Releasing music independently, or DIY (Do It Yourself), empowers musicians, especially women and gender diverse musicians, enabling you to retain full creative and legal control over their art. Without the assistance of a record label, DIY artists have the freedom to explore their artistic vision, connect directly with their audience, and retain ownership of their music. Through self-releasing, musicians can choose their release timelines, creative direction, and promotional strategies, allowing for greater flexibility and autonomy in their careers. Additionally, DIY releases enable artists to keep a larger share of their earnings, fostering financial independence and sustainability. But, you need to understand the basics. By that we mean where the money/royalties flow and the admnistrative steps you need to take to ensure your release goes smoothly and starts earning you money.
Understanding METADATA
In addition to registering with PPL and PRS, it’s crucial to include metadata such as ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes) and ISWCs (International Standard Musical Work Codes) with your music releases. ISRCs are unique codes assigned to each recording, allowing for tracking and identification across different platforms and territories. ISWCs, on the other hand, are unique codes assigned to musical compositions, enabling accurate reporting and distribution of royalties for songwriting credits.
Including ISRCs and ISWCs in your music metadata helps ensure that you receive proper credit and compensation for your creative work, as well as facilitating accurate reporting and administration of royalties by collecting societies like PPL and PRS. Moreover, metadata enhances the discoverability and accessibility of your music across digital platforms, making it easier for fans, industry professionals, and licensing agencies to find and engage with your music.
The F-List for Music DIY release strategy….
And remember after the release, monitor the performance of your music across different platforms, track engagement metrics, and gather feedback from fans and industry professionals; check out The F-List’s Music Career Toolkit page on Analytics for more information.
Also remember that any artwork – if created by others, should be cleared for copyright ideally via a written contract!