The music industry has progressed through the years. It's no secret that major labels are now losing the power they once had and have had to find new way to generate new revenue sources. But this little tid bit isn't about the rise, decline or adaptation of the major label. This is geared more towards those artists who wish to stay in control of their work. Some tips and advice from one artist to another. I'll try to keep it as simple as possible and if anyone has any questions, disagreements or things to add please feel free to leave a comment. Look at this as a living document of sorts by musicians for musicians.
First and foremost you do not need a record deal in order to push your music career. If by chance you are approached with a deal be sure to be actively involved in the negotiations process and have a lawyer (if at all possible) look the contract over. If you are unable to get a lawyer please use that common sense your mother gave you and the street sense you picked up from your crazy cousins and friends. For those who don't get that phone call there are plenty of other options.
Keep in mind not all music is for everybody but everybody has a favorite music. You have a niche somewhere and with todays technology it's easier than ever to get your latest masterpiece to the masses. Again options. Each option comes with a way to monetize. Look at the pros and cons of each. Reverbnation for instance is great to get your music out easily and heard. It doesn't cost anything (there are payment options for certain services) to put some music up and blast it. Take into consideration they do have a restriction on song length or file size. If the file is too big you won't get that song up and out (again depending on if you want to pay). CD Baby is a great option to get your music out on several different streaming platforms or digital music stores around the world. The revenue depends on how many times you music is played and how many units (song/MP3s) are sold. The store and platforms, however, take a cut. To get an album out through CD Baby it's roughly about 70-80 bucks, one time fee, and your music is everywhere within a few weeks.
For merchandise, let me tell you, there are several hundred options depending on what you want. My advice is you track down and get with those select individuals who make various things out of their garage. Still do your research! Just because they may be more cost effective doesn't always mean quality but there are small companies who have great prices and great quality. I guarantee you have someone in town that does something, if not then use your contacts. Buttons usually run about 20-30 bucks for 100. I'll start compiling a list of such companies for future use so check back at a later date!
If you're starting to get out and play more know the area and venue. Florida is full of venues yet I get hit up by booking agents and touring bands to find where these venues are (trust me when I say I'm not the only one getting questioned). Florida is like a some exotic, foreign land filled with unreachable riches. An untapped market for most out side of the state. Don't worry. The venues are here. The type of venue depends greatly on what you're looking for though. If your punk band the chance of you playing in Naples are slim to none. Doesn't mean it isn't possible just unlikely. Below are some venues for a quick run through Florida.
Orlando-Will's Pub/Lil Indie's, Uncle Lou's
Tampa-The Pegasus Lounge, The Brass Mug
Sebring-Sheila's Corner Pub
Miami-Churchill's
Delray-The Vintage Tap
Jacksonville- Burro Bar, Shanty Town
Pensacola-The Handlebar
Cape Coral-Rack'em Billiards
Lake Worth-Propaganda
Daytona-Tir Na Nog
There are plenty more out there this is just a handful.
There you go. Kind of a starting point to get your brains going and begin to figure out what to do with what you love. Just like any other industry there are so many more tip and details I could throw out but for now I think this is as good as any place to start. Again if anyone out there has anything they'd like to add, change, disagree or what have you feel free to email or comment. Till next time!
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