We frequently get asked about how much money can be made from licensing music? This is a tough one to answer, because of the number of variables related to the musician – the type of music, the quality of the song, the lyrics, the voice, the harmonies, etc. Also, is the music in demand? Is it recorded professionally?
We know musicians that make a nice full time income from licensing their music. We also know many musicians that make good part time income from music licensing which allows them to compliment their regular income.
More and more labels are vanishing, and the way things are going with the internet, musicians have an easier time making new fans online so as an indie musician it’s becoming easier to get your music out there and make a living from it too.
This means it’s not always necessary to involve a record label to make money from your music anymore. We’re not suggesting it’s quick or easy, but it’s actually very doable. And we know musicians who have taken the licensing game into their own hands and are making a complete full time business out of it and making a living from it. We deal with these musicians and know what they are doing to achieve their successes.
We think licensing your music should be a big part of every musician’s overall music career action plan. If you are not making your music available for licensing into film, TV, games and commercials an important part of your game plan then you are missing out on an important revenue stream. Spending an hour to two a day focusing on music licensing should be a key part of any musician’s 8 hour day. Pursue as many licensing opportunities as possible. Maybe sign up with several music licensing companies. Participate by submitting tracks for any “calls for music” you hear about.
If you’re just starting out getting your music licensed, then it will take some time to get to a place that becomes routine and manageable. Over time, things should become easier for you to manage, and along the way you can be proud of the licenses you get from your own efforts. Everything takes time, but once you’re organized and have a routine, then you will have time to focus on other parts of your music career.
For more information about Music Licensing and other good information about making money with your music, check out our book, Music Licensing Insiders Guide that connects you with industry folks who can help place your music in TV and films, commercials and video games. Start earning big money licensing your music now. Also included are directories for all the major PROs worldwide.