Writers and producers often struggle with getting their songs and lyrics to the right buyers due to the lack of an effective system. Many creators find this frustrating as there's no straightforward way to achieve this. However, implementing a few key strategies can ease your fears and help move your product. While some investment is required, it doesn't have to break the bank.
Understanding the Marketplace
Fill the Void: Nostalgia plays a significant role here. Writing music with a sound older than 15-20 years can make you innovative to the younger generation and beloved by those who grew up with that sound. The prime recreation period is a sound that is 25-30 years old.
Fill Demand: Current demand is driven by trends brewing in the underground market for the past 9 years. Stay updated with the streets, clubs, playlists, and blogs to harness the current sound and quickly get into the game.
Avoid Dated Music: Dated music, characterized by sounds and lyrics 5-14 years old, can make your work seem uninspiring and out-of-touch. Aim to stay current or ahead of the trends.
Cataloging
Efficiently selling your songs requires proper cataloging and organization. Have lyric sheets, instrumentals, acapella, and background vocal tracks ready. Each song should include information on writers, producers, programmers, arrangers, and BG vocalists. Software like Reel Crafter or Disco.ac can help keep this information organized.
Sell your lyrics to the Market
Develop a list of target customers. The quickest to accept your songs are typically Managers, Artists, Label A&Rs, and Publishing A&Rs. Use great email pitches with links to your records, ensuring prospects can hear them instantly without any barriers.
Marketing Materials
A great email pitch with instant listening links is crucial. While USB drives and QR code cards can be useful, they can also get lost. Building an email list of prospects allows you to track and manage your outreach effectively.
Insurance
Before sending songs out, place insurance on your records through copyright registration for unpublished works. Even if you send them out without insurance, ensure you register the work the next day.
Scaling Operations
Once you have some sales, focus on paying clients and keep the songs flowing to them. Rinse and repeat this process to scale your operations.
Hidden Gem to Increase Contacts
Paying for studio time at an A-list studio allows you to mix your records, create content, and network with industry professionals. This can lead to free studio access based on your networking skills and reputation.
Pricing Your Songs
For complete songs inclusive of music, a price range of $3,000 - $7,500 is reasonable for newcomers, depending on the label situation.
Songwriters' Points
Points for songwriters are negotiable, typically derived from the master, and range from 3-4%.
Ownership of Publishing
You should retain your share of the musical composition. Holding these shares in your LLC for your DIY Publishing/Record Company is advisable for various reasons.
Action Steps
Create great music, catalog it, insure it, and sell it. The process will improve with repetition.
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Conclusion
Using a system like this allows your sales to grow consistently and can even skyrocket due to your professionalism. Without a system, confusion with your catalog can occur, making it hard to scale your sales. Now, with a deeper understanding of how to sell your lyrics and full songs to buyers, go forth and be fruitful and multiply!
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