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More than 500,000 songs are released each year.

Distributing your music on your own can be challenging and may result in failure. You won’t have the necessary networks to do it, and you won’t know the correct distribution format. So, many independent music artists choose to work with a music distributor.

There are different types of music distributors, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here is how to select the best music distribution company.

1. Has a Favorable Pricing Structure

The cost of music video distribution is essential for independent artists. Thus, you should know how much it will cost you to distribute the music. Ideally, you should select a distribution company that gives you the biggest profit margins.

First, you have to consider the business distribution model of their music distributor. Some music distributors charge royalty fees. Others prefer to impose an annual or monthly fee.

The distributor may also base their price on your expected yearly releases. If you plan to release many songs, you may get a discount. Similarly, the price will be higher if you plan to distribute your songs on multiple digital platforms.

Other standard pricing models include recurring fees or one-off fees. The key thing to note is that you should make a profit from your music releases.

2. Provides Reporting and Metrics

The music distribution company should produce data about mainstream sales, order volume, completion rate, growth rate, sales ratio of key products, and sales ratio of each platform. They can also track profit, transaction rate (conversion rate), output per capita, and more.

The two most important indicators (sales and order volume) should be available on the dashboard. Similarly, the distribution company should show the target achievement rate so that you can clearly grasp the essential information.

The other metrics are mainly the distribution of orders, such as the number of orders on each distribution platform. The data can also reflect the distribution of customer unit prices.

For instance, if the data on a specific day shows that the number of orders of a certain track suddenly increases, it may be the effect of certain promotions. In contrast, if the number of orders declines and the sales do not increase much, it is evident that the music track was unsuccessful.

In short, by observing the metrics, you will be able to know what type of music to focus on.

3. Supports Multiple Music Formats

The music distribution company should be able to upload music in multiple formats, namely MP3, MP4, MOV, and MPEG4. MP3 is an audio format, and MP4, MPEG, and MOV are video formats.

MP4 Video Format

MP4 is a common video format in the MPEG-4 Part 14 standard and only contains .mp4.

MP4 can store video, subtitles, and still images. It is mainly used for storing and streaming video with subtitles in portable media players and streaming media services. MPP4 is a special extension; MPEG is the umbrella audio format for video.

MP3 Audio Format

MP3 is a recognized audio compression format that follows the base compression protocols in MPEG-2 and MPEG-1. It was developed by Moving Pictures Expert Group. After 1995, the format of MP3 was modified from [.] to [.mp3 ]. MP3 files support bit rates between 8 and 320kbps.

After 1995, the format of MP3 was changed from [.] to [.mp3]. MP3 files support bit rates between 8 and 320kbps, of which 128 and 320kbps are the most common. MP3 is a lossy compression that can significantly reduce the size of audio files by about 75% to 90%.

MPEG4

MPEG4 is a media file format—an enhanced model of the MPEG2 and MPEG1 standards. It encompasses video and audio extensions such as m4r, m4v, m4b, and an open, patented format owned by the Moving pictures expert group.

MPEG-4 Part 14 also includes the famous MP4 format, conforming to several ISO standards. On the other hand, MPEG-4 Part 10 comes with x264 encoders, QuickTime 7, and Nero Digital AVC.

The distribution company should use various formats of MPEG4 to store, transmit, and compress audio, video, and text content. They should also use the format to standardize digital rights management and protect the copyright of video and audio files.

MOV Video Format

MOV, also known as the QT file format, is specially designed for the QuickTime framework and has the extension .mov or .qt. The MOV format is similar to MP4 and can perform both lossy and lossless data compression.

The video distribution company should use the MOV video format for music videos with subtitles.

4. Offers Great Customer Service

A good music distributor should provide instant answers to improve customer satisfaction. This makes customers feel that they are cared for.

When you sign up, the company should contact you immediately to see if there is anything they can do for you. The customer service staff should always be polite and patient when resolving your issues.

The company should also check whether your questions have been resolved well after a few days. This is better than just talking to an automated phone system.

The music distributor shouldn’t use too many technical terms when talking. So, a good distribution company should try to replace those technical terms with simple and easy-to-understand words. This helps you to understand more clearly.

Work With the Right Music Distribution Company

As a musician, you need to focus on composing music and leave the work of distribution to professional companies. PeekSound is a music distribution company that can distribute your music to multiple platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. We’ll also show you how to monetize your music projects on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik-Tok.

Contact us at support@peeksound.com, and we will respond within one business day.

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Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs for short, are a form of cryptocurrency. Think of them as the fancy box that cannot be tampered with and broken into. So long as you can crack open this box then information within it is safe to place just about anything! What makes these different from other cryptocurrencies we know like Bitcoin or Ethereum? They’re not only used to store money safely inside but NFTs hold all sorts of things like art and music contracts. NFTs basically represent ownership of certain digital asserts. If you produce any type of asset the token can be used to prove ownership.

