Bypass: Music Industry News for Independent Artists

Saturday edition • 3 min read

That Royalty Money Isn't Gonna Claim Itself

What's Up

Hey. Wake up. That royalty stuff we told you to sort out, did you do it? No? Yeah, that's what we thought.

So What

Okay, remember that unclaimed MLC money we brought up last time? That's not even the big one. There's a whole other stack that's got nothing to do with your songwriting. It's for the actual recording, and every time your song gets played, it piles up. Neighboring rights, that's what they call it, and most indies haven't even heard of it, let alone touched it. Which makes it about the fattest pile you've got.

Now What

So go make a SoundExchange account. That's where the money lives after all. Knock that out today, right after you finish reading.

Full checklist's below.

[Full story at Hypebot]

You Look Worse Online Than You Think

What's Up

This is gonna sound a little strange. Google yourself in Incognito. No, seriously. Normal search is that friend who won't hurt your feelings, tells you you look great, everything's fine. Incognito's the opposite. It'll show you the truth, the one a stranger actually sees.

So What

Bookers and labels don't just Google you anymore, they straight up ask ChatGPT, "recommend me some indie artists." If your info's a scattered mess out there, the AI's got no clue you exist. Can't recommend a ghost, you know.

Now What

Google your name in Incognito, then ask ChatGPT who you are and what you sound like. Write down everything that's wrong, dead links, wrong photo, some ancient reviews, and start fixing, metadata first.

[Full story at Hypebot]

We Buried Radio Too Soon

What's Up

Radio's dead, rest in peace. Except, uh, nobody told radio that. It's alive and on air. Hypebot just published a guide on how to land some airplay.

So What

First off, it's not about commercial stations. It's something a bit more humble. Think college radio, community stations, and specialty shows. Places that are always looking out for new artists. You're playing a different game from everybody else. The goal is to build a small list of stations that want to play your music.

Now What

Start local. Pick a few college or community stations in the towns you play in. From there, it's all about finding the right person and sending a personal pitch. The full guide's below.

[Full story at Hypebot]