Tax write-offs for the working musician
It’s tax season, and if you’re a working musician, don’t forget to write off all of your music-related expenses so you can lower your taxes and keep more of the money you earned. Read the post.
music sales
You can’t make money if you can’t take money: How to take payments as a musician
Having things to sell requires you to find a way to take your customers’ money, whether by credit card, online payment, check, or cash. Read the post.
10 marketing mistakes independent musicians make
In these videos, I break down the 10 things I see independent artists do — or fail to do — that leads to underachieving in their music careers. Here are the top 10 marketing mistakes independent musicians make. Read the post.
How to turn music royalties into a cash advance
If you’ve established a proven stream of royalties, you can turn it into a lump sum of money that you can get today by using royalty auction services. 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.
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.
Merch strategies for your live streams
While it may be easier to sell merch when you’re performing live and in person, there are techniques you can use to promote and sell your merch while streaming online. 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.
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.
Are we witnessing the rebirth of physical media?
With the explosion of music streaming, physical media appeared to be out for the count. However, the majors are now reporting physical music revenue growth compared to 2018. Heck, even cassettes are making a comeback. Read the post.
You need to sell merch — here’s why
Why pass up the chance to make additional revenue, build your artist brand, and cement a special connection with your fans?
Read the post.
How to get your music on streaming music stations
There’s a universe of streaming music stations to explore where you can get your music played to grow your fanbase and get coverage of you and your music. Read the post.
The importance of merch for today’s working musician
Being blind hasn’t stopped Joey Stuckey from living a life of intention, joy, and music-making. He also helps design and sell his merch, which is a big part of his revenue stream as an indie artist. Read the post.
How to make more money at your merch table
Your merch table, along with the stage, is the place in the music venue representing you and your music. It’s also a key source of income, so it’s worth planning it out so you can make it easy for your fans to buy from you. Read the post.
How Much Does Streaming Pay?
When you analyze the money you can earn from streaming, you’ll find it’s difficult (at best) to earn enough to support yourself as an artist. But streaming is still valuable: it can be a gateway to discovery and other means of monetizing your fan base. Read the post.