Marketing
Business Talented?
A few resources for taking it to the next level
The Music Business One-Stop! I joined this web site – put together by a well known music industry resource. It's really a public service because the cost is only about $5 a month. It's a little challenging to navigate, but includes features such as a massive music law terms glossary and clause-by-clause analysis of various types of music industry contracts. For about an extra $5 a month includes a huge resource directory where you can find contact info for all the who's whose in the business, including local agents and talent bookers. This website might also be a good place to inquire about finding qualified legal representation.
You may have a passion for music… but:
You may have a passion for music – but realize that not everyone is meant to be a writer or a performer!
Often those who are more biased into the analytical side of the brain have wonderful technical abilities which are sorely needed by those who are fully living in the artistic half of the mind!
Alternatively – You may have tried writing music and come up with stuff that sounds fabulous **but** does not move people – (including your self). If this is your story, it could be life-changing and highly gratifying to create collaborative partnerships with HOT writers who offer the other half of the equation. This way you can start making music and money together!
These folks have been out there taking risks and getting into trouble – so they HAVE the raw soul experiences to fuel powerful music. However these same people often lack the analytical skills or personal resources, to take it all the way, on their own.
It makes total sense to share writing and publishing credit in situations where a team approach resulted in the final piece. Just working in collaborative partnerships with people who are fundamentally different than you – and yet the same: in a some strange way – can really bring your own creative genius to life.
One of the secrets to Madonna's massive success – was that she hired a different producer for practically every album. She brought her creative value to the table to combine with the unique style and flavor that each producer offered. Madonna was unique among music powerhouses because she managed to remain fresh, relevant, and profitable for more than a decade after her initial splash. This type of success requires constant evolution and adaptability to remain current.
Professional Business Plans for Music:
BIG NOTE!
- If you are person who likes to read, and absorb information.
- If you are analytical yet in touch with your musical soul.
- If you are capable of organizing and motivating….
There is a Need for YOU!
In case you hadn't noticed: many people prefer to thrive in a coherent STRUCTURE provided by someone else.
So many people gamble with their money in the music biz. By arming your self with the right information, you can avoid the key mistakes that slay many wannabes.
Position your self not only to make a world class income, but also enjoy an exciting line of work. You could be really looking forward to getting out of bed each day, while helping great musicians GET PAID for doing what they do best.
Ready-To-Go Business Plans:
Start Your Own Music Publishing Company
What are Potential Sources of Cash Flow?
- Selling recordings at performances & Web (Immediate Income)
- Running a separate promotion & booking operation for your artists. (Immediate Income)
- Event services including your DJs. (Immediate Income)
- Professional recording & production services.
- Royalties from successfully published/and/or distributed music. (Long-term Big-time Income.)
Big Record Deals
Jumping in With the Sharks
Here's the typical situation. You find your music starting to make waves. Maybe just locally: but you are starting to get attention. Your manager makes some calls and important people start showing up at your gigs. The thrill of fame and fortune seem to be knocking at your door.
Selling Songs to Big Names
Selling songs to big names
I once sat in the personal studio of a songwriter who had successfully sold a Grammy Award winning song to a major artist. He was pretty well set financially due to this single accomplishment.
He shared some of the strategies that are employed to pull this off.
Music Earnings NOW!
The Business of Expression Can Equal Serious Cash – Examples One rapper-kid I spoke with never sells less than 300 CDs per night at $5 each. His following has grown to the point that anything he puts for sale on MySpace sells at least 900 units! ( Online his CDs go for $12 each. I'll let YOU do the math. SERIOUSLY! Get out your calculator now. ) People in his home region meet him in the street and ask for autographs. This guy lives in a relatively RURAL area. Not in a big city where performance options abound. Other local musicians now come to him for production help and he gives them exposure by including their material in his own recordings.
Exposure that Pulls
A (Brief) Lesson in Working Smart I used to buy $5 sunglasses from the guy at the flea market. He wasn't even the guy near the front entrance with a huge booth and three employees. (They were more expensive and did not have my FAVORITE style.) After leaving a few expensive pairs here and there – I finally wised up!
The No Airplay Opportunity
Promotion If you really care to know the dirty details about how the big business music machine operates, go ahead and get a copy of "The Hitmen" by Frederic Dannen".
In summary, it's impossible to get any kind of serious radio airplay unless you are prepared to pay somewheres in the ball park of at least half-a-million bucks. In the industry these fees called PROMOTIONAL EXPENSES.
Performance Testing
BEFORE you go and invest a ton of money on studio time, session-musicians, or shrink-wrapped CD product: it makes total sense to test-market your material in the real world, and then keep evolving it until you have the sales numbers to back up further investment.
A Better Way to Go Big
The new (smart) way to go big!
Let's just assume that you have been carefully reading these articles and have started to realize that music is a business. Real business boils down to taking calculated risks – not gambling.
You've gone through a process of development and you are starting to see the sales to prove it.

