You Finished Your Album- Now What?

You have finally finished your track/album/EP/what-have-you. Congrats! That is a big deal! Nonetheless, a significant and equally thrilling hurdle stands before you - it's time to release your hard-earned masterpiece into the vast expanse of world's music scene. This feat is undeniably riddled with its own array of distinct challenges. So, let's walk through the next steps together.

Your Guide-The Next 3 Steps

• The magic of mastering:

• Mastering is the finishing touch, the spark that fuels your music's rocket to the stars. It's what takes your raw, passionate performance and transforms it into pure audio gold.

• Getting the legal stuff sorted:

• Copyrights, royalties, licensing... You might feel like you've accidentally stumbled into a law course, but trust us, sorting it out now will save you from a major headache later on.

• Picking your platform:

• Where will your music live? Spotify? Apple Music? YouTube? Decisions, decisions... we're here to help you weigh your options and choose the platform that's just right for you.

Mastering

Think that your music is finished after the last song has been recorded and mixed? Think again! Mastering is a step that is pretty mysterious to most. It used to only be done but top-notch mastering professional engineers in top-notch mastering studios. It was very hidy-tidy and expensive, but vital.  

However, these days, you've got plenty of options. Thanks to the beauty of modern technology, mastering can be done online – or even in your very own home studio. But, it's wise to remember, mastering is a delicate science, indeed. Just like filleting a salmon or tightrope walking, it requires a deft touch and specialist knowledge. If done right, it can mean the difference between sounding like a garage band and a stadium band - and we all know which one we'd prefer, right? 

Here's the decision you've got to make:

Can you do this yourself, have you honed your mastering skills enough, OR, do you hire a pro to handle your precious tracks? Remember, mastering isn’t just about volume. It's about making your music sonically gel and giving it that, well, 'mastered' sound. 

Trust In Professional Mastering 

The pros. They’re not just called that because it sounds cool. They are professionals who have dedicated countless hours to perfecting the art of audio mastering. They use high-end equipment and have specialized training and experience that lets them bring out each track's potential. Plus, another pair of ears never hurts, especially if they belong to a seasoned professional. 

The 'Dough' Aspect 

Wait a minute there, mate! You're probably thinking, "I'm a struggling artist, how am I supposed to afford professional mastering services?" Thankfully, prices can be quite reasonable and, in fact, affordable DIY master services are out there. At RPMusic Studios we even offer Virtual Mastering services where you just send in digital files and poof! A mastered track!

But remember, don't just go for the cheapest option. You want your masterpiece to shine, not sound like it was recorded in a tin can. Your music is your investment, treat it accordingly! 

The DIY Master Routeing

You could take a crack at it. There are a plethora of courses online to learn this special art. Not to mention a wealth of software and plugins that enhance your music from 'nice try, champ' to 'WOW, who is this again?' 

So, should you or shouldn’t you? That's the million-dollar question. Music production might be your passion, but taking on the monster task of mastering can kill that passion faster than a marathoner through an open bar. So, unless you are confident in your mastering abilities, let the pros handle it. 

Getting the legal stuff sorted

Alright folks, off to the legal side of things. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? Like something we'd rather avoid. But trust me, you don't want to overlook this crucial step. 

Copyright That Masterpiece

First things first, you need to protect that glorious piece of art you've created. How, you ask? By copyrighting. What does copyright do? Well, it protects your music from being used without your permission.

When it comes to releasing music, understanding the legal aspects is crucial to protect your rights as a musician or band. One of the key legal considerations is copyright. Copyright automatically grants you exclusive rights to your music, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and perform your work. This means that no one else can use your music without your permission.

To ensure your music is protected, it's important to register your copyright with the appropriate copyright office in your country. In the United States, for example, you can register your music with the U.S. Copyright Office. By doing so, you establish a public record of your ownership and make it easier to enforce your rights if someone infringes upon them.

