Can you do a video on how to self release + promote your own music, especially for smaller artists who are starting out on platforms like Spotify? Would love to see that 👌
I used to self-release every song I wanted to release for a year or so. It was rough for sure.. making all the artworks, promo videos, sending emails, submitting the song to playlists on Daily Playlists, SubmitHub, SoundPlate, Indiemono and many more. Most of the time I didn't get much of an answer or a no. Now I'm trying the label road and see what that takes me. So far, it's been nice not having to do all the promo stuff, send the emails to DJs and plan the release. I also got way more streams compared to my self-releases, even tho I had some pretty good numbers on some of them. So, even if the label takes 50 or 60% I still get more royalties in the end. But It's also hard to know which songs are worth to release on your own.. that's why it's sometimes quite good to send demos to some labels and see what they say. If several labels wants to sign it, it's definitly a killer track! Also I feel that self-releasing or creating your own label is probably the best move when you got more experience in the business and are a more skilled producer / songwriter. If you are just starting out, I would suggest to either send your music to labels to get some feedback or just grind the producing game. Cause in the beginning, most of the songs will be quite crap to be honest! That's why so many huge EDM artists like Martin Garrix, San Holo and others started releasing music with others but eventuelly created their own label when they have established a big fan base and got more skilled as producers, which will give them more control and royalties in the end.
Yes but the problem is the contracts , When you are new and you don't have any fanbase then the deal would be more of a long term deal where you can't go independent for a certain period of time, It is also a good thing for those who have the patience and strategy, Also one can have more knowledge and network when they are a part of a label 🏷️
One, if not the biggest negative aspects of releasing with a label is that you GIVE AWAY your masters rights for an agreed duration (usually 15 years, if not worse) ... Which means basically they kind of OWN your music for that duration.
so used to doing everything myself. would be nice to have some help but don't want anyone destroying my vision. but like you said, def pros and cons for both sides.
I feel record labels serve a very important purpose, at least for less known artists, which is promotion/distribution. As a newer artist with very few fans, self-promotion and getting any sort of momentum on released tracks is extremely difficult and time-consuming. It's much more effective to release on record labels, who already have a massive audience reach comparatively, who can help me get astronomically more streams, fans, exposure, etc. Self-releasing as an unknown artist seems like a pretty pointless endeavor tbh (or am I just doing it wrong?). Once an artist gets more well-known, the incentive to release with labels probably diminishes, and eventually they reach a stage where they can essentially start their own record label. That is my view of things atm.
Another reason why you are my favourite channel. Straight out honesty and real tuition on all areas from making the track to releasing tips and costs. You are exactly what students need. Fair play man!!
Please upload more video on youTube in a week... I want more and more of your stuff...if it posible... Please do livestream..on youtube...your channel is helping us alot.... And thank you... Keep the fire burning big z..
Super useful insights! For me, a self release is only beneficial when you have a collaborating artist on the song who has a big following and is often supported by the spotify editorials. Otherwise as a newcomer artist its hard to get on editorials even if your song is good.
This made me double down on my approach of staying independent. If a label comes to me that can really offer something that I can’t get myself, I’ll consider it. Promotion is the only thing that’s ever made labels a consideration for me
Curious what you think about this. Went for a run this morning and I was listening to Spotify's Dance Pop playlist. I went to shuffle it, but it kept starting the shuffle with the same 5-6 songs (60 or so in the playlist). Then once a song started, those others followed. Is this boiled down to labels putting up a lot of $$$ for that?
Many costs for a label are really low: the costs of the artwork are negligible, they have all the same and pre-set graphics, they have no printing costs. Costs for mastering are usually low at some automated stream services. It's unlikely that today's labels have real personal studios. They don't do promotion as they lead you to believe, the only thing labels have are "playlists" and agreements with spotify to put you on "spotify playlists". So at no cost labels make quadruple on every artist they release, so the question is: are they really indispensable? If it's just to make a few higher streams maybe yes, but if with self-publishing you can make large numbers it makes no sense to publish on labels, especially those of today.
Most of the functions of a record label can be performed by properly trained AI, properly designed and trained neural networks. There will be one that will listen to your song and create (or choose) appropriate cover art. Etc. This could happen pretty quickly if someone is ready to do the work. Get ready....
Good topic here. I have done both and I see the same pro's and con's. I definitely like to have full control over my music, but there are some tracks that are better suited with a label and I actually also "care less about" if that makes sense.
I think traditional record labels won’t be as big in 20 years because there are a lot more business models when it comes to music these days. record labels can now turn into services that just give you a platform to release and promote yourself, but the artist is really doing all the work.
Hey 👋 , thanks for all your videos. Feels really rare to get such a transparent view on this topic. However I'm really struggling with getting vocals on my (beginner) productions, maybe you've got some tips on this topic? All the best.
