Thomas Ferriere is the co-founder and CEO of Local Finder LLC, a marketing agency in Pasadena CA. Thomas has been a music producer, music publisher, sound engineer, DJ, online teacher and try to be a good Fencer. He and his wife share a home in Southern California with two great boys and lots of swords around the house.
How can non-fungible tokens (NFTs) rock the music industry? Let’s face it; the music industry has long been notorious for cloaked contracts and poorly compensated artists. Record labels, music publishers, performing rights organizations, and streaming services have all played a part in shutting out independent artists. But with NFTs stepping up to bat, the music game is about to change significantly.
NFTs are blockchain-based tokens that certify ownership of unique digital assets. With direct investment in song royalties, NFTs challenge the traditional industry model like nothing else. Fans can now have a piece of their favorite songs while supporting their beloved artists. It’s a win-win situation, and I love that.
But that’s not all. The NFT-based royalties model offers creators, users, and investors many advantages. Artists finally get fairer compensation for their music, making it possible to earn a sustainable income from their art alone. This disrupts the traditional role of intermediaries like record labels and publishing companies, who have long taken a slice of the artist’s income. Thanks to NFTs, the power is back in the artist’s hand.
And if that wasn’t enough, the music industry is now mostly resistant to fraud and piracy, thanks to the fundamental security offered by NFTs’ unique and verifiable entity. That’s right, no more DMCA takedowns, no more finders-keepers. The music industry is now more trustworthy and secure for all stakeholders involved. And I am all in on this.
But let’s not forget the impact on the traditional music industry intermediaries like record labels, music publishers, performing rights organizations, and streaming services. With direct music ownership, artists can license and monetize their work without relying on intermediaries for distribution and royalty collection. That’s a massive deal. And it looks like these intermediaries will have to take a good hard look at their business models and pivot fast.
Streaming services are no exception. A steadily growing user base means higher revenues, but artists often only receive small profits per stream. But with NFT-based royalties issuance, artists can now consider new models for streaming their music or even enable their audiences to stream music directly from artists. It’s brilliant and way overdue.
So folks, buckle up. NFT-based royalties are about to revolutionize the music industry, and things will only get better from here. With a creator-first experience that has artists’ backs, NFTs represent a bright future for the music industry, one that empowers individual artists and smaller firms to access a level of control and ownership that has never been possible before. And I’m excited to see where this goes!
The music industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies are emerging that have the potential to change the way we consume and monetize music. Two of the most promising technologies in this regard are blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Blockchain Technology in the Music Industry.
Blockchain technology, which was first introduced as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is a decentralized digital ledger that allows for secure and transparent transactions. In the music industry, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way musicians are attributed for their work and compensated for its use.
Imagine having the power to take control of your music career and say goodbye to the hassle of middlemen holding you back. Decentralized streaming platforms powered by blockchain technology give musicians like you the freedom to do just that.
Now, it’s important to note that record labels can still play a valuable role in building an artist’s career. They can provide resources, mentorship, and industry connections to help artists navigate the music industry and gain more visibility. However, with decentralized streaming, musicians can connect with their fans and monetize their music directly without intermediaries.
No more dealing with the hassle of record labels and distributors; you’ll be able to directly connect with your fans and earn more revenue from your music. Plus, with transparent royalty distribution, you’ll know exactly where your earnings come from.
But it’s not just about the money; decentralized platforms also bridge the gap between musicians and their audiences. You’ll be able to connect with your fans in new and exciting ways and build a community around your music.
And let’s not forget blockchain technology allows for a point of origin to be established for music creators, meaning you’ll be able to prove your ownership of your creations and protect your rights as an artist.
So, decentralized streaming is definitely worth considering whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro. It’s a game changer for the music industry, and you deserve to be a part of it.
Examples of blockchain projects in the music industry:
Musicoin: a platform that allows musicians to get paid directly from fans.
Mycelia: a project led by musician Imogen Heap, working to create a decentralized music ecosystem using blockchain technology.
eMusic: operates as a music distribution and royalty management platform that rewards artists and fans.
