Thanks to the internet and social media, the music industry is constantly changing.Getting radio play on a major station isn't as important as it used to be because people are no longer limited to the geographical boundaries of their local radio frequencies.Nowadays, people can use internet resources, music sites and local recording studios to produce, sell, and promote their own music because the days of sending demos to every record label and radio station are over.
Step 1: You can record a few songs.
It is time to lay down the tracks once you have mastered a few songs.Thanks to advances in technology, most small towns now have their own recording studios where musicians can go to record a few tracks or entire albums at relatively low prices.When you're trying to get people to pay for your music, it's important to know if there are any local recording studios in your town.All the nearest recording studios will be listed if you search for "recording studios" and the name of the city where you live.
Step 2: You can have your music in multiple formats.
Music is sold in many different ways, and each requires a different format.If you want to sell your music online or through electronic stores, you'll need a digital version of it.If possible, get your tracks pressed onto CDs and vinyl if you can, and keep digital versions of everything as well.
Step 3: Digital apps and music stores can be used to sell music.
Many of the digital music stores have their own music apps that can be used on different mobile devices.These media can be used to sell your music.Digital stores make it difficult for individuals to sell their music, and prefer that musicians use third-party networks.You need an Apple ID, a Universal Product Code, an International Standard Recording Code and a U.S. tax ID to sell music through iTunes.
Step 4: Join a distribution network.
When you sell your music to these networks, you're paying for them to get it sold through the most popular digital avenues, and they specialize in partnering with digital music stores and streaming services.These sites will be able to deal with all the red tape involved in selling music digitally, and will format your music to the various specifications of different stores.RouteNote Songcast is one of the more popular digital distribution networks.
Step 5: Beat and instrumental music can be sold online.
Digital stores dedicated to selling beats, samples, and instrumental music are just like digital music stores where you can sell your own music to people around the world.Like the digital stores and distribution networks, some of these sites work on a subscription basis.Soundgine My flash store is one of the most popular music production sales sites.
Step 6: You can sell physical copies of your music online.
The same way people buy clothes online, you can sell copies of your records.When someone buys your album, they pay shipping and taxes, and then you mail a physical copy of it to them.If you have a website, you can do this through it.Another option is CDBaby.They make their money by taking a cut of every sale, but they can also convert digital copies of your music into CD formats.
Step 7: You can sell your music in person.
Local shows and concerts, coffee shops, art galleries, and markets are some of the places where independent artists can sell their own music.Coffee shops may ask for a small fee in return for managing your display, while farmer's markets may require you to pay a booth.If you're looking for other venues to sell your music, ask around in the local arts and music scene to find businesses that are open to helping out local artists, and ask if you can set up a display and sell records.
Step 8: Promote your music on social media.
If you want to make a living as a musician, you need to reach as many people as possible in order for them to buy your music.One of the best ways to reach new fans is through social media and having friends, family, and fans share your music with others.Along with having accounts with all the popular social media sites, you should also update them regularly and share your songs, performances, and videos there.
Step 9: It's important to perform at every opportunity.
Digital marketing is important, but you still have to perform all the time.Try to book yourself at events like weddings, parties, and charity events, along with traditional concerts, shows and club performances, if you're looking for a gig.By performing in front of live audiences, you will build a stronger fan following, develop a solid local market, and each show will bring more exposure and new fans.
Step 10: Listen to your music on radio stations.
It is still important for artists to get their music heard, and this is a more traditional way of doing that.When sending a demo, make sure to address a specific DJ and try to target someone that plays music in your genre.If you're a musician, you can also send your tracks to college and university radio stations.
Step 11: Get an agent.
It's their job to help make you more popular and they are great at it.If you're looking to get signed, agents are a huge asset because they have connections within the industry.An agent is supposed to negotiate for you, find and book performances, and arrange show details.An agent can get your foot in the door if the larger labels don't accept demos.
Step 12: Your music should be sent to a few record labels.
It's not necessary if you want to sign a record deal with an actual label.Some of the pressure off you will come from a record label taking care of promoting your music and selling records.Send copies of your best work to producers and executives at the labels you would like to work with if you want to get signed with an existing label.8Bit peoples and Monstercat are examples of digital record labels.