When you are exposed to and develop a profound love for music at an early age, that fondness for music stays with you. Nurture it, and it may escalate to a whole new level.
Kids growing up as music enthusiasts from the ‘80s through the ‘90s went through different stages of their music appreciation journey. From hearing a song on the radio for the first time to buying or borrowing cassette tapes to making their own mix tapes to transitioning to CDs and later on, the early streaming platforms, gaining access to music in whatever format available was the common goal. And then there was radio which along with record labels during their golden age played a huge role in the consumption habits of die-hard music fans. And to these fans, getting hold of the albums of their favorite artists and watching live gigs and concerts were next-level.
If you’re musically inclined, you may be inspired to make your own music, too.
And if you were on the other side of the fence, if you were an artist and get a shot at a recording deal, you’d consider yourself made. The rest would follow—radio interviews, album tours, gigs, and if you get really big, a concert or two. If record sales don’t add up, then consider that record deal the last. But at least, you had your shot.
The tide has changed. The industry—and what remains of it—has evolved. Relatively fewer artists get full record deals—there are fewer superstars. Only a few stars shine bright and explode in such a big galaxy. Distribution deals between labels and artists have become more common. Independently producing your own music has become the norm. Two mediums appear to dominate, currently: streaming and vinyl. For fans who can’t or are not willing to splurge on records, whether brand-new or second-hand, new releases or second pressings, streaming music digitally is the most practical, easily accessible, and cost-efficient option.
The humble, loyal, ardent music fan would be inclined to ask: How can I support my favorite band or artist?
The answers to this question are a given. Listen to their music. Buy their records. Go to those shows.
But not all albums are available in physical formats you can purchase, and not all fans are willing and able to buy. If you stream a recording artists’ music through the available platforms, you are doing your part to support the artist. What you don’t know is whether the artist actually gets a fair share of the earnings, a fair cut.
While social media and digital streaming platforms have democratized how music is promoted, distributed, and consumed, there remains the question of whether artists are being fairly compensated, as well as the hurdle of finding a publisher that is willing to release their work on the streaming platforms. Because while you can post videos of yourself playing what could possibly be the next biggest rock anthem of this generation and you may get remuneration from thousands of views should they happen, there is no guarantee that you will earn a decent living for being a musician alone, or from the piece of art you have created.
Online music streaming is a lucrative business, but it does not necessarily mean the artist get the most from it.
And if you’re an artist who has just started your journey with the intention of reaching a bigger audience, it’s twice as hard to find a way for you to a) release your work on different streaming sites and b) get your fair share, whatever it may be. The struggle is real.
There is, however, hope. And platforms like TuneCore allow artists to basically sell their music online and reap the benefits, including—and most importantly—the majority of the earnings—about 80%. You need to take into account the fees collected by streaming platforms.
TuneCore is an independent DIY digital music distributor operating under the Paris-based, global digital music company Believe. It aims to support artists by providing a channel for them to easily distribute their music to popular streaming sites such as Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music and on social platforms like TikTok.
TuneCore is no newbie in the music business. For 16 years, the company has been empowering artists by providing them with options, packages and even expert advice that enable them to reach a wider audience through streaming platforms and social media. TuneCore’s massive library includes music by veterans like Nine Inch Nails and Keith Richards as well as recently popularized names like Marshmello.
TuneCore CEO Andreea Gleeson encourages aspiring artists to experiment and to keep releasing music. “They say they don’t feel like their music’s ready,” she said in an interview with BM Soundstrip. Gleeson also said that most artists her team has spoken to almost always hope that the demo of the song they post on social media is the one that will get viral, but it’s not always the case.
“What we try to encourage artists—and this is why we did our unlimited plans—is to help them experiment, feel comfortable to experiment. When you’re just starting out you should be experimenting like crazy because you need to get better at making better music, and it comes with practice. And then you need to find your audiences and that comes with just trying different strategies.”
TuneCore recently launched its New Artist Plan, which allows artists to release music to social platforms for free. The Rising Artist is reasonably priced. At only US$14.99 per year, you, as an artist, get to release an unlimited number of songs in over 150 stores around the globe. There are other packages: one that allows customization and another for industry professionals. TuneCore has partnered with G-Cash to make its services easily accessible to more independent artists in the Philippines.
Gleeson sees enormous potential for more Asian music to thrive on the world stage and is passionate about equal representation in the music industry. TuneCore is an open platform that allows artists—regardless of ethnicity, age, or gender identity—to release their music to a global audience.
Getting your music out on through TuneCore is as easy as creating an account on the website, uploading your music and album art, and sending it out for all the world to listen to. So if you are an aspiring or up-up-and-coming artist, TuneCore may just be the venue—the opportunity of a lifetime—for you. Make music, and share it. (With interview by Edwin P. Sallan)
Image credits: Tunecore