21 Ways to Make MONEY as DJs / Music Producer 💰💵

Summary

This video script offers 21 strategies for DJs and music producers to make money and build a sustainable career in 2024. It covers performing at gigs, running events, releasing music on labels and self-releasing, utilizing platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud, exploring NFTs, hosting podcasts or radio shows, live streaming on Twitch, and creating monetizable YouTube channels. Additional tips include using Patreon, selling sample packs, offering education, and leveraging Discord for membership services. The script also suggests engaging in merchandise sales, playlist curation, and even working within the music industry to build networks and generate income.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Building a career as a DJ or music producer in 2024 involves multiple revenue streams and mastering key platforms.
• 🎤 Gigs and live performances: Start locally, build a fan base, and always ask for a fee to cover expenses.
• 🎉 Running your own events: Collaborate with friends and other DJs, ensure good content coverage, and manage it like a business.
• 🎵 Releasing on labels: Aim for big labels over time by building your audience and marketing your releases effectively.
• 💰 Self-releasing music: Platforms like Bandcamp allow you to keep 100% of royalties and require a strong content strategy.
• 📻 Podcast or radio show: Create a series, build an audience, and monetize through sponsorships or by joining platforms like Data Transmission Radio.
• 📺 YouTube and Twitch: Regular streaming and content creation can build an audience and generate revenue once you meet platform requirements.
• 🎙️ Teaching and education: Offer one-on-one sessions or start a membership-based Discord server to share your skills and knowledge.
• 👕 Merchandise: Create and sell branded merchandise to your audience to generate additional income.
• 🖊️ Writing and blogging: Platforms like Substack and creating a blog can help monetize your writing and combine all your content in one place.

Q & A

What is the first way to make money as a DJ or producer mentioned in the video?

The first way mentioned is performing at gigs, club shows, festivals, and other events. The key is to know your target audience and network with event organizers.

What should DJs consider when quoting a fee for a gig?

DJs should consider all costs involved, including travel, accommodation, meals, and any other expenses to ensure they do not lose money on the show.

How can DJs and producers run their own events?

They can start by gathering a group of friends and DJ mates to organize a party. Finding a small venue and promoting the event to build a local fan base is essential.

What is the benefit of releasing music on labels?

Releasing on labels can provide significant reach, streams, and sales, potentially turning a single release into a career if done successfully.

How does Bandcamp help DJs and producers?

Bandcamp allows DJs and producers to release their music independently, retaining 100% of the royalties from sales and building their audience directly.

What is SoundCloud for Artists and its benefit?

SoundCloud for Artists allows musicians to distribute their music across all streaming platforms and monetize their streams through fan-based royalties.

How can NFTs be utilized by DJs and producers?

DJs and producers can release their music as NFTs, offering exclusive content and potentially earning significant revenue from limited releases.

Why is starting a podcast or radio show beneficial for DJs?

A podcast or radio show can help build an audience, attract sponsors, and provide a platform for interviews and music promotion.

How can Twitch be used to generate revenue for DJs?

DJs can live stream their performances on Twitch, build a following, and monetize their streams through subscriptions and donations once they become affiliates.

What are some ways to monetize a YouTube channel as a DJ or producer?

Monetizing a YouTube channel can be done through ad revenue, memberships, Patreon integration, and offering exclusive content to subscribers.

How can DJs use sample packs to generate income?

DJs can create and sell sample packs to other producers and musicians, providing additional revenue streams through platforms like Loopmasters.

What is a members-only Discord service, and how can it benefit DJs?

A members-only Discord service offers exclusive content, lessons, and community engagement for a subscription fee, providing a steady income stream.

How can merchandise sales contribute to a DJ's income?

Selling branded merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, and other items can generate additional revenue and promote the DJ's brand.

What is SubmitHub, and how can it be used by DJs?

SubmitHub allows DJs with Spotify playlists to earn revenue by reviewing and potentially adding submitted tracks to their playlists.

What are theme pages, and how can they be monetized?

Theme pages on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts can build large audiences and be monetized through sponsored content and collaborations.

What are the benefits of creating a YouTube music channel?

A YouTube music channel can support other artists, build an audience, and generate revenue through ad placements and sponsored content.

How can Substack be used by DJs and producers?

Substack allows DJs and producers to monetize their writing by offering exclusive content through a subscription-based newsletter.

Why might working in a record store be beneficial for DJs?

Working in a record store provides access to the latest music, networking opportunities with other DJs, and helps build a community.

What are some other jobs in the music industry that can support a DJ career?

Other jobs include management, booking agents, publicists, designers, and other roles that help build industry connections and provide a steady income.

What should DJs do if they want to be successful in 2024?

They should diversify their income streams, network, leverage social media, and continuously learn and adapt to new opportunities in the industry.