Ben Folds’ “2020” — A case study for indie artists
From songwriting ideas to recording technique, there’s a lot you can learn from the songwriter’s tragi-comic recording-in-quarantine project. Read the post.
Music Business
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to the music business, including music news, management and CD manufacturing advice.
Tailor your music marketing campaigns for different types of media
To boost the effectiveness of your marketing, you need to understand the four different types of media channels. Each requires a different approach and in this article, we explain how to use the first two to get the message out about your music. Read the post.
Neighboring rights and SoundExchange
In our sixth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses neighboring rights and SoundExchange, the organization that tracks and pays those royalties. Read the post.
“Ladder up” and connect your music to something big
Excerpted from “Branding For Musicians: Getting People to Care,” this post uses some notable industry examples to bring a focus on what you can do to ladder up and connect to something aspirational. Read the post.
Using niches to grow your fanbase
To build or grow your following and help others discover your music, you should target niches. To market this effectively, you need to know your target niche’s culture and the type of entertainment they love. Read the post.
Performance royalties and PROs
In our fifth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses performance royalties, the PROs (ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC) who collect them, and why you’re probably not getting all you deserve. Read the post.
Prepping for a podcast interview
Podcast interviews can be powerful outreach for indie artists of all genres. Here are some ways to set yourself up for success once the red light goes on. Read the post.
You need a music marketing plan
Bobby Borg talks to Freddy Nager about the value of creating a marketing plan and the important distinction between a mission statement and a vision statement. This post and video will get you thinking critically about planning your future and visualizing how to get there. Read the post.
What are mechanical royalties (and how do I get mine)?
In our fourth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses mechanical royalties — the money that gets paid to the songwriter or publisher for the “reproduction of your song.” Read the post.
Five things you need more than that new guitar
On Episode 214 of the CLIMB podcast, Johnny Dwinell makes the argument that, whether you know it or not, you’re in the media business, and you need to invest in that aspect of your music career. Read the post.
I own the sound recording of my song… how do I make money?
In our third video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses what royalties and payments you are entitled to if you own and exploit the sound recording of your song. Read the post.
The risks and rewards of social advocacy in music
Bobby Borg talks to Dr. Daniella Baroffio about how social causes and social advocacy can be made more effective when combined with music. Read the post.
Should you “officially” copyright your music?
In our second video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen talks about registering your song for copyright. Should you do it? Read the post.
Don’t fade away during the pandemic
Don’t get stuck in a rut while you’re stuck at home. Do something productive for your music career every day and let your fans hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started. Read the post.
Understanding music rights and royalties
Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen has started a new video series aimed at answering your questions about copyrights, how you’re paid for them, and what you need to do to collect your royalties. Read the post.