Articles Index
What is Spotify?
Spotify changed the online music environment in the Europe and launched in the US in 2011 with plans to do the same. But what is Spotify exactly? Learn about this music listening service and why it appeals to so many music fans.
Can I Start a Record Label with No Money?
Can you start a record label with no money? I get this question a lot in my inbox. The answer? It depends on your definition "no money." Although record labels don't run themselves, your dream to start a record label may not be the impossibility you may think. Find out if you can start a record label with no money - or at least how cheaply you can get your business off the ground.
Are Demos Outdated?
Are music demos outdated? In this brave new music world, some will tell you that the old "record a demo and send a demo to a record label" model is as dusty as a word processor, but the truth is a little more complex than that. Find out why demos
Should I Release Music during The Holidays?
Are holiday music releases for major labels only or should indie musicians and indie labels release music over the holidays? Learn the pros and cons of holiday music releases and decide if releasing music during the holidays is worth your time.
Can I Join BMI and ASCAP?
Can you belong to both BMI and ASCAP? Can songwriters sign up for BMI and sign up for ASCAP, or do they have to choose? Get the answer to this question about performance rights organizations on About.com Music Careers musicians FAQs.
How Do I Cancel My Concert?
The gig has been booked and you've been looking forward to it, but now you need to suddenly cancel your concert. Find out what to do if you need to cancel your show, from how to cancel a show with a promoter, how to cancel a show with a club or larger venue and what you need to do for your fans if you cancel a show.
Do I Really Need a Demo?
With the changing music industry, the role of music demos are changing, too. Do you really need a music demo? The answer depends on what your goals are. Find out if you should start recording music or if you should go demo free.
Who Clears My Music Samples?
Music samples have to be cleared before your recording is sold. Clearing music samples is a two part process in most cases, involving both the master owner and the publisher. Find out how to clear music samples in your music.
How Should I Pick the Cities for My Tour?
So, you've decided to book a music tour, but how do you decide which cities you should target for a gig? Find out how to decide where to play your gigs when you are booking your own concert tour.
Who Votes for Grammys?
Who votes for Grammy Awards? Find out who decides who gets nominated for - and wins - Grammy Awards.
Should You Play Music Full Time?
Deciding to do music full time is a big decision. When is time to give up the day job and play music full time? Find out what it takes to make it as a full time musician.
Do We Need a Band Contract?
Band member contracts are a tricky line to walk, and a lot of artists feel uncomfortable even considering them. These contracts, however, may be important for your band - find out why.
How Much Should the Opening Act Make?
Many bands get their start as opening acts. How much should you make when you play, and what kind of deal should you avoid?
Should I Hire a Booking Agent?
A booking agent can help you plan a tour, and some will be able to get you some concerts you couldn't get on your own, but should you hire a booking agent? That depends on where you are in your music career. Find out if you should hire a booking agent.
Who Should Make the Gig Flyers/Posters?
When you book a concert, who is in charge of making the music show flyers? Find out who should make gig flyers when you promote a concert.
Should I Play a Showcase Gig?
A showcase gig may give you the chance to show off your music in front of some people who could open doors for you, but should you play just any showcase gig that comes along? Learn more about whether it is good to play music showcase concerts.
Do I Have to Follow the Record Label Demo Policy?
Do you have to follow the record label demo policy when you send your music demo to a record label? Learn why the record label demo policy may actually be your friend and why sticking to the policy could be the best way to help yourself get a record deal.
Can I Drop My Demo Off at The Record Label?
Is it ever ok to drop your music demo off at a record label? Find out if it is ok to visit record labels.
Should I Use a Jewel Case With Demos?
When you send a music demo to a record label, should you use a jewel case or paper/cardboard sleeve? Find out more about demos and jewel cases.
Should I Register My Band as a Business?
Should you register your band as a business? There are benefits to running your band this way. Learn more about setting up your band as a business.
Should My Label Pay Tour Support?
Should your record label pay tour support if you are hitting the road to support a new release? Find out if record labels have to pay support and how a tour support deal affects you.
What Happens to a Demo at a Record Label?
When you send your music demo to a record label, what happens next? Find out what happens to a music demo at a record and why record labels turn down demos.
Should I Pay for Music Promotion?
Should you pay for music promotion? This question is more complicated than you may think. Music PR companies charge for their services - and rightly so - but there is a lot of gray area. Learn more about whether you should pay for music promotion.
What Does The Promoter Have to Pay For?
If you are booking a tour, what should you expect the concert promoter to pay for? Does a concert promoter have to pay for accommodation? Do they have to pay for food? Do they have to pay for your gear rental? Find out what the gig promoter should pay for and what should come out of your pocket.
Do I Still Need to Press CDs?
Do you still need to press CDs for your album release? Find out if you CD pressing is still required to release a record or if you can go for a digital only release.