In the world of music, building a strong and investment-worthy catalogue can be a significant asset for any artist or music business. A catalogue of music is a collection of an artist or company’s music assets that includes their recorded music, compositions, and any associated intellectual property rights. An investment-worthy catalogue is one that can generate consistent revenue streams and holds long-term value. With the rise of streaming and the changing landscape of the music industry, it’s crucial to develop a catalogue that can stand the test of time. In this article, we will discuss five strategies for developing an investment-worthy music catalogue.
Quality over Quantity
In the music industry, there is often pressure to release new music frequently. However, quality should always take precedence over quantity. An investment-worthy music catalogue is built on the foundation of excellent music that can stand the test of time. This means that as an artist or company, it’s essential to focus on developing high-quality music that is both unique and marketable.
To achieve this, it’s essential to take the time to perfect the creative process. It starts with writing and producing music that is not only authentic but also has a distinct sound. Every song in the catalogue should have its own unique story, and the music should be composed and produced in a way that reflects this.
Additionally, it’s essential to work with experienced producers and engineers who can help bring the music to life. This means taking the time to find the right people to work with and investing in the resources necessary to produce high-quality recordings.
Diversify Your Catalogue
A diverse catalogue is a valuable asset in the music industry. By creating a catalogue that features a variety of music genres, styles, and themes, you can appeal to a broader range of listeners and increase your revenue streams.
One way to achieve diversity is by working with different artists, writers, and producers. This can help bring fresh