you’ll find deeper insights into the music, creative process, and vision behind the band – beyond the noise of social media. A new post is published every three weeks (or so). Comments are welcome, but keep them decent!