BitSong: a global music community with a trustless marketplace for music streaming, Fan Tokens, and NFTs powered by the BTSG token.
Audius : a decentralized music streaming platform that allows musicians to share their music and directly connect with their fans.
NFTs in the Music Industry.
On the other hand, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) is a type of digital asset that can be bought, sold, and traded on blockchain platforms; they are unique and non-interchangeable; they are used to tokenize digital assets such as music, art, and videos. In the music industry, NFTs can be used to authenticate and sell ownership of digital music files, allowing musicians to monetize their work in new ways. NFTs can be used to sell exclusive rights to a digital music file, like a limited release, or as a collectible item for fans.
Examples of musicians using NFTs:
Snoop Dogg: dropped an NFT collection to accompany his latest album, B.O.D.R. A total of 25,000 NFTs were made available through Gala Market, each one featuring exclusive virtual and tangible perks such as bonus tracks, making it a unique and exciting way for fans to own and engage with the album.
Grimes: Canadian artist Grimes sold an NFT collection, “WarNymph Collection” in March 2021, which included digital art, music videos, and 3D avatars; she sold the collection for $6 million, making it one of the most expensive NFT sales to date.
DJ 3LAU: American DJ and electronic music producer Justin Blau used NFTs to release his album “Ultraviolet” in April 2021.
Muse: Made history by becoming the first act to top the UK charts with an album sold as an NFT (non-fungible token) in 2022.
In the music industry, NFTs can be used to authenticate and sell ownership of digital music files, allowing fans to experience music in new and exciting ways.
Access to Exclusive Content:
One of the biggest benefits of NFTs for music fans is the ability to access exclusive content that is unavailable to the general public. Musicians can use NFTs to sell limited music releases, such as demos, live recordings, or remixes. Fans who purchase these NFTs will be the only ones with access to this exclusive content.
Collectible Items:
NFTs can also be used as collectible items for music fans. Musicians can create limited-edition NFTs that include digital art, music videos, or even 3D avatars of themselves. These NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded like traditional collectibles, and they offer fans a way to connect with the artist and their work in a unique and personal way.
Live Events:
Another potential use of NFTs for music fans is the ability to attend live events. Musicians can use NFTs to sell tickets to virtual or in-person events, and fans can use their NFTs to gain entry. This not only allows fans to attend events they may not have been able to otherwise, but it also provides a way for musicians to monetize their live performances.
The music industry is in a state of flux, and blockchain technology is poised to play a big role in shaping its future. Decentralized streaming platforms offer musicians more control over their music, more transparency in royalty distribution, and the ability to connect directly with their fans. NFTs, in particular, have opened up a new world of possibilities for musicians to monetize and promote their work in unique ways. It’s an exciting time to be a musician, and it’s worth considering how blockchain-based solutions could benefit your career. The possibilities are endless, from chart-topping albums sold as NFTs to virtual and tangible extras that come with NFT collections. It’s time to embrace the future and take advantage of blockchain technology’s opportunities.
A 360 record deal is a contract between a record label and an artist that aims to provide more equitable and beneficial terms for the artist than traditional record deals. The term “360” refers to the idea that the artist and the label share in all aspects of the artist’s career, including album sales, touring, merchandise, and other revenue streams.
Traditional Record Deals.
In traditional record deals, the artist typically receives an advance from the label in exchange for the rights to their music. The label then recoups the advance from album sales and other revenue streams before the artist earns royalties. This can make it difficult for the artist to make a living, mainly if their album does not sell well.
Benefits of a 360 Record Deal.
A 360 deal allows artists to share in all aspects of their careers, including album sales, touring, merchandise, and other revenue streams. This means the artist earns a percentage of the revenue from these different areas rather than just relying on royalties from album sales. This type of deal can be beneficial for both the artist and the label. For the artist, it can provide a more stable and predictable income stream, as they can earn money from multiple sources. For the label, it allows them to invest in the artist’s career more comprehensively and to benefit from the artist’s success across multiple platforms.
Considerations Before Signing.
