After recording your compositions, of course, you want to immediately listen to the public. Publishing music is a great way to make your music known to the public while securing patents. Make a list of various music publishers that fit your genre, and send them a demo along with a good introductory email. If you believe you can promote your music on your own, try using various online platforms available on the internet.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Finding a Music Publisher
Step 1. Build your music repertoire before sending it to labels
Ask yourself the following questions: How flowing is your music? How's the recording quality? What can you do to strengthen your music library? This music will represent the world's first impression of you so wait until you are ready to hand it over to publishers.
- Play on the local stage in your area to gain a small fan base. This can make your music appear more convincing in the eyes of publishers.
- Purchase a home recording kit or visit a professional recording studio. High quality recording is the key to your success.
Step 2. Do some research on publishers that specialize in your genre of music
Look for musicians who play music similar to yours and note their publisher information. You can try contacting the Association of Indonesian Music Publishers (APMINDO) or Wahana Musik Indonesia (WAMI).
Step 3. Do some research on copyright records if you want to patent your music
Before making an offer, it's a good idea to find out what music publishers have to offer. The administration agreement gives full ownership to the composer and focuses primarily on recording the copyright of the song.
Administration agreements are usually short term although they can be renewed at the music publisher
Step 4. Look for co-publishing offers if you want upfront earnings
The co-publishing agreement requires the musician to sacrifice 50% of his ownership for the upfront payment and higher royalties.
- Co-publishing agreements are very common in the music industry.
- Some publishers also offer work-for-hire agreements. In this agreement, you give up all ownership and administrative rights to obtain the promotion. This practice is common on film and advertising labels.
Step 5. Develop a network within the music industry
Even if you live far from the center of the music industry in Jakarta, you can build relationships within the music publishing industry. Sign up for an internship at a record label, staff an info booth at a music festival, or volunteer with a music organization. Interact with music publishers on social media, and communicate with fellow aspiring musicians on forums.
- You must remain humble when dealing with other people. Remember, other people don't owe you anything.
- Once you've met with the music publisher, follow up by sending an email. Say that you are happy to have met him and look forward to working with him in the future.
Method 2 of 4: Offering Your Music
Step 1. Create a music demo
Choose 2-4 songs to include in a demo album, and insert them on a CD, MP3 file, or music streaming site. The selected song should represent your music. Include contact information, such as your (band) name, song titles, email and home addresses, and your phone number.
- You can include contact information in the file via metadata to make sure the publisher has all the information it needs.
- Before choosing a song, play on an outdoor stage or cafe to find out which song is the crowd's favourite.
Step 2. List the five best publishers for your genre
Your chances are not necessarily increased by submitting music to major publishers. Instead, personalize the music offered. Narrow your selection to 4-5 publishers with the best odds.
Step 3. Call or email potential publishers to inquire about music submission policies
Ask permission to submit your music first. Some publishers are willing to accept submissions, but others make direct contact with clients personally. After getting the green light, you can submit a demo.
Step 4. Send the demo link in the email
Unless the publisher asks for a demo on CD, send your demo via email instead of postal mail. The best email submissions are always concise and efficient. State why you chose the relevant publisher and how your music fits into the genre they specialize in. Don't forget to thank them for your time and attention.
- Create a professional email title, such as "Submit Demo: [Your Name]".
- Check publisher policies before attaching MP3 files. Most publishers prefer to receive music via the demo link in the body of the email.
Step 5. Follow up on your submission
Check the publisher's estimated response time, which is usually listed on the publisher's website. If it's been a long time without a response, send them a quick email thanking them for their attention and reminding them of your submission. Follow up again after a few weeks, if you don't get a reply.
- Don't send too many emails. The body of the email should only contain 2-3 sentences.
- After you've followed up twice without getting an answer, move on to the next publisher. The publisher may not be interested in your music.
Method 3 of 4: Registering
Step 1. Prepare to meet the publisher in person, if invited
If you like your music, the music publisher will schedule an appointment with you. Prepare a playlist of your best music to play at meetings. It is impossible to show all your songs so choose 2 songs that are not in the demo you previously submitted.
- Wear formal but comfortable clothes. For the safest option, dress in business casual.
- Do some research on music publishers before the meeting to make a positive impression.
Step 2. Be polite during the meeting
Music publishers want to work with professional musicians. Arrive early to be on time, and be grateful for the opportunity given. The music publisher has taken time out of his busy schedule to see you so it shows that he's not wasting his time.
Don't defend your music from publisher criticism. Instead, listen and study their advice. There are more opportunities to work with them if you are willing to stand up for their opinions
Step 3. Find a music attorney if you are offered an offer
Say your interview went well and be offered a contract right away. The next step is to find a music attorney and protect your royalties. Legal jargon is sometimes difficult to understand, so it's best to hire a lawyer to protect your rights as a musician.
- If you are friends with other musicians, try asking them for referrals.
- Make sure you and the prospective attorney have a good relationship and put your interests first.
Step 4. Try not to submit the same song to multiple publishers
Once one publisher agrees to contract your song, don't send it to another publisher. This is very unprofessional and demeaning to both publishers. Instead, record lots of songs and you have a lot of ammunition to send to different publishers.
Method 4 of 4: Self-Publishing
Step 1. Make a high-quality recording of the song
Since independent musicians market their own music, recordings should sound as professional as possible. If you can't get professional recording equipment, visit the nearest studio. Practice your music as much as possible before recording, and do a dress rehearsal before recording day.
Make sure your voice and instruments are in top condition before you start recording
Step 2. Patent your music
You can copyright the recording, the song lyrics, or both. Follow the copyright registration procedure in your country and fill out the form provided. After paying the registration fee and submitting your digital music file, your application will be processed and completed.
You cannot patent song titles or key progressions
Step 3. Upload your music on trusted sites
Marketing independently is much easier using online streaming. Create your own site or upload it to popular music sharing sites like Soundcloud, Bandcamp, or Audiomack. Reply to incoming comments and engage listeners via blog posts to build a loyal fan base.
Step 4. Interact with fans on social media platforms
Social media is great for engaging and getting more listeners. Answer questions, respond to feedback, and notify us of your next event. Comment on other musicians' profiles to build a friendly network.
Don't create too many accounts on social media. Choose the best 2-3 sites to build an image that you can still manage
Step 5. Distribute music on the internet
Upload your music on sites like Spotify, iTunes, or RadioAirplay so fans can play or buy your music easily. Unregistered musicians can contact music streaming sites through an artist feed reader (aggregator), which qualifies for an affordable fee.
Tips
- publishers love hardworking musicians.
- Don't flaunt your music as your “next hit”. Many music publishers don't like arrogance.
- If you are too far from the publisher's office, try requesting a telephone meeting.
- Self-publishing is very difficult to do because the burden of promotion and brand building is entirely on you. Even if you have complete freedom, sometimes using the music publisher path is much easier.