Bitcoin boasts the ability to be easily transferred with something that holds equal value. The interchangeable nature of Bitcoin means one can get four $5 bills for a US Dollar and swap it out as they please, or trade in your BTC into physical cash whenever you want and you can also learn to trade this and other coins with businesses like fx trade that specialize in this area. NFTs offer a way for artists to share, monetize, or retain some of the rights in their own work that many may not even have been known to exist before. This new medium also offers exciting opportunities for cut out middle-men who make money off an artist’s hard work without giving them anything back but exposure. This can leave both parties feeling empty handed when the time comes to part ways with one another after all those months spent building something together from scratch.

How to Buy NFTs

Purchasing NFTs can be a daunting task especially if you are a newcomer to the crypto world. Luckily, there are three main platforms out there with which you can buy these tokens and enjoy their benefits: OpenSea (the largest marketplace), Mintable (a place where artists upload digital goods) and Rarible (an app that runs on iOS). These sites offer different approaches in how they handle bidding; some allow users to bid like an auction site or other apps while others give them set prices depending on what you want from your purchase. Let’s have a closer look at these platforms.

OpenSea

 

OpenSea is a platform that allows for flexible and secure tokenization of different assets. Their goal as an organization, according to their website, “is to make it easy for anyone with ownership of any type or size asset in the world (e.g., stocks) to convert them into tokens on OpenSea’ s blockchain”. They offer many benefits such as instant settlement times and no need for escrow accounts because they are based off-chain.

 

OpenSea has created a new way of trading securities by using digital ledger technology so customers can trade multiple types simultaneously without having central custodian risks associated with centralized exchanges like Binance or Kapiton

Rarible

Rarible is a platform that lets artists sell one-of-a-kind collectibles, and it’s really easy to use. Once you log in, there are two options: make an edition of one or make multiple editions. Choose the type of item which suits your needs best and then upload music files for each version (remembering not to exceed 15 minutes per MP3) as well as cover art. You can also decide if buyers will be able to unlock additional content by paying more than what they paid originally. That way fans who love your work might want access beyond just getting the mp3s themselves.

Rarible allows artists around the world with original songs or singles from their albums to release them on a limited

Mintbase

Mintbase is a little more complicated than Rarible since you have to create your own token store. On Mintbase, you are minting everything as a part of the Mint token. When using Mintbase, you don’t need gas fees like on Rarible and other sites that use Ethereum. First register an account with Metamask by pressing “Create Account.” Next go ahead and click on the icon at top left marked “New Store” then fill out all information needed: name of token, contract type (“mint”), set color scheme if you want to and add price per unit or make it free trading-whatever pleases you most.

Mint your own tokens by clicking the factory icon and selecting a store. Fill in how many editions you would like to mint, set a price then upload an audio or video file on the right. Name and describe your token before uploading images of its main features on the left; specify URL, YouTube Links as well as downloadable content including location data at this tab if needed. After creating these tokens, double check everything to ensure you have a perfect finished product.

Once you complete these steps, you have successfully minted an AudioNFT to Mintbase. You can now use your new token with the wallet. Follow instructions and wait patiently for transaction confirmation before carrying out any other transfers or transactions using this coin. 

 

How to Get Sales

It’s not easy to say how much you should spend on promotion, but you should always be looking for new opportunities and ideas. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, they would have invested in Bitcoin if they knew about it sooner, I would probably be a millionaire.

It can sometimes seem difficult knowing where to invest your marketing budget as there are so many cryptocurrencies out there vying for attention. However, shamelessly promoting yourself is one of the best ways that you can find success with getting your product noticed by others who might also want what you’re selling.

To Wrap it Up

Crypto technology is changing the art and music game with decentralized distribution. While it’s still new, mass adaptation has already started happening as we speak just by artists being able to control their product’s value without needing Performance Rights Organizations or Record Labels for help.

Music lovers no longer have to wait until they’re old and legendary before being able to collect music-related items that appreciate in value. No need for a business loan or signing bogus record deals, just sell NFTs! As this technology evolves it will undoubtedly become more popular among music fanatics who are looking for creative ways of funding their ventures.

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The Covid-19 pandemic has forced musical artists to move away from live performances in front of massive crowds to entertaining their fans from their homes through social media platforms.

Since the pandemic began and worsened over time, the music industry and especially live performances were put on hold. Packed crowds in concert halls and outdoor venues break social distancingguidelines and this has seen several venues closing down. Not to forget, local artists and their crew members have also been affected.

Live streaming has been the way to go for most artists, and this is one of the most popular ways for fans to get the closest experienceto a live show. They can be inadequate, but live streams have played a role in sustaining musicians’ income since they have lost out on profits from merchandise and ticket sales.