It is important for artists to carefully consider the terms of a 360 deal before signing. Some deals may include clauses that give the label too much control over the artist’s career or that limit the artist’s ability to earn money from other sources. It is also important for the artist to clearly understand how the revenue will be shared and what percentage of the income they will receive from different sources.
Not for All Artists.
It’s also important to mention that this deal is not for all types of artists; it’s more common for artists with a solid following and potential for multiple revenue streams and not for those who just started their careers.
Overall, a 360 record deal can be a beneficial option for artists. Still, it is vital for them to consider the terms and conditions of the deal carefully and to have a clear understanding of how the revenue will be shared. As long as the artist fully understands the deal and all its details, it can be an excellent opportunity for them to grow and expand their career.
Spotify has become an essential tool for artists, providing a platform to reach a global audience and promote new music. With its various features, such as the “Spotlight” program and the “Discovery Weekly” playlist, it has become easier for new and emerging artists to get noticed. Its analytics capabilities empower them to make strategic decisions on their music marketing.
By focusing on the personal and emotional experiences and benefits of creating and sharing music, these posts can help artists connect with their fans and build a strong relationship with their fanbase.
“Just uploaded my new single to #Spotify! Excited for the world to hear it and to reach new listeners! #newmusic #indieartist”
“I had a blast performing at my first virtual concert on #SpotifyLive last night! If you missed it, the full set is now available on my artist profile #Spotify #livemusic #virtualconcert”
“Spotlighted on #Spotify as a new artist to watch! So grateful for the platform’s support and can’t wait to see where this takes me! #newartist #spotlight”
“Excited to announce that my album is now available on #Spotify! Make sure to add it to your playlists and share it with your friends! #albumrelease #Spotifyartist”
“Streaming numbers on the rise! Thank you to all my fans for supporting me on #Spotify; it means the world to me. #streaming #artist”
“Just announced my upcoming virtual tour on #SpotifyLive! Can’t wait to connect with my fans and perform some new music. Make sure to save the date! #virtualtour #Spotifyartist”
“Got my first placement on a #Spotify editorial playlist! Exciting to see my music being discovered by new listeners. #playlist #musicdiscovery”
“Feeling grateful for the community on #Spotify, it’s amazing to see my music being shared and loved by listeners all around the world. #community #artist”
“Just wrapped up my #SpotifyLive session; thanks to everyone who tuned in! Make sure to check out the replay on my artist page. #livemusic #artist”
“The creative process never stops. Can’t wait to share my new music with you all! #artist #newmusic”
“Performing live is one of my favorite things in the world. So grateful for the opportunity to connect with fans through music #livemusic #artist”
“Music is my passion, and I’m constantly inspired by the creativity and talent of other artists. Keep creating! #artist #inspiration”
“Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a new song, the thrill of creating something new #artist #creation”
“Feeling grateful for the support and encouragement of my fans, you make it all worth it #artist #grateful”
“Being an artist is not only about creating music but also connecting with others, making them feel and express emotions #artist #emotion”
“The ability to use music to connect with people across the globe is one of the most rewarding things about this journey #artist #connection”
“Music has always been my escape, my way to process and make sense of the world. #artist #music”
“Creating new music is like diving into an unknown world, the thrill of discovery is unbeatable #artist #discovery”
“Being able to share my music and connect with people from all over the world is a truly humbling experience #artist #sharing”
“Feeling so grateful for the support and love of my fans. You are the reason I make music #artist #fans #grateful”
“The energy of a live audience is truly electric. Thank you to all the fans who came to the show last night! #artist #fans #livemusic”
“Can’t believe how far we’ve come together! Thank you to each and every one of my fans for your continued support #artist #fans #journey”
“I had a blast at the fan meet-up last night; so great to connect with you all in person! #artist #fans #meetup”
“Making music is my passion, but connecting with fans and seeing the impact of my music on their lives is truly priceless. #artist #fans #impact”
These posts focus on thanking and appreciating the fans for their support and role in the artist’s success, help to build a sense of community and connection with the fanbase.
Spotify is an incredibly powerful tool for aspiring artists. It has changed how music is discovered and shared, making it easier for independent artists to build a fanbase and reach new listeners.
