BREAKING INTO THE MUSIC BUSINESS:WHAT EVERY INDEPENDENT ARTIST SHOULD KNOW
Title: Breaking Into the Music Business: What Every Independent Artist Should Know
By Damien Hyman – Damien Hyman MusicWelcome to the Business Side of the Beat
Music is more than melodies and lyrics — it’s a business. And if you're an independent artist like me, navigating the music industry means wearing multiple hats: performer, songwriter, marketer, and entrepreneur. Whether you’re releasing tracks on Spotify, planning your first tour, or building your brand from scratch, understanding the music business can be the difference between a hobby and a legacy.
1. Know Your Rights (And Royalties)Your songs are intellectual property. Protect them.
Register your work with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These organizations collect performance royalties when your music is played on the radio, in venues, or streamed online.Key Tip: If you're the writer and publisher of your songs, you can collect both the writer and publisher shares of royalties. That’s double the revenue, same song.
2. Music Publishing = Passive IncomeEvery time your song is used in a film, commercial, or TV show, that’s called a sync license — and it can be big money. Getting your music into publishing libraries or working with a sync agent helps turn your catalog into cash.Pro Tip: Look into an admin publishing deal if you want to keep full ownership but need help collecting international royalties.
3. Distribution: Go Digital, But Go SmartPlatforms like TuneCore, DistroKid, or UnitedMasters help you distribute your music to Spotify, Apple Music, and more. But distribution is only one piece — marketing is the engine. You still need to push your releases through content, social media, email lists, and live shows.
4. Monetize Every MoveRevenue streams every artist should tap into:
- Streaming & downloads
- Merch sales
- Live performances
- Sync licensing
- YouTube Content ID monetization
- Patreon or fan memberships
- Publishing & mechanical royalties
Don’t rely on one. Build multiple streams to stay afloat and grow.
5. Branding MattersYour image, your message, your vibe — it all matters. I’ve chosen to combine spirituality, food, and music into a lifestyle brand. You can too. Find what’s real to you and turn it into a consistent story across your logo, album covers, social content, and even your merchandise.
Final Word: Keep Creating, Keep LearningThe music business can seem complex, but don’t let that stop your art. Stay authentic. Study the business. And surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.This is more than music. It’s ministry, memory, and movement.
Keep building. Keep rising.
Let’s Connect:
If you’re an artist, producer, or spiritual creative, hit me up. I’m always down to build with like-minded people.
Stay tuned to DamienHymanMusic.com for more tips, tools, and real talk from behind the scenes.