How Modern Musicians Still Get Paid For Making Music
If you think that the days of getting paid for creating music are over, you’re half right. While it’s true that people can listen to pretty much whatever they want on music platforms (if they’re willing to listen to ads), that doesn’t mean that there is no way to get paid at all. In fact, quite the reverse is true. Thanks to apps and other forms of media, there are probably more opportunities to get paid than there were in the past.
Sell A Music Experience
If you try to sell an album but are relatively known, you’ll struggle to sell a lot of music. People are now accustomed to the fact that they don’t have to spend a lot of money on music, especially “new” music from budding artists without a label.
If you make music, this trend means that you need to get creative. Try looking at the problem differently. Instead of selling music the old-fashioned way, come up with ideas that turn album buying into an experience for the listener. For instance, some artists now give away their albums for free but then offer paid goodies on top, like private gigs.
Start Selling Merch
If you can’t sell your band’s music, then try selling its brand. While people might be reluctant to part with their cash to listen to your music, they usually won’t have a problem spending money on t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, caps, and whatever else you have on your merch store.
From a business perspective, your music is just an advertising tool that you use to raise brand awareness. Your real product is the physical products you sell over the web.
Become Reputable On SoundCloud
The more popular your music is on SoundCloud, the more money you can generate in advertising. SoundCloud, however, is a massive platform, and it isn’t very easy for many artists to get noticed. Fortunately, you can buy SoundCloud plays to increase your prominence. The more people who listen to your uploads, the more valuable you become to the platform, and the more popularity and ad spend you receive.
Sell Your Musical Abilities On Fiverr
If people aren’t buying your albums, but you still want to sell your music, you can offer it over services like Fiverr. The type of work that people ask you to do can vary enormously from one client to the next. Some will want you to record their music while others will request that you come up with a tune that they can use at a wedding or gig.
Create An Army Of Superfans
The most important currency in the music industry is superfans. If you can gain a few of these, then it makes your life much more comfortable as a musician. While they might not pay you much at the start, their support on social media and while attending your gigs can make you wildly popular.
If you have superfans, invest in them. Meet them face-to-face and show them your appreciation for their loyal service. Please don’t take them for granted.