Live performances are an important part of every artist’s career, and knowing all the ways you can make money from them is vital. That means it's important to make sure you're getting the most out of each time you hit the stage, from selling merchandise to collecting royalties.
Here are six tips for making sure every performance earns the most potential revenue:
YouTube Royalties
While it's important to monetize videos of your live performances by allowing ads to play during them, you also earn music royalties whenever your music plays on YouTube – even when someone uses it in the background of their own video. Songtrust offers video monitoring to monetize videos on your behalf and ensure you receive all moneys earned. As a composition owner, you are owed royalties from any YouTube videos that include your songs, whether it’s an “official” recording, a bootleg, or a cover version.
Live Albums
You're playing live, so why not record your performance? Many venues are equipped to record good quality sound, and a live album released several months after your latest studio album (with a few bonus songs that aren't on the studio release) will likely appeal to your fans. With a little planning, this can be a no-brainer for added income.
Setlists
All Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) will pay royalties for live performances, no matter what the size of the venue might be. Artists affiliated with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC can even download live setlists using apps and specialized sites for that purpose.
Online Stores
When you're playing live, there's a good chance people who have bought advance tickets will want to get familiar with your music before the show – and new fans will want to buy it afterward. Be sure to stock your online store with all of your albums, as well as your merchandise. Some people will also head to Apple Music or Spotify, so it's a good idea to make sure all of your music is available on streaming platforms and other retailers before you start a tour or play a date.
Merchandise
While you may be focused on making music, it's still important to take your merch table seriously. Make sure it's in the line of vision (not stuck in a corner) when your fans enter the venue and invest in your own T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, and other merchandise. Be sure to create a sign with a price list and an image of your band. It's worth investing a little time (and, yes, money) in making your merchandise appealing so that it moves quickly and more than pays for itself.
Online Concerts
Services like Stageit and Concert Window allow you to broadcast a live performance online. This is a way to let fans who might not get a chance to see you feel like they've had a similar experience since performances aren't archived and are only available live. You choose how much to charge viewers on either site.
These are just a few ways you can make the most out of your live performances, so be sure to research how you can drive revenue from your fans and songs. Don’t let your hard work go to waste on the backend either; make sure you have a publishing administrator like Songtrust in place, and that you’re affiliated with a PRO/CMO so you can start collecting royalties. And, above all else, enjoy your time in the spotlight!
To make sure you’re collecting all your performance and mechanical publishing royalties globally, register for Songtrust today!
