Neh, my music made me about 10 bucks of income for last 18 years. One time my band played on wedding and the other time I played guitar on the street, that's all. =) And it would be hard to count how much did I spend on it...
In addition to every topic you describe (youtube, content aggregation, bandcamp, major online stores) I've been lucky enough to produce a couple of film scores. I work a day gig in IT but I never did quite as much building of my channel as some of the names such as yourself. I'd need to devote more time to it (a video per week would be extremely aggressive - I would need to come up with a new and compelling idea per week and that's not always do-able) and perhaps that would remove the fun aspect. My wife also uses our home studio to record voiceovers and she probably makes more money doing that than I ever will doing music (she's got the perfect voice for that type of activity) unless I get more mass exposure.
I am an Attendant Caretaker for a company, I don't make any money (yet) from my music. I will be launching a tube channel here soon doing pedal videos, inspired by knobs, Stefan Fast, Henning Pauly and of course you good Sir!!
I'm generating more revenue from designing Tshirts and other products on Redbubble, than I do from my music (Epitaph Road) - but then I have never properly chased it either. But the revenue streams from Spotify (0.001) per stream, are truly pitiful. As usual, the gate keepers make all the money. Thank you Bill for sharing and I love all your reviews and your music. I bought the TC Triple Delay based on your review of it!
Chords Of Orion you should definitely check out KOBALT. A couple of my friends with a decent online following, got some really good revenue through them.
Reminds me of the Herb Albert quote: "How do you make a million dollars playing jazz? Start with three million dollars." 😂 But seriously, great tips and content, thanks.
I work in the Ops department at CD Baby in good ol' Portland, and I was stoked to hear a shout-out! A lot of people don't realize that many musicians do indeed work full-time jobs. I am in bands who play locally and regionally, I've had music used in independent film and commercials, and I work my full workweek every week. We do it because we love it, and then sometimes it's nice if we get something in return. I love your videos!
There are several Q&A vids here on the channel where I discuss my background. I am sure I will do more in the future. In the meantime, IT consultant is my daytime gig. :-)
Bill, it’s really nice of you to share this info with us that watch you on RU-vid as I’m sure quite a few of your listeners have taken an interest as to how they could generate revenue in a similar way. Here’s wishing you continued success!
So bummed I dropped my Ebow in the studio last week and the switch broke 😫. Well it lasted 1 year and I did 37 E bow sessions on here. I love the E Bow. Just wish they would have made that switch a little stronger. No fixing it once it breaks and the Ebow is something you want to put down and pickup for certain parts of songs. I’ll buy another one soon but it will be a few until then I’ll just be checking out chords of Orion e bow show 😄👊🏻
Thanks, Bill! I always appreciate your content! I'm a part time musician, with several day jobs! To allow time for my musical activities (which is one fairly busy band @ 3-4 gigs per month plus rehearsals), I've found that, for me, it has worked well to have a 1/2 time job of 20 hrs per week, and the remaining time of my work week is filled with a couple other flexibly scheduled projects - carpentry in my case. This allows me to shuffle things around to accommodate my band's activities and gig schedule. As a musician, my meager music income is from regular gigging. Gigging is time consuming, but super fun and rewarding, and I really enjoy playing with my band mates. We are now getting gigs that are mostly paid, but it is often a small amount split evenly between the 4 of us in the band. So, small bars and club gigs around here (Ithaca, NY) pay anywhere from $0 to $100 per band member. Plus, we are usually treated well by the venue with food and drink, possible tips. But, yeah, on average, it's not very much at all, considering how much time goes into it. I'd say on average gigs, I come away with my personal share of $25-50 on average, plus a meal/drinks. Reinvest some of that into your gear, instrument, gas, etc., and poof, it's mostly gone. BUT I LOVE TO DO IT!!!! It's obviously not about the money. We are working on an album currently, but I see the album mostly as a tool to get us bigger and better gigs, and to share our music to build our fan base. Thus far, in this band, and the others I've been involved with, making self-produced and self-recorded albums is NOT a way to make money, but a means to play out more. My dream is that with a little more music and band income, I might be able to eliminate one of my 3 or 4 day jobs, and have more time to devote to music, to create the content, and to get better as a musician and as a band.