There are some artists and venues that have remained successful with outdoor events, but others in various countries face fans who don’t adhere to social distancing rules and government crackdowns.

Many people around the world have always relied on music for comfort and entertainment, but there is the question whether the music industry will survive this pandemic. Several venues are struggling to stay in business, and many don’t qualify for loans. Even when the pandemic is finally under control and tours return, venue owners say that it will take months to plan and schedule concerts.

Another challenge musicians have to deal with is the internet celebrities who are proficient at maintaining and nurturing a virtual fanbase. Early-career musicians will have to be innovative and find groundbreaking ways to attract fans, since they don’t have opportunities to perform at small concerts. In addition, the value of a live stream and a live show has been of great debate. For many, it doesn’t make sense charging the same price for a link to live stream as a seat in a concert hall.

As the profitability structure has been disrupted, the industry will need to make significant changes to stay alive. Some companies may need to consolidate further, artists might need to have more live performance or fans might be required to cough out more money for musicians. However, with the advancement of live streaming, there is a possibility that it will become more popular even after the pandemic.

The pandemic has also created new demand for music that people enjoy, and consequently, new revenue streams for musicians across the globe have been created. Besides live performances, some artists have moved on to online subscription platforms where they get paid for their behind-the-scenes music and content.

Predictions in the Music Industry Developments Due to the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has devastated the music industry,especially in the live arena. More and more artists have delayed their releases because they can’t go on tours or perform at live concerts to promote their new songs. Nevertheless, online music consumption has been increasing. The following developments are anticipated to occur:

 

How the Music Industry is Responding

With concerts and festivals postponed and streaming numbers going down, the industry is working hard to keep artists afloat, especially those who are losing out on streaming or tour income. Here are some examples.

Bandcamp was among the first companies to lead in the support of artists by waiving its revenue temporarily and allowing money spent on the platform to be given directly to the artists.

Spotify created a Covid-19 Music Relief Project, that aims to provide artists with financial support and vital resources and information that they would need in the event that they experience a major loss of income because of the pandemic.

Spotify also pledged to match the amount of funds raised by the public (up to $10 million) and accepted public donations for Covid relief charities. Artists will have access to the donations feature which will enable them to accept donations for charities of their choice.

Apple Music also launched “Come Together” which hosts several music videos, playlists, radio selections and beats to help listeners sail through the trying times. In addition, they also gave their customers 90 days free access to Logic Pro and Final cut to encourage people interested in boosting their creativity during the pandemic to produce and edit audio and visual content.

To sum it up, the pandemic has pushed industry players to be innovative and listen more keenly to their fans who want to listen to new and exclusive music. This in turn has provided artists with the opportunity to leverage ways to monetize engagement beyond live performances.There are also some labels and musicians who have their own websites, and this makes it easy to partner with other platforms, sell merchandise, promote their content and offer exclusive content.

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Record deals can range from singles deals for emerging artists to 50/50 joint ventures between labels and celebrities. The majority of the offers you’ll see these days, though, are 360 deals. Different deals can affect a record label’s amount of interest and dedication, as well as the royalty rate you receive.

For many musicians, landing a record deal is the dream. You do, however, want to be sure that you are getting the most terrific bargain available. Learn about the many types of bargains and determine for yourself what kind of agreement you’re willing to sign.

Labels can make a variety of record deals with artists as well as with other labels. The types of deals available are also constantly changing based on the industry’s trend. This has recently favored musicians, particularly those who have been cultivating their fan base and buzz.

Record deals can be classified into two types: one in which the label owns music, and one in which the artist owns them. When we discuss rights, we are mainly referring to the master copyright. That is the right to copy and monetize the recording, but not the song behind it.

When looking at record deals, it’s crucial to assess whether or not the artist owns the rights to their music. This is because it has the potential to shape the rest of the transaction’s structure and partnership. It can even influence whether you land a record deal with a major label or a label services arrangement with its label services department.

So, here are a few standard recording contracts and what they entail.

1) The Standard Recording Deal.

The ironic thing is, it’s no longer so standard. This is the referenced “recording agreement,” which was more prevalent when getting into a studio was more difficult. However, I’m adding this for a couple of reasons: first, this is still utilized by some A-list performers who don’t require a marketing or distribution arm, and second, it sometimes appears in the indie scene. This isn’t common, but an inexperienced indie group will frequently provide this form of contract. It’s not a bad contract, but it’s not optimal for a new artist because there’s no marketing arm or distribution pact in the fine print.

The contract is based on albums, and any other services such as promotion or distribution are paid for separately. The label usually determines the number of albums and tracks included in the final output. If you already have a large, active fan base, this package might be appropriate for you. Still, you’ll probably want something with a few more bonuses.

