How to make a living from your music?

The music industry is constantly evolving, and as an artist, it's essential to diversify your income sources. Whether you're an independent musician or a band signed to a label, this article will give you ideas to help you make a living from your music. We'll focus on three main sources of income: concerts, merchandise sales, and streaming.

Concerts and tours 

- Plan your concerts and tours carefully. Target places where you have a strong fan base and collaborate with similar artists to expand your audience. Make sure each show has a clear objective, whether it's promoting a new album or retaining existing fans.

- Make your concerts memorable by adding special elements such as meet and greets, autograph sessions, or even exclusive performances. The overall experience will help retain your audience.

- Explore online monetization options for your concerts, whether through virtual tickets, exclusive access to online content, or merchandise related to the show.

Merchandise sales

- By offering unique merchandise (CDs / Vinyl / Collector T-shirts for example). Don't hesitate to work with designers to develop original concepts that reflect your artistic identity (At Distrolution Merch, we work with musicians who will understand your needs, so don't hesitate to explain your project in detail). Diversity attracts attention!  

- Take advantage of your concerts and tours to sell your merchandise in person. Create attractive stands ensuring you have multiple payment methods available (Cash, payment terminal, PayPal address) and offer special promotions to your fans.

- You can also opt for an e-commerce platform to sell your merch pieces, and not just to your fans. Highlight your new items and ensure your shop is user-friendly.

Streaming

- Carefully select streaming platforms that best match your musical style and audience. You can explore options like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. Also, don't hesitate to focus on creating playlists to increase your visibility.

- Optimise your profile on streaming platforms by using cool images, writing an original biography, and regularly updating your information. The more complete your profile, the more likely it is to attract attention.

- Integrate your streaming activities into your social media strategies (Instagram / TikTok). Share snippets of your songs without hesitation. Organise live sessions and encourage your fans to follow you on your various media.

*Note: It's not the platform that will bring you visibility, so it will be up to you to optimise your own traffic.*

"In conclusion, by combining all these tips, you can create a sustainable income strategy. Develop engagement with your fans, diversify your income, and build a strong online presence to thrive in the music industry. With strategic planning and good execution, you can not only make a living from your music but also build a solid music career."