The Best Ways For Indie Rock Artists To Make Some Extra Cash
Life can be very challenging when starting as an indie artist. The gigs are few and far between. That’s why we have so many weekend rock stars these days. Some acts are fortunate enough to have a tour schedule. But, it’s common to see them hurdled in a van with all their equipment.
Travelling through the country in a broke-down van sounds may sound like the script of a Hollywood movie. However, It’s far from glamorous, and your band still needs to find a way to pay for gas, hotels (or motels) and food.
Here are a few ways to make some extra cash as you grow in your indie-rock career.
Merchandising
The word merchandising may sound like a complicated strategy, but it’s doesn’t have to be. Your band can take a straightforward approach to it by sticking your logo on as many things as possible and selling them. You could make quality t-shirts, fridge magnets, towels, as well as on other merchandise and sell them when on tour. You could even run an online store to maximize your profit margins.
Brand Partnerships
Corporations and brands are always looking to partner with quality indie acts. Such a partnership is mutually beneficial. The brand gets to tap into your core-fan base while you get a check for endorsing the brand. However, it’s wise to read the fine print to ensure you get the most out of such sponsorship.
Licensing
Video games, movies, T.V series, advertisements need music to increase to add value to their production. Indie rock artists stand to make a lot from licensing their music to such creations. The beauty of such a scheme is you can license various parts of your music, not just the complete track.
You can license your lyrics, published tracks or even an instrumental version. The best thing with licensing is that the royalty checks will keep flowing in for the rest of your life.
Music Residency Programs
This strategy may not sound glamorous, but many musicians have found supplementary income through teaching. Various music schools and conservatories run residency programs that allow gifted artists to live in a community and teach others. You can join such programs, lecture during the day, and create new music in your free time.
Bottom Line
Getting a record deal, going viral, and the whims of fate are not the only ways for indie artists to make money. The business end of music will always be complicated, but you can still exploit the above strategies to make some extra cash as you grow your career.