Month: March 2020

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Industry News News

Coronavirus Leads To A Surge Of New Patreon Accounts

Patreon Music

With creators everywhere feeling an economic pinch, Patreon is thriving in a time of uncertainty.

The consensus in North America right now seems to be that everyone is going to be home at least until May. Many scientists and various industry analysts will tell you it is much more likely that the coronavirus will keep all of us home until June, if not July. That is a lot of time at home, which means a lot of time that musicians and filmmakers and other artists are struggling to make a living. 

Thankfully, living in the digital age provides some alternatives to the traditional methods of generating revenue. Patreon is a service used by a variety of creators to earn money from their most significant fans on a recurring basis. It is similar to a fan club in that the creatives invite their followers to pay for access to exclusive content, such as music, videos, podcasts, blogs, and more. Fans choose how much they contribute, as well as the frequency of their contributions, and the creatives can make tiers of access related to the amount of money their fans spend. Giving your favorite creator five dollars per month, for example, will get you less access than if you gave them ten dollars per month. 

In the wake of Covid-19 sweeping the globe, Patreon has seen a surge in new accounts and contributors. More than 30,000 creatives joined the platform in March alone, and many more are expected to participate in April. It’s unclear what percentage of that number is comprised of musicians. Still, considering that touring is impossible and streaming numbers are declining, it’s safe to assume a good portion of Patreon creators are artists with musical talent. 

An unexpected benefit of the coronavirus pandemic is that it is forcing musicians to be more creative. Artists that previously never utilized the internet outside of YouTube and social media are suddenly exploring new avenues for exposure and revenue. Those efforts are creating a better, more accessible music industry for everyone. Fans have more access, and musicians have more control over their careers. 

If you are considering joining Patreon or a similar service, do it! You can find some tips for making the most of your account on the Patreon site or by viewing the video below:

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Artist Advice Business Advice Editorials News

How The Coronavirus Will Change The Music Business

The coronavirus is changing life as we know it, so we are predicting what happens once life returns to something that resembles normalcy.

It is time to accept that life as we know it is changing. The current quarantine and self-isolation efforts will end, but there is no going back. The music business, as well as the world, will have to accept we are entering a new reality where everyone will apply the knowledge and experiences from this unprecedented period to everything that follows.

Where the music business goes from here is anyone’s guess, but we have some ideas about three key aspects of the industry that we wanted to share:

Live Music:

Do you miss concerts? Of course, you do! Everyone misses live music, especially those in the industry whose livelihood depends on those performances taking place. The conversation around coronavirus has been about what’s already happening, which is the cancellation and postponement of events. Those changes kickstarted a domino effect that led to instability for countless professionals and musicians alike, all of whom are unsure when they will able to see music fans again.

We don’t believe the return to live music will be fast or instantaneous. The most likely return scenario involves various regions being cleared or approved for large gatherings. Venues will host ‘soft open’ events that host a limited number of guests to generate cash as quickly as possible. Local acts and cover bands will probably be among the first to perform outside of any major metro areas.

Fans are excited about live music returning. They may also be hesitant to enter a crowded space. We now understand how people contract Covid-19, and as a result, people may think twice before returning to venues en masse. That could lead to a short-term lull in ticket sales and lower guarantees, but remember, it’s only temporary.

Recorded music:

People are, thankfully, still releasing music. That said, many artists and groups are choosing or being forced to delay their upcoming releases until the coronavirus pandemic begins to slow.

Their reasons are numerous. Some artists are unable to get the physical products they need. Others are unable to create the promotional materials they need. Still others, especially those with high-profile releases through major labels, are unable to market their releases in a manner that ensures a return on investment for those that make their career possible.

We’re predicting a massive Fall release calendar. There will be multiple delayed releases from major artists finally reaching fans at the same time as material from artists who’ve always planned on releasing in the fall. That glut of content is going to force consumers to choose between releases, both for purchase and streaming purposes. Who will survive, and what will be their sales (or, more specifically, sales-equivalents)? Only time will tell.