Thanks for the honest video, im in the same boat working full time and gigging the weekends but need to focus on my original music. Its just hard to say no to gigs :/! Great videos love the channel
Bill, you are alright. If you have any children, they are lucky to have a father like you. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Wish you the best and thanks for your efforts.
Thank you, really nice, transparent breakdown. Resourcefulness is your friend! I am trying to explain the meaning of this to some music students I have...the way the industry has transformed into a real multiple revenue system that one must continuously evolve with.
I read articles from time to time (usually from record industry musicians or execs) talking about how bad things are for musicians. But as a small independent, I think there is a lot of opportunity to pursue one's art in a way that generates a sustainable income.
Keep Doing what you Love Bill!!!! I can’t tell you how much you have been an inspiration to me!!! I am so grateful for your channel!!!! Keep Rockin Brotha!!!!
Thanks for the videos. I bought the Tc Electronics Triple Delay off the back of your demo. Just in case they're watching and it helps build the relationship.
I find it bizarre that anyone would ask you about your income. I’d never think to pry like that. But thank you for making this and all your wonderful videos.
I understand the Amazon thing generating revenue. I never buy from Amazon they are big enough and have enough money and power. I like to support the smaller businesses. You find the same products at the same prices with free delivery anywhere on the internet. So anyway that's just me. I still like this channel and visit to help me decide what equipment I would like to buy. I just won't be buying it from Amazon.
Loved the Gizmotron videos....Cool stuff like that would be great for people that do meditation!Maybe streaming sounds for dentists offices for relaxation ........just my thoughts...Thanks for the info
It's still relevant for DJs. And in genres like footwork and juke, many listeners are also producers and DJs that like to buy HQ audio files. My preferred way to listen to music is to mix it.
And I STILL buy CDs, especially for albums I've sampled-and _really_ enjoyed-on RU-vid or elsewhere. The audio on CDs is simply SO much better, so like to invest, _support the artist_ , and then enjoy having something tangible in my hands. Read the liner notes and credits, appreciate the artwork..... Yup. Hopelessly old school and proud of it. √√√
ASCAP's newsletter a few months back said they reached a new agreement with RU-vid that upped the cut creators get...to a whopping $0.007-ish. That is exponentially higher than what those turds at Spotify pay. You aren't getting rich streaming, though. Gotta sell.
Sell what? That's the question. Hardly anyone buys CDs, and less people are downloading than in prior years. Gotta be creative and have multiple revenue streams.
@@chordsoforion Merch. Digital content. I've madenlike $12 from my music on streaming services. Ha. Like you it's very part-time for me also, but I can already see how much time and effort it will take to actually make a living doing DIY music.
First of all mate, you are the reason I got into (attempting to) play ambient guitar. I found you and your videos inspiring. I'm not very good at it but I try. I had an ebow plus for a Christmas present and boy am I finding it difficult at the moment, I've only used it twice so far. Through your videos I also had a Mooer Ocean Machine and a Mooer GE200 so I have more than adequate equipment to produce ambient guitar although I was missing a volume pedal but as the GE200 was also a Christmas present from my missus along with the ebow, I'm pretty sure that the GE200 can be used as a volume pedal am I right? Actually it was my missus who also bought me the Ocean Machine for a Christmas present last year 😆 Next on the list items I'd like is a Mel 9 but I can't afford one at the moment, maybe if I haven't got one by next Christmas Missus Claus might bring me one 😉 As well as getting inspiration from you, Orion in my favourite constellation. I'm a big amateur astronomer & astrophotographer and have spent many many hours observing and photographing the M42 & M43 Great Orion Nebulae, as well as the Horsehead Nebula in Orion so how could I not be interested in Chords of Orion when I first came across your channel ? Lastly, it's a bit nosey & cheeky of people to ask you to explain your earnings & income. I think my answer would be 'mind yer own business' or something a little less polite depending on how I was feeling. 😆 I know that it probably makes no difference to youtube revenue but normally I skip ads on videos but on your videos I leave them running in case it earns you extra money.
