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In today's music industry, the removal of industry gatekeepers and the improved accessibility to equipment and production software has made it easier than ever to start making music. Unfortunately, this has made it even more difficult to get your music heard. While you may look to release your music with the aim of growing your fan base through increased streams and album sales, today's music industry has shifted to one that doesn't pay too well for the music directly, especially as an upcoming artist.
In this blog post, we will discuss 3 of the best music placement opportunities for musicians that give you a chance to get your music heard and to earn an income from your music, without the need to sell albums or earn streams.
Check out some of our favourite music placement opportunities to help further your career as a musician.
Sync Licensing
Sync licensing is the process of licensing music to be used in films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. It's a great way for musicians to get their music in front of a large audience and earn extra income. There are several companies that specialise in sync licensing, such as Musicbed and Songtradr. These companies work with music supervisors to find the perfect song for a particular scene or ad. You can submit your music to these companies, and if selected, your music will be licensed and placed in various media.
This revenue stream for your music can often be a lucrative one, according to a study conducted by Berklee College of Music, sync licensing can account for up to 50% of a musician's income. Not only that, sync licensing can be a great source of passive income as once your music is licensed, you will be earning royalties every time your track is used.
Music Libraries
Similar to sync licensing, music libraries involve the licensing of music for media. The main difference is that music libraries are databases of songs that can be licensed rather than a specific song, usually seen in sync licensing. These libraries are used by music supervisors, ad agencies, and production companies to find music for their projects. You can submit your music to these libraries and earn royalties every time your music is licensed.
Some of the most popular music libraries include:
It's important to note that some libraries require exclusive rights to your music, so be sure to read the terms before submitting your music.
Music Contests
Music contests are another great way to get their music heard and gain exposure. Many contests offer the opportunity to have your music placed in media, such as TV shows or commercials. One of the most popular music contests is the International Songwriting Competition. This contest offers several categories, including pop/rock, country, and folk/singer-songwriter. The grand prize winner receives $25,000 in cash and prizes, as well as the opportunity to have their music heard by industry professionals.
In conclusion, all these methods are great ways to increase exposure and earn extra income as a musician. Drop us a message if you try any of these placement opportunities out for yourself, we would love to hear how you're getting on and if you've found any benefit to your career.