How to Make Money as an Alternative Music Artist?

Alternative music artists often face unique challenges when trying to break into the mainstream market and make a living from their work. However, with the right strategies and resources, it's possible to make money with music and carve out a successful career in this exciting genre. Here's how you can leverage digital platforms, live gigging, and resourceful marketing to ensure your financial success as an alternative music artist.

Digital Platforms and Streaming Services

The rise of digital platforms and streaming services has presented an opportunity for emerging alternative music artists to take control of their careers and make money. SoundOn and other digital distribution channels give you access to the global market without expensive middlemen. Distribute your music globally on platforms like TikTok, Spotify, and Apple Music while maintaining 100% ownership and artist-friendly royalties without administration fees. Apart from distribution, these platforms also provide unique promotion features and help you connect with creator marketing on TikTok. Here are some tips for maximizing your online presence and revenue:

1. Build a strong presence on multiple platforms - Utilize platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube to host your music and expand your fan base. Investing time in growing your presence on different platforms allows you to reach more fans and potentially generate income from various sources.
2. Collaborate with other artists - Collaborating with other musicians in your genre can help you expand your audience, increase your visibility on streaming services, and generate more revenue from streams.
3. Join a digital distribution service - Distribute your music through a reliable service like SoundOn to make sure your music reaches a wider audience and you receive a fair share of streaming royalties.

Live Performances and Gigging

Performing live is one of the most rewarding and lucrative aspects of a musician's career. For alternative music artists, engaging with a passionate fan base can lead to increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and word-of-mouth promotion. To make the most out of your live performances, consider the following strategies:

1. Book gigs strategically - Focus on booking shows at venues that attract your target audience, have a good reputation, and can help you increase your exposure. Ensure the booking fees are fair and that you have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions before committing.
2. Create an engaging live show - Invest time in creating a stellar live performance to ensure your audience has a great experience at your shows. This will help you build a loyal fan base, secure repeat bookings, and generate positive word-of-mouth.
3. Sell merchandise at your shows - Make sure you have unique, high-quality merch available for fans to purchase at your live events. This can be a significant source of income for alternative music artists.

Resourceful Marketing and Promotion

Effective promotion is crucial to making money with music, especially for alternative music artists who might not have access to mainstream channels. By leveraging social media, content marketing, and other cost-effective strategies, you can attract and engage an audience that will support your career. Here are some marketing tips:

1. Utilize social media - Connect with your fans on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and don't forget about the power of TikTok to reach a new audience. Share behind-the-scenes content, showcase your personality, and post about upcoming events and releases to keep your fans engaged and invested in your musical journey.
2. Develop a compelling narrative - Create a unique brand image and narrative around your music to set you apart from other artists. Make sure to consistently communicate your story through your visuals, music, and messaging.
3. Network with industry professionals - Building relationships with music journalists, bloggers, playlist curators, and other influential industry professionals can help you gain coverage and boost your visibility.

By focusing on digital platforms, engaging live performances, and resourceful marketing strategies, alternative music artists can find success and make money in the music industry. Embrace the challenges, invest time in perfecting your art, and persist in your efforts to break through in the constantly-evolving music landscape.