5 Methods to Make Cash as a Musician On-line in 2018

How do you earn money as a musician, particularly if you happen to’re not backed by a file label?

Promoting music and merch at exhibits are two “go to” choices for many bands and solo acts. However past that, what else are you able to do?

On this article, we’ll introduce you to 5 different methods you may make cash as a musician — all from real-life solutions we acquired from 5 profitable unbiased musicians.

We requested every of them this query:

• Outdoors of file offers or enjoying exhibits, what are some distinctive issues that you just’re doing as a music artist to earn a residing?

Right here’s what they needed to say…

1. Future Sunsets: “Provide Unique Behind-the-Scenes Motion”

A method that Future Sunsets, a rock band that does originals and covers on YouTube, makes cash is to present unique entry to behind-the-scenes content material to their patrons.

Patrons. achieve entry to the Future Sundown Lens feed, the place the place the band posts movies, behind-the-scenes images, and updates concerning the band.

Followers can be part of increased tiers for added exclusives, corresponding to digital downloads of the band’s complete catalog, participation in an unique, livestream hangout session, or an invite to assist select the only for the band’s newest albums.

2. Maria Z: “Provide Unique Video Hangouts’

One other option to earn money is to offer paying followers unique entry to a video hangout with you or your band. That’s what Maria Z, a solo musician with 50,000 subscribers on YouTube, provides to patrons that pledge $10 or extra.

To set this up, Maria makes use of Google Hangouts to host a video chat with paying followers. Followers can then ask her questions, get updates on future initiatives, and pitch reside requests for songs. She additionally livestreams live shows for her patrons as soon as a month.

3. Taylor Ray Holbrook: “Provide Followers Early Entry to Songs”

Taylor Ray Holbrook went from working as a lumberjack to creating a residing as a full-time unbiased musician. Taylor launched his first single “Steal My Kiss” two years in the past, which turned him right into a Billboard charting, unbiased artist.

Since then, Taylor has supported his unbiased profession partly by means of Patreon. In alternate for membership, his patrons recieve unique content material, movies, and updates in return.

One among Taylor’s distinctive packages is early entry to songs as he writes them. Followers that contribute $10 per piece of labor created (a brand new YouTube video or track) can hear Taylor’s songs as he creates them.

He additionally shares why he writes the songs and the tales behind them. He even turns to those followers for recommendation when it comes time for his subsequent challenge (like recommendation on album observe order).

Followers can be part of tiers at completely different ranges starting from $1 per piece of labor created all the best way as much as $100. Followers that commit $1 obtain entry to a feed with unique updates and movies launched. Followers that pay $100 are included within the credit on the finish of Taylor’s movies and obtain customized Completely happy Birthday movies.

4. Nate Maingard: “Let Followers Pay What They Need For Your Music”

A method that Nate Maingard makes cash as a musician is by permitting patrons to pay what they need for his music. As an alternative of placing a set worth on his tracks or albums, followers can resolve how a lot they wish to pay.

In idea, followers pays as little as $0.01 or obtain Nate’s music without spending a dime. However, as a rule, followers commit extra money than what Nate would have priced his music at. This permits followers to assist Nate in his music profession.

Along with Nate’s “name-your-own-pricing” mannequin, he additionally provides his patrons early entry to his songs. Followers that decide to the $3-per-month tier obtain entry to Nate’s music earlier than anybody else. He additionally follows these followers on Twitter.

Followers that commit $5 per 30 days get to vote on which songs Nate will file subsequent. Followers that pay $10 per 30 days get to attend a month-to-month Q&A livestream hangout.

5. Marina V: “Host Unique Dinner Occasions for Followers”

Marina V is a Russian-American music artist. One distinctive approach that Marina has managed to earn money as an unbiased musician is by internet hosting genuine Russian-cuisine dinners at her home that patrons can attend.

The dinner provides Marina an opportunity to attach with patrons and reply any questions they could have for her. Patrons may also request track performances from Marina and her husband.

Along with internet hosting dinner for her patrons, Marina has what she calls the “2 Songs a Month Membership.” Members of this membership obtain two unique track downloads per 30 days that aren’t launched wherever else. To be a part of this membership, followers can contribute $Three to $10 per track.

Marina additionally provides paying followers entry to behind-the-scenes documentaries.