So I have been creating music for years but I am yet to launch my career. The problem is that I need to build my brand as a musician. Release some music initially. And ultimately create a 5 year plan containing a rough idea of what i'm going to do and how i'm going to do it in what order.

Then think about how it will address it. 

It will address the problem of not having a brand as an artist by building one. Not only that but also planning out how i am going to take my career as an artist from where i am now to where i want to be in 5 years.

Then think about why you are the best person/people to do this and what you have achieved so far.

I am the best person to do this because nobody is going to build my career for me. And i need to work hard and push myself to get where I need to be.

-I have a Vision on what I want to achieve 
-I have a unique product 
-I have a drive to achieve my goals 
-I can take matters into my own hands 

-I need more confidence in my ability
-I need more understanding of the industry i want to be a part of.

Which specific skills and qualities do you aim to improve throughout this module and how will you achieve this?

-Time management 
-Dont procrastinate 

 

Why?

Because i need to be actively working on my career and planning it out because just working on my music and releasing it isnt enough.

When?

I will be implementing everything after i release my first single.

Where?

From my home in cheshire.

How?

By using the internet and the resources provided by waterbear.

Who?

I will be achieving this on my own.

  Key resources: What resources do you need to make your business work?

-I need good quality product. Music. Online Content. Future merchandise. 

-I need a good team of people around me 

-I need focus

  Value propositions - What’s compelling about the proposition?

-What is compelling is being able to achieve my goals and be happy and successful.

  Customer relationships: How do you interact with the customer?     

-Online content
-Replying to messages and comments
-Hopefully maybe opening a PO box

 Channels: How are these propositions promoted, sold and delivered? Why?

-Mostly online promotion and sold online too.

Customer segments: What is the customer demographic? Describe your customer(s)

-My customers would probably mostly people from 15-50. I feel like my music is accessible to people of all ages as the artists that inspire me are timeless. But i guess it would be for people into guitar music.

  Cost structure: What are the business’ major cost drivers? How are they linked to revenue?

-I will be loosing money initially but it will be worth it in the future. Most costs have been taken already as I already have the gear to make music. I need to buy editing software. And I need to buy a subscription to Prs and also money into putting my music on streaming platforms.

  Revenue streams: How does the business earn revenue from the value propositions?

-Gigs 
-Streaming(youtube, spotify, apple music, ect...)
-Merchandise 
-Brand Deals 

 

Ways it will generate income.

Merch
Royalties 
Gigs/Touring 

Will your idea require funding - what kind?

 Yes I will need to be funding it myself.

Investigate funding opportunities for your project (where / if applicable)

Label?? But i want to remain Independent

Cons- 

Music Distribution Guru (2019) CD Baby Review: STILL a Legit Distributor to Sell Your Music? Music Distribution Guru, Available at: https://musicdistribution.guru/cd-baby-review/ (Accessed, 6th November 2021)

Distrokid- 

Pros - 

Cons -

Landr- 

pros-

Cons- 

Ditto - 

pros-

Cons -

After looking at all these options I have come to the conclusion that the best distributor for me is Distrokid. 


Because- 

Ari Herstand (2020) Best Music Distribution Companies – Full Comparison Chart, Ari's Take, Available at: https://aristake.com/digital-distribution-comparison/#distrokid (Accessed, 7th Novemeber 2021)

Public performance royalties will be paid to either the songwriter, publisher or both whenever songs are performed in public. This doesn’t just apply to pub gigs or stadium tours, it literally means in public. This could include radio stations, in shops, restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, anywhere! 

Mechanical royalties are paid to songwriters or publishers. Songs can be licensed for audio products, including CDs, digital recordings, vinyl or even cassettes. These products generate royalties when they are sold. However, these royalties are typically based on sales of goods rather than production. For example, if the CD is never sold, you wouldn’t earn any royalties. 

If the audio is accompanied by another form of media then you receive synchronisation royalties. You will earn these royalties whenever your track is used in audiovisual media such as TV, film or video games. The producer of this media will require a license in order to use your song.

Synchronisation royalties now also exist digitally and you will be able to claim royalties if your music is being used on a video. YouTube is now a huge and extremely popular platform and YouTubers often use music in the background of their videos. You can earn a lot of money if their video uses your music and receives a lot of views.

Songwriters and composers can make money by printing and selling their music or lyrics. This is typically sheet music but can even apply to merchandise where certain song lyrics are used. If the music has been notated in sheet music and sold in a songbook or downloaded digitally then you can collect royalties.

Neighbouring rights are also known as international performance royalties. A global hit will generate royalties at different rates across the world. This can vary depending on where in the world it’s been played or performed. International royalties can be collected by your local collection society and in the UK, this will be PPL.

If another artist wants to use a second or more of your existing sound recording in his song then they sample it and must get your permission as you own the sound recording copyright and you can then charge a fee for it.  

Open Mic Uk (2019) MUSIC ROYALTIES EXPLAINED | THE COMPLETE BREAKDOWN OF ROYALTIES, Open Mic Uk, Available at: https://www.openmicuk.co.uk/advice/music-royalties-explained/ (Accessed, 10th November 2021)


I will be signing up for Prs to collect royalties for my music.

I will also be signing up for Songtrust to collect royalties worldwide. Once i know it is financially viable to do so (if im getting enough mechanical royalties from abroad)


Raw Technique Studios (2019) Music Royalties From Streaming and Digital Downloads - Are you Leaving Money On The Table?, Youtube, Accessible at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtGUgoCb0KI (Accessed, 15th November 2021)

Royalty Exchange (2018) How Much Does It Cost To Tour In 2018?, Hypebot, Available at: https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2018/09/how-much-does-it-cost-to-tour-in-2018.html (Accessed, 20th November 2021)

 Networking

I Will be collaborating with other artists/Musicians/Content Creators

I will be posting to music publications where i can help promote my brand and music.

I am trying to build my brand as an artist and considering how I am going to do that and how I am going to make a living off that.

Then talk about how it will address it. 

It will address it by firstly building my brand. Then setting up the relevant means to profit off that brand.


Then talk about why you are the best person/people to do this and what you have achieved so far.

I have achieved a level of musical ability that i could profit off. I am the best person to do this because there is only one of me!!

So frank was tied to a 7 album deal with Def Jam records and then eventually used his own money to buy back his masters and gain his freedom.

“I know exactly what the numbers are,” Ocean states. “I need to know how many records I’ve sold, how many album equivalents from streaming, which territories are playing my music more than others, because it helps me in conversations about where we’re gonna be playing shows, or where I might open a retail location, like a pop-up store or something.”

Erin M. Jacobson (2016) Checkmate: Frank Ocean Goes Independent, Forbes, Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/legalentertainment/2016/11/18/checkmate-frank-ocean-goes-independent/?sh=561f6adec45a (Accessed, 25th November 2021)