Dave Smith: The Godfather of MIDI
Music technologist, inventor, and synthesizer creator Dave Smith died on May 31, 2022. His innovations will continue to shape music for years to come. Read the post.
music industry
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.
How to make the most of your live music shows
How do you sell out your live music shows, especially if you’re just starting out? Here are some low-cost techniques which are within reach of every musician. 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.
How to get on video and video streaming shows
Video and video streaming creates more options to get your music videos played than ever before. Make video content and open these opportunities for your music. Read the post.
Sell your CDs online: Stake a tent at Bandcamp
Ready to start selling CDs and merch online? Bandcamp offers a customizable solution with the independent musician in mind. 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.
How to get your music played on television
Television is more within reach than most people are aware, especially with shows in local markets. Once you get coverage, you can use it to open more doors and opportunities. Read the post.
How to promote your record release
Now that your music is recorded, your product and assets have been created, and your release calendar set, it’s time to promote your record. 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.
How to get your music heard and seen
From music aggregators to streaming platforms, music influencers to your artist website, music discovery starts with a plan. Read the post.
16 ways to build a music fanbase
I watched over 50 YouTube videos on how to expand your music fanbase and summarized all of them in these rapid-fire tips. Let’s get to it. 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 to get your music reviewed and played on (all kinds of) websites
Third-party websites — including blogs, music review sites, and even non-music sites — can help people discover your music. Target these sites to get coverage and grow your audience. 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.