Music jobs:

Anyone following our job board knows there are plenty of companies hiring during this time. There is always work, and there are still people looking for talented professionals to complete that work.

There are also a lot of people in our business who are suddenly out of work. Whether that is short or longterm remains to be seen, but once live music returns, there will no doubt be a hiring spree throughout the industry. Those hoping to secure the best opportunities should use the time they have right now to refine their skills, update their resumes, and do whatever they can to position themselves for success down the line. The competition is always fierce, but the next wave of opportunities will be different.

Something else to consider is how this time is informing the way businesses will operate in the future. Many companies are learning they don’t need large offices or a massive staff to succeed. People are adapting to the current conditions, and even though they miss the quote/unquote normalcy of the past, these adaptations may last for a long time, even after ‘shelter in place’ orders are over.

For more coronavirus coverage and music industry advice, take time to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

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Artist Advice Business Advice Editorials News

Singles Vs. EPs: What Should You Release?

As the music business continues to evolve, artists must learn to adapt. Finding the right plan for your next release is key, and today, we will help you figure things out.

The way we consume music is changing, so we must rethink how we release it. The days of people turning to albums for entertainment are gone. Today’s music fans expect everything to be available all the time at a moment’s notice. Those searching for new music seek out singles above all else. If they like what they hear, those same listeners will look for the rest of that artist’s catalog in time. That idea applies to new music from established artists as well, but only to an extent.

The first any artist should do is set goals. What do you want to accomplish with your next release? Be specific and reasonable with your answers. A good example of release goals would be gaining 1,000 followers and earning 10,000 streams.

Once your goals are set, release the song you believe is most likely to accomplish that goal and do everything in your power to make that track succeed. Create a music video, promote to your mailing list, create memes, and do anything you can come up with to reach your goals.

At some point between four and eight weeks after the track’s release, take time to review your goals and whether or not you achieved them. If the answer is no, choose another song and release that track. You should repeat the promotional efforts of the first song, as well as any new ideas you may develop.

When you achieve your goals, then you should move forward with plans to package songs together. You can pair your popular single with two to three additional tracks and release that material as an EP. That way, you can continue to capitalize on the momentum of the single while giving your current fans something new to enjoy.

That plan may not necessary for more popular musicians. Artists with sizable followings have to be accessible to new listeners while also keeping their more devoted fans engaged. These artists may see more value in sharing EPs over singles, if only because their audience is hungrier for content than those of musicians just getting their start.

In this episode of Music Biz, host James Shotwell answers one of the most common viewer questions by presenting multiple paths to success. The key to getting ahead is a combination of knowing yourself, your audience, and what you want to accomplish. If you can understand all that, then you are already miles ahead of your competition.

Want even more music business guides and information? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos!

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Industry News News

Scammers Targeting Artists With Fake ‘Warner Music Group’ Offer

In a time when artists need more help than ever, a group of scammers is trying to take advantage of musicians with a fake email offer from the biggest names in music.

Being an up and coming independent artist is difficult. Being an up and coming independent artist in the time of Covid-19 is nearly impossible. The novel coronavirus has forced the cancelation of all live performances, which has significantly impacted everyone’s ability to make money. Couple that with the decline in physical album sales and song streams, and the current music landscape can appear pretty bleak. Everyone needs help, and those in a position to offer assistance never know where to start.

Whenever times of crisis arise, scam artists come out of the woodwork to take advantage of the situation. Examples of that behavior are everywhere, from price-gouging retailers on Amazon to so-called “natural” healers offering a cure to the virus sweeping the globe. The latest scam is specifically targeting the vulnerable independent talent trying to make ends meet while chasing their dreams.

A new email scam hitting the inboxes of up and coming artists is circulating online. The message finds con artists posing as Warner Music Group (WMG) execs and promising lucrative promotional deals in exchange for sizable upfront fees. The initial message comes complete with the WMG letterhead and (fake) phone number for the WMG offices. You can view an example below:

Aside from the web address and office address, the contents of this email are a lie, but many vulnerable artists may be fooled.

