Music Licensing And The Future Of The Music Business

Published: Wed, 01/14/09

In case you haven´t noticed, the music business is changing.  CD sales have been declining for years now and the whole industry has been scrambling to figure out what to do in order to succesfully adapt to the way the music industry is changing. Seth Godin, one of the most knowledgable authors on business and marketing , recently wrote a great blog about the music industry in which he really hit the nail on the head regarding the future of the music business. I´m paraphrasing, but he basically indicated that the music business as we know it is over.  The record labels have had a great run but the party is over, so to speak, at least in terms of traditional CD sales being the main source of revenue for artists and labels. Here´s  a quote from the article, "Hey, guys, I'm not in the music business and even I've been writing about this for years. I even started a record label five years ago to make the point. Industries don't die by surprise. It's not like you didn't know it was coming." 
 
It´s pretty obvious things are changing and both labels and artists need to stay abreast of where current opportunities are and where the industry is headed in order to succeed.  In the wake of the death of traditional record labels there are many opportunities for musicians to succeed and now, perhaps more than ever before, the power really does lie with you, the musician.  It´s clear to me that the goal of getting a record deal really has become a false idol.  There are a myriad of ways to make money and keep moving forward with your music career that it really makes no sense to not pursue other avenues for both getting exposure and making money from your music.  The great news is that you don´t have to rely on other people or companies to move your career forward.  If you have the drive and will you can take steps every day that will improve your career.  And for me at least, I´m happy as long as I´m progressing a little bit every day. Conversely, I start to feel pretty crummy if I´m not moving toward my goals. 
 
Here are the three main sources of revenue and exposure ALL musicians can pursue, regardless of where you live or what stage of your career your in.
 
1) Revenue from CD sales,digital downloads and merchandise
2) Revenue from performing live
3) Revenue from music licensing deals
 
If you want to make a full time living from your music you should be pursuing all three of these avenues and taking steps every day to grow each area of your career. The third category, music licensing, is a form of revenue that is growing and becoming a much bigger piece of the revenue pie for both artists and labels. There are many more opportunities, in terms of places to license music, than ever before.  And it´s a great industry because there are absolutely no barriers to entry in terms of age, location, image, etc...  If you write and record good music, you can find a place that needs it.
 
If you're interested in learning how to license your music I've created a one of a kind program that explains in detail how to start licensing your music.  The program includes a how to audio program, an audio interview with a leading industry insider and a comprehensive directory of supervisors, publishers, music libraries and more who are in the business of licensing music. If you're interested in licensing your songs, you simply won't find a better resource for aiding you in getting started in the industry. 
The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition With Phone Coaching Get the most comprehensive program I have available. This package comes with both my program, The A-Z Of Music Licensing as well as one on one coaching via phone and email. After you review the program we´ll schedule a half hour phone consultation to discuss any additional questions you have about the industry. Then, over the course of up to four emails I´ll work with you to make sure that you are prepared to succesfully enter into the licensing business. This package also includes the 2009 music licensing directory (as all my packages do) which includes contact information for professionals in the music licensing industry including supervisors, publishers, music libraries, video game companies and more. If you´re really determined to break into the business and don´t want to waste a lot of time getting started I reccomend this package.  I love working with people and helping them get involved in the licensing business and you´ll get an incredible amount of value out of this package that will far exceed the price of this program. Get the entire package for less than a hundred dollars!  Get the package here.
 
The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition With Email Coaching This is my newest package and I´m currently offering this package for close to twenty dollars off of the regular price.  It features my program, The A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format bundled with additional coaching via email. The A-Z Of Music Licensing is a comprehensive program that covers in detail EVERYTHING you need to know to start successfully licensing your music. This package also includes additional email support.  After you review the material I'll work with you over the course of up to three additional emails to go over any questions you have and help you implement a strategy for going forward that is tailored to your own unique situation. I recommend this program if you´re new to the business and would like additional support in getting started.   Get the online version with email coaching  here!
 
The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition - Get the original program by itself.  A priceless resource for learning how to license your music that includes a how to audio program, ebook, audio interview with a leading music licensing industry insider and the 2009 TV-Film Music Business Directory.  Get the program here!
The 2009 TV/Film Music Industry Directory And How To Ebook- And finally I also offer the comprehensive 2009 TV/Film Music Industry Directory by itself.  This directory includes a list of over 150 Music Supervisors, Music Publishers, Music Libraries and more all in the business of licensing music for use in TV, Film and Video Games. The directory also includes my original ebook on how to license your music in film and television for free Get the directory and ebook here. Only $19.99 (normally $24.99)
 
Happy Holidays and Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison
 
PS - You can now follow me on Twitter - visit www.twitter.com/musiclicensing to sign up!