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Reply by Technetium
posted
NEW ARTIST STARTER KIT (USA) from chatgpt- MASTER CHECKLIST (Everything you must set up)
SECTION A — Accounts You MUST Create (USA)- Performance Rights Organization (PRO)
Collects: performance royalties (songwriting) Choose ONE:
ASCAP – $50 one-time
BMI – Free
SESAC (by invitation only)
You should register as: Songwriter and (Optional but recommended) Publisher to keep 100% of royalties
- The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective) — USA
Collects: mechanical royalties from U.S. streaming FREE Required for writers + publishers Your distributor does NOT handle this
- Distributor
Delivers your masters to Spotify, Apple, TikTok, etc. Best options for large catalogs:
DistroKid (unlimited songs)
TuneCore (annual plan)
CD Baby (per album fee + publishing optional)
UnitedMasters (split-based)
Also collects: Spotify/Apple royalties, TikTok/Instagram usage, YouTube Content ID (if enabled)
- Publishing Administrator (Highly Recommended)
Use one to collect global royalties
Songtrust
TuneCore Publishing
Sentric
They collect royalties your PRO and The MLC cannot.
- YouTube Monetization
Two steps:
Create a YouTube Artist Channel
Enable Content ID through distributor or publishing admin
Earns: Ad revenue Matches other people using your music
- SoundExchange
Collects: digital performance royalties (Pandora, SiriusXM, internet radio).
You must register as: Artist Rights Owner (Label) — since you’re independent
SECTION B — FULL RELEASE CHECKLIST BEFORE RELEASE
- Finalize Metadata
For each song:
- Title
- Album
- Writers + percentages
- Producers
- ISRC (assigned by distributor)
- UPC (album code)
- Release year
- Register Each Song with:
PRO (ASCAP/BMI)Needed for performance royalties.
The MLCNeeded for U.S. mechanicals.
Publishing Admin (if you use one)Needed for worldwide royalties.
DistributorUpload album with correct metadata.
- Copyright
(Optional but recommended) Register works with U.S. Copyright Office You can batch-register entire albums.
AFTER RELEASE
- Claim your YouTube Official Artist Channel�
- Submit to Spotify for Artists�
- Verify on Apple Music for Artists�
- Enable YouTube Content ID�
- Add lyrics to:
- Musixmatch�
- Genius�
- Apple Lyrics�
ROYALTY BREAKDOWN CHART (USA)Below is your personalized royalty map as a Producer + Band + Songwriter:
1. MASTER ROYALTIES (You own recordings)Royalty Type Who Pays It Who Collects It Applies to
Streaming master revenue Spotify/Apple Distributor Streams
Download sales iTunes/Amazon Distributor Purchases
YouTube Content ID YouTube Distributor When your audio appears in videos
TikTok/IG music usage TikTok/Meta Distributor Short videos
SoundExchange digital performance Pandora/Siri
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Reply by Technetium
posted
Industry-LabelsAs many of you know I am a pro musician/composer.I have had 20 years in the music industry and know my way around pretty well.. Lets start with Labels. There are three major labels. Universal, Sony and Warner. Under those Big 3 are thousands of independent labels worldwide. Do you need a label? That depends. There is a lot that happens when you have a label. Many of them dictate when and where you play, tours dates and places, and sometimes even what songs you get to release. Moreover, they decide when the releases will happen for your albums. I personally do not like that. So what you really need to ask yourself is if your life is in a position to handle the contact terms. Ok.. so the smaller labels? Read the fine print. Make sure you own the rights to your music. You can technically do this without a label if you wish… If not Type In “Labels accepting new talent” in a google search engine. Take a look. Rockmore Records is coming in here as well as Renegade Records. When they are accepting, they will post and let you know if you are interested. I have called out to a handful of others but have not heard back yet so hold onto your thong while we get them involved.Google Search:Major and large independent labels* Atlantic: Works with Emerge to find pop and R&B artists.* Dim Mak: Open to electronic, punk, indie, and hip-hop.* Epitaph: Primarily focused on punk and emo.* Century Media: Accepts submissions for hardcore, metal, and hard rock.* Nuclear Blast: Specializes in metal. * Independent labels* Captured Tracks: Known for indie and post-punk artists.* Carpark Records: An indie label that has supported artists like Beach House.* Domino: Open to indie artists.* Mute Records: Accepts indie, post-punk, and electronic artists.* Red Bull: Accepts alternative and hip-hop artists.* Stones Throw: Focuses on hip-hop, soul, and electronic music.* Sub Pop: An indie label with a history in grunge and alternative rock. * How to find more labels and get noticed* Use submission platforms: Websites like SubmitHub and LabelRadar connect artists with curators and labels.* Research labels by genre: Look for labels that have artists similar to you. For example, search for "indie labels accepting demos" or "hip-hop labels for new artists".* Build a social media presence: Labels often find artists through their online presence on streaming and social media platforms.* Network: Connect with industry professionals and artists online to build connections.
Reply by Technetium
posted
How to make a Great Album-Equipment, Studio, Copyright, Competition and Album Cover
The first thing to remember is that we all started in the same spot. I started with a Korg keyboard from the local pawn shop that me and my partner saved up for. Working all day and playing in the living room all night.
