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.
Music Business
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.
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.
Maximizing your revenue when streaming: Part II
You can still play live shows during this pandemic by live streaming them to your fans. But, to make money from it, you need to build income-making methods into your show so fans can support you. 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.
Maximizing your revenue when streaming live shows
As musicians transition from live shows to live streams, they are finding ways to monetize their performances, even if they aren’t “in person.” Some of these revenue options aren’t even available when playing live! Read the post.
Advice for finding, keeping, and leaving a job in the music industry
Bobby Borg talks to Dr Chaz Austin, an employment consultant and author of 100 Ways To Find Work And Keep Finding Work For The Rest Of Your Career about the importance of building and maintaining relationships at your job. Read the post.
Songwriting Dos and Don’ts
A recent “Play For a Publisher” event featured Stacey Willbur, VP of Publishing and A&R for Full Circle Music sharing her feedback about 10 songs that were selected to be showcased. Read the post.
Stay focused on your music career during the shutdown
While we’re navigating the current stay-at-home lifestyle — which means a moratorium on most everything that goes along with being an active musician — there are a number of activities you can engage in to help advance your music career. Read the post.
Music publishing for 2nd graders
A friend of mine wanted me to explain music publishing and he asked me to “use language a 2nd grader would understand.” I figured this could serve our blog readers who need a primer (or refresher). Enjoy! Read the post.
To network effectively, become a great listener
Bobby Borg talks to Freddy Nager, a former label executive and marketing pro, about the importance of networking and how to do it effectively — especially if you hate the idea of networking on its face. Read the post.