Did You Know

DYK? DYK: The Music Color Theory Did you know that associating colors with your music can enhance your brand identity and emotional connection with listeners? This is perched on the tripod stand of colour psychology, visual branding and emotional appeal. Take a walk with me; Stay colorful, stay creative!

DYK Did you know that as lucrative as audio sampling can be to music production, it can also subject you to legal issues & not-so-friendly lawsuits? Well, here’s how to make music without facing the music. First of, it is germane to note the following; 1. Sampling laws: In the US and all other countries that may employ their sampling laws, producers are required to clear samples with the original copyright holders before use. The issue with this being that it can be pocket-draining and time-consuming. 2. Fair use: This means that in some instances, some samples may be considered as “fair use” as they allow a music producer the limited privilege of using a copyrighted material without legal permission. Simply, this implies that some part of the copyrighted material is free for use. 3. Creative sampling: Here, the ball is totally in your court as a music producer. If you play your cards well, sampling can be a creative way to pay homage to other artists, add texture to your tracks, or even create something entirely new. This is evident in Buju’s “Pidgin & English” and even in Rema’s latest single, “Baby is it a crime?” Key Takeaway: As a music producer; Never stop creating, never stop producing!

DYK? “Most Favored Nations” Clauses Don’t fret, this is not about international politics. Did you know that some record deals include “Most Favored Nations” (MFN) clauses, which suggests that if the label offers a better deal to another artist, you’ll receive the same benefits? Key Takeaway As an artist, be aware of MFN clauses when negotiating contracts or bagging record deals as this can shield you against fraudulent and ambiguous deals. Stay creative, stay informed!

DYK? Authenticity Sells! Did you know that Billie Eilish’s unique sound, coupled with her refusal to conform to industry standards, was what helped her bag stanship globally? Key Takeaway Like the fingerprints on our palms and like the strips of a zebra, every artiste has a unique sound that can never be found in someone else. You just have to find it. When you find it, stay true to it. The industry can be distracting, and amidst all the noise, the special feel of your sound can be the light at the end of your tunnel. So, focus on developing your unique sound and style. Stay true, stay bold!

DYK? Master Ownership: Don’t Give Away Your Masters Did you know that owning your master recordings can be worth millions?  Masters are the original recordings of your songs and owning them gives you control over how your music is used. This means that while talent is important, owning your masters, publishing rights, and royalties is what will keep you earning in the long-run. Many artists get trapped in bad deals because they focus only on the immediate money that music gives, however, don’t be short-sighted.  Key Takeaway These are just as important as making great music!

DYK How Streaming Royalties Work! You might know that streaming royalties are calculated based on a complex system, but did you know that the per-stream payout is ridiculously low? Join me in the link below to calculate how many streams you need to beat the US minimum wage! [Let’s put the link in the caption too this time] DYK? How Streaming Royalties Work! You might know that streaming royalties are calculated based on a complex system, but did you know that the per-stream payout is ridiculously low? Walk with me. – Spotify: between $0.006 and $0.0084 per stream – Apple Music: around $0.01 per stream – Tidal: around $0.012 per stream Keeping in mind that to earn the US federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, you’d need: – Around 875 streams per hour on Spotify – Around 725 streams per hour on Apple Music – Around 600 streams per hour on Tidal Key Tips! As an artist, try to; – Register your music with streaming platforms directly. – Use platforms like DistroKid or CD Baby – Build a loyal fanbase to boost your streaming numbers Never stop creating!

DYK