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Do singers get paid separately from their music royalties? If so do they get paid in wages or salary?
I was curious if singers get paid separately from music royalties and merch?
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5 answers
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Joshua,
Great question. As you can see there is no 'simple answer.'
About two weeks ago I came across a YouTube video from a Nashville musician talking about how much touring musicians make, as well as how much 'performing musicians' typically make for different gigs. The video was very interesting, and the viewer comments were enlightening as well.
I think it touches on what you are asking about. Although the video portion focused on Nashville/Country Music, the comments give more insight for 'working musicians' across the country and other music styles including studio/TV/Wedding work. There were over 500k views and 2500 comments, so this seems to have really touched on something.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1rUvL_Lr3wA
-Charlie
Great question. As you can see there is no 'simple answer.'
About two weeks ago I came across a YouTube video from a Nashville musician talking about how much touring musicians make, as well as how much 'performing musicians' typically make for different gigs. The video was very interesting, and the viewer comments were enlightening as well.
I think it touches on what you are asking about. Although the video portion focused on Nashville/Country Music, the comments give more insight for 'working musicians' across the country and other music styles including studio/TV/Wedding work. There were over 500k views and 2500 comments, so this seems to have really touched on something.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1rUvL_Lr3wA
-Charlie
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Joshua
Charlie - thank you so much for posting Nicky V's link - amazing information that just isn't anywhere else. - John G
John Graham
John, I'm glad someone captured this, and talked so openly about it.
I noticed in the comments from @rhesreeves5339 about how he pushed himself for years and eventually developed physical issues that left him disabled. He implied if he hadn't pay taxes appropriately he wouldn't have been eligible for disability under Social Security. I knew a lot of musicians that had medical under their spouse's plan, or didn't have coverage at all.
We can get lessons and schooling on the art of making music, or elements of 'the music business', but it seems like musicians and other artists really need training on 'making a living', insurance , healthcare, and retirement. The term 'starving artist' seems like a reality for too many talented people.
This was a great question Joshua.
Charles Brodsky
Updated
Anah’s Answer
First off, Joshua, to be a singer is not a typical job. There is a lot of work that goes into it and you must also have the business knowledge and be keen about acquiring your deserved royalties. I'm a producer and artist and labels do not always pay on time or give you the royalties you earn. I suggest you take a business class on music at your college to gain the right information so that you do not start distributing your work without a good concept of rights and royalties. Like the gentleman said above, you will need a PRO or performance rights organization, such as ASCAP. The paperwork is very tedious, and must be completely accurate, and you must also have a label and know what information to put on the form. You may also need a lawyer if the process confuses you.
On the other hand, you can also use something like distrokid to help market and distribute your music on your own. And you get paid right away as your music sells.
Hope this helps.
On the other hand, you can also use something like distrokid to help market and distribute your music on your own. And you get paid right away as your music sells.
Hope this helps.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
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Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hey Joshua,
There are many sides of the music industry that can make you money as a singer. First, the biggest is getting gigs and singing live consistently. This is how a lot of people make most of their living- they continually perform and book gigs at places that fit their sound. Secondly, there are different types of royalties- streaming royalties, mechanical royalties, publishing royalties, sync licensing royalties, and a lot more. Basically, the way musicians make money comes from many different sides. If you write your own music, start by signing up for a PRO or Performing Rights Organization. This company will represent you and get you paid every time your music is played in public and whenever you perform live. This is the money that a lot of artists miss out on. Another thing you can do if you write your own music is submit that music to sync licensing- basically allowing your music to be used in film, tv, commercials, and other media. This can be HUGE for an artist- you can make a lot of money if your music is placed correctly and your PRO will also help collect even more money. Finally, if you write your own music, look into selling your lyrics or beats (if you do that as well)- a lot of musicians today purchase rights to a song and will sing it as their own. You can write songs and sell them to artists to sing. This is how a lot of big names started out- and continue to do. Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Logic, Ryan Tedder, Bruno Mars, and many others have done this as well.
Your career is in your hands when you choose music! You can do everything or focus on one thing. Either way, if you enjoy what you do, money will follow.
There are many sides of the music industry that can make you money as a singer. First, the biggest is getting gigs and singing live consistently. This is how a lot of people make most of their living- they continually perform and book gigs at places that fit their sound. Secondly, there are different types of royalties- streaming royalties, mechanical royalties, publishing royalties, sync licensing royalties, and a lot more. Basically, the way musicians make money comes from many different sides. If you write your own music, start by signing up for a PRO or Performing Rights Organization. This company will represent you and get you paid every time your music is played in public and whenever you perform live. This is the money that a lot of artists miss out on. Another thing you can do if you write your own music is submit that music to sync licensing- basically allowing your music to be used in film, tv, commercials, and other media. This can be HUGE for an artist- you can make a lot of money if your music is placed correctly and your PRO will also help collect even more money. Finally, if you write your own music, look into selling your lyrics or beats (if you do that as well)- a lot of musicians today purchase rights to a song and will sing it as their own. You can write songs and sell them to artists to sing. This is how a lot of big names started out- and continue to do. Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Logic, Ryan Tedder, Bruno Mars, and many others have done this as well.
Your career is in your hands when you choose music! You can do everything or focus on one thing. Either way, if you enjoy what you do, money will follow.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Joshua
Updated
Lefty’s Answer
Yes, singers typically receive separate payments from music royalties and merchandising. Here's a breakdown of how singers are compensated in the music industry:
1. **Performance Royalties**: Singers, like all performers, are entitled to performance royalties when their music is publicly performed. This includes when their songs are played on the radio, performed live, or streamed online. Performance royalties are collected and distributed by performing rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States.