2) The 360 Deal

The 360 contract, sometimes known as a multi-rights deal, is a prevalent deal that a label—mostly major, but some independent—will approach an artist. The 360 agreement was made with the noblest of intentions, but it has received mixed reviews. It’s a regular contract that can substantially benefit an artist’s career, provided the terms and circumstances are reasonable.

A short recap: in the mid-late 1990s, Napster and file-sharing were decimating album sales. Because performers weren’t receiving the same amount of money from music sales, record labels agreed to help but also took a cut of all income streams, including touring, merchandising, licensing, and music sales. It was a fantastic setup in principle!

However, thanks to the power of social media, it became a little easier to sell merchandise and book performances. Additionally, because the label is involved in merchandise sales, they may want to be involved in the creative control. Another issue with the 360 contracts is that artists may believe labels receive a portion of the income but are not doing enough to promote the album.

On the other side, a 360 setup can provide excellent marketing opportunities, particularly for a musician with a strong brand. There is a chance things could move slowly, or even that you’ll be shelved for a while, but with a 360 deal, the label carves out a defined route to success. With the correct negotiations, percentage breakdown, and marketing consistency, this can still be a viable option for new artists.

3) The Single Deal

Singles are getting more popular in music, mainly because streaming and radio are still the two most popular ways to listen to music. As a result, the singles deal is a modification of the standard recording deal. Where, as you might expect, the focus is on a single rather than an entire album. Major labels use this to determine if it’s worth a gamble to sign a more significant deal, and joint ventures, independent labels, and others use it just to release a new single to watch how things develop in the market. The remuneration structure is relatively similar to that of a standard contract, but it is also less risky for a talent. Recouping the cost of a single is far easier than recouping the cost of a full-length album with 12 or more tracks.

4) 50/50 Record Deal

A joint venture between an artist and a label can also be referred to as a 50/50 record contract. These kinds of deals were almost non-existent in the past. Without the support of labels, independent artists and labels have gotten more power and authority. As a result, the only way to get them to sign a contract is to give a 50/50 split.

50/50 partnerships are usually only granted to musicians and labels who have achieved superstar status. The number of labels bidding for the agreement can also influence whether or not this type of arrangement is available. If every label offers a reasonable arrangement, it just takes one to provide a 50/50 split and land the contract.

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If you’re an artist who’s in the process of developing their career, you will reach a point where you can’t do everything by yourself. Hence, you will need to consider hiring an artist manager.

So how do you know if hiring a manager is the right step to take? How do you find one in the first place? Follow these tips when looking for an artist manager for your career.

What You Should Do

1. Know What You’re Looking For

Artist managers are not magicians who will fix your problems by simply waving their wands. Your career won’t progress justbecause you have a manager. You need a good, suitable manager who can help you address certain needs and help you achieve your goals. Maybe you need a manager to help with your finances or creative side. Be specific on the type of help you need so as to get the most appropriate manager.

2. Ask for Recommendations

If you’re wondering where to begin your search for a manager, start with fellow artists and other people around you. Talk to your peers who are making it in their careers and see who they would recommend.

3. Find Someone You Will Be Comfortable With

If this is the first time, you’re looking to engage the services of an artist manager, you probably have a low budget and that might not do much for the manager when it comes to money. Therefore, your relationship with your manager is of vital importance. Look for someone that you will get along with easily, and one who understands what you’re trying to achieve.

4. Contact the Manager’s Other Clients

If you have someone in mind, do some research and find out which artists they work with. Then get in touch with those artists to learn a bit more about their manager. You can write them and say that you’re considering working with that particular manager and you would like to get an idea of their management style, and their overall experience working with them.

5. Make Authentic Music

Artist managers look for music that’s original, real and resonates with the audience. If your music comes from deep within your heart, your chances for successfully getting a good manager will improve. On the contrary, writing a song about a specific item for the purpose of placing it in a commercial, might not get you very far.

6. Make Your Presentation Unique

Artist managers receive several pitches from other artists and entities via email or post. Most of the time, these emails and letters are never opened and end up in the bin.

When reaching out to our potential manager for the first time, try something different to grab their attention, like sending a box of donuts along with your letter or writing a personal email header. Do whatever you can to set you apart from other artists seeking the manager’s attention.

7. Be Persistent but Polite

The general rule here, is to try to get in touch with artist manager for a maximum of three times. After sending that email, reach out again and ask if they received it and whether they would be willing to work with you. But don’t overdo it. If you’re persistent but polite but don’t land the deal immediately, the manager will keep you mind for future opportunities.

What You Shouldn’t Do

1. Don’t reach out to artist managers who don’t want to be contacted.

Always check if they have a policy. Some managers don’t have time for spontaneous submissions.