Experienced industry professionals will tell you the above message is a sad attempt at selling a lie. The kind of promotion offered by the scam letter does not exist, but that understanding may not be as obvious to young artists desperate to get ahead.

Those who do proceed with the offer and respond are sent a form to fill out and return detailing their personal and professional information. The message, again, appears fairly legit at first glance. There is even a space reserved for “WMG representative” to sign off on receipt of the information.

Cracks in this scam begin to appear at the end of the information sheet. The program claims to be supported by eleven industry groups and organizations, including Universal Music Group and Billboard. Those entities have no connection to Warner Music Group, nor does a program exist that involves all eleven companies promoting a single artist.

If anyone decides to pursue the scam further, a third form is sent. The email asks the participating artist to choose a “Benefit Plan” that costs between $200 and $1500 upfront. The plans promise branded promotions and claim to boost the artist’s revenue by thousands of dollars.

Of course, once someone pays for their selected plan the scammers disappear and never deliver on anything they promise.

Scams promising young artists high levels of exposure in exchange for money are as old as the industry, but con artists are getting increasingly convincing. If it is not clear by now, you should never pay for promotion from someone you do not know. If a major label wants to work with you, they will go above and beyond to establish a relationship, and they definitely won’t ask for money.

If you receive anything that sounds too good to be true, feel free to contact us for assistance. Email james@haulix.com, and we will do our best to help.

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Industry News News

Rammstein Singer Till Lindemann In ICU With COVID-19

BERLIN, GERMANY - APRIL 07: Till Lindemann attends the Koenig Pilsener At Echo Award 2016 on April 07, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Koenig Pilsener)

Longtime Haulix client and friend Till Lindemann of Rammstein has caught the virus currently sweeping the globe.

The virus known as Covid-19 continues to infect hundreds of thousands around the globe. Data from earlier today, March 27, reveals there are more than 400,000 active cases worldwide. The vast majority are likely to recover, but thousands will no doubt die, which makes the need for everyone to do their part immensely important.

Throughout the week, there have been numerous high-profile cases of Covid-19 making headlines. Actor Tom Hanks and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are probably the most notable, but as the disease continues to spread, more public figures are becoming infected. 

Today, German publication Bild broke the news that Rammstein vocalist Till Lindemann is currently in the ICU. The fiery frontman is battling Covid-19 alongside many others since being admitted to the hospital following the band’s March 15 performance in Moscow. 

Doctors initially believed Lindemann was suffering from pneumonia. He entered quarantine shortly after admittance and remains there at this time. That said, the report says he is on the mend, and there is hope he will make a full recovery.

Rammstein has a massive European tour in June and July, followed by a North American tour scheduled for late summer, which as of now, are both still on despite coronavirus concerns independent of Lindemann’s illness.

We know many are suffering from the impact of the novel coronavirus. Our goal with our coverage is not to spread fear but to educate one another on the state of the industry, as well as where we go from here. The world is changing, but together, we will continue to forge ahead with high hopes and great empathy.

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Industry News News

How Spotify is responding to COVID-19

After taking the time to consider its options, Spotify has rolled out a series of announcements relating to COVID-19 and its efforts to support musicians.

It’s no secret that Covid-19 has thrown most of the music industry into turmoil. Artists are currently unable to tour, which has hurt revenue and promotional efforts, and many don’t know whether or not to continue with plans to release new material. Add to this the fact that manufacturers of physical media (CDs/Vinyl) are closing to slow the spread of the disease and streaming seems to be slowing, and many are wondering what will be the next problem to arise.

Since fears of the novel coronavirus forced musicians off the road in early March, there have been persistent calls for the streaming industry to offer relief. Some have called for Spotify to raise royalty rates, while others have been asking for a lump sum donation to relief organizations. The Swedish company responded to those demands earlier today, March 25, but probably not in the way many anticipated.