Yes but doesnt a larger record label reach so much further, can get your songs on FM Radio, which can blow up to become a charting hit, lead to sold out large venue shows... How else is an independent start up artist going to afford national and worldwide tours, pay for legit pro musicians, tour bus’s, lodging, roadies, tour manager, agents, managers, advertising, videos, etc?? To “GO BIG”... costs a fortune, and you need a team.. I just dont see how this is possible as a indie, unless your massively wealthy or have generous investors.
Great video... much to think about, thanks. One question: why would you pay royalties to a singer? Assuming that the singer was a session singer, working for hire, with no creative input?
Thanks for the info! I think once more people will go self-releasing with all new tools, the labels will have to share more of their royalties with the artists
This may be a naive question but could you please explain more on the self-release? Like literally what would be the best practice especially for someone with much lower profile, not someone like you :) This may be really helpful.
Hi Big Z Thats a very nice datasheet of streams etc of selected song. What distribution has that or is if self made ? Thanks if you or anyone else like to answer :)
how do i know thought the number on my release from a label? how do i know anytime i ask them the numbers that they lie. Is there a way to see the sellings by myself if i belong in a label? or is it a proper way to ask them to?
Hey Big Z, I am just starting out and have 0 experience with everything but I have really good ideas in my head. I was wondering what DAW do you use ? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
I’ve signed to 2 different labels that did nothing to promote my song. Sometimes I think self promoting and releasing is best. I’ve no idea how to promote tho. I released 2 songs myself and I’m scraping 4K streams a year later lol. I’ve found a good label tho who promote my music. I’d do it al myself if I found a good and cheap way to promote
UA-cam makes seem these guys (like BigZ) are plain standard users who make videos, but they are in fact real pros, as I can easily understand from his great-sounding music. Unluckily for me, I could put my song in the hands of Good Lord but I would never pass the 1000 streams in 10 years.....:(
Record labels should be responsible for the promotion but I heard some of them just take the easy way out and do nothing to promote your song and just take the big cut for as little work as possible. How much control do you actually have when dealing with record companies? Is it just a boiler plate contract and take it or leave it or do you actually have any negotiating power?
I’ve never heard of that and I’ve signed to 3 different labels. I think it’s just a gamble on their side to sign a song that they think will pay off. Every contract I’ve signed is a 50/50 royalty split and costs of promotion is deducted, after that its up to the streams
i don’t understand playlists. i’ve been on Spotify for 8 years and I have never found a good playlist on there. and the custom playlist that I make (pro DJ for 25 years) never get any saves. I’m talking 50 track smoking dance floor certified party tested disco playlists have 0 saves in 8 years? They must be shadow banned. I even tried to search for one at a party on someone else’s account and they didn’t show up. and yes, they are not marked private
Great video. But in all honesty, every deal you make with a recordcompany and you get less then 50% is a bad deal if you ask me. With the money you made with self release you can also hire somebody for a couple of days to do promotion and other tasks. Recordcompanies are nothing less then marketing agencies these days. If you think you can do a better job, always self-release.
Can you do a video on how to self release + promote your own music, especially for smaller artists who are starting out on platforms like Spotify? Would love to see that 👌
yeah me too, especially promoting of a self release track
🙏🏼
Yes, please!
yes agree!!
There's another UA-camr called Damian Keyes that has good videos on this topic
I used to self-release every song I wanted to release for a year or so. It was rough for sure.. making all the artworks, promo videos, sending emails, submitting the song to playlists on Daily Playlists, SubmitHub, SoundPlate, Indiemono and many more. Most of the time I didn't get much of an answer or a no. Now I'm trying the label road and see what that takes me. So far, it's been nice not having to do all the promo stuff, send the emails to DJs and plan the release. I also got way more streams compared to my self-releases, even tho I had some pretty good numbers on some of them. So, even if the label takes 50 or 60% I still get more royalties in the end.
But It's also hard to know which songs are worth to release on your own.. that's why it's sometimes quite good to send demos to some labels and see what they say. If several labels wants to sign it, it's definitly a killer track! Also I feel that self-releasing or creating your own label is probably the best move when you got more experience in the business and are a more skilled producer / songwriter. If you are just starting out, I would suggest to either send your music to labels to get some feedback or just grind the producing game. Cause in the beginning, most of the songs will be quite crap to be honest! That's why so many huge EDM artists like Martin Garrix, San Holo and others started releasing music with others but eventuelly created their own label when they have established a big fan base and got more skilled as producers, which will give them more control and royalties in the end.
Yes but the problem is the contracts , When you are new and you don't have any fanbase then the deal would be more of a long term deal where you can't go independent for a certain period of time, It is also a good thing for those who have the patience and strategy, Also one can have more knowledge and network when they are a part of a label 🏷️
@@YoYo-lk6us Yes yes!!
