What Does Free Streaming Mean for the Music Industry?

Music lovers everywhere can rejoice! T-Mobile announced that customers can stream music without worrying about going over their data. Users will be able to use apps like Pandora, Slacker Radio, iHeart Radio and Spotify on the latest T-Mobile phones and tablets like the Galaxy Note 3 to listen to music whenever and wherever they want. While this is obviously great for consumers, what does this do for the musicians? How are streaming services affecting the music industry? While there are some doubts that this move benefits the industry, the outlook is generally favorable.

Increased Exposure for Artists

In 2013, Nielson reported that 68 percent of Americans used music streaming services in the past year, and that sales of music went down 6.3 percent. Although this could hurt bigger artists, independent and lesser-known musicians can enjoy an increase in exposure by putting their music on this medium.

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Alternative Money Making Approaches for Musicians Failing to Sell Records

The music industry has undergone a sea of changes since the days of vinyl records and cassette tapes. While the current mobile downloading setup offers plenty of convenience for the average consumer, it can spell financial ruin for musicians and producers dependent on record sales. After all, illegal downloads still eat into profits, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reporting that piracy caused music industry profits to fall from $15 billion in 1999 to just $8.5 billion in 2009. In order to survive in this environment of piracy, musicians must think outside of the box, taking advantage of social media, mobile technology, merchandising and, of course, live performances. Together, these elements can spell great profit, even in an age of iTunes and illegal downloading.

Offer VIP Packages for Concerts

Critics of social media may complain of young people wasting their lives behind computer screens, but the truth is, music fans still love attending live shows. You still can profit handsomely off of traditional concerts, but if you're looking to amp up returns on your tour, consider throwing in VIP concert options. These could include special meet-and-greets before or after shows, or even private performances for your most dedicated fans. Many will gladly pay two, three, even four times the going rate for your concert if it means getting up close and personal.

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4 Amazing Mobile Apps for Musicians and Composers

Although the stripped down sound retains a certain laid back charm, even the most old school sounding musicians appreciate the access to high-quality music tools made possible through the ownership of PCs, laptops, tablets, and phones. A 2013 survey from “Artist Revenue Streams” indicates that nearly half of today’s musicians feel comfortable with the idea of producing or recording music through internet sites and mobile apps, while an even greater share of artists are willing to promote their work and connect with fans in such a technologically savvy manner. The secret, of course, is finding an application that will streamline the process without negatively impacting the quality of your work.

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How to Sync Your Music Business

Music professionals are at a strange crossroads. On one hand, it’s easier than ever to make music with great sound quality, so there’s more competition than ever. On the other hand, the number of opportunities to make money through music is at an all-time high. Whether it’s new platforms that pay musicians online or mobile technology that makes it easier to accept credit cards at gigs, 21st century tools are changing the game in music. If you’re a new musician or an experienced player looking for a new way to get by, these ideas may lead to your next paycheck. Play on.

Make Money Online

The Internet is the new engine that delivers music to listeners. From Spotify to Sound Cloud, various online platforms pay artists per play or enable paid downloads. The trick is getting your music on the most prominent sites. That’s where CDbaby.com can help. CDBaby helps independent artists sell music on iTunes, Amazon, Facebook, Spotify and a number of other platforms. CDBaby can also license your music for film, TV and Youtube, so you get paid anytime your music is used. CDBaby charges $49 for an album and $12.95 per single. If your believe there’s a market for your music, CDbaby will make it available. For independent musicians, it’s all the perks of a major label without the commitment.

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Production and Marketing Essentials for Aspiring Music Producers

The mobile age has only made the production industry a more promising land for music enthusiasts, with IBISWorld’s Independent Label Music Production report pointing to an impressive industry revenue of $354 million between 2008 and 2013. Unfortunately, not every music lover has what it takes to make it as a producer. As with the rest of the entertainment industry, music production is, by nature, a cutthroat endeavor. Only the most passionate, most talented, most clever and most willing to sacrifice are able to make it big. But if you do make a name for yourself, the payoff could be incredible, both in terms of finances and personal satisfaction. A successful launch is an absolute necessity, so make the appropriate equipment investments and networking decisions before you venture into this competitive arena.

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Legal Landmine: Playing Music at Your Business

Music offers the perfect audio backdrop for any store or business waiting room, either relaxing anxious customers or injecting energy into the lifeless. The right type of music can set the stage for the ideal purchasing attitude. However, music in the business world can be a bit of a legal landmine, with many seemingly innocent companies finding themselves guilty of stealing licensed tracks. Keep the following in mind as you navigate the complicated world of business and music

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5 Vital Features for Your Band Website

Your band is rocking up a storm in local venues, and you want to make an attempt at going big. Sure, you're on social networks and music-centric sites such as SoundCloud and Bandcamp, but if you're neglecting your actual band website, you're neglecting key marketing opportunities that only a personal site offers. While some bands rely on MySpace, which hosts more than 14 million extensive musician profiles, a personal website gives you far more control over your image, SEO, traffic, and merchandising. Band websites are as unique as the bands they represent, but some elements are tried and true for a reason.

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Fonts and Branding: How Typography Affects Your Identity in the Music Industry

Typography plays a key psychological role in how people view your music. If you want to attract new fans and retain loyal ones, it’s important to consider your visual representation in print, online and everywhere in between. A picture says a thousand words, but people spend an extraordinary amount of time reading text.

A particular type of font can invoke a wide range of perceptions and emotions, ultimately creating an image of that particular artist. For example, handmade typography and decorative fonts help musical artists stand out from others and invoke a more personal, intimate image. Meanwhile, sans serif fonts, such as Helvetica, are essential for clean visual identities that rely on expert use of white space and simplistic styling elements.

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5 Country Music Meccas of the South

Country music is as American as apple pie and baseball. The genre, a combination of American folk music, blues and western music, originated in the southern American United States in the 1920s. Since then, country music has evolved to appeal to a broad, international audience. Said Scott Stem, the Media Relations Director for the Country Music Awards (CMAs), “We are a very real-life music, based on real-life experiences.”

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