01/03/2024
Let's talk about royalties – those elusive streams of income that can make or break our careers. As a music producer and sound engineer, I know firsthand the struggle of navigating the labyrinthine world of royalties. In fact, a recent statistic from SAMRO hit me hard: over 80% of its members have yet to earn their first R100. That's a wake-up call if I've ever heard one.
So, what's the deal with royalties, and how can we start earning them? Let's break it down.
It's All About Strategy
First things first, being registered with a royalty collection society like SAMRO is only half the battle. You need a solid plan to actually generate those royalties. It's like having a key to a treasure chest but not knowing where to find the chest itself. Useless, right? So, let's get strategic.
For context, I earned my first R100 after 5 years of being a SAMRO member.
Reverse Engineer Radio Success
Not all radio stations are created equal when it comes to paying royalties. That's why it's crucial to identify the ones that will actually compensate you for playing your music. Personally, I turn to SAMRO's platform for insights. Their unit rate document is a goldmine for discovering which stations pay up. By targeting stations that value our craft, we can maximize our earnings and reverse engineer our way to radio success.
TIP: don't sleep on community and varsity stations. They're a great way to get the word out about new music.
Choose Your Platforms Wisely
Sure, getting your tracks on Spotify can give you some serious exposure. But let's talk about the elephant in the room – how much does it actually pay? Spoiler alert: not much unless you're pulling in millions of streams. That's why I'm a big advocate for exploring alternative revenue streams like radio and sync placements. Want to dive deeper into the world of sync? I've got a treasure trove of videos on my YouTube channel waiting for you.
Collaboration is Key
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the doors just won't open. That's where collaboration comes in. By teaming up with other artists and producers, we can amplify our chances of earning royalties. Plus, if your collaborator has already tasted success, they can light the way for you. There's power in numbers, folks.
The First R100 is Just the Beginning
Earning that first R100 might feel like scaling Mount Everest, but trust me, once you've conquered it, the sky's the limit. With the right skills and strategy, you can turn that R100 into thousands, even hundreds of thousands. It's all about persistence, passion, and a sprinkle of strategic thinking.
If you're inspired to earn royalties, help me out with a like or a share. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments.
Credit to:
SilasBeats for the information.