The music business is often a mystery to most bands, songwriters and musicians, where the secrets of success are known by a select few. It's an area that scares many musicians. When you've written and recorded your songs how do you get people to buy them? How do you get people to come to your gigs? Do I need a manager? What is an agent? What's in a recording contract or other types of music contract, and what does it all mean? What is copyright, and what does it mean to songwriters and musicians? How do I get permission to record or perform a cover version of a song?
Most bands completely neglect the business aspect of music, thinking that somehow, someone will come along, recognize their talent for it's overwhelming potential, and offer them a record deal that will change their life. Most have no idea what a record contract or publishing deal actually is, or if they really need one, let alone how to get one.
Even if you don't want to run your own band as a business yourself, it pays to understand what others may do on your behalf.
The same is true of marketing and promotion. Most bands don't do enough, and what they do do, they don't do effectively.
To try and shed light on this elusive aspect of life for the musician we've collected lots of useful Music Business related content together in one place!
From information about the way the music business works, to how to copyright a song, contracts, music promotion, and interviews with professionals working in the music biz.
Have a browse through our list of articles, and our categorised selection of links. Hopefully you'll find the answers to many of your questions. If you can't find the answer drop by the Music Business Brief forum and ask your questions and discuss ideas there. You'll find there are many experienced members willing to help, and you can easily request new articles to be written or sourced by Songstuff Staff.
If you are not sure of a term, try looking it up in our Music Glossary.
If you have experience and are interested in contributing an article to Songstuff, please contact us with details of the proposed article.
We have a growing library of music business articles written by a mixture of in-house writers and contribuors working in various aspects of the the music business. Subjects include music promotion, and a band managers.
To highlight just a few articles:
The Songstuff music business Links are packed with useful resources on subjects including professional bodies and record labels.
Sub-categories include:
By Steve Perrett
Interview with Katie Marie of Funkeefish recording studio and label.
Read more of Funkeefish Studio...
By Dale Turner
Three Ways to Obtain Mechanical Licenses, for Legally Recording/Distributing Cover Versions.
Read more of The Cover Song Quagmire...
By John Dawes
This article describes the most positive way of using a mailing list. How to make the most of email to keep your fans up to date and in the know.
Read more of How to Effectively Promote Your Live Shows with Email...
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Last modified Sunday, January 27, 2008