Why Musicians do not see the Full Potential of their musical Efforts!

So, really the hackneyed saying above is true — find the people that are prepared to go the journey with you — in part or whole. These people I would say are not so easy to find, and after all where do you look? Well, word of mouth — have you got friends whom have used professional services to bolster their team? Have you seen a great company/agency that is advertising their services — approach them and see what you can get for free, then if you like the outcome think about parting with money.

It’s so easy thee days to find a live-streaming platform — I mean there is literally a new platform service popping up every month. To date there must be at least twenty decent-ish services to choose from….so, why and where and how do you filter the right partnership from the DSP — multi corporates ( i.e. the massive companies that will swallow you whole and pay you virtually nothing).

It’s a bit like the argument that Spotify is a massive corporate that pays small and medium audience Artists naff all and yet grow s itself massive — it is a whale — and cares little about your sound — just your metrics.

That said, there are plenty of smaller start-up live streaming platforms — see this link for a review of offering as of 2020 Q3.

But what is a good partnership for you? Things to consider…

To get a full breakdown of this nascent topic — see this great article form Pitchfork.com — live-streaming in a Post Covid-World..

But why is the title of this blog relevant ? well, I would suggest that the paltry returns gained from a big streaming service when you upload your music to them is not worth the effort. Far better to spend the money –and more importantly the time — on building our own resource base, say your own website, one that has your own style, art and music on it and stream from there… get full 100% return from the prices you set for your Albums and videos.

Why wouldn’t you want to keep control — and remove middle management? I personally can’t think of a single good reason not to.

so, you read this and think it would be obvious that everyone would agree. — bit it really could be a misnomer. For all the right reasons a record label should provide you with the tools ( and even better implement them for you) so you can get your sound out to the wider world, build. a fanbase and monetise the effort you make with your music.

But that said, many indie companies are doing just the opposite. This startup culture of providing a skeleton service of promotional tools only overworks musicians and musical Artists — yes it may be financially less expensive in the short run, but you won’t get the time and more importantly industry insides that a record label can give you — if you choose this option.

If you reading this think — Yes I’d like to sign to a record label but what is the process — then its really a matter for you to do your research and find a company/label that will best fit you as a person or group, a label that is representative of your sound — i.e. that other Artists signed are sharing your “taste” of music. Finally it is Important that the deal that is on offer is suitable — here you DEFINITELY NEED TO READ THE SMALL PRINT. You are entering into a legal contract and you would be foolish if you wouldn’t. Not all contracts are the same!!

So if you’ve decided to enter into a contract with a label then Great — you’re one step closer to the road of success. The record label of your choice should be able to do multiple things — merchandise, touring schedules, web presence, all film & print material, accounting and promotion.

Most importantly of all — and to state the obvious — you should try and make a personal contact and relationship with the person or people, that after all will be managing a large part of your music and business.

It’s kinda funny — but sad too, I know I have been there. Really making music and wanting to be a financial not just critical success is a double edged sword. You must be prepared to learn about the music industry environment you plan or already find yourself in. Successful musicians are normally known for first the music — but also considerably, they take an active role in learning how the business side works. Sure you can just sign to a record label of choice — but you still take an interest in things like…. how much % split you get, what channels and promotions your hard earned music will be played on, what other options your record label is giving you.

DO you have the legs and mind to do the above? if not then at least think for a little while before you give any IP CREATIVE RIGHTS AWAY. The beauty here is that most people/companies/labels are more than happy to have you fully involved — -they have as mush to learn from you as you from them. So, go on learn the ropes and regulations.

Be aware that every sound has a niche and an audience — and if you feel your efforts are going to waste try another approach. Don’t give up on your dream. Even when your reaching success — on your own terms, or that of your bandmates, there is opportunity to go further — each and everyones’ need and reason to make music vary. Don’t assume everyone understands why you do what you do. Yes, its nice to monetise your music — but this is not always a metric to measure success. The longevity of the music you make is dependent on many factors — so don’t always go for the bottom Dollar.

QUESTIONS… I ask of myself for future success<>

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We are passionate about music and Designing Websites …. and love getting people exposure to new audiences. Goals: To take the pain and uncertainty out of PR.