When you think about what it must be like to be making a living as an artist, your mind is filled with thoughts of boundless creativity, experimenting with instruments and progressions in the studio, writing lyrics on napkins in a coffee shop, or playing live gigs under moonlit skies. What you’re probably not imagining is financial planning, filing taxes, or working with legal teams on copyright infringement lawsuits. But alas, these unpleasant things come with the territory if you want to be a successful independent artist and build a long-lasting career in the music industry.
If you choose the independent route and want to have full control and insight into everything that comes with being an artist nowadays, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with some legal and financial lingo. While it can seem daunting and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had to deal with this ‘dark side’ of your chosen career, it’ll be worth it in the end, trust us.
Why is financial literacy important for musicians?
You know what they say, ‘knowledge is power,’ so the more you know about the music industry, the easier it will be to navigate it successfully. A lot of artists in the past used to be kept in the dark in regards to the financial side of their careers, which means they often signed disadvantageous deals or failed to negotiate better contracts with publishers, labels, or managers. Nowadays, independent artists feel empowered when they have at least basic insight on all the intricacies of the music business.
This doesn’t mean you have to become a financial expert, but you should know the basics and familiarize yourself with the lingo, so you can always negotiate the best terms for yourself. Knowing how copyrights and royalties work can safeguard you against copyright infringements, and being knowledgeable about legal contracts or music publishing deals can give you the confidence to negotiate terms and get a better deal. It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed or too shy to speak up when you’re in the early stages of your career, but it’s important not to just accept any offer and sign the first contract that comes your way. Being financially literate will give you power and prove that you’re a true professional who’s passionate about establishing a long-term career in music.
How financial literacy can help propel your music career to the next level
Knowing your way around financial and legal terms related to the music industry can help you in a myriad of ways. From budgeting and negotiating contracts to copyrighting your music and landing gigs, this knowledge can go a long way and help you stay independent without losing control over your creative direction.
Budgeting
It’s safe to say that you won’t be making millions of dollars in the very first months or years of your music career (unless you’re incredibly lucky!). In these early stages, when most of your time is spent on perfecting your sound, finding collaborations and gig opportunities, and getting to learn the ins and outs of the industry, you probably won’t have a huge budget to work with. And we all know that being a musician is by no means a cheap adventure. You need money to invest in recording and production equipment, musical instruments, software subscriptions, streaming subscriptions, marketing and ad campaigns, and much more. Being financially savvy will help you budget your expenses effectively, making sure that you don’t overspend and end up with nothing in your account at the end of the month.
Collecting royalties
Copyrighting your own music is a critical step on the journey to becoming a successful artist. By copyrighting your songs, you ensure that you get credit whenever someone else wants to sample your work, perform it live, or use it in any shape or form. If they do this without your permission, you can prove that you’re the original creator and have the mechanical or performance licenses in place. Otherwise, you can take them to court for copyright infringement. But the important part is that copyrighting your music ensures you get a steady, passive income stream, and gives you the rights to utilize your own work as you see fit, without giving up control.
There are different types of royalties you should be aware of, the most important ones being mechanical royalties, which are paid for physical or digital music sales; performance royalties, which are paid whenever your songs are performed for the public; and synchronization royalties, which are paid whenever someone uses your song in visual media (think YouTube videos, TikTok videos, TV commercials, and so on).
Tax deductions
Like we said before, recording and production equipment is expensive, not to mention all the business lunches you have to set up with potential collaborators, producers, managers, or distributors. Not to mention touring and live performances, traveling from place to place, all while keeping an active presence on social media and managing your streaming platform profiles. The good news is that you can deduct a lot of these expenses to make sure your wallet is not empty every time you have to pay your taxes. You can deduct business expenses, gas and hotel fares, a portion of your rent or mortgage if you run a home office or home recording studio, utilities, instrument insurance policies, marketing and promotional efforts, and much more. Getting some advice from a tax expert can help you better understand how these deductions work, but once you get the hang of it, you can benefit from this advantage and invest your money wisely to expand your career.
Selling merchandise
In the early days of your career, when most of your budget goes into your equipment, recording, production, and distribution needs, selling merchandise might be the last thing on your priority list. But it’s a great way to keep funds coming in while also building exposure and growing your fanbase. Fans love good, creative, original merchandise, from T-shirts, hats, mugs, to signed posters and other memorabilia, so selling merchandise can end up being a very lucrative income stream. Try to create demand by offering limited edition items, exclusive, one-of-a-kind things, or bundle deals, to create buzz and have fans lining up to buy your merch. You can also be creative and create crowdfunding campaigns to get donations for new equipment, for instance, and offer unique prizes, like a live gig for a fan, free concert tickets, signed items, or even a lunch with one of your biggest fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is financial literacy important for musicians?
Financial literacy is crucial for musicians as it empowers them to navigate the complex financial landscape of the music industry effectively. Understanding budgeting, income streams, and tax implications allows musicians to manage their finances prudently, ensuring they can sustain their careers in the long term. It enables them to make informed decisions about contracts, negotiate fair compensation for their work, and protect their intellectual property. Additionally, financial literacy equips musicians to plan for uncertainties, save for the future, and build a stable financial foundation, ultimately contributing to their overall success and well-being in the dynamic and often unpredictable music business.
What does it mean to be financially literate?
Being financially literate means possessing the knowledge and skills to understand, manage, and make informed decisions about one's financial resources. It involves having a clear understanding of concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and financial planning. Financial literacy empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of personal finance, make sound financial choices, and achieve their financial goals. A financially literate person can interpret financial statements, assess the risks and benefits of different financial products, and comprehend the implications of financial decisions, ultimately leading to a more secure and stable financial future.
How can musicians become financially savvy?
Musicians can become financially savvy by prioritizing financial education and taking proactive steps to manage their money effectively. It starts with gaining a deep understanding of their income streams, including royalties, performance fees, and merchandise sales. Creating and sticking to a budget is crucial to track expenses and ensure responsible financial management. Investing time in learning about the business side of the music industry, understanding contracts, and seeking legal and financial advice when needed can protect their interests. Developing good financial habits, such as saving for emergencies and retirement, and staying informed about tax regulations and deductions specific to the music industry also contribute to financial savvy.
What should musicians know about their finances?
Musicians should have a comprehensive understanding of their finances, including diverse income streams such as performance fees, royalties, and merchandise sales. It's crucial to maintain a detailed budget to monitor and control expenses effectively. Familiarity with the business side of the music industry, contract negotiation, and legal considerations is essential for protecting their financial interests. Additionally, knowledge of tax regulations and potential deductions specific to musicians can optimize their tax liabilities. Developing financial resilience by saving for emergencies and future plans, investing wisely, and seeking professional advice when necessary are key components. Regularly updating financial knowledge, staying informed about industry trends, and cultivating a network of financial and industry professionals contribute to a well-rounded approach to musicians' financial success.
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