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.
new music business
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 promote a record release, Part 2: Your release schedule
There’s a lot of planning and production that goes into releasing and selling your music. The second post in our series focuses on planning your record release schedule. Read the post.
How to promote a release and sell your music, Part 1
There’s a lot of planning and production that goes into releasing and selling your music. This series of blog posts breaks it all down and gives you a blueprint to achieve success. Read the post.
Tony’s 2021 recap and 2022 predictions for the music industry
Let’s take a look back at the year in review and go out on a limb for what could happen in 2022. We’re in unpredictable territory, but there are encouraging trends in the music industry. Read the post
Can You Sell Your Music as an NFT?
What the heck is an NFT? And is there any money to be made as an independent artist selling your music as one? Read the post.
Why you should set a date for your music release (and make it a Friday)
There’s a reason why you should set your music release for a Friday. It’s not just a random day — there’s method behind the madness. Read the post.
How to monetize your music on YouTube
In my fourth video about YouTube and your music, I explain how to monetize your music on YouTube, because I know way too many artists are missing out on this revenue. Read the post.