It's cool that you were open about the actual money you've made. It seems like other producers want to keep that more private
Big z da god
6:47 Could you make a video on this? How were you able to get so many streams on your self-released song?
Holy shit I wasn't aware you are that successful. 3+ Million Plays on self release !
Please make some videos on how to promote your music.
I love this sit down style video. Need more of these ASAP!
One, if not the biggest negative aspects of releasing with a label is that you GIVE AWAY your masters rights for an agreed duration (usually 15 years, if not worse) ... Which means basically they kind of OWN your music for that duration.
Why would it matter if you own your music or not? Seriously, what are the benefits?
so used to doing everything myself. would be nice to have some help but don't want anyone destroying my vision. but like you said, def pros and cons for both sides.
I feel record labels serve a very important purpose, at least for less known artists, which is promotion/distribution. As a newer artist with very few fans, self-promotion and getting any sort of momentum on released tracks is extremely difficult and time-consuming. It's much more effective to release on record labels, who already have a massive audience reach comparatively, who can help me get astronomically more streams, fans, exposure, etc. Self-releasing as an unknown artist seems like a pretty pointless endeavor tbh (or am I just doing it wrong?). Once an artist gets more well-known, the incentive to release with labels probably diminishes, and eventually they reach a stage where they can essentially start their own record label. That is my view of things atm.
Another reason why you are my favourite channel. Straight out honesty and real tuition on all areas from making the track to releasing tips and costs. You are exactly what students need. Fair play man!!
You have produced something more impartial than I’ve seen before.
Finally a transparent and honest video! So far I made 10 dollars by self releasing
Also, nice MKBHD tshirt !
One of my best teachers on UA-cam besides the positive vibe he brings every time I watch his videos
I wish I could be subscribed more than once, Big Z sharing the knowledge like always big thanks Fam !!!!
Please upload more video on youTube in a week... I want more and more of your stuff...if it posible... Please do livestream..on youtube...your channel is helping us alot.... And thank you... Keep the fire burning big z..
It is so generous of you to share all these information! Keep the work up!
Super useful insights! For me, a self release is only beneficial when you have a collaborating artist on the song who has a big following and is often supported by the spotify editorials. Otherwise as a newcomer artist its hard to get on editorials even if your song is good.
This made me double down on my approach of staying independent. If a label comes to me that can really offer something that I can’t get myself, I’ll consider it. Promotion is the only thing that’s ever made labels a consideration for me
Sounds much better with those panels. Informative, thank you!
Great video, concisely explaining the choices producers/artists have regarding release
Great video. A lot to learn from the music bossiness
& Definitely my favorite song
Спасибо!!!
Curious what you think about this. Went for a run this morning and I was listening to Spotify's Dance Pop playlist. I went to shuffle it, but it kept starting the shuffle with the same 5-6 songs (60 or so in the playlist). Then once a song started, those others followed. Is this boiled down to labels putting up a lot of $$$ for that?
So helpful and eye-opening. Thank you.
I love this content, not enough people
make real business videos in the music industry.
Interesting video! Could you perhaps make a video on how to promote and market a self-released song please? Thank you!
As you explained well on another video . NFTs need to be watched closely ;)
Love this. Top stuff big man :-)
Many costs for a label are really low: the costs of the artwork are negligible, they have all the same and pre-set graphics, they have no printing costs. Costs for mastering are usually low at some automated stream services. It's unlikely that today's labels have real personal studios. They don't do promotion as they lead you to believe, the only thing labels have are "playlists" and agreements with spotify to put you on "spotify playlists". So at no cost labels make quadruple on every artist they release, so the question is: are they really indispensable? If it's just to make a few higher streams maybe yes, but if with self-publishing you can make large numbers it makes no sense to publish on labels, especially those of today.
Most of the functions of a record label can be performed by properly trained AI, properly designed and trained neural networks. There will be one that will listen to your song and create (or choose) appropriate cover art. Etc. This could happen pretty quickly if someone is ready to do the work. Get ready....
Good topic here. I have done both and I see the same pro's and con's. I definitely like to have full control over my music, but there are some tracks that are better suited with a label and I actually also "care less about" if that makes sense.
I think traditional record labels won’t be as big in 20 years because there are a lot more business models when it comes to music these days. record labels can now turn into services that just give you a platform to release and promote yourself, but the artist is really doing all the work.
only reason i may choose a record label is because i completely suck at the promotion game
Thank you Big Z 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hey 👋 , thanks for all your videos. Feels really rare to get such a transparent view on this topic. However I'm really struggling with getting vocals on my (beginner) productions, maybe you've got some tips on this topic? All the best.
Good info. Thanks Big Z
Great video 💙
Big Z boss ❤️ 💪🏻 With love from Russia!
