The movement to end the merch fees charged by venues is growing
Senate hearings and calls from music artists to end the merch fees assessed by live music venues are making an impact on the industry. Read the post.
Music Industry News
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to the music industry, including trends and news that relates to the independent musician.
How Bands and Co-Writers Divide Percentage Shares in a Song
What does copyright law say about your rights when an original idea is formed between two or more people? Here’s how some co-writers divide percentage shares in a song. Read the post.
Streaming vs. CDs — Who wins?
We live in a streaming world — yet revenues from physical media (i.e., CDs and vinyl LPs) continue to grow every year. Read the post.
Musicians who died in 2022
2022 may not have been the bounce-back year we had all hoped for, and sadly, we saw too many beloved musicians — icons and up-and-comers alike — pass on to the great afterparty in the sky. Read the post.
How to fail as an indie music artist (in 7 easy steps)
Music success is fine for some, but if you really want to fail at this whole indie music thing, here’s a sure-fire recipe to achieve that goal. Read the post.
Challenge yourself to discover new music
Actively discovering new music not only helps broaden your musical landscape, it can help you learn something about your friends and bandmates — and yourself. Read the post.
What was the first CD ever released?
There are a few albums vying for the title of “first CD ever released,” and how you phrase the question makes a difference. Read the post.
Spotify’s selling concert tickets? Is this a good thing?
There’s news that Spotify may be getting into concert ticket sales. The app already knows what music you like — so, is this good for music artists? Read the post.
Music business advice from an entertainment lawyer
Entertainment lawyer Ben McLane sits with Bobby Borg to discuss three important topics bands need to consider in the new music age. Read the post.
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.
Preparing your music for distribution: How to release and sell your music, Part 3
There are many steps to successfully releasing and selling your music, and getting your product prepared and your distribution channels aligned are critical elements of your plan. Read the post.
How songwriting contests, challenges, and awards can boost your music career
Song and album challenges, song contests, and battle of the bands are great opportunities to get your music heard — and they often get covered by the press and media. Read the post.
Musicians who died in 2021
In addition to all the heartache last year wrought, the list of notable musicians and producers who died in 2021 is extensive, with notable innovators, groundbreakers, and icons joining their departed brethren at the eternal post-gig party. Read the post