Guides for the music business
Practical guides on releases, management and AI, written from inside a working record label.
How to distribute your music: a guide to music distribution
How music distribution works, what a distributor does, the files and codes you need, how distributors charge and how to switch without losing your streams.
Read the article →Music lawDo you need a music lawyer? When, what they do and the alternatives
When a musician needs a music or entertainment lawyer, what they do, how they charge, how to find one, and what an AI legal assistant can and can’t do.
Read the article →StreamingHow the Spotify algorithm works: a guide for artists
How the Spotify algorithm picks what to recommend, which signals count, how Release Radar and Discovery Mode work, and what artists can do.
Read the article →StreamingHow much does Spotify pay per stream? The real answer and a calculator
How much Spotify pays per stream, why there is no fixed rate, who gets the money, and a free calculator to find your own rate from your statement.
Read the article →LegalHow to copyright a song: registration step by step
Music copyright explained: when a song is protected, the two copyrights in every track, US Copyright Office fees and where to register in other countries.
Read the article →LegalHow to clear a sample: sample clearance explained
How to clear a sample: the two licenses you need, how to find the owners, what to send, what it can cost and what to do if they say no.
Read the article →ProducersHow to sell beats online: leases, exclusives and licenses
How to sell beats online: what a beat lease is, lease vs exclusive license, what each beat license should say, where to sell and the paperwork to keep.
Read the article →LegalMusic contracts: the 14 agreements musicians sign
The music contracts artists, producers and managers sign — record, management, producer, publishing, beat licenses, splits — and what to check in each.
Read the article →LegalWhat is a 360 deal? Record deals explained
What a 360 deal is, how it differs from a record deal, its pros and cons for artists, how recoupment works and the clauses to check before you sign.
Read the article →StreamingHow to get on Spotify playlists: editorial, algorithmic and independent
How to pitch a song to Spotify editors, reach Release Radar and algorithmic playlists, approach independent curators and avoid paid placement scams.
Read the article →StreamingSpotify for Artists: how to claim, verify and use your profile
How to get Spotify for Artists access, get verified, pitch songs to playlist editors, add a Canvas and read your stats. Checked October 2026.
Read the article →Music businessHow to make money from music: 12 income streams for musicians
How musicians make money in 2026: streaming, publishing, live shows, sync, merch, YouTube, fans, teaching and more — what each needs and who pays it.
Read the article →Release basicsWhat is an ISRC code? ISRC, UPC and ISWC, explained
What an ISRC code is, how to read it, how to get one, when a track needs a new ISRC, and how it differs from a UPC and an ISWC.
Read the article →Music businessSync licensing: how music gets into films, series, ads and games
How music licensing for sync works for independent artists: the two licenses, who pays, who places music and how to get your catalog ready.
Read the article →PromotionWhat is a pre-save? Spotify pre-save links, explained
What a pre-save is, how it works on Spotify and Apple Music, who can use Spotify’s Countdown Pages, and how to make and promote a pre-save link.
Read the article →PromotionMusic press release: how to write one, with a free template
How to write a music press release for a single, album or tour: structure, a free template, a short example, when to send it and mistakes to avoid.
Read the article →AI and musicAI in the music industry: what actually works in 2026
How artists, managers, labels and publishers use AI in the music business in 2026: what works, what platforms now require, and where to start this month.
Read the article →LabelsHow to start a record label in 2026: step by step
How to start an independent record label: structure, artist deals, distribution, royalties, marketing, tools and a one-page business plan template.
Read the article →RightsSplit sheet: what it is and a free template
What a split sheet is, what it must include, a free template you can copy, and how to agree splits with co-writers and producers before the song comes out.
Read the article →MoneyHow music royalties work: a clear guide
How music royalties work: master and publishing, streaming, performance, mechanical and sync income, who collects each and how to get paid.
Read the article →CareersHow to get a music manager: and when you need one
When an artist needs a music manager, what a manager does, how they are usually paid, how to find and approach one, and what to check before you sign.
Read the article →ToolsAI tools for musicians in 2026: a list by task
AI tools for musicians and labels, sorted by task: making music, stems, mastering, video and clips, lyric videos, release planning and the business side.
Read the article →PromotionWhat is an EPK? The electronic press kit, explained
What an EPK (electronic press kit) is, what to put in it, an example layout and a free template, and how to send it to press, promoters and festivals.
Read the article →ManagementHow AI is changing music management
What AI is genuinely useful for in artist management and label work, what it shouldn’t do, and what to ask before you trust a tool with your roster.
Read the article →ReleasesRelease planning checklist: week by week
A week-by-week release checklist for artists, managers and labels: master, metadata, distribution, pitching, press, content and what to do after release.
Read the article →Put it into practice
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