If you’re a musician attempting to pursue your love as a full-time job, you’ve undoubtedly come to the realization that creating excellent music is no longer enough. Most artists ignore the numerous sources of income that are available to them, either because they are unaware of them or because they are unsure of how to access them. How to Build a Sustainable Music Career and Collect All Revenue Streams by Emily White is the perfect resource for this. It is brimming with useful tips on how to take charge of your work and be compensated fairly.
One of the biggest areas Emily dives into is music publishing. Sure, you’re probably familiar with royalties from streaming platforms, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Every time your music is played in a café, on the radio, or even at a live venue, you’re owed royalties. The problem? A lot of musicians aren’t set up to actually collect those payments. Emily breaks down how to get registered with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), manage your song’s metadata, and track your royalties so you don’t miss out on money that’s already coming your way.
Another huge, often overlooked income source is sync licensing. This is when your music gets used in TV shows, movies, commercials, or video games. Sync deals can be a major financial win and get your music exposed to a broader audience. Emily shares exactly how to pitch your songs to music supervisors, and what makes your music more likely to land those lucrative placements. It’s one of those hidden gems of the industry that can make a big difference in your career.
And then there’s direct-to-fan platforms like Patreon. These platforms allow your most loyal fans to support you directly in exchange for exclusive content—early access to new music, behind-the-scenes footage, or even personalized shoutouts. Emily explains how to use these platforms to connect with your audience in a more personal way, while also creating a steady income stream that’s independent of album sales or streaming numbers.
Emily also covers things like merchandising, crowdfunding, and brand partnerships. Selling limited edition merch or running a successful crowdfunding campaign can bring in a surprising amount of revenue. Plus, if you can build a strong enough personal brand, you might even attract sponsorship deals from companies that align with your image.
The best part about Emily White’s book is how accessible it is. She doesn’t just tell you what’s out there—she walks you through the steps to actually do it. With real-world examples and clear, actionable advice, you’ll leave with a game plan for unlocking all these hidden revenue streams and building a sustainable, long-term music career. So if you’re ready to stop leaving money on the table and start taking charge of your future, this book is a must-read.
