1. CD Sales:
Yeah we know CDs are a bit old but If you’re going to be performing at live shows, having CDs on hand is still a good idea. They make great takeaway souvenirs that can easily be signed by you.
2. Vinyl Sales:
Vinyl sales reached 14.32 million in 2017, a record-high number since Nielsen started tracking the sales in 1991. This is the 12th year in a row vinyl sales have increased, jumping 9 percent from 2016. Again, if you’ll be performing at live shows, printing a small batch to have at your merch table can help generate extra income.
3. Digital Sales:
You should be selling digital music through your own website to make the most money, but also through online retailers. Keep in mind that online retailers take a percentage of sales (ex. iTunes takes 30%, Bandcamp takes 15%). Some digital distributors that place your music in stores like iTunes and Amazon will take a cut on top of that.
4. Streaming:
2018 has been the biggest year for music streaming yet as people all around the world sign up for limitless listening. Although per-stream payouts from streaming services tend to be small, they can add up over time. Keep in mind that these services also help new fans discover your music, and shouldn't be seen solely as an income generator.
5. Live Shows:
Money made from live shows can vary greatly, but it’s still one of the best ways to earn income. Not only can you make money from selling tickets, but it’s also one of the best ways to sell merch.
6. Physical Merch:
Income from physical merch can depend heavily on the amount of live shows you play. If you go out on tour, be sure that you have some t-shirts, as well as smaller items like buttons and stickers that you can sell to fans after the show.
7. Digital Merch:
You can also sell digital merch items like PDFs, videos, and images to your fans. Things like lyric books, live concerts, sheet music, exclusive photos, artwork and more.
8. Crowdfunding:
Crowdfunding can be a great way to generate income for your music career. A well-executed crowdfunding campaign can help you raise enough money to offset the cost of producing and marketing your album.
9. Publishing Royalties:
You should be signed up to a performing rights organization so you can collect royalties on your music. This includes public performance royalties (radio, TV, live venues), mechanical royalties (sales through retailers, streaming, etc.), and sync royalties (commercials, film, TV).
10. Digital Royalties:
Whenever your music is played on services like SiriusXM radio, Pandora, and webcasters, they must pay royalties.
11. Live Performance Royalties:
When performing original material, you can earn royalties from live performances. Whether you perform at a bar, restaurant, club, or other music venue, Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) will pay royalties from those live performances.
12. Licensing:
If you get your song placed in a film, commercial, or TV show, chances are they’re going to pay you a licensing fee. These fees vary greatly, depending on the budget for the project, and how badly they want your particular song.
13. YouTube:
On YouTube, whenever your music is used in videos that are running ads, YouTube pays a portion of that advertising money to the rights holders of the song. Digital distributors like TuneCore and CD Baby can help you collect that money, as well as Hapilos.
14. Sponsorships:
If you’ve built up a fan base, some companies are willing to sponsor arists to reach those fans. Sponsorships can range from cash, to free products, services, and gear.
15. Session Work:
Another way to make some extra money is to put yourself out there as a session musician. As a singer or instrumentalist, you could do session work for other musical projects, or even in advertising.
16. Songwriting/Composing:
If you’re a songwriter, you could write songs for other artists, or compose music specifically for film and television.
17. Cover Gigs:
Playing cover gigs at bars, restaurants, weddings, and other private events is frowned upon by some artists. But those shows can pay really well, and allow you to get paid to play your instrument. There’s no shame in that.