This is an article to familiarize everyone in the music business with the questions of how do I sell beats online, how do I sell songs, how do I make money with tracks, as well as how to sell instrumental songs. The music industry has changed greatly since the explosion of the internet. Power is now in the hands of individual producers and bands to make a living with their songs with a little hustle, know how, and a plan. We need to take a look about how companies work in order to formulate an approach to garner the attention of decision makers. This will be the first in a series of articles to get you on your way.
Before a band can be signed to a major label, they must be discovered. This means companies are looking for something at the time which is usually based on current needs. The process may take place with a scout or an intern, which I have done, and will present an A&R with a demo after viewing a live show. Now before the A&R heads to the show they will do a little legwork about the possible band. If he likes what he sees, he takes this project back to his department and staff for approval and to contract the band when all agree.
The way you look at a Major Record Label is like a Big corporate bank or loan shark. They are corporate minded and corporate motivated. It is not like the days of Motown, when talent was hard to find and a real possible band or song was a diamond in the rough. They would put all their money and heart into developing a band maybe even selling the house. These days, record companies want to see that you are drawing money. Better yet, they want to know that you are already making money selling cd’s or selling tickets to shows. They want to see a possible business partner already in action. This is the way Rocafella records or Cash Money Millionaires started. They were already a working team unit hustling hard and making money long before they caught interest from a label. Record companies want to tap into possible businesses. If signed, they may furnish you with a budget to record an album or cover your overhead, but this is not free money. You will pay this back out of your royalties. It is very possible to go platinum and still owe the record company money after costs for for music videos, promotion and marketing, buybacks and freebies, and recording cost and advances are recouped. On the other hand, if you are an independent label working out of your garage or basement selling only 10,000 CD’s, that is is $100,000 in your pocket. Not bad and not hard to do and you can now quit your day job cause you are making more than your average physician or attorney for doing something you like.
In order to sell songs online publicity is still rule #1
When deciding to sell songs online you must still maintain and off line approach to getting publicity. You must still be out there getting your songs heard by sewing up your home town. These are the people who know you and are closely familiar with you. Classmates, church members, and community organizations and activities are the way to start building your fan base. Become a hometown hero first to look for your major support, and then branch out from there. Enter as many contests, talent shows, and parties that you can to hone your craft. If you can not do this, then do not think you will have it all of a sudden and step on stage at Madison Square Garden, because it won’t happen. You must video tape yourself and see how you look on stage to fix your show and compare your show to what you see on real live shows of major bands with charisma. Overcoming these fears early is a major step toward your career path. Attend open mics, jam sessions, and wherever else you can find the opportunity to be heard, and there you will find the first people to sell songs to.
Establish a following to sell songs to rule #2
Getting fans on your own is an important part. Major record companies like to pick a band and artist who have already establish a following. This does not just mean having a Myspace with 20,000 friends, but having true fans. These are the ones who support you, comment on your songs and raise you up by talking about you and spreading the word. Word of mouth is still the best form of viral promotion. Create or do something that gets people talking. Set up parties do an open mic, collaborate with a non profit and start to build an email list of possible fans to let them know what is going on with your songs.
Give away freebies in order to sell songs online #3
To sell songs, even the major record companies give away thousands of cds in order to sell millions.
In order for you to get recognized by a label you have to treat yourself with discipline like a label or business. You must be out there performing to be seen, working your craft, and laying down the foundation to build a fan base. Just because a record label signs you does not mean fans magically appear. They will never do this. People are grinding for years before you ever see them in the spotlight
No comments:
Post a Comment