A word about sampling. Well, you have to be careful with that. Sampling may be a great way to mix and match, but it also requires you getting the nod from the original copyright owner. Otherwise, you could be in some hot water, like facing major fines or legal headaches. To avoid such issues, it's wise to either get clearance on your samples or obtain some legal advice. 

When a song is distributed or played in public, there are two distinct aspects that can earn royalties - the recording and the composition. The recording refers to the actual performance of vocals and instruments that was captured. The composition involves the underlying lyrics, musical beat and melody that make up the song.

Both the recording artist and the songwriter/composer are entitled to royalties from their work being publicly distributed or played. However, actively collecting what is owed from every single entity using someone's music would essentially become a full-time occupation. That leads us to…

Collecting Your Coins: Understanding Royalties

You need to know that royalties are the payments they receive for the use of their music. There are different types of royalties, including mechanical royalties, performance royalties, and synchronization royalties. Mechanical royalties are earned when your music is reproduced or distributed, such as when your album is sold or streamed. Performance royalties are earned when your music is performed publicly, whether it's on the radio, in a concert, or on a streaming platform. Synchronization royalties are earned when your music is used in TV shows, movies, commercials, or other visual media. It's important to understand these different types of royalties and how they are earned.

You should also be aware that royalties are typically collected and distributed by collecting societies or performance rights organizations (PROs). These organizations track the usage of music and collect royalties on behalf of the artists. In order to receive royalties, musicians need to register their songs with the appropriate PROs. Each country may have its own PRO, so it's important to research and join the relevant organization in your country. By registering your songs, you ensure that you are eligible to receive royalties when your music is used.

Another important aspect of royalties is understanding the royalty rates. The rates can vary depending on the type of royalty and the platform or medium through which your music is used. For example, mechanical royalty rates for physical sales may be different from rates for digital downloads or streaming. Performance royalty rates can also vary based on factors such as the size of the audience or the number of times your song is played. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the royalty rates applicable to your music and keep track of any changes or updates in the industry.

Copyright and licensing is important when it comes to royalties. Copyright protects your original music and gives you exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and perform your work. By obtaining copyright for your music, you have the legal right to collect royalties.

Licensing is the process of granting permission to others to use your music in exchange for royalties. It's important to understand the different types of licenses, such as mechanical licenses for reproducing your music, synchronization licenses for using your music in visual media, and performance licenses for public performances. By properly licensing your music, you ensure that you are compensated for its use.

Lastly, keep in mind that royalties usually are not their sole source of your income. While royalties can be a significant revenue stream, especially for successful artists, it's important to diversify your income sources. This can include revenue from live performances, merchandise sales, licensing deals, and other opportunities. By diversifying your income, you can ensure a more stable and sustainable career in the music industry. 

Understanding Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) 

Simply put, PROs are your royalty chasers. They handle all the legwork involved in tracking where your music is played and ensuring the correct royalties fall into your creatively deserving hands. 

Selecting Your PRO 

PROs each have their own unique fee structures, royalty rates, and services they offer. 

Some of the more well-known PROs in the music industry include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. We'll break them down for you: 

ASCAP stands for the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.  ASCAP is the oldest PRO in the U.S.

Next up, we have BMI, or the Broadcast Music, Inc. It's not as old as ASCAP but don't hold it against them. They've been helping songwriters and publishers navigate the tricky waters of royalties since 1939. 

Last but not least, SESAC. This one's an abbreviation, but sit tight; Society of European Stage Authors and Composers. With origins in Europe, they've made a splash over here in the U.S. as a highly selective, invite-only PRO.

These three are not the only PROs out there, but they are among the most recognized. Take some time, do your due diligence, and pick the one that best fits your needs. 

Assemble Your ISRC Codes

Next up in our legal-survival-kit are the International Standard Recording Codes, or our cool friends call 'em, ISRC codes. These are unique codes for each of your tracks that help to identify them when they're played on radio or streaming platforms. It's like the social security number but for your music. If you use a musical distribution service they provide these for you. 