2. Don’t Cold-Call an Artist Manager

As much as cold-calling works for certain business, it will not work with your search for a manager. No one likes calls out of the blue. An artist manager might be working on multiple projects and managing other artists. They could also be waiting for important calls.

Use another way of making your introduction such as via email, social media or attending an event. That way, the artist managers may come to you.

3. Don’t Attach Files to Your Initial Email

Especially if your file is big, your email might just end up in the spam folder before the artist manager gets a chance to read it. You’re better off including links to work in the body of the email. Better yet, you can introduce yourself and ask them is they would like to get a link to your work. If they agree, then that’s the beginning of your conversation.

4. Submit Music in The Requested Style

If an artist manager you reached out to requests for music in aspecific style or genre, make sure you give them what they request for. There’s nothing more frustrating than asking for something specific and receiving an entirely different thing. If they ask for vocals, don’t send an instrumental.

5. Don’t Position Yourself as A Jack of All Trades

No one on this planet is good at every single thing. Market yourself based on your top strengths. The moment you introduce yourself as a master of all styles or genres, you immediately raise a red flag. So, stick to what you are good at and give samples that fit that skill.

6. Don’t Contact Your Favorite Artist’s Manager

Especially if you found their email through a Facebook or Google search. People have tried this approach before. Where you think you have everything figured out and you are clear on what you want, then you write to your favorite Artist’s manager saying that you would like to work them. It rarely works.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Do It Yourself

If you put the same effort in finding a manager as you do on your personal projects, you are most likely to get some great results. However, not everyone wants to commit their time to this process and that’s okay. Just keep in mind that, nowadays, there are tools for you to do it yourself unlike the way it used to be. Whatever approach you take, the most important thing is that it works for you.

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Streaming service like Apple Music and Spotify are dominating the world of music distribution in the digital space. Streaming benefits both the artist and the listener. Musicians make money with every stream their songs get, and listeners can take their music with them wherever they go without worrying about downloading. 

Producers, artists and basically anyone who owns music rights is constantly working to get as many streams as they possibly can. However, in this data-driven world, there are some problems when it comes to streaming numbers, such as streaming fraud which have the power to damage one’s music career.

What is Streaming Fraud?

Streaming fraud refers to illegal attempts to generate streams and sway a platform into paying for songs played that weren’t actually listened to by fans. These are also known as artificial streams, store-end fraud or abnormal streaming activity.

Artificial streams do not reflect real statistics. They are generated via automated processes, also known as bots or scripts.

Do not rely on fake streams

Whether you’re listening to your songs on replay for hours, paying third parties to generate streams for you or using streaming bots just to get a few hundred more streams, it isn’t worth the effort. 

Platforms like Spotify have also stated in their terms and conditions, that it’s strictly prohibited to increase one’s streams using bots, scripts or other automated processes.

If you get caught practicing streaming fraud on TuneCore, your music will probably be removed from all streaming platforms and stores and you will not get a dime. You might also get a warning and your account could be shut down.

What if you didn’t know that you were involved in streaming fraud? It’s okay and it happens to many artists. You could be approached by a music promoter who promises that you will generate a certain number of streams. No matter how genuine they seem, ensure that you do your research first before opting for their services. 

Why you should be aware of streaming fraud as an Artist

Purchasing fake streams is not a new concept. Besides stealing an artist’s music to feed on royalties, fraudulent users can also purchase streams from illegal third parties and fake them using click-farms and illegal bots. There are third parties who guarantee a certain number of streams or playlist placements in exchange for money. Such people are most likely using illegal practices without you knowing.

Technology has advanced enough to make it easy for people to use such strategies, but Spotify has been working hard to implement systems and best practices to fight stream manipulation on their platform.

For instance, they detect fraudulent streams and work at removing fake accounts and they also require users to reset passwords that may have been compromised.

Problems that streaming fraud causes

1. It’s a waste of time and money

All the money and time you spend on creating fake streams and using illegal tactics to cheat your way to the top could have been invested in legitimate marketing, ads and other genuine strategies to organically improve your statistics.

Do your research thoroughly when searching for reputable services. You will likely come across some services that claim to get you thousands of followers or streams in one day, when they’re actually using bots to cheat the system. So, review testimonials of possible companies you want to work with, talk to their previous clients and you will eventually spend your hard-earned money wisely.

There is no way that an artist will suddenly get thousands of listeners in a just a matter of hours. However, there are several other legitimate ways of making it happen over time. The trick is to create a strategy, research constantly and work on building an efficient team to help you grow your numbers.

2. You risk having your account deactivated or suspended

In the event that you’re busted because of streaming fraud, your account will either be suspended or deactivated, and you will have start from scratch.

3. It steals well-deserved income from other artists

Streaming service operate with a shared pool system. All revenue is split according to the total number of streams. Therefore, if these numbers are interfered with by fake streams, artists with honest streams miss out on the money they deserve.

