318 Music Business Essentials – A Musician's Guide to Copyrights, Contracts & Cash Flow
02/07/25 • 20 min
Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable steps for managing the business side of music while staying focused on creativity. Learn how to establish proper documentation, maximize royalty collection, and implement smart financial tracking that will serve your music career for years to come.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable steps for managing the business side of music while staying focused on creativity. Learn how to establish proper documentation, maximize royalty collection, and implement smart financial tracking that will serve your music career for years to come.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
Previous Episode
317 Tour Planning – Essential Strategies for Independent Musicians' Success
Tour planning requires careful strategy and execution for independent musicians to succeed on the road. In this episode, I share key insights from Liner Notes Insider on venue selection, tour management, fan engagement, and revenue optimization. Learn practical approaches to building sustainable tours and get a glimpse of the exclusive content available to Liner Notes Insider subscribers. Whether planning your first tour or looking to improve your touring game, this episode delivers actionable tips for the independent touring musician.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesFind links to related episodes and various things mentioned in this episode at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Resources and Special DealsThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
Next Episode
319 Musician Well-being: Breaking the Suffering Artist Myth for Sustainable Success
This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them.
Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing performance demands, and creating sustainable touring schedules that protect your creative energy. Learn why being transparent about mental health challenges can actually strengthen fan relationships rather than damage them.
Whether you're a touring musician, recording artist, or industry professional, this episode provides actionable insights for maintaining well-being while pursuing musical success. Subscribe to Liner Notes for more industry insights and join Liner Notes Insider for exclusive deep dives into building a sustainable music career.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
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