In a post on the company’s official blog, Spotify announced plans to match donations to select artist relief organizations up to $10 million. Additionally, Spotify “made contributions to public health organizations and donated ad inventory and platform space to share news and health information with our users,” the post revealed. “We’ve also created a dedicated COVID-19 hub providing our listeners with a go-to place for news and information. And importantly, all the while, we’re continuing to support the health, safety, and livelihoods of our employees. Check out the below graphic for more information—and know that our support will continue to evolve.”

Spotify is also rolling out a new feature to artists. The company will soon unveil a donation button that can be added to any artist profile to direct fans to support that musician directly. That is not the same as a tip jar, which would allow people to contribute via Spotify. The new tool will redirect listeners to a third-party site of the artist’s choosing to support that musician during this difficult time.

If you’re a Spotify for Artists user interested in this feature, please sign up here, and the company will email you when it’s ready.

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News Podcasts

Charmer’s David Daignault appears on Inside Music Podcast #192

With the release of Ivy on the horizon, Charmer frontman David Daignault stops by Inside Music to discuss songwriting, Covid-19, and more.

On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell chats with Charmer member David Daignault about Ivy, Covid-19, and more. David is a Northern Michigan resident with a unique perspective on songwriting that shines throughout Ivy. He spends the record simultaneously ending threads he’s been building for years and igniting new ideas that may very well carry forward into future releases. His storytelling, coupled with the band’s penchant for unpredictability, makes Ivy more of an experience than a traditional record, and far more special.

Charmer is the product of midwestern skies and long drives nestled between fields and small towns caught in the slow decline of the rust belt. Their music longs to capture and preserve every moment despite a clear understanding that all we are is fleeting. The journeys we take will be forgotten, just like all of us, but that doesn’t mean we should take anything for granted. Charmer celebrates the minutia of existence, from the salty sweat of summer to the raindrops that trickle-down windows, and how every interaction is an opportunity for growth.

Ivy, the band’s second album, builds upon the foundation of hopeful optimism found on Charmer’s previous releases with biting honesty. The record is a snapshot of the time in everyone’s life when they stop long enough to realize everything, including themselves, is changing. The tracks demand listeners let go of their collective nostalgia for the times they thought they would live forever, urging us to live in the present. It’s about moving on, for better and worse, while never losing sight of the things that matter most.

Charmer releases Ivy on April 3 through No Sleep Records. You can stream the album’s lead single, “Slumber,” below.

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Industry News News

Bandcamp users spent over $4.3 Million to support artists in one day

Bandcamp waived its share of the revenue earned from song and album sales last Friday.

In these uncertain times, it is good to know there are people in the world who are passionate about helping musicians get ahead. Touring right now is impossible, and streams are declining, but last Friday, album sales for indie artists were up in a big way thanks to Bandcamp.

As previously reported, Bandcamp waived its share of any revenue generated through its platform last Friday, March 20. The one-day promotion was part of a global effort to support independent musicians struggling to pay bills in light of Covid-19. Artists and labels alike promoted the initiative, as did several high-profile publications, and fans, thankfully, came out to show their support.

The numbers tell a remarkable story: on a typical Friday, fans buy about 47,000 items on Bandcamp, but this past Friday, fans bought nearly 800,000, or $4.3 million worth of music and merch. That’s more than 15 times the service’s Friday, and at the peak, fans were buying 11 items per second.

A post announcing the sales figure on the Bandcamp blog made it clear the platform is far from over supporting its artists. It reads:

“We don’t yet know the long-term impact of Covid-19, but we know that we all need music—to uplift and inspire us, to heal us, and to give us hope. We’ll continue working to make Bandcamp the best place for fans and artists to come together and sustain each other in the challenging times ahead. Thank you again, and we wish you all good health!”