4. It reduces chances of future opportunities

Having high numbers doesn’t necessarily mean that you have talent. It’s very easy to tell if your streams are fake. When labels discover these fake streams, they share that information with the music industry. This translates to loss of trust in you, and you also get to miss out on the opportunities that could have transformed your career.

How is streaming fraud being handled?

The way we listen to music continues to advance and the music industry is constantly finding ways to combat fraudulent streaming. Streaming platforms are working endlessly to get rid of streaming fraud by being proactive in eliminating content that violates their terms and conditions. Platforms like Spotify have hired real people to review suspicious activity as they develop and enhance their technological system to identify fake streams.

Wrapping Up

It doesn’t matter how fake streams are created, but they will never be reliable. In addition, it will always be easier to detect fake streams from genuine ones. High numbers don’t equate to high talent and this is an obvious fact. “Legitimate” service that guarantee to get you thousands of streams in exchange for some money should be considered as red flags.

Sometimes, streaming fraud does not stem from an artist’s malice, but rather from paying for a shoddy, illegal marketing campaign. Research and work with genuine companies that use legal avenues to increase your followers and ultimately your streams. 

Avoid engaging in fraudulent streaming or downloading activities otherwise, your account will be closed, you will be dropped from all services and all your royalties will be withheld. Even worse, it could end up in a lawsuit and you will be held accountable for all costs arising from fraudulent streaming.

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Had you been a musical artist who was showcasing his or her craft in the 70s or 80s, you probably wouldn’t have given the Internet much thought. However, doing that in this era would be one huge mistake. After all, you aren’t a musician of the past but rather, one who is living and breathing in the 21st century. Because of this, you need to get with the times or run the risk of getting left behind and ultimately, ignored. The culture and expectations of fans and music followers have evolved, especially when it comes to how musicians—whether solo acts or bands—market and distribute their songs.

 

In today’s digitally inclined music scene, the Internet is considered to be a vital tool that people in the industry use. From music executives to producers to the artists and their agents, online is where the action is. No matter what it is you’re dealing with—interviews with music bloggers or web magazines, album or song reviews, marketing campaigns, festival applications or other elements of the music industry—nearly everything is done online and it is the best way to share information, engage with fans and followers and express yourself through your music.

 

These days, every business, no matter how big or small, has a social media presence. It is that essential and as someone who is aspiring to have your music be heard by as many people as possible, one of the very first steps you must take is to establish a robust social media presence. While the most recognized ones happen to be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr, there are so many other platforms that you can use to spread the word about your music.

 

However, you have to take note that some social media sites have proven to be more influential than others. Facebook, for example, has a mind-blowing 2.8 billion people, which is already a quarter of the total population of the planet earth! However, it’s also equally important to consider that the size of the social media site is not everything as SoundCloud has proven. A Swedish-founded online audio distribution platform and music sharing website based in Berlin, Germany, SoundCloud allows users to upload, promote, and share audio while also letting listeners stream audio, making it one of the best sites for musicians.

 

There are plenty of social media platforms that you can benefit from as some are designed to help musicians. The good thing is you don’t have to vet or even pick between any of them since the best way to get as much social media mileage as possible is to make a profile on all of them. You should, of course, start with Facebook and then, make your way towards the smaller sites that don’t get as much traffic.

 

All that being said, there really isn’t a set blueprint that will show you to build your music career with the use of the Internet and social media but there are several tips that you can use to make sure you and your music are heard on this very crowded platform. And so, to help you make the most out of your social media marketing efforts, take a look at these fundamental pieces of advice:

 

1) Make sure your content has variety

 

It is important to keep the content on your social media page as diverse as possible. Nothing can put off a user faster than seeing repetitive posts on your page. If you want to attract—and more importantly, keep followers—your page should have all kinds of material. Make sure to upload videos, share photos outside of what fans typically see, offer giveaways, share sneak peeks or anything that would let you engage more with fans.

 

2) Get the frequency of your posts right

 

Another thing that you must remember is to not post too often or too little. Various experts offer different recommendations for optimal posting regularity depending on elements such as which website or platform you’re using, or how many followers you have. But as a rule of thumb, two posts per day should be good for artists that have already established a pretty robust following. But if you haven’t amassed a large following, you can make do with just one a day.

 

3) Give incentives to fans

 

Do you know what’s better than getting closer to your fans? Giving your fans prizes! Nothing builds more engagement than giving your most ardent followers simple, low-cost yet meaningful prizes like free downloads or even first dibs on your new material!

 

4) Use interactive features on your page

 

Artists often get so caught up in the media aspect of social media that they forget the social part of it. One of the things that make social media unique is its ability to create a two-way street in that not only are you able to share content with your followers but they can also share something with you. Whether that’s artwork, a cover of your song or even just an opinion, this exchange is extremely valuable as it leads to deeper connections between you and your fans.

