As a producer and engineer working with independent music artists since 2008, I’ve been involved in numerous indie releases, including several that have garnered substantial fanbases. Artists often ask me for advice on how to maximize the impact of our recording projects. The information I've collected and shared over the years has become this guide to ensure your music is available worldwide and you're receiving your maximum royalties per play. Whether this is your first release or you’ve grown to millions of streams, this guide contains essential information to help you get heard and increase your recording income.
Deciding to create and share art with the world is a courageous act. You put your heart on the line, creating with the intention of connecting with and healing others who feel the same way you do. Recording and releasing music can be emotionally challenging, labor-intensive, and expensive. However, if you create music that speaks your truth and lights up your soul, you can’t lose. If you feel passionate about it, there are people out there who will feel the same way. Even if you fail to reach as wide an audience as you hope to, the journey of writing and recording music is its own reward. One of my all-time favorite songwriters, Sting, expressed it beautifully at the 2003 Billboard awards:
“If you play music with passion and love and honesty, then it will nourish your soul, heal your wounds and make your life worth living. Music is its own reward.
— Sting
This article is an excerpt from my eBook “Our Own Way: A guide for independent musicians to distribute our recordings and maximize our royalties”. Click here to get your copy 👉📘. If you’re a beginner to intermediate independent recording artist, this ebook guide offers you the essential foundations for successfully releasing your recordings. You’ll learn how to distribute and promote your releases then bring home the maximum royalty-per-stream. I’ve also included my Sync Licensing Blueprint, a highly requested topic that I’ve taught at workshops and through social media content.