With that said, do not rely on the best equipment. A 5000 dollar guitar will not make you Yngwie Malmsteen or Steve Vai. If those boys were handed a 100$ guitar from amazon it would still be amazing. Not only do they have skill, they have infused the music with their own essence.
Use what you have.
Studio: This one gets a bit more technical. Use a computer program to allow you to record directly into the computer. You do not want background noises, pings or clicks in your album. Use one you are comfortable with. I started with GarageBand.
Tracks: Album should be around 60 mins. Highest quality and sounding good on multiple sound systems. I use heavy bass, FX and dubstep elements. If I am not mastered correctly I will blow people’s speakers. If you do not have access to multiple sound systems you can try this https://emastered.com It is free. Don’t just fill your album. Use your very best tracks. Infuse every song with your essence. Music should speak to people. The language of Music is what I call it. Some people speak your language and when they hear a song it embeds into their soul.
Copyright: you can upload to archive.org it is free. Or you can use soundcloud, Bandcamp, reverberation, et cetera. There is a time stamp of when you uploaded it. My fav is archive because it shows exactly when it was published. If there is ever a problem, you have proof. When you are ready I will tell you how to distribute which also copyrights it. Although I am not too worried about it. Worry more about a signature sound that encompasses you. When people hear a song they should know it is you. Think Transiberian Orchestra vs Metallica I hear carol of the bells and already know who it is. Or think Soundgarden and Queensryche. The signature can not be mistaken. My biggest issue is that I get flagged all the time because my music sounds like Technetium… and when I upload to these music sites I get a copyright notice… Look Morons-I am Technetium. I just got flagged at archive last night for sounding too much like myself. I never thought in a million years I would be in competition with me.
Speaking of that.. lets talk about competition… You have none. You are an original. You will never be me and I will never be you. You have your own signature. I admire Darude, Robert Miles, and others. I like their style but we will never be the same. I can adapt some of the same elements but I need to infuse the music with my very own essence… Make tracks that speak to you, that make you cry, that make you feel uplifted, that empower you, that make you happy. That is how you infuse them with you.
Album Cover: Don’t miss this step… Good Album artwork is a must. Eventually you can make a CD package at places like CD Baby or Kunaki. In this age CD’s seem a little outdated.. but you will want one for your own collection. I currently have 41 Albums. I love having my own collection. I have so many songs that I forget which one is which. My library gives me reference. But moreover, if you do an event or show, you may want to sell the CDs.
Ok so we have briefly covered Equipment, Copyright, Competition, Album Cover.
The next one I will write is online distribution.
All My Love
Technetium
Reply by Technetium
posted
Start A Record Label:
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Record Label By TechnetiumPhase 1: Planning and Vision (The Business Foundation)
1. Define Your Vision & Genre
Before anything else, clarify:
* What genre(s) you want to focus on
* The type of artists you want to sign
* Your label’s mission or identity
Label Name & Logo: Choose a memorable name that represents your brand. Check its availability across business registries, social media, domain names, and music platforms. Create a professional logo.
* Goals & Mission: Write down your short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (5+ years) goals. What do you hope to accomplish for your artists and the music scene?
2. Choose a Business Structure
Decide how your label will legally exist:
* Sole proprietorship (simple, but no liability protection)
* LLC (most common for labels—protects your personal assets)
* Partnership or corporation, if you have co-founders
Then:
* Register your business name
* Obtain an EIN/tax ID (in the U.S.)
* Open a business bank account
Write a Business Plan
A formal business plan will serve as your roadmap. Key sections to include are:
* Executive Summary: A brief overview of your entire plan.
* Market Analysis: Analyze the current music industry landscape, your specific genre market, and your key competitors.
* Products/Services: Detail what you offer (e.g., recording advances, distribution, marketing, PR, sync licensing).
* Marketing Strategy: How will you promote your artists and releases? (e.g., social media, press/blog outreach, playlist pitching, physical media).
* Operations/Management: Who does what? This includes A&R (Artist & Repertoire), marketing, finance, etc.
* Financial Plan & Budget: Outline startup costs (legal fees, website, branding), operational expenses (marketing, production), funding sources, and projected revenue (sales, streaming royalties).
3. Pick a Label Name & Brand Identity
Create a recognizable brand.
* Name
* Logo
* Color palette
* Website domain
* Social media handles
Keep it unique—make sure it’s not already trademarked.
4. Set Up Your Label’s Operations
You need:
* A professional email
* A website
* Social media pages
* Accounting/bookkeeping system
* A simple contract template
5 Choose a Music Distributor
A distributor is how your music gets onto platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.
* Digital Distributors: For new labels, "easy-access" platforms like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore are great. They typically charge a flat annual fee or a small percentage of royalties.
* Label-Focused Distributors: As you grow and demonstrate consistent performance, you can look into distribution companies that specifically cater to independent labels, like The Orchard, Believe, or Label Engine.
. Find and Sign Your First Artists (A&R)
* Scout Talent: Start with artists you genuinely love, who are already good to work with, and who align with your label's vision. Friends or local artists who understand you are just starting out can be a great first step.