Great video. Also dope mkbhd merch
very useful info man, love the financial transparency, thanks so much!
thanks for the good advice Big Z
When you do everything yourself then your audience will see who you really are! And that's the best marketing I would say.
Studio looks so good! 🔥
go on big teacher we need your help bro
Yes but doesnt a larger record label reach so much further, can get your songs on FM Radio, which can blow up to become a charting hit, lead to sold out large venue shows... How else is an independent start up artist going to afford national and worldwide tours, pay for legit pro musicians, tour bus’s, lodging, roadies, tour manager, agents, managers, advertising, videos, etc?? To “GO BIG”... costs a fortune, and you need a team.. I just dont see how this is possible as a indie, unless your massively wealthy or have generous investors.
Great video... much to think about, thanks. One question: why would you pay royalties to a singer? Assuming that the singer was a session singer, working for hire, with no creative input?
How do you promote your music yourself tho?
Thanks for the info! I think once more people will go self-releasing with all new tools, the labels will have to share more of their royalties with the artists
Love it! Can you do a remake of a John Summit / Westend track? When have you got new music out too?
And Iam great fan of you learned many things ok chill
Algo boost here
Amazing insights
This may be a naive question but could you please explain more on the self-release? Like literally what would be the best practice especially for someone with much lower profile, not someone like you :) This may be really helpful.
Hey, could you please help on licensing of remix ? How can an independent artist get license without spending too much money to release a remix?
Hi Big Z
Thats a very nice datasheet of streams etc of selected song. What distribution has that or is if self made ?
Thanks if you or anyone else like to answer :)
Label route for me. Rather focus on
creating.
how do i know thought the number on my release from a label? how do i know anytime i ask them the numbers that they lie. Is there a way to see the sellings by myself if i belong in a label? or is it a proper way to ask them to?
Where is the stats (0:35) from?
Hey Big Z, I am just starting out and have 0 experience with everything but I have really good ideas in my head. I was wondering what DAW do you use ? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
Eej @bigZ, I have a question; where can you find that overview with all the sales and streams of your tracks on different platforms?
super informative!
How are you seeing these stats in the beginning of the video?
I’ve signed to 2 different labels that did nothing to promote my song. Sometimes I think self promoting and releasing is best. I’ve no idea how to promote tho. I released 2 songs myself and I’m scraping 4K streams a year later lol. I’ve found a good label tho who promote my music. I’d do it al myself if I found a good and cheap way to promote
Hey how can i see my sales like that?
what about Bandcamp... worth it?
UA-cam makes seem these guys (like BigZ) are plain standard users who make videos, but they are in fact real pros, as I can easily understand from his great-sounding music. Unluckily for me, I could put my song in the hands of Good Lord but I would never pass the 1000 streams in 10 years.....:(
Hi, I have some instrumental music and beats with no vocals as yet. Can I use your methods to release them or is this just for vocal music? Thanks.
the last one i can do
Record labels should be responsible for the promotion but I heard some of them just take the easy way out and do nothing to promote your song and just take the big cut for as little work as possible. How much control do you actually have when dealing with record companies? Is it just a boiler plate contract and take it or leave it or do you actually have any negotiating power?
One problem with labels is also the long release wait for them to find a date for the release
Quick question… if you don’t make enough sales/profit out of a record deal, does that mean you have to owe those recoupable cost to the label?
I’ve never heard of that and I’ve signed to 3 different labels. I think it’s just a gamble on their side to sign a song that they think will pay off. Every contract I’ve signed is a 50/50 royalty split and costs of promotion is deducted, after that its up to the streams
How make to the best distributor 😃
i don’t understand playlists. i’ve been on Spotify for 8 years and I have never found a good playlist on there. and the custom playlist that I make (pro DJ for 25 years) never get any saves. I’m talking 50 track smoking dance floor certified party tested disco playlists have 0 saves in 8 years? They must be shadow banned. I even tried to search for one at a party on someone else’s account and they didn’t show up. and yes, they are not marked private
chasing a record label will just end badly unless ur ready to sell ur sole
Great video. But in all honesty, every deal you make with a recordcompany and you get less then 50% is a bad deal if you ask me.
With the money you made with self release you can also hire somebody for a couple of days to do promotion and other tasks.
Recordcompanies are nothing less then marketing agencies these days. If you think you can do a better job, always self-release.
100%
which platform you used to upload music?
your videos rock
Could someone suggest a form of distribution that I could configure the split of royalties and payment automatically?
RouteNote! I use that for my releases now and it works out well for splits. I use CDBaby when there aren't splits involved
@@ASHWYN thank you! i will check soon
The self released are more Work and network
What services do you use to publish music, write in the comments
How you know what Labels pay you for your music? i mean they could say hey your doesnt work and we didnt get money out of it.
Man if I made even 1k on any song I’d lose my shit hahah