It’s hard to emphasize the importance of buying music and merch from artists during this difficult time enough. As we mentioned in our Music Biz video series, streaming numbers are down across the industry, which means artists are seeing less revenue from consumption that unusual. Supporting musicians through the purchase of music and merchandise is the best way to help artists pay their bills and continue creating music.

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Artist Advice Business Advice Editorials Industry News News

How Coronavirus Is Changing Music Consumption [Video]

With every artist unable to tour for the foreseeable future due to coronavirus concerns, all eyes are on music streaming and the revenue it (hopefully) produces.

Coronavirus has left countless musicians off the road, out of work, and struggling to make ends meet. The dependency on album sales and streaming has never been as high as it is now, but startling data brought to light by Rolling Stone (and other sources) say that music streams are declining.

According to numbers from Alpha Data, the data analytics provider that powers the Rolling Stone Charts, streams in the United States actually fell last week, failing to offset a far more grim downturn in digital and physical album sales.

During the week of March 13 through March 19, the same week most businesses and restaurants were forced to close, streams dropped 7.6 percent, to under 20.1 billion. Programmed streams on services like Pandora dropped 9 percent to just under 3.5 billion, while on-demand streams (audio and video) dropped 7.3 percent to 16.6 billion.

The sales side of music did not far any better. Digital song sales dropped 10.7 percent to 3.9 million, which is the lowest one-week total since Alpha Charts began tracking the sales. Physical album sales plummeted 27.6 percent and digital album sales dropped 12.4 percent. Album sales declining is nothing new, but these changes are closer to jumping off a cliff than rolling down a hill.

What the charts fail to reveal, however, are the likely reasons for these changes. With businesses closed and more people working from home, commutes have temporarily dissipated. The vast majority of listening time for individuals can be attributed to time spent in their cars, but most have nowhere to go right now. People also have limited time to themselves at home, as everyone (spouses, partners, kids) is home together. Finding time to listen to an album in full or even music in general, is difficult.

But fear not! As host James Shotwell explains in the latest episode of Music Biz, there are still reasons to keep hopes high. Some areas of music are thriving in the streaming age, and there remains a huge audience of devoted music fans who are constantly seeking the next song that makes them feel good. Your music may very well end up being the soundtrack to someone’s quarantine, and that possibility is all the reason anyone should need to keep going.

More importantly, the panic and existential dread people feel right now is temporary. As people come to understand and accept our new reality they will once again turn to music. It’s music, not film or television or video games, that offers hope for a better tomorrow. You have a role to play in the recovery, and we are going to be with you every step of the way.

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Industry News News

Disc Makers starts making face shields in response to COVID-19 crisis

New Jersey’s premiere compact disk manufacturing company is temporarily pivoting its business to help COVID-19 responders.

The world has changed. In the last two weeks since Coronavirus infections began skyrocketing in the US, the touring industry has come to an abrupt halt and physical sales have plummeted in part due to stores and retailers closing after being identified as ‘non-essential’ businesses. Thousands are out of work with no clear timeline for new opportunities, and everyone is trying to find some way to do their part in quickening the recovery process.

Like many businesses in the US, 73-year-old Disc Makers, one of the country’s largest manufacturers of CDs, DVDs, USBs, and other physical media, saw demand for its products drop due to the COVID-19 crisis. Hearing of the shortages in medical supplies, and wanting to help out during this national emergency, the company has quickly pivoted to making protective face shields for medical testing and other uses.

“We are used to making stuff. There’s a crying need in the country for protective gear, and face shields were the quickest item we could ramp up to make,” states company CEO Tony van Veen. “Our manufacturing team is shifting over to full-time production. It’s the right thing to do for our community, and our staff is eager to help out in any way they can during this turbulent moment in our country’s history.”

Disc Makers’ face shields will be assembled and packaged in its Pennsauken, NJ facility. The company is starting to ship its initial model now and expects to continue to evolve product design and selection depending on demand. For more information, please contact faceshields@discmakers.com.

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