How to Sell Music
The struggling recording industry has opened up opportunities for independent artists to sell their music. Fans of rock, hip-hop and other musical genres have turned away from major labels due to high album prices. These music aficionados are looking at MP3 websites, independent labels and music festivals for the next big act. An independent artist must be persistent while selling his music in person and online.
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Instructions
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1
Start a website for your music and promote the site's link at every opportunity. This website should feature music samples, tour information and your background to help fans learn more about a new artist.
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2
Create your own CDs and packaging material in an appeal to the DIY crowd while selling music. Fans of independent music appreciate self-applied labels, handwritten liner notes and album covers that are created by musicians.
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3
Promote your homemade CDs through online venues like Backstage Commerce that expose musicians to eager music fans. These websites exposure music fans to new artists in exchange for processing fees to cover the cost of advertising and shipping (see Resources below).
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4
Take advantage of open mic nights and sidewalk performances to sell your music to curious listeners. This source of revenue will be small for most artists, but it is important to create a human connection with prospective fans. These connections may lead to further sales.
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5
Convert your album's tracks to MP3s for distribution through websites like MP3.com. An artist can join MP3.com for free and sell his music in MP3 form for consumers who like to listen to singles on their iPods (see Resources below).
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6
Start your own music label to market your EPs, albums and merchandise under a single brand. The use of a music label for independent music adds some weight to an unknown artist's album. Every musician can develop a music label with a logo, name and dedicated website.
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7
Contact bookstores, music supply shops and record stores to create distribution deals for your demos and EPs. These agreements entitle the owner to a share of the profits in exchange for CD placement on a new music rack or countertop. Avoid reliance on these distribution sources and prepare for rejection from business owners who are deluged with requests from local artists.
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Tips & Warnings
Involve creative friends and colleagues in album assembly to keep your production costs low. These tasks range from burning CDs and applying labels to designing cover art and editing musical tracks.
Consult with an attorney well-versed in intellectual property and entertainment law before selling your music online. This legal expert will be familiar with federal legislation and litigation by the recording industry that may reflect changes in online music sales.
Develop a loyal fan base for your music by selling T-shirts, stickers and other swag through your website. These products should be priced at affordable levels to reward fans who have bought EPs and albums since the beginning.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by mediaeater (Flickr)
Comments
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Sheila Murrey
Jan 31, 2009
As an indie songwriter/musician promoter I was happy to read your post and agree with your suggestions. The only step I have not tried for my band yet is #7. Because The Chevy Ford Band rarely performs, I didn't think about popping into local shops to see if I might place a few CDs on their counters for sale. However, I will give it a try now! Also, might you advise me on just how I am supposed to get a music attorney? I've called and email a dozen and none will respond to me. If there's one out there reading this then please see my profile page and contact me. Thanks!