What? You packed that big switchboard on the trail? Man, that's some hardcore geekdom. I just thought that you packed a guitar too. Serious glamping LOL!
Ha! Actually, my car has an AC outlet, so I just pack a 100 foot extension cord, and set up off the side of a fire road. I actually ended up with 2 performances last week - one with the GT-1000, and one where I recorded direct dry guitar to a Zoom H4N, and then added effects later. I like the way both turned out and am looking forward to sharing them!
You know, I definitely assumed the contemporary christian aspect from that last video I dont mean for it to be disrespectful, i definitely love your knowledge and love your guitar playing I myself am a huge pedal guy, looooove the reverb/delay stuff Also , i wanted to say, you are welcome in kansas USA, next time you are around id love to bring you around, whatever show etc I only mention the contemporary christian stuff is because there is always a bunch of reverb and delay and one... usually one, really happy chord in the mix of every song.. and its like... damnit.... hahahaha I myself am athiest, but i love good music, and i can always tell a great musician regardless of beliefs, anyways, i wish you the best, keep making your stuff, come to kansas sometime, and play some shows with us heathens haha
No worries. I guess by "contemporary christian" you are referring to what people call "worship guitar"? Where there are entire bands playing a worship service more like a concert? I personally don't play it, or attend a church that is involved in that kind of stuff. When I play guitar in church, it's acoustic guitar and we are singing those old crusty rusty hymns. Anyway - the background for the music on this channel comes from my old school prog-rock, classical and jazz influences. And we always played bars and clubs. :-) If I am every in Kansas, will let you know!!
Hey Bill, do you use CD Baby Pro or Cd Baby standard? I've heard some artists like using the standard version of Cd Baby for distribution and using companies like Song Trust for publishing royalties. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
You talked about the online income but do you do any live gigs? I did an ambient synth/guitar show a couple of years ago at a music venue near me and walked away with some spending money. Had lots of fun/stress putting it on and do intend to do it again, although I'm concentrating on finishing a dedicated music studio first.
Took a peek at your channel. Looks like you have been uploading for 5 months or so? I just looked back in my stats, and I had something like 40 subscribers at that point on my channel, so don't give up!
Thanks Bill . No i will not give up i love make music and thanks for taking a peek thats very kind .... And when i finish my track Orion's Belt ft you ( as i do not play the guitar LOL) i will let you no .......
The requirements for the RU-vid Partner Program are all documented here: support.google.com/youtube/answer/72851 Once you meet the requirements, you can apply. Not as easy as it used to be. After my second channel met the requirements, it took 8 months for them to approve it for monetization.
@@chordsoforion Oh wow, thank you so much for the info. It will be a journey. Also I was curious what kind of recording software or devices you use? Very helpful thank you.
Hi, quite interesting informations. I have no expierence in releasing music and I didn‘t know that streaming services really pay the musicians. At this moment I‘m listenig to your music via apple music. Is it really true that aplple payes you for that particular stream? How little the amount might be? I pay 10€ per month to apple. Is it really true that apple pays you back a very very very very very little part of this money directly to you? If so, I would be quite astonished ;-) Cheers
Yes - Apple Music does indeed pay a royalty for every stream. It is usually less than one US penny. But for musicians that are popular, that can add up to significant money.
99.9% of musicians don't make money playing music and neither do golfers. They just enjoy doing it. But it is good that youtube is opening up a stream for those who put forth the effort and time to earn a few bucks. I guess one needs video software to make good videos but one can make crummy ones with just a phone. The best way I know of to make money from music is to open a guitar shop and go into business. Just my observation in life.
