How To Start A Profitable Music Business

One of the greatest issues anyone starting a music business needs to consider is the process of managing, planning, recording, promoting and distributing products. But above all these, one of the most important aspects of the business should focus on how to make money.

What is surprising to me as a music business consultant is the wide spectrum of thinking that tends to permeate this industry. Some have an unrealistic, almost fantastical type of thinking that says "I will get signed and be a millionaire in 1 year", while the other extreme are those who do not even think of making money in the music business.

No matter which side of the fence you stand on, you need to make money in order for you to fulfill your ambitions as an artist or label owner. Unfortunately, studio time, promotion and distribution are not free.

So what do you need to consider if you want to make money in the music business.

1. Income & Expenditure - Profit & Losses:

The music industry is notorious for showing people how to spend their money but not how to make it. The news is awash (OK, there's been a few) with stories of major stars filing for bankruptcy. But how does that happen?

Let's take an example of the cost of promotion. From the start you need to realise that most promotion companies are in business to make money! So if you take your song to them for reviews in radio, blog or magazine, even though they know the track is going nowhere, they will still promote it!

The fact is it's not really their business to determine whether a product will sell or not, but with their wealth of experience they have a fair idea of what is commercially viable and should act responsibly. However, relatively few promotions companies will refuse to promote an average track/album.

Let's look at another example. If you took a poor quality album to the CD manufacturer and ordered 10,000 copies of it, you can guarantee that 9 out of 10 pressing plants will not refuse to manufacturer the CDs as long as you are paying for it.

So the real issue is that if you want to make money in the music business you costs must always be lower than your potential sales and you are the one responsible for determining how many sales could be generate from each release after you determine if your product is commercially viable before you put the wheels in motion. In other words; 'Think before you spend!'






There are many ways to make money with your music and build a lasting career in the music business but you need to have the business "Know How". Visit http://www.musicbusinesstools.com for a free Music Business Management course.

email boomy@sledgemedia.co.uk.

7 Tips For Submitting A Demo To A Record Label or Company

Today I want to share with you the essential 7 tips for submitting a demo to a record label or company. Always keep in mind that record labels receive a lot of demos every day, and they don’t have time to carefully go through each and every song, so yours has to be different. So the question you might be asking is “how do I become different from the rest”?

Then you need to check out these 7 tips for submitting a demo, these will help you make a good impression on your targeted record label or company.

Tip #1

Before you send your demo make it a point that your music sounds fresh, and most of all, it is ORIGINAL. Where or to whom should you send your demo? Do a lot of research before submitting your music, make sure that you and your music will be a good fit to the targeted label. Go to record companies that compliment your music.

Tip #2

How are you going to submit your demo? Are you going to send it using email, drop box, direct posting or through the A&R reps etc. Contact them to find more detailed info about how or where can you submit your demo.

Tip #3

Include a cover letter (or profile) that explains who you are, what do you want, what can you offer, how long have you been doing it and include what the person listening to your demo should do after they listen to it. Do not oversell yourself just state facts only and some impressive concrete experience. Also mention something you found on their website (or from the A&R reps) in your cover letter, they will like the fact that you did your research first before sending your music.

Tip #4

This may sound obvious but a lot of people miss it, include your contact info. When you are writing your contact information include your phone number, Skype or MSN I.D, these are more personal than an email. I’m not saying don’t include your email address.

Tip #5


Get a good looking design for your cover, even if you are sending it using an email include a good looking cover. This will help you look professional and separate you from the rest. Your music must sound the same or nearly the same as the material released by the label (in terms of sound quality). Paying for a mastering job will add value to your demo, the trick here is to use their in-house mastering engineer and include on your cover that it was mastered by maybe John from ‘X Records’. The quality will definitely do the trick.

Tip #6

You must only send three tracks not less or more and your strongest track must be the first one. Make the intro of your songs catchy and vibrant, don’t make them wait for the hook (put it in the intro), you can change the arrangement later. You only have 16 seconds to make a good impression. Choose great titles for your songs and the project, something that relates to the music you make. For instance, I know a group called Hood Natives they produce House Music, but in my opinion Hood Natives would be a good name for Hip-Hop, I’m not crushing anyone just trying to make my point clear.

Tip #7

By using tip 7 you will stand a better chance of getting signed, but only if your music is good :D. Arrange a meeting with the record label rather than just sending, uploading or emailing your music. This is far better because you will be making a memorable impression and whoever that will take your demo will make quality time to listen to your songs. A face to face professional presentation is far better than anything I have mentioned above.

Get the contacts of whomever that you sent your demo, so that you can contact them in the future. Record companies are very busy they have a lot to deal with like promotions, tours, recording etc. So give it time then make a follow up, even if they are impressed with your work they won’t call you same time. Take some time and call till you get a clear answer about your demo.

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