2. **Mechanical Royalties**: Singers may also receive mechanical royalties when their music is reproduced and distributed, such as when CDs, vinyl records, or digital downloads are sold. These royalties are typically paid to both the songwriter(s) and the recording artist(s), which may include the singer.
3. **Streaming Royalties**: Singers earn royalties from streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music based on the number of streams their songs receive. These royalties are typically distributed through record labels, distributors, or directly to the artist, depending on their contract.
4. **Live Performances**: Singers often earn income from live performances, including concerts, tours, and appearances at festivals and events. They may receive performance fees, a percentage of ticket sales, or a share of merchandise revenue from these performances.
5. **Merchandising**: Singers may also earn income from the sale of merchandise such as T-shirts, posters, hats, and other branded items featuring their name, image, or logo. The revenue generated from merchandise sales is typically shared between the artist and their management, record label, or other stakeholders.
6. **Endorsements and Sponsorships**: Singers may receive additional income through endorsements and sponsorships, where they promote products or brands in exchange for payment.
Overall, singers can generate income from various sources within the music industry, including royalties, live performances, merchandise sales, and endorsements. The specific terms of their contracts and agreements with record labels, publishers, managers, and other industry partners will determine how they are compensated for their work.
1. **Performance Royalties**: Singers, like all performers, are entitled to performance royalties when their music is publicly performed. This includes when their songs are played on the radio, performed live, or streamed online. Performance royalties are collected and distributed by performing rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States.
2. **Mechanical Royalties**: Singers may also receive mechanical royalties when their music is reproduced and distributed, such as when CDs, vinyl records, or digital downloads are sold. These royalties are typically paid to both the songwriter(s) and the recording artist(s), which may include the singer.
3. **Streaming Royalties**: Singers earn royalties from streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music based on the number of streams their songs receive. These royalties are typically distributed through record labels, distributors, or directly to the artist, depending on their contract.
4. **Live Performances**: Singers often earn income from live performances, including concerts, tours, and appearances at festivals and events. They may receive performance fees, a percentage of ticket sales, or a share of merchandise revenue from these performances.
5. **Merchandising**: Singers may also earn income from the sale of merchandise such as T-shirts, posters, hats, and other branded items featuring their name, image, or logo. The revenue generated from merchandise sales is typically shared between the artist and their management, record label, or other stakeholders.
6. **Endorsements and Sponsorships**: Singers may receive additional income through endorsements and sponsorships, where they promote products or brands in exchange for payment.
Overall, singers can generate income from various sources within the music industry, including royalties, live performances, merchandise sales, and endorsements. The specific terms of their contracts and agreements with record labels, publishers, managers, and other industry partners will determine how they are compensated for their work.
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Joshua!
I'll take a first stab at answering this for you. It's an gnarly subject and really depends on the circumstances.
If a singer writes a song and sings it, records it, produces it themselves, distributes it, and sings it in a public venue - they get a couple kinds of payment: Royalties, merch (if they're offering it for sale), and also payments by the venue where they are performing.
If a singer writes a song, etc., for a label that produces, distributes, and markets it - then they again get royalties (although less because the label gets a cut negotiated in their artist / label contract), and payments by the performance venue. If their Label is managing the singer, those performance payments will be less.
If a singer is hired to provide a vocal for someone else's song, there is usually a negotiated fee or contract for the vocals - which may or may not include any royalties. For example if you sell your vocal service on Soundbetter, Fiverr, Airgigs, etc., which are freelance services - then you will usually get a rate that you'll share with the service - and that's pretty much a one time payment. Those terms are called "Work for hire," and it means that you are giving the client all of the rights to the work you're doing – in exchange for an agreed-upon price.
If a singer performs with a band or group, they might get royalties if they sing their own songs, but if they're singing other people's work then they'll only get paid by the venue where they perform - and then split that payment among all the performers.
There are other cases, but these are the main ones.
Here's some more high-level info on freelance terms and conditions: https://enterprise.fiverr.com/blog/freelance-terms-and-conditions/
Unfortunately the music industry can be a complicated business, and there's a lot more to it than what I've mentioned here - which barely scratches the surface - but I hope it gives you a glimpse of what's involved. My advice is whatever you do, get your money and copyright info in writing.
Good luck on your journey - go and do great things!
I'll take a first stab at answering this for you. It's an gnarly subject and really depends on the circumstances.
If a singer writes a song and sings it, records it, produces it themselves, distributes it, and sings it in a public venue - they get a couple kinds of payment: Royalties, merch (if they're offering it for sale), and also payments by the venue where they are performing.
If a singer writes a song, etc., for a label that produces, distributes, and markets it - then they again get royalties (although less because the label gets a cut negotiated in their artist / label contract), and payments by the performance venue. If their Label is managing the singer, those performance payments will be less.
If a singer is hired to provide a vocal for someone else's song, there is usually a negotiated fee or contract for the vocals - which may or may not include any royalties. For example if you sell your vocal service on Soundbetter, Fiverr, Airgigs, etc., which are freelance services - then you will usually get a rate that you'll share with the service - and that's pretty much a one time payment. Those terms are called "Work for hire," and it means that you are giving the client all of the rights to the work you're doing – in exchange for an agreed-upon price.
If a singer performs with a band or group, they might get royalties if they sing their own songs, but if they're singing other people's work then they'll only get paid by the venue where they perform - and then split that payment among all the performers.
There are other cases, but these are the main ones.
Here's some more high-level info on freelance terms and conditions: https://enterprise.fiverr.com/blog/freelance-terms-and-conditions/
Unfortunately the music industry can be a complicated business, and there's a lot more to it than what I've mentioned here - which barely scratches the surface - but I hope it gives you a glimpse of what's involved. My advice is whatever you do, get your money and copyright info in writing.
Good luck on your journey - go and do great things!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Bhavya