Whether or not you’re in it for the money, making a few bucks with your music is a great feeling. I’ve been writing songs most of my life, and recording for the better part of the last decade. And while I’m not a professional, I’ve still earned enough over the years to warrant paying taxes as a musician and amateur recording engineer.
Inspired by Darren’s “top 5 ” project, I thought I’d share a few of the ways I’ve made money with our favorite hobby. [UPDATE: Below, I overlooked the possibility of winning money in song contests.]
In descending order of which has made me the most:
1. I sell CDs, both online and at shows: The industry’s changing, but for the time being at least, this tried and true approach is the most profitable for me. As I’m sure is the norm, I sell more CDs at live gigs than via my web site. Still, the online CD sales of Waking Up In August are more than enough to justify the album’s web site. And if you’re debating whether to use a service like CDBaby: I sell far more CDs via my own web site, but enough folks find my album via CDBaby to justify using both approaches.
2. I’ve written and recorded songs on spec: Most recently, last month a lady I’ve never met hired me to write a song about her and her fiance. (Out of respect for her privacy, I haven’t put the song online. But if you’d like more details, contact me.) It was a challenge: Writing a personal song about experiences I’ve never had was enlightening, to say the least. But I learned a lot through the process, so I can charge more next time.
Check out Tailored Music if the idea of writing songs for others appeals to you.
3. I’ve recorded and mixed tunes for other people: I have a decent basement studio, so my musician friends come to me when they want to record their own songs. One such friend commented after a session that my T3 probably cost more than his entire collection of instruments, and I realized I should be charging for the service.
4. I sell MP3s online: I offer Waking Up In August in multiple formats on the web site, but the album is also available on iTunes, and somewhat to my surprise, people buy it there! Though adding my own experience to the recent body of evidence that albums may be dead: People buy Brand New Car by itself much more often than they buy the complete album. Apparantly, that song is the “single.”
5. I write about music: Hometracked doesn’t make me a fortune. Really just enough to cover my hosting fees. (And while I could bury the site in ads to make a few more dollars, one of the reasons I started Hometracked was my frustration with the sea of affiliate marketing-ridden home recording sites telling me what to buy, rather than how to use what I already have.) But I enjoy writing, and most of the links I post are articles and web forums I’d be reading anyway. So it’s a natural extension of the hobby.
I’m curious: Have you found any novel ways to earn a few dollars with your music, or your home recording skills?
See Also: Tips for successful song contest entry
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as far as making money as an independent artist, i have used my mbox/pro tools to do a hold loop for a large local company.
a friend an i did some original music, recorded voice overs, edited it and mixed it. i get asked twice a year to re-edit the loop with new voiceovers and sponsor spots.
i also worked on a couple of meditations cds with a friend and plan to produce a few more in the next year.
the money is nice when the work is there. i guess i just have to go out and hunt up some more work!!
too bad you dont make more on the site. I am really enjoying the articles and learning a great deal everyday. The hardest thing a person can do is take something they love and make money doing it. The internet has proven to be a great marketing tool which comes with a price.
Just my opinion..
1. We practice in our basement, garage, or bedroom all of our spare time.
2. W practice with a band for countless hours only to play some small Venues for the other bands friends and families.
3. We create a my space but isnt quite as flashy as the other guys, so we dont get as many hits.
4…..we pay for a better one
5…..we pay a studio for a better demo for our site
6…..we pay a site developer for a better site
7. We start to venture out more maybe hook up with a promoter. (The last one I talked too told me it was good idea to hand out cd’s at clubs)
8. We daydream for that ever so wonderful record deal.
man do i love this business.
The true question is how do we make a living doing what we love.
Faith, practice and then when you are done, practice some more. we respect ourselves and our music with everything we have. We learn to accept our mistakes and learn from them.
I have accepted the fact that I will never make any money as a musician. I can care less if my studio ever makes a dime. I work for a fortune 500 company as a Senior LAN Administrator (flashy title but I get to play with cool stuff all day and I make a descent living). I make extra money as a contractor on the side to support my studio habit (like a crack addiction). I have designed and implemeted multiple websites for all different kinds of businesses and bands.
My future plan.
Use all the things i have learned so the person in the garage, basement, or bedroom can keep practicing. Learn from people have have done it right already and dont reinvent the wheel. I am on the second phase of construction for my home studio. i will post some pics on my sons band website (readysetgoband.com) click on the mixer (they are 14 and just did all the mixing themselves). I just finished the Camden partition seperating the control room from the studio and accoustic treatment. Can use some help on choices of Mic’s though.
I am going to search out talent, record, promote live and online, and make so the artist doesnt have to worry as much about number 3 thru 6.
sorry so long..any advice is always helpful
Wow. I have been wondering how your music sounded like until I stumbled upon this post. Great stuff man! There’s so much wisdom juice here. Can’t wait to explore more of this blog.
To be honest, I’ve done nothing but lose money on my music. Cafepress doesn’t help that … but I guess when you’re only planning on selling 2 cds, why would you go and order 50 or 100? I guess I could start playing shows, but I might want to practice more first.
> but I might want to practice more first
Heh, that almost sounds like work!!
Quick question about iTunes (I’m more interested in Zune Marketplace myself… but alas…) How do you go about putting your music up on iTunes? Who do you contact? I’ve signed up for Musicane recently but have yet to upload my music there, perhaps I should ask some of my buddies who have songs on iTunes, I just figured I’d ask here since I just read the article. Great site by the way… Keep it up! It’s inspired me to go home and record tonight. ;)
> How do you go about putting your music up on iTunes?
If you’re selling a CD through CD Baby, they do it for you – Just enable digital distribution
The easiest non-CD Baby route is http://www.tunecore.com/
They charge, but it’s fairly reasonable (assuming you can sell a few tracks, of course :-)
> It’s inspired me to go home and record tonight.
Sweet!
Thanks for the quick reply des. I’ll look into both options. Time to go make some noise… ;) Happy Valentines Day!
thank you .
Thanks a alot…
Heh, that almost sounds like work!!
thanks…
Thanks.
Thanks for the quick reply des. I’ll look into both options. Time to go make some noise… ;) Happy Valentines Day!
I have not made a singel penny of my music yet! but i’m close. I know that if i work hard enough i will make it :) And i will !
I fix headphones and Audio jacks to stay afloat and support my musical ambitions . I think that if you find something that involves music, that you are good at, and that can help other musicians, It can be a very positive way to support yourself while going after a career in music. I have a myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/greenpatchcable and place adds on craigslist and ebay. If there is anyone out there thats tired of their headphones cutting out or they’ve stopped working, I can fix them for $20 ! It Beats spending $100 + on a new pair if you are someone that appreciates audio through a decent pair. It’s also better for the environment to have our headphones repaired then to throw a pair out and buy a new one. Less waste and less raw materials need to be pulled from our dwindling resources. Visit me on myspace or email me at jay@vinyette.com
I sold over 150 thousand albums independently from the trunk, just like MC Hammer, Master P, Ludacris and Nelly. I say pull up to a mall or flea market or anywhere else there are people and approach them with your music, you’ll be surprised how many people would support your product/Music.
Check out my Mini Movie explaining how I became a successful indie artist: http://www.ubetoo.com/bobbywashington/28601
I have a lot of music money making outlets but my best one to date is doing mastering for people. I do a pretty good job at it and I do it for way less than most engineers. Word of mouth over the years has allowed me to stay somewhat busy. I’m also a solo artist and I agree that gigs are good. Music downloads are slow but picking up as younger people are more accustomed to the download format.
For More Great Articles About Home Recording: http://homerecordingenthusiast.blogspot.com
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