Mechanical royalty rates are going up… Or are they?
The Copyright Royalty Board announced plans to increase the mechanical royalty rates for product sales, which is great for songwriters. But will streaming rates do the same? Read the post.
Author: Tony van Veen
NFTs are not ready for indie music
There has been so much hype and activity centered around NFTs that I felt compelled to dig in and lay out why NFTs are not ready for indie music. Read the post.
The MLC’s $424 million royalty distribution conundrum
The music industry has long had a royalty distribution problem, AKA the infamous “black box,” which represents hundreds of millions in mechanical royalties collected on behalf of publishers and songwriters who have not been paid because they cannot be tracked down. Read the post.
There’s a CD revival in the making
CD sales are up for the first time in over a decade, and we take a dive into the DIY market to explore the details of what’s being hailed as a CD revival. Read the post.
Don’t stand in the way of your own music success
Stepping outside of your comfort zone, by definition, makes you uncomfortable. But you might need to try something new to find success in your music career. Read the post.
Tony’s 2021 recap and 2022 predictions for the music industry
Let’s take a look back at the year in review and go out on a limb for what could happen in 2022. We’re in unpredictable territory, but there are encouraging trends in the music industry. Read the post
What’s a record label looking for?
These five questions are ones a record label needs answers to if you hope to get attention and a potential deal. Read the post
The pros and cons of a major-label record deal
Getting signed to a major label is a dream come true, right? Well, there are definite advantages, but your chances of career success are somewhere way south of guaranteed. Read the post.
Should you sign a record deal or stay independent?
There are downsides to being an independent artist, but there are so many incredible advantages, as well. We look at the pros and cons of signing a record deal versus staying independent. Read the post
The album release in the streaming era
In today’s streaming era, while music promotion should launch a new album release, your music is always “on the shelf” and lightning can strike long after it first hits the marketplace. Read the post
The data is in: Physical music sales are UP in 2021!
It may be hard for skeptics to believe, but physical albums were up a robust 37.5 percent compared to this time last year, from almost 28 million units to over 38 million units. Read the post.
Is your music marketing working?
Is your music marketing working? Is it generating streams, views, sales, and (importantly) revenues? Would you even know if it was? Read the post.
Your #1 job as a music artist? Create demand for your music.
There are two million songs released every month. But those artists, those songs, are not your competition. Your success is driven by your commitment and patience. And your great music. Read the post.
Promoting your music on social media: It’s all about you
Promoting your music act via social media is no time to be coy. Make it about you and all the cool things you do. Read the post.
You’re an indie artist — do you need legal protection?
When music becomes more than just a pastime and you set out to write, play, and release music, it’s time to consider steps you should take to protect yourself. Read the post.