Learn how to get your music on iTunes and more
I would like to talk about how to get your music on iTunes. Not just iTunes but also other digital music distribution stores like, Amazon MP3, MySpace Music, Zune, and more.
As enjoyable as the home recording process is, aren't we also
hopeful to share the music we create with others? This is one home music studio question few engineers take the time to understand.
In one of my very first post, I wrote what I consider to be, an appropriate definition of the home music studio. Let me refer back to that definition and then we will move forward from there.
I remember back in 2008 tracking my very first "live" recording. The music team I was leading in the church where I worked all played a part in the album. In December of that year I spent almost every free moment of the Holidays mixing and tweaking the tracks. When the project was done, I did a cover design, got it cheaply mastered (sounded like it too ;) ), and then had several hundred copies made.
When we sold out of all the copies, the thought finally dawned on me. I had no idea how to get your music on iTunes. So the search began. At first I was very discouraged to find that apple had a very strict set of guidelines for any music sold in the iTunes Store. Essentially, if you were not signed by a music label that had at least 20 projects under their belt, you simply couldn't get your music in iTunes.
The last number I've read about iTunes states that they have had more than 16 billion songs downloaded from their store. To me, that is astronomically huge. The idea of my songs being available on, what is most likely, the largest digital distribution hub of music in the world? Well lets just say that put a smile on my face.
Apple has sold more than 16 billion songs via its iTunes Store since it was launched in 2003...
So I kept on searching for my answer knowing that I was not signed by a major label. I came across a service that was somewhat new, but really started to catch ground. They advertised themselves to a distribution service to the iTunes store. They would take your audio files and get them listed for sale in iTunes and several other online stores as well. When one of your songs were downloaded, the royalties were paid to them and they in turn paid you.
Since that time they have come a long way in the many services they offer. Today they are now one of the largest and most reliable services of their kind. I have always found their products and support to be affordable and top-notch. Today I consider them to be one of the best in the industry, period.
That service is a company called TuneCore Learning how to get your music on iTunes is something that TuneCore makes very simple. Once you sign up for their service, you will be guided through the processes every step of the way. It is both affordable and reliable.
If learning how to get your music on iTunes and TuneCore seems like something you would be interested in, then check them out. I'd love to hear your thoughts so please add them to the comments section below.
I’d be happy making minimum wage for now. ;)
Pro mixer Dave Pensado, http://www.pensadosplace.tv, recommended IndabaMusic.com as a useful resource for us up and coming artists, and that site promotes CDBaby.com which is similar to TuneCore.com. They had a little different scheme for charges and payouts than TuneCore.
Thanks for posting this Dan. I’m still of fan of TuneCore but again, that’s what I’ve used personally in the past and so its what I know. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t other good options as well for sure.
As far as Dave Pensado, man that guy and his crew blows my mind at times ;) They do have a lot a great info. I’ve gleaned a lot from their show.
David,
You’re on the right track with the social media. Even with your music in all the “right” places, it will be personal connections and word-of-mouth that will bring sales.
That being said, it’s really time for indie musicians to face the facts: selling your digital songs is not likely to make you a millionaire. (SSP: there are posts on my site about this very subject.) Your recordings are a great and necessary adjunct to supporting your live music and other endeavors that you can use to make money, make the world a better place … or both.
rock on!
Stan
Great input Stan! thanks for the reply.
Thanks David. I’ve been with Tune Core for about 4 years. It’s a great distribution opportunity. But, getting people to find your music is the other side of the story. That would be a very helpful article. Thanks again.
Thanks for your feedback Samuel, you do bring up a very good point though. Self promoting your own projects is the other side of the coin for sure.
Though I do have a few initial thoughts (keywords in itunes, using social media and other sites) this topic may take a bit more research on my part.
Has anyone else found any self promotions tips that have have worked well for you?
Feel free to post the direct link to your iTunes projects page as a reply to this comment by the way.
Keep in touch