Have Your UPC Barcodes Ready 

While you're in the business of getting codes, don't forget to snag a Universal Product Code or UPC barcode for your album. It's mandatory if you plan to sell physical copies of your album in retail stores. Again, usually whomever you use to manufacture will give you an option to get these too. 

Distribution-Picking Your Platform

The next big question is, how the heck do you put out your tunes?

Digital or Physical - That is the Question 

First off, you’ve gotta decide between releasing your music digitally or physically - or hey, if you're feeling particularly spry, why not both? When it comes to digital platforms, you've got good ol' Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and a bunch more. 

But wait, what about those vintage-loving audiophiles who still swear by CDs and vinyl records? They've got your back too! Numerous companies specialize in turning your pristine digital masters into tactile, hold-in-your-hands, smells-like-nostalgia CDs or vinyl records. Heck, some hardcore bands and artists even go for cassettes. 

The Digital Landscape 

Digital release primarily happens through music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. And let's not forget about the underdog in the room, Bandcamp, where artists enjoy more control and can set their own prices—nice, right? 

When plotting your digital domination, consider using a reputable distribution service that can spread your sweet, sweet sounds far and wide. Musicians have a variety of platforms and channels available to distribute their albums. One of the most popular options is digital music distribution platforms such as TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid. These platforms allow artists to upload their music and distribute it to major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. They also handle the licensing and royalty collection process, making it easier for musicians to get their music out to a wide audience.

Another option is to work with a record label or distributor. Record labels have established relationships with retailers and streaming platforms, which can help increase the visibility and reach of an album. Distributors, on the other hand, specialize in getting music into physical stores and online retailers. They can also assist with marketing and promotion efforts to support the album release.

If you have the time you can consider self-distribution, where you take on the responsibility of distributing your album independently. This can involve setting up your own online store, creating physical copies of the album, and managing the distribution process yourself. Self-distribution gives artists more control over their music and allows them to keep a larger portion of the revenue, but it requires more effort and resources to execute effectively.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can also be used as distribution channels. Musicians can create profiles or channels on these platforms to share their music, engage with fans, and drive traffic to other distribution channels. Building a strong online presence and utilizing social media marketing strategies can help generate buzz and attract new listeners to the album.Musicians can explore opportunities for licensing their music to films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. This can be done through music licensing agencies or by directly reaching out to content creators. Licensing can provide additional exposure and revenue streams for the album, while also allowing the music to be discovered by a wider audience through various media platforms.

On to the Physical Frontier 

Are you a bit of a traditionalist? There's something rather romantic about releasing your music on physical media — vinyl records, CDs, or even cassette tapes if you really want to throw it back. So here's how you can charm your way into the physical music market. 

First, find a reliable manufacturer. No, we're not suggesting you set up a vinyl pressing plant in your backyard! If budget is a concern, then CDs could be your best mates. Less costly than vinyl but still hella cool, CDs give you a physical product to sell at gigs, hand out to industry representatives, and mail to your adoring fans. 

Thinking outside the box? Limited edition LPs or cassettes can set you apart from the digital herd and create a buzz among the music lovers who crave a tangible, collectible release. Plus, they look super neat on a shelf. 

So, digital or physical, or a mix of both – whatever your choice, make sure you tap into the advantages of each method. 

You can consider releasing music through a combination of different methods. This could involve signing with a record label for physical distribution while also utilizing digital distribution platforms for online streaming and sales. It's important to assess the goals, resources, and target audience of the album release to determine the most suitable combination of options. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it's crucial to carefully evaluate options and make informed decisions based on specific circumstances.

In conclusion

And there you have it. Remember, every step from seeking professional mastering, navigating legal intricacies, to choosing between digital or physical distribution channels, is crucial in this journey. This isn't a one-size-fits-all game, but keep in mind this is a  process finely tuned to your unique music, your audience, and your available resources. Good Luck!

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