BeatHive was born out of the idea of creating a revenue stream for producers/composers - just one of a variety of ways to make money with your music. Some have asked me about these other ways, so I thought I'd bring a few ideas to the table and open it up for discussion.
Music Libraries: Just spend a little time watching TV and movies and it's clear that much of the music is not "scored," but pre-existing tracks that are placed by music supervisors/editors into the picture. A lot of these come from music libraries. Many of these companies have an open submission program and will even allow you to send your tracks to them online. A lot of them are also non-exclusive, so you can place your tracks elsewhere. If you are lucky, some companies will commision tracks and give you a budget in exchange for exclusive rights. Just make sure, no matter what, YOU KEEP THE WRITER'S SHARE. That's totally reasonable and protects you in case your track suddenly becomes the theme song to the next "Friends."
I think the main strategy to take with this route is get your music to as many different places as humanly possibly. BMI/ASCAP/SESAC royalties aren't usually that much - a few cents here, a few bucks there, but if you get hundreds of placements, through lots of different libraries, it can definitely add up.
And don't forget to take any music you make for libraries or whatever, cut up the individual tracks as loops and make some Track Packs for BeatHive, OK?
Music Supervisors: These guys are like music libraries, but a step closer as they are in direct contact with the director/editors. They are typically harder to find/get stuff to, but they are always looking for cool stuff. Here's a hint: Always LABEL YOUR CD as thoroughly as possible with genre, general mood and lyrical content. They are busy and want to just scan through stuff fast when they have something specific they are looking for.
Original Composition: This is a tough game to get into, but people are doing it and getting paid to do so. It will probably mean moving to LA - love it or hate it, that's where a lot of the money for this is at. It'll also mean working on a lot of crappy projects for cheap and/or free for a while. But that's how you get experience and learn the craft.
Here's a great resource: http://www.filmmusic.net/
These guys have a jobwire that also includes movies looking for songs as well as contacts to music libraries/supervisors.
Did I mention that any music you make, to make sure and cut up the individual tracks as loops and make some Track Packs for BeatHive? Smile
Producing/Engineering for Others: A lot of people in your area have songs and not the technical and/or musical skill to make great sounding recordings of them. I don't think you need to have a fancy studio to do this. A computer and a decent microphone is all the tools you seem to need these days. Sure, the great equipment and space would be nice, but not a requirement like it used to be.
Selling Beats to Rappers: I've never done this, but I know people make money doing this - maybe some else could give some tips?
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