As you continue your journey in the independent music industry, it’s important to stay informed about the news of the day in this field. Not all of it matters to you, but some of it does, and that information should be analyzed and you should determine how to handle it.
For example, you might be getting ready to distribute your first release, and you’d like to know which company you should use. Which ones have an annual fee? Will my music disappear from the platforms if I don’t pay the annual fee? (short answer: probably yes.) Is there a fee for each distribution? The list goes on and on, but it’s on you to determine which company is the best choice.
Fortunately, folks like Ari Herstand provide a comprehensive and accurate review of the major digital distribution companies, and he shares this kind of information for free. In addition, his website, Ari’s Take, typically publishes 2-3 blog posts per quarter on subjects such as goal setting, management, royalties and revenue streams. In 2017 Forbes called him the “poster child of DIY music.”
Here are four additional music industry blogs that are considered to be among the top sources for information in the professional music industry.
Water and Music calls itself a “research and intelligence network for the new music business. The web3 focused blog is currently focused on AI-generated songs and generative tools for audio, text and visual art. They have published guides on AI’s emerging opportunities and challenges for music. Reports are for members only, and membership offers a private Discord, exclusive articles and a company database.
Hypebot shares the news, trends, and tools driving the new music industry. The DIY section has tools that help you understand promotion, publishing, playlisting, ecommerce strategy and much more. This is a site rich in the combination of music, technology and business. Some of their most popular recent content is around social media algorithms.
Songtrust is designed for creators and businesses. The publishing administration platform has a robust Help section designed to help independent publishers and musicians maximize their royalty income generation. Songtrust is also strong in the synchronization department, offering tips and tools to integrate your music with TV shows and other motion picture content.
Music Entrepreneur Club “is the best live, online education and networking platform for aspiring artists, producers, managers, and label owners.” Their long-form interview content is primarily available on Instagram and YouTube. Industry expert DJ Pain1 offers his industry knowledge throughout, and MEC continuously reinforces the value of hard work, goal setting and recognizing and creating opportunities for yourself in the new music industry.
As you make your way forward in your music career, it’s important to keep abreast of industry news and trends. Music industry blogs like these are a great way to do that. You don’t need to bury your head in this information, but spend 10-15 minutes each day absorbing the content and headlines that is relevant to you. Take notes as you read, and review your notes to see if more research is needed in each area you recorded. Making a daily habit of this will help you focus your time and energy on your most important tasks.
Music Career Coaching Guide: 8 Ways a Coach Can Help You Become a More Successful Music Creator
This guide shares eight ways hiring a coach can make you a more successful, profitable, and full-time music creator.
When you understand how a music career coach can get you farther, faster, you’ll be ahead of other music creators attempting to grow their music career.
Music Career Coaching Guide: 8 Ways a Coach Can Help You Become a More Successful Music Creator
This guide shares eight ways hiring a coach can make you a more successful, profitable, and full-time music creator.
When you understand how a music career coach can get you farther, faster, you’ll be ahead of other music creators attempting to grow their music career.