Written by Micah Norris
The entertainment industry has been ruined by the Coronavirus Pandemic. According to the BBC, in 2020, music creators lost two-thirds of their income, and the shutdown of concerts and festivals caused live music revenues to fall by 85%. It may be years before live music returns to normalcy, so musicians are increasingly looking for alternative ways to make money. Our team at Soundbrenner recommends six ways in which musicians can make money.
Livestream performances
In the absence of live shows, online performances fill a gap for those who crave access to live music. If you are comfortable performing to a virtual audience, then charging a viewing or admission fee for online shows is one of the alternative ways to make money and earn some extra income on the side.
Sell merchandise
If you are a well-known musician in your local area, consider selling merchandise. Your star has yet to reach zenith - but fun and quirky merchandise will always be popular. Use your spare time to create a logo or interesting artworks to sell as posters, shirts, hats, or other memorabilia as alternative ways to make money.
Create a YouTube channel
A YouTube channel is an excellent vehicle for getting your music out into the public eye, but it is not the only benefit. By joining the YouTube Partner Programme, you can use ads on your videos to generate income.
Teach a class
If you have excellent music skills, set yourself up as a music teacher. You can do it face to face, under COVID-friendly conditions, or virtually. You can conduct lessons via Zoom or sell pre-recorded lessons through an educational site such as Udemy. Teach music theory or production, depending on where your talents lie.
Start a blog
Blogging can take a few months to generate an income. Starting a blog is one of the top alternative ways to make money. Top blogger Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income earns around $2 million a year. Starting a blog is as simple as signing up to a hosting provider and writing engaging articles. Affiliate links and advertising can provide significant passive income if you drive enough traffic to your website.
Consider starting an educational blog where you teach an instrument. A local scene blog that lets readers know about gigs and concerts in the local area, or a gossip blog that dishes celebrity dirt. Your blog can be a great place to implement some of the above ideas and explore alternative ways to make money - such as streaming your show or selling merchandise.
Freelancing opportunities
Your heart may belong to the music, but have you thought about nonmusical freelancing opportunities as alternative ways to make money? Consider being a Virtual Assistant, trying freelance writing, setting up as an accountant, or putting those IT skills to use. It’s easier to find remote work so that you can use other skills without having to use an office.
These are tough days for musicians and the live music industry. Creating and formalizing alternative ways to make money can give you the freedom to retain your freedom and integrity whilst earning a decent living wage.
Are you looking for more guides and tips to take your music to the next level?
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Contributor
Micah Norris created king-rom.com after having trouble finding quality ROMs. He decided to build a site where he could compile the best sources of ROMs online. As a gamer he understands that PS1, PS2, Nintendo 64, Gameboy C/A, Nintendo DS, NES, and SNES ROMs are hard to find from trusted sources. He encourages gamers, new and old, to check out the ones he has found. Besides information on ROMs, he also writes about gaming and resources.
