What to Expect When Working with Our Label
- By Musicians For Musicians: Our label is a non-profit collective of songwriters, recording artists, musicians and producers. Everyone is expected to work together as a team to help create the success of their projects with a continued post-release effort. I'm sure you've heard the cliche "Teamwork makes the dream work." That's how we operate. Our mission is to influence the world, through our music, toward a mindset of peace. In order to do that, our artists, and label must, with a team effort become known worldwide.
- Donation-Based Downloads: We operate on a donation-based download model. While some might download your music for free, the average donation is $5 per song. Donations can range from $2 to $200 (though the latter is rare) and typically come from fans who know and support you. The size and loyalty of your fan base will determine donation earnings. It’s crucial for you to promote to your existing fans, while our promotional efforts will help you gain new ones. It will be up to you to keep them and gain their support.
- Streaming: Streaming platforms, such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, etc. pay an average of one penny for 100 plays. If you make no effort for self promotion it will earn a few pennies every 3 to 6 months. If you join our mutual artist support team you can expect 10 to 100 times that amount, but it starts small and increases over time with persistency. This also helps the algorithm suggest your music to more listeners. As you gain more fans, it will suggest your music to additional fans, but it requires an effort on your part to make this happen. We have a limited budget for releasing into streaming platforms. If that budget becomes depleted at a time when we have something new to release, we release it on our website first. When the song earns enough to place it into streaming we then upload it to the aggregator (CD Baby) who gets us into all world-wide digital distribution platforms.
- Revenue Splits: Our splits for a finished master that meets all of the requirements are 34% master owner, 33% label, and 33% goes into an advertising budget for each song. When the ad budget reaches $25 we place a Facebook ad to help promote the song further. If your contract expires and isn't renewed, any remaining advertising budget money is split 50-50 between master owner and label. Our contracts are exclusive for one year with termination options after a year.
- Contract Renewals: We only renew contracts for songs whose team members are actively promoting their releases with us.
- Advertising: Most of the advertising and promotion done by the label is free, which includes a "Song of the day" rotation on Twitter (X), Our public Facebook group, our own Spotify and YouTube playlists and our monthly Patron newsletter. We have a monthly advertising budget that we use for subscribership growth for our Patron newsletter. In our newsletter we announce all new releases and feature artists or team members who are making an effort to promote their music. Team members who promote their music and our label get are those who get support from the label. Those who drop their songs with us and expect the label to do everything will get initial promotion minimal ongoing promotion and their contracts will not be renewed when expired unless their songs earned a significant amount.
- Global Promotion: With artists from various countries, it's vital for each to promote the label locally and invite fans to our Facebook group. Promoting the label in your country can lead to increased global promotion from us.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Signed artists are invited to join our private group for collaboration opportunities with other creatives. Typically, there's no upfront cost for collaborations, and revenue is shared once projects are released. Our collaborative rules ensure no one loses money, fostering a positive cash flow from the start.
- Monthly Release Team Newsletter: As a team member, you’ll receive our monthly Release Team Newsletter, offering label updates, promotional tips, time management advice, and other insights to help you succeed in the music industry—all free as a bonus for being part of our team.
- Artist Support and Development: We offer various resources and mentorship opportunities to help you develop your skills and grow your career. This includes workshops, webinars, and access to industry professionals who can provide guidance and advice.
- Social Media and Online Presence: We provide support in enhancing your social media presence and online branding. This includes tips and strategies for engaging with your audience, growing your followers, and maximizing your reach across digital platforms.