One of the main advantages of Spotify for aspiring artists is its wide reach. Spotify has a global audience of over 345 million monthly active users, making it one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. This means that when an artist uploads their music to Spotify, they have the potential to reach a large and diverse audience, regardless of their location or the size of their fanbase.
Another benefit of Spotify for aspiring artists is its various features that help them to get noticed. Spotify has a range of tools that help to promote new and emerging artists, such as its “Spotlight” program, which highlights up-and-coming artists on the platform, and its “Discovery Weekly” playlist, which introduces users to new music based on their listening habits. Spotify also has an “artist pick” feature, making it easier for artists to connect with potential fans.
The streaming platform also offers analytics tools that allow artists to track how their music is performing, including how many people are listening to their songs, where their audience is located, and which songs are most popular. This information can be extremely valuable for artists, helping them understand their audience and make strategic decisions about promoting their music.
In addition to the above, Spotify has a feature that artists can use to directly promote their music to the audience. This can be by promoting a new single or album on their artist page, which is then shared with their followers. This feature is a great way for artists to create buzz around their music and can be useful for reaching new listeners.
These features make Spotify an ideal platform for aspiring artists looking to build their fanbase and reach a wide audience. With its global reach, promotional tools, and analytics capabilities, Spotify offers a comprehensive set of resources to help artists take their careers to the next level.
In summary, Spotify’s reach, features, and analytics make it an invaluable tool for aspiring artists looking to promote their music and build a fanbase, making it an inevitable tool for anyone serious about making it in the music industry.
Here are a few strategies you can use to market your music on Spotify:
Build your audience: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with your fans and build a following. This will help you to promote your music and upcoming releases to a larger audience.
Collaborate with other artists: Collaborating with other artists is a great way to get your music in front of a new audience. You can collaborate on a track or even a playlist.
Utilize Spotify’s promotional tools: Spotify has several promotional tools that you can use to promote your music, such as playlists, sponsored ads, and algorithmic promotion.
Release new music consistently: Keeping a steady stream of new music releases will help keep your fans engaged and attract new listeners.
Reach out to curators and bloggers: Reach out to Spotify curators and music bloggers to promote your music and get it included in their playlists and reviews.
Create engaging content: Create engaging and high-quality music videos, artwork, and other visuals to accompany your music, as this will make it more shareable and exciting to potential listeners.
Make use of Podcasts/Radio Shows: Reaching out to Podcasts/Radio shows that play music similar to yours could help you to get your music in front of more people.
Utilize different promotion platforms like hypeddit, Repostexchange, Repostby, etc.
Engage with your listeners: Respond to comments and messages from your listeners to build a community around your music. This will help you to build a loyal fanbase and keep them engaged with your music.
Optimize your artist profile: Make sure that your artist profile on Spotify is complete, including your bio, artist photo, and links to your other social media profiles. This will help listeners discover more about you and connect with you.
Play live shows and events: Play live shows and events to promote your music and connect with your fans in person. This can also help you to create new fans and grow your following.
Leverage playlisting: Submitting your music to different genre-based, mood-based, activity-based, and demographic-based playlists could help you reach out to the audience interested in listening to your music.
Utilize Influencer Marketing: Consider working with influencers or bloggers in your genre or niche to feature your music in their content to get it in front of more people.
Use email marketing: Build an email list of fans and send them updates on new music, upcoming shows, and exclusive content to keep them engaged with your music.
Utilize the power of paid promotion: Paid promotion can include sponsored posts on social media platforms, Google ads, Spotify sponsored ads, and influencer campaigns.
Creating a website for your music can help listeners find out more about you, listen to your music, and purchase merchandise.
Create the content they want to listen to.
Again, remember that it’s important to know your target audience and create the content they want to listen to. And also, it’s important to test out different marketing strategies and see which ones are most effective for your music.
Remember that these strategies will work better when you know your target audience and create the content they want to listen to.
It’s important to keep in mind that growing a fan base on Spotify takes time and consistent effort. Be patient and experiment with different strategies to see what works best for you.