 

5) Use a personal and genuine tone

 

The beauty of running your own social media page is you can have a voice of your own and you should let your fans hear or feel that. Unlike other, more well-known artists whose management team employ social media teams to handle their social media accounts, you don’t have such a luxury which is a good thing as you can be yourself in your posts.

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Back in the day, recordings weren’t done using Digital Audio Workstations or DAWs. Before the digital age came about, records were made in studious utilizing large consoles and were recorded using tape. However, as technology became more advanced and more efficient, music studious transitioned to DAWs.

Before we move forward, let us first find out what a DAW is. It’s a software program designed specifically to cater to the nuances of creating music such as recording, editing, mixing, and manipulating sound. And these days, the DAW is the core product that drives either a home or a project studio. 

And if you’re just starting out, finding one that suits you may be difficult. Switching from one to another is just as challenging, as this will not only cost you time but money as well. The fact of the matter is this: each DAW has its own pros and cons, with some maybe more ideal for electronic music producing while some maybe more suited for mixing and mastering. 

The setup of your computer plays a huge role too, as without an optimized setup, the DAW might not work as well as you need it to. Plugins may not run smoothly, pops and clicks maybe heard while you’re recording and worse, the DAW may crash while you’re working, which can prove disastrous!

Needless to say, learning what the pros and cons are of different DAWs will help you select one that will suit your music making style. This article will tackle several DAWs and discuss what their pros and cons are. Continue reading below to find out what the best DAWs are today:

1) Ableton Live 10 Suite Multitrack Recording Software

The Ableton Live 10 is one of the most well loved DAW recording software in the market today. While it has plenty of benefits that would make any music producer happy, the feature that stands out the most is the wide array of options the Ableton Live 10 offers you. With this, you’ll be able to record on multiple tracks using industry-standard software as well as sequence MIDI files. Also, you’ll benefit from the loads of samples it has—you have access to over 5,000 sounds and 57 difference effects.

The software also gives you access to 10 different electronic instruments. There’s a drum track and even a wavetable that you can use. In all, the Ableton Live 10 is a dependable and solid choice for home producers everywhere, especially those who are just starting out.

Pros:

• More than 5,000 sounds to choose from
• Ideal for beginners
• User-friendly interface
• 57 effects
• Reasonable Price

Con:

• Different working layout compared to conventional linear based DAWs.
• Not so ideal for band or film producers
•  

2) GarageBand

If you own a Mac computers, it’s best to just skip the rest and use GarageBand as it is one of the best free DAWs you can get your hands on. The only drawback to this particular DAW is that only those that have a Mac can use this. Other than that, there’s nothing negative that can be said about GarageBand.

It has a robust amount of virtual instruments and drum loops as well as many essential effects like an electric guitar amplifier simulations, EQs, reverb, compressions. As a matter of fact, GarageBand is great to use when finishing a music piece, that is ready for commercial broadcast.

Best believe that no other free DAW comes close to GarageBand with its wide array of features and functionality. So, if you have a MacBook and want to dabble in recording and music production, using GarageBand is an easy choice.

Pros:

• Free for MacOS users.
• Has many essential effects.
• A wide variety of virtual instruments.

Cons:

• May have limited features compared to other DAW’s.
• Only comes with a Mac
•  

3) Pro Tools 10 Audio Recording and Editing Software

If you’re a budding musician who is trying to make a mark in the industry, then you should try the Avid Pro Tools 10. Simply put, the sound that is processed by this software is done faster and sounds better. This is because it is one of the most powerful software products on the market today when it comes to mixing music, editing, composing and, of course, recording. 

The DAW package has an assortment of virtual instruments that includes drums, pianos, synths, and other sample instruments. This makes Pro Tools the best DAW if you intend to utilize plenty of virtual instruments when mixing your music. In addition, Pro Tools 10 Audio Recording and Editing Software for audio productions has 8 GB of loops that has some of the most recent plugins and effects that can help you mold your sound just the way you like it. The advanced editing tools also lets you tinker, enhance, and smoothen your musical work. This software provides superb portability and flexibility by letting you work on a dedicated audio interface or from your laptop. This makes the Pro Tools 10 Audio Recording and Editing Software the best DAW if you move around a lot, or tend to a live performances.

Pros:

• Has plenty of virtual instruments
• Modern plugins and effects
• Great value

Cons: 

• Lacks built-in pitch correction
• No VST or AU plug-in support
• Monthly fee required for new software patches past 12 months
•  

4) Propellerhead Reason 7 DAW Music Software

If you are a serious producer who has a discerning taste when it comes to the sounds that you’ll pick, then the Propellerhead Reason 7 will work well for you. This is because the Propellerhead Reason 7 has been developed with some of the most prominent and passionate music producers in the industry such as Hank Shocklee, Printz Board, and DJ Lucky Date. 

The Propellerhead Reason 7 is loaded with sweet sounds that will provide you with a healthy heaping of flexibility in your home studio. It’s also has an intuitive setup which means you can spend more time producing tracks and less time reading the instruction manual. The Propellerhead Reason 7 includes a superb, versatile piano feature, and three collections of sampled instruments and audio.

Pros:

• Amazing sounds
• Intuitive
• Versatile piano
• Three sampled instrument collections
• Lots of synths

Cons:

• The lack of track, channel and edit grouping schemes is holding back Reason’s full potential.
• Still some weaknesses in general editing procedures and song management.

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Are your efforts at becoming the next great music artist hitting more snags than you can afford? Is your inbox as empty and desolate as your motivation levels? If you answered yes, chances are you are either not promoting your music via the correct channels or just strumming your guitar alone in your room hoping a music mogul would pass by and be inspired by your creations.

The thing is, life will not hand you a Grammy on a silver platter. You have to hustle and make sure your intended audience can access and enjoy your music from several avenues. A music website is not the only way you can do this. Here are some ways you can promote your music quickly and efficiently:

1. Ask Users to Subscribe to Your Email List

If your music website does not have a mailing list, then it’s doing nothing but stroking your ego. A form that asks visitors to provide their emails for each new musical composition can do wonders for your reputation. This is one of the best ways to improve your fan base and ensure they remain up to date about your music.

A well managed email list can also allow you to keep fans in the loop as to your performance schedules. Plus, you can also give them a small incentive to encourage more people to sign up. It would be best to offer something that a potential fan cannot find anywhere else such as first dibs on an unreleased song for example.

This is a good idea for you if you are just starting out and don’t have the budget for expensive incentives. It won’t cost you a cent to distribute and you can ensure subscribers get it easily via a download link. Include it in your welcome email so that they can enjoy the fruits of their subscription immediately.

Besides offering current info regarding your music, also send emails that contain links to your YouTube channel and social media profiles. These can captivate your audience further and make them familiar with your personal side as well. 

2. Develop an Engaging Social Media Presence 

Speaking of social media, by developing and maintaining an engaging presence on social media channels you can increase your influence. Just make sure that your profile handles are easy to understand and consistent so that people and fans can recognize your content immediately. Some of the best ones that are ideal for music distribution and exposure include the following:

Drooble – This platform consists of a rapidly expanding community of independent music artists who are searching for ways to advance their career and connect with industry professionals. Some of the services it offers include Spotify promotion, YouTube channel growth, radio broadcasting and song reviews among others.

Twitter – Twitter offers music artists a platform to share their music with friends and fans throughout other social media websites. It’s called Twitterurm and it is the best way for people to learn about new artists.

3. Take Advantage of Streaming Services 

In the past, large scale distribution was a priority and there were only two ways that music artists could make their music available to the masses – via radio or via a record deal. With the advent of streaming services, vinyl records and aired music became a thing of the past.

It has allowed music artists more control over distribution and ensure that the maximum number of people have the chance to listen to their music. In fact, there are so many streaming services online now that you can cherry pick options that suit your style, genre and career goals.

Some of them include Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music and even Amazon Music. 

4. Make a Remix Pack

If you prefer to release remixes as electronic dance music, consider opting for remix packs. In other words, you can release an album that contains your single and other remixes from other artists. A number of large artists do this. It is their way of expanding their influence and giving other music artists a chance to gain exposure as well. 

Start by reaching out to other music producers once your creation is complete and ask them if they are willing to create a remix. Send over your single if they are because chances are that they will also distribute it on social media. That way, your songs can get the exposure you need to gain traction in the industry. 

5. Spend Time Gigging 

Gigging will never go out of style and there are several reasons for that. It is a great way to increase exposure for your brand and monetize from your songs at the same time. It will also help you build a strong relationship with your audience. 

Some of the best gigs you should indulge in are those that are held in events that are hosting other music artists with similar genres. That way you will gain access to an audience that contain your fans and fans of your genre in general. This is exactly the kind of audience you want and need to propel your career to the next level! However, to increase your revenue, consider putting out your own independent gigs once you gain enough exposure. 

In Conclusion 

Your music distribution and talent exposure efforts will only bear fruit if you put in the legwork. The aforementioned tips will help you expand your reach not only to existing fans, but also people who like your genre of music. Today, the more personalized you can make your creations, the better your audience can resonate with you. Fans are more informed today than they have ever been. The good news is that you can capitalize on that awareness faster today as well. 

Sell your music and music videos on VEVO, TIDAL, Spotify and more on PEEKSOUND. Get unlimited music and video distribution for only $79.99/year per artist.