Newbie's question: How do I sell music online?

[milianpa]

I'm an absolute newbie when it comes to today's music business. Now, I write a few songs that I'd like to present to the world. Submitting to Taxi is one things. But since any of my works has not been forwarded 'yet' I'd like to try some thing new. I'm thinking about making my song 'broadcast quality' by using session vocalists/musicians/Engineers. I would then send my song to online sites that allow music download. Please help me understand the following:1) Since I'd be using a session vocalist, would I still use the artist's name, even if we have 'work for hire' agreement, etc.?2) If I don't use their name, what is the appropriate identity for my music: something like MYNAME MUSIC PRODUCTION would do?3) Would I then be the producer/the publisher or both?4) If you have been to this route please share your experience. I want to hear all.Thank you very much-M

[hummingbird]

Jul 11, 2008, 2:53pm, milianpa wrote:I'm an absolute newbie when it comes to today's music business. Now, I write a few songs that I'd like to present to the world. Submitting to Taxi is one things. But since any of my works has not been forwarded 'yet' I'd like to try some thing new. I'm thinking about making my song 'broadcast quality' by using session vocalists/musicians/Engineers. I would then send my song to online sites that allow music download. Please help me understand the following:1) Since I'd be using a session vocalist, would I still use the artist's name, even if we have 'work for hire' agreement, etc.?2) If I don't use their name, what is the appropriate identity for my music: something like MYNAME MUSIC PRODUCTION would do?3) Would I then be the producer/the publisher or both?4) If you have been to this route please share your experience. I want to hear all.Thank you very much-MI'm not really sure of the answers to these questions. I am an artist and I produce an album, I sell my album on CDBaby and thru digital downloads and at gigs & events.Before you spend a lot of money, think about your marketing plan. Having music on line for sale is one thing, but where are your fans? How will they hear or identify you? Say you spend $750 on a master recording of one song. At $.99 cents a song, that means you will have to sell about 800 downloads to even break even. Since people have to hear something several times in order to purchase it, that means you have to reach 5 or 6 thousand people. I suggest you check out Bob Baker and www.thebuzzfactor.com - he's the author of Guerrilla Marketing. In addition, The Indie Bible - www.theindiebible.com - is a great resource for getting radio play & reviews, etc. Assuming you do go this route, I would give yourself a band name (that's readily identifiable as you) and then add the singer - assuming they have signed a master release that allows you to use their name (and why wouldn't they want the exposure). So, for example, if I was the singer, you'd say "Milan & Vikki Flawith"You would not be the "producer", the producer would. You would be the songwriter/publisher I guess.Make sure you get work for hire & master releases from all persons that work on the master recordings. I have heard if you are purchasing master recording services that they will cost you more than demo services because that means you will be making money from the recording that the producer, musicians & singers performed. In addition, once you have master recordings you can pitch them to film/tv.I hope that information is helpful & accurate,cheersHummin'bird

[kg]

First let me state where I think you are coming from. My understanding is that you are a songwriter who wants to produce your own songs with the use of session musicians and an engineer. Assuming this is your stance, here are my answers to your questions:You're going to have to market yourself in the way of songwriter/producer. The buyer needs to have the clear understanding that you are the songwriter selling a song, versus a band selling a song & image. Another approach you can take with this is to use the exact same session players and singer on all the songs so as to present a band-like sound on the CD or on the tracks you propose to sell.1) Since I'd be using a session vocalist, would I still use the artist's name, even if we have 'work for hire' agreement, etc.? & 2) If I don't use their name, what is the appropriate identity for my music: something like MYNAME MUSIC PRODUCTION would do?You must use a work for hire agreement and then you can credit the singer with the performance, but you shouldn't sell it as that artist. So think along the lines of "a 'milanpa' song performed by singer x" -- idea: maybe the whole CD is something like "A Milanpa Project - performed by xxxxx" 3) Would I then be the producer/the publisher or both?You are only the producer if you are truly acting as the producer. If you're hiring someone to put their production touches on it, versus just engineering, then you may be in a co-producing situation. If you plan to hand over to someone else to make it happen, then you're not producing at all. You are 1. the songwriter and 2. the publisher. If you're concerned about this because you plan to register with a PRO, then when you register a song, you will retain all the songs rights unless you sign a deal that hands over a percentage of your publishing. Just be sure no matter what that you get work for hire agreements from everyone. If you hire a producer, discuss this up front. Find out if he/she be work for hire or will they want a percentage if/when you make money off of that particular recording.Hope that helps as well.

[milianpa]

Thank you, Hummingbird and kg, for your advice.I really appreciate it. -M