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Stick Handling Through The Music Business Written by Beau Davis Songwriters Articles 3rd of 5 – “How Much Money Does a Songwriter Make?” |
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Part 1 of 5 Part 2 of 5 Part 3 of 5 Parts 4 & 5 COMBINED |
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***Note: the figures for royalties used in this article(s) are 1986 rates and have changed – the numbers are more significant now and re-evaluated every few years. For purposes of example Country Music Stars will be used.
Let’s say George Strait cut one of your songs on a recording session today. It came off really good and he has decided to put it in his new album which will probably be released in three to six months. Your song will be his next single from the album and will be included in his greatest hits album. Using this example plus figures from the previous article, we’ll now do some arithmetic. Your George Strait single will sell approximately 500,000 singles, 500,000 albums, plus another 1,000,000 in the greatest hits album. So, mechanical income will be: 500,000 X 5 cents = $25,000 (single) 500.000 X 5 cents = $25,000 (album) 1,000,000 X 5 cents = $50,000 (greatest hits album) The total mechanical income adds up to $100,000. Not bad for that song you wrote on your lunch hour. But wait! There’s more. Remember the performance money? On a good single it’s easily going to be another $30,000 to $50,000. Wow! Beau, you mean I can make $130,000 or more by writing one song? Yes you can – but don’t forget – you have to split it with your publisher. As if that’s not enough, if your song is used in a movie (remember “Sweet Dreams” and “Pretty Woman”?) the fee for “synchronization” can be $10,000 or more. If it’s used in a national advertising campaign (remember “Anticipation” and “My Baby’s American Made”) the fee can be $100,000 or more. Songwriting can be more than a hobby or a living – it can be big business! Opportunities for new artists and songwriters have never been greater. Beau Davis has had 40 plus years in the music business, entertaining, recording, playing and producing concerts, special events and much more. Beau has been associated with some of the top people in the industry from both sides of the border and has learned from his associates over many years. All aspects of the music industry will be discussed over future articles. |