* Draft Contracts (Legal is Key!): This is one area where you should not cut corners. A simple written agreement, even for friends, is vital to avoid future misunderstandings. Your attorney can draft:
* Recording Agreements: Outlining ownership of the master recordings, royalty splits, and label obligations.
* Producer Agreements (if applicable).
* Distribution Agreements.
Before signing artists, learn:
* Copyrights
* Masters vs. publishing
* Royalties (mechanical, performance, streaming)
* How PROs work (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS, SOCAN, etc.)
* Licensing and sync deals
Ways to discover artists:
* Open mics
* Social media (TikTok, IG Reels, YouTube)
* SoundCloud / Audiomack
* Local shows
* Recommendations from producers
6. Set Up Royalty Collection (Publishing)
Your label needs to collect two main types of revenue:
* Master Royalties: Paid from sales/streams of the sound recording. Your distributor will handle the initial collection for the label, and you will then pay the artist their share per the contract.
* Publishing Royalties: Paid for the musical composition (the song itself). You'll need to register the songs with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI (U.S.) or PRS (U.K.) to ensure you and the artist (as a songwriter) are paid.
7. Music Production & Asset Creation
For each release, ensure you have:
* High-quality recordings
* Artwork
* Visual content (videos, photos, lyric videos)
* Metadata (ISRC/UPC codes, credits)
* Prepare Assets: Gather the final master audio files, artwork (album and social media cuts), music videos, press photos, and a professional press release.
8. Market and Promote Your First Release
* Press & Media: Contact blogs, music journalists, radio DJs, and podcasters who cover your genre. Submit your press release and music.
* Digital Presence: Pitch your music to curators for inclusion on streaming platform playlists (e.g., use Spotify for Artists).
* Social Media: Create a focused marketing campaign for your release, utilizing platform-specific content (e.g., TikTok challenges, Instagram teasers, YouTube shorts).
9. Account for Finances and Royalties
* Bookkeeping: Implement a solid system for tracking all income and expenses.
* Royalty Payouts: After your distributor sends you your earnings, you must accurately calculate the artists' shares based on their contract and pay them on time. Transparency and accuracy build trust.
Reply by Technetium
posted
Create works catalog in BMI
Click on Register New Works
Add New work (Green Button)
Click All Other Genres because the classical genre is reserved for straight classical
A Drop down box will appear with ADD BASIC WORK INFO
Work Title (Name of the Song)
Duration (Mins and Secs of Song)
WORK Content - If instrumental or if you only wrote the music click Music
If you only wrote the lyrics click lyrics
If the song is not an instrumental and you wrote both Click lyrics and Music
Language What language is the song- I push English even on instrumentals
Add Alt Title- Do this if there are variations that could be used in spelling For instance She’s Running Away Could also be said Shes Running away or She s Running Away. Don’t. Skip this step if you have apostrophe.
Next page
Is this work in public Domain… The answer is almost always NO
Does this work Contain Medleys and Samples.. The answer is almost always no.
Next Page
Does this song have a polishing company… You say "yes" to BMI having a publishing company if you've already formed one (like an LLC/corporation) and want to receive your publisher royalties separately, or if you're registering a song for someone else's company,
SO I SAY NO..Distrokid and the other distributers are not a publishing company.
Next Page _ add writer
There will be a drop down box.. Choose the right writer.
The next thing you will fill out is writer share you put in 200%. If someone else wrote thematic and someone wrote the lyrics, the royalty split happens at the distribution.. ie distrokid. You add the writer in the credits and add their BMI IPI number.
Next Page (Page 4 artists and recordings)
ARE THERE ANY ARTISTS- YES
ARE THERE ANY RECORDINGS- YES IF YOU HAVE MADE A TRACK OR RECORDING
WAS THIS MADE FOR MOVIES -NO
So on all songs you would hit Yes, Yes and No unless you created the song and it was never recorded or played. As for the movie.. a Song created for a commercial or movie needs a sync license and can not be registered into the database.
Drop Down Box
Add Artist
Add the person/s who play the song… So mine would be Technetium and then Lorilee Technetium and the I also add Technetium Music.
Add Recording-
Album, EP Or Single.. I would click Album for me
Recording Title- Name of the Album
Release Date- When did you release the album
And was it released by a record label… Yes if you have a label that is in their database and no if you do not.
Click Next at bottom of page
Summary_ Check all info and click the little box that says info is accurate that is highlighted in pink at the bottom of page and hit Submit ( I HATE THAT WORD)
A box will appear that says Ready to Submit ..click ok
A box will appear that says Successfully Submitted - Click Return to works.
TADA… You have successfully submitted your music…. Now wait and you will get an email letting you know it is done and in your data base.
Later you will need the number that BMI creates for the song.
To find it you click on the works catalog on the Home Screen after you log in. Search for the song you want. Click on song..
Look for this
ISWC T-927.628.259-8 When adding you ISWC number Copy T-927.628.259-8 (Use your own number..LOL that was provided by BMI for your song) You will need this for Songtrust or whatever Mechanical rights org that you use. The mechanical rights collect royalties. ;)
You are done.. YAY