Writing pop songs that stand out
Bobby Borg talks with Anika Paris — an award-winning singer/songwriter, classically trained pianist, and published poet and author — about ways to write unique pop songs. Read the post.
music success
Fuel for your music career — a collection of music industry resources
One of the drivers of any successful career is developing expertise in your field. Where and how do you gather that information for your music career? Here’s a place to start. 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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you ready to produce and promote a podcast?
Preparing to produce a podcast to build your brand and promote your music? This post can help you think through some of the basics of creation and promotion. Read the post.
Overcoming obstacles with creativity, drive, and talent
Blind musician and motivational speaker Joey Stuckey is proof that following the four pillars of success can help you overcome whatever obstacles are in your way. Read the post.
How to survive as a musician in the 21st century
We hear from consummate indie artist Jim Infantino to get some real-world advice about cultivating relationships, merch and physical product, and being creative with how you survive as a musician in the 21st century. Read the post.
Songwriting advice: Cry when you write, dance when you produce
Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter lean on some sage songwriting advice Brent got from veteran songwriter Ralph Murphy: deliver a positive tempo. Read the post.