How do Singer/Songwriters Get Paid?
Someone listening to my newest music, "Come into the Kitchen", on a streaming platform today, sent me a private message asking me how I get paid. If they are only referring to payment via streams, I know you don't want to hear it but 18,000 streams gets you $42 and this means an average of 0.0023333333333333 per stream. I say average because it all depends on how many times a song is listened to and the ad revenue surrounding the song. It also depends on the number of times it has been streamed on a particular platform. Lots of details most people do not pay attention to and just look at the dollar amount.
If you are contemplating putting your music out to the masses and making millions of dollars, I wish you the best of luck. It takes everything aligning to have it happen and garner, "star" status and you get to start making the big bucks from streaming platforms. Try and get your music up to 1 million streams! Most singer/songwriter/performers are struggling to cover their travel and recording costs to launch an album and pay back friends and family who have helped finance their music career.
What is my goal? I want to be able to pay musicians I work with a fair wage when I hire them in the studio and for a show, and pay the recording studios I work in, fairly. I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing people over the last 6 years when creating my three albums. They believed in the work I was creating and we have been able to come up with a plan everyone can live with, as far as financing my three projects.
Everyone sees me out hustling here and there and even busking wherever and whenever I can. I am trying my best to get paid to play, selling merchandise and my artwork so I can continue to do what I love, make music and art. This is not a job for the faint of heart and I truly want to be honest and transparent with everyone.
Why do I do it? The music comes to me and I don't want to keep it to myself. There are stories to share and lessons I have learned throughout my life and I think they are important to pass on to others. Since the album has come out, the audiences I have played for have told me to continue to write and putting my work out to the world. This new album has really connected with people who have listened to it. People are already asking when the fourth album will come out. A few factors will come into play, one is how many good songs I can write in the next bit. Secondly, it has to fund itself. To this point, each album has been paid fully by selling merchandise and performing. Every album has been self-funded. Having my music pay for itself is the only way I can do it.
So, how do I get paid? It depends on what you want to include as payment. Financial funding is through performances, streaming, royalties, tips, merchandise sale and art work sales. As everyone knows, paid butts in seats helps art continue to survive. Without the audience, there is no performance. Another form of payment the bank does not take is emotional payment. The connection people make with the music and thus connect with me and my thoughts and ideas. Artists also need this payment. It feeds the soul and helps us continue to be open to creating more art. Doesn't pay the bills but is still an important connection.
I hope this helps you understand why singer/songwriters are always hustling.
Enjoy the music!