Ways To Generate Incomes For Independent Artists

Lady Gaga went bankrupt! …. What!!

I was so shocked when I heard this. I know it is not her latest news, but I’ve just noticed that even famous artists have problems with money situation. Money is not a big deal, but bills are still important!

In this poorly economic situation, big stars got problems about their finance. The question is .. How can you survive as an independent artist?

Well, it is different.

Let’s try this way!

As an independent artist,

You don't have a million fans to take care.

You don't need to buy ten thousand dollars dress to show on the stage.

You don't need to buy a Bentley and drive around Beverly Hills.

You don't need to hire bodyguards.

You can live like a normal person as you do now.

(I know you may want to live like Lady Gaga. I know that it is a dream life for everyone, but please focus on the present!)

See? It’s easier to be an independent artist when you don’t have to spend as much money as a big star! Now, the question is … how to gain your incomes?

I will not say that it is easy, but you just have to stick with it and do it! There are several ways to generate your incomes. Bob Kelly of Woofy Publishing discusses this topic in the Easy CoastRecording Company website.

1) Before doing anything please copyright your work! You can either sign your work with a music publisher or just publish your work to public because you have to protect your own profits! Don’t let anyone steal your profits!

2) Join societies or organizations that help generating your royalties when your songs are played on the radio or the Internet.

You can check out Sound Exchange website. Sound Exchange is the non-profit organization for independent artist that helps collecting royalties from radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, cable TV, music channels, etc.

3) There are many ways to promote your music through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, CD baby, YouTube, etc. It is the effective way to tell the world that you are coming on the way! Promote yourself and market your work!

Online community has become a huge source of income since the Internet exists but few artists agree with this. Many artists think that the Internet will kill them because of the piracy issue. Now, listen. The world has changed. You can’t expect for physical sales anymore. You should think about generating your digital sales. With the Internet and Social media, you don’t need to spend money to promote your music and gain your fans. The Internet is not the only source of income, but it is a huge part of it. It’s fast and free!

4) Build your brand identity, license it and sell it!

Picture from Wongfuproductions

Do you remember one of my favorite independent production group “Wong Fu?” (If not, click here!). After obtaining some fans, they decided to launch the online store and sell their brand product. Yes, they certainly gained more customers, more incomes and more opportunities. 

Your product and your logo may help obtaining new audiences. Don't forget to make your brand unique and remarkable!

5) Go out and PLAY! Show off your abilities to get name recognition and networking opportunities. You may get some returns for the performance by selling your CDs.

These are several ways to generate your incomes. There is one more attractive way to help promoting your music that I have not written down in the blog. Please be patient! I will write about it next week.

Sources

Hollywoodreporter.com : Lady Gaga went bankrupt

Sound Exchange official website : SoundExchange.com

Ecrstudio.com : Income Streams for Independent Artists

Moneyinmusic.com : Independent Music Artist