Self-Releasing & Direct Sales

How You Earn:

  1. Direct Sales:
    • Downloads on Bandcamp, iTunes, or your own website.
    • Physical sales (CDs/vinyl) at shows or online.
    • You set the price and keep most of the revenue (minus platform fees).
  2. Streaming Royalties:
    • By using services like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby, you can get your songs onto Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
    • You collect:
      • Master royalties as the artist
      • Publishing royalties as the songwriter (via PRO + MLC)
  3. Tip Jars, Crowdfunding & Patreon:
    • Fan-supported income through platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or Kickstarter.
    • Often bundled with early song access, bonus content, or private livestreams.


Advantages:

  • Full control over music, branding, and release strategy.
  • You keep 100% of songwriter and master royalties (unless you hire a team).
  • Build direct relationships with your fanbase.


Challenges:

  • Requires more business and marketing effort.
  • Upfront costs (recording, artwork, merch, promotion).
  • No label or publisher pushing your music for sync, radio, or playlisting—unless you hire help.


Important Notes:

  • A solid self-release can lead to label attention, sync opportunities, or viral success.
  • Use tools like Linktree, Bandzoogle, or Ko-fi to centralize your fan support.
  • Always register your songs with a PRO and the MLC—even if you release independently.
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