Selling Your Music as an Independent Artist
Tips and Tools of the Trade on the High Seas with Viking Rocker!
As an independent artist, getting your music out there and earning revenue can feel like navigating a Viking longship through a stormy sea. But with the right tools and strategies, you can chart the course to success. This article explores practical ways to sell your music, with a focus on sync licensing and distribution platforms, and a guide to registering with BMI to ensure you collect your royalties.
Distribution Platforms: Your Gateway to Streaming
To get your music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, you’ll need a reliable distributor. TuneCore is a solid choice, offering distribution to over 150 stores while letting you keep 100% of your streaming royalties (minus their fees). Founded in 2005, TuneCore pioneered digital music distribution and provides robust tools like music publishing administration to streamline royalty collection. Alternatively, platforms like DistroKid or CD Baby can also get your music out efficiently, though each has its own pricing and feature set. Choose a distributor that aligns with your release frequency and budget—CD Baby, for instance, is great for artists releasing music less frequently.
Sync Licensing: Unlocking New Revenue Streams
Sync licensing—placing your music in films, TV shows, commercials, or video games—can be a lucrative way to monetize your work. While Songtradr is known for its B2B music licensing marketplace, connecting artists with brands like Netflix and Amazon, you don’t necessarily need it to succeed. You can achieve similar results by optimizing your TuneCore account, which offers music publishing services to help secure sync deals. Free platforms like Music Vine or AudioJungle are also excellent for licensing your tracks to content creators without upfront costs. To boost your chances, actively pitch your music on X and LinkedIn, where you can connect directly with music supervisors and brands. Share your tracks, highlight your unique sound, and engage with industry professionals to build relationships.
Note on Songtradr: Songtradr’s free Starter Plan was discontinued in 2024, and distribution now requires a paid subscription. To confirm availability or explore their current offerings, visit www.songtradr.com and reach out to their support team at support.songtradr.com if you encounter issues.
Registering with BMI: Securing Your Royalties
To ensure you’re paid for public performances of your music (e.g., radio, streaming, or live venues), registering with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like BMI is essential. BMI collects and distributes performance royalties for songwriters and publishers, making it a critical step for any serious musician. Here’s how to get started:
Visit BMI’s Website: Go to www.bmi.com and click “Join BMI” to begin the registration process.
Choose Your Role: Select whether you’re registering as a songwriter, composer, or publisher. If you’re both writing and releasing music, you may need to register as both.
Provide Your Details: Submit personal information, including your name, contact info, and Social Security Number (for U.S. residents, for tax purposes).
Register Your Songs: Once your account is set up, log in to your BMI dashboard and register your compositions. You’ll need song titles, ownership percentages (if co-written), and your ISWC code if available. BMI can also help you obtain an ISWC through their platform.
Pay the Fee: Songwriter registration is free, but publishers pay a one-time fee of $150 (or $250 for a company). Check BMI’s site for current pricing.
I should note that it is interesting that BMI waived my fee. I was not charged. So, this may be due to special conditions, transitional periods—Doublecheck with the platform you sign up with!
Link to Your Distributor: If you’re using TuneCore or another distributor, ensure your songs are registered with BMI to collect all performance royalties.
By registering with BMI, you’ll also gain access to their resources, including workshops and networking events, which can further your career.
Before you set sail on your musical voyage…
Selling your music as an independent artist requires a mix of strategic distribution, proactive sync licensing, and diligent royalty collection. Platforms like TuneCore, Music Vine, and AudioJungle, combined with direct pitching on X and LinkedIn, can open doors to streaming and licensing opportunities. Registering with BMI ensures you’re paid for your music’s performance, tying it all together. So, grab your axe (or guitar), set sail, and start building your music empire today! Maybe even follow along on Substack here and we’ll share some musical loot!
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