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Expert Music Career Advice For DIY Musicians
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Legal & Money, Music Business 101

Jan 7, 2019 06:00 AM

Dan Reifsnyder

The Basics: How to Copyright Music in 2019

Image via Shutterstock

I know some writers who clutch their notebooks to their chests when they meet a fellow artist or who refuse to even play their songs out for fear they'll be stolen. Perhaps they've heard horror stories or had bad experiences themselves.

For the most part, however, it isn't necessary to be quite this protective of your music – the vast majority of fellow artists you come across are honest with no interest in ripping you (or anyone else) off. At least, in my experience.

That being said, there's no reason not to protect yourself and your work properly in this day and age. Read on for how to copyright music in 2019.

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Legal & Money, Music Business 101

Jul 23, 2018 06:00 AM

Suzanne Paulinski

3 Ways to Shift Your Mindset About Making Money From Your Music

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Some call the Law of Attraction pseudoscience, while others call it a load of crap altogether. There’s something to be said, however, for the fact that wherever you place your energy, that is where you will see progress.

If you put your energy into focusing on what’s wrong in a situation or how hopeless it is, you’ll fail to pay attention to possible solutions that cross your path. The same logic applies to finances; if you focus on how poor you are, you’ll never get far in amassing any wealth.

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Legal & Money, Musician Success Guide, Music Business 101, Booking Gigs & Touring, Strategies for Success

Apr 2, 2018 06:00 PM

Dan Reifsnyder

How Much Should You Charge for Your Gigs? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions

Image via Shutterstock

To hear most of my musician and artist friends talk, money is the “not fun” part of the creative process. It's awkward to some, and to others it feels like it totally demeans the work itself.

While this is a noble and high-minded point of view, the reality is that your unique voice is worth something to the world. You need to pay your rent to be able to make more art, after all. To help you come up with an appropriate fee, ask yourself these four questions.

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streaming, Digital & Tech, Legal & Money

Sep 28, 2017 06:00 AM

James Shotwell

Stop Believing Music Piracy Will Save (Or Help) Your Career

Image via haulix.com

This article originally appeared on Haulix.

 

Did you write “Pour Some Sugar On Me” or perhaps a similarly iconic rock hit that has dominated radio rotation for several decades? If the answer is no, then you should probably think twice before following the career advice of those who did.

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Legal & Money, Music Business 101

Sep 12, 2017 06:00 AM

Justin M. Jacobson, Esq.

An Updated Look at Neighboring Rights: What They Are and Why They Matter

Image via Shutterstock

This article originally appeared on TuneCore.

 

Featured artists, session musicians, and master-sound-recording owners, typically record labels, are entitled to an additional royalty stream that artists and sound recording owners within the United States are currently not receiving. This additional revenue stream is referred to as “neighboring rights” royalties. In recent years, this revenue stream has become a valuable source of additional income for non-U.S. citizen performers. It is reported that neighboring rights generates over $2 billion per year.

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