Like many musicians, waiting for a record label to find you can take a long time and even then, it may not be worth it. Instead, musicians are taking matters into their own hands and selling music by promoting it on MySpace. Since MySpace reaches millions of viewers each day, chances are you will be able to sell your music, make a profit, and create a fan base without needing to sign a recording contract.



Being your own boss

Without a recording contract, you will be able to choose the songs for your CD, the order of those songs, and when you want to record them. You will also be able to design cover art, inside pages, and other merchandise you may want to sell in conjunction with the CD or music downloads.

You will also be able to choose if you want to strictly sell songs that can be downloaded or if you want to record an actual CD.

You can choose to sell your music in different ways by creating a web site where people can download songs, or working with third-party distribution web sites that will take of packaging and shipping. Promoting your CD or downloadable songs on MySpace is a great way to generate interest. Make sure you include the URL of the site that is selling your music so fans will know where to go.

Cost of releasing your music

The cost of selling your music is much less expensive than it used to be. While you don't have to produce a CD, many musicians do anyway as a way to show their professionalism and so they can sell the CD at local gigs and events. Radio stations and other broadcasters need CDs in order to play them on the air.

When looking for web sites to package and distribute your CD, find ones that are popular or ask advice from other musicians who have gone the same route. You may have to raise money for these costs by playing extra gigs, or selling downloads first, but it will be worth it. Use MySpace as a way to generate interest, get advice, and find out more information. There are many forums that can help answer any questions you have.

Creating a band web site

While MySpace is currently working on building a storefront where musicians can sell their merchandise directly on the site, you may have to create your own web site and sell your CD there until this new feature is up and running. But that doesn't mean you cant advertise on MySpace, work with other musicians to cross-sell music, or find other ways to promote your sound.

A band web site should be an extension of your MySpace profile page. Include your web site on your profile page so fans will know where to go when they want to buy a CD, see additional photos, or find out where you will be playing next.

MySpace is a great way to promote your music and help your CD or downloadable songs sell even faster. The internet is a large landscape, but with a little help from MySpace, you will be able to let fans know where they can buy your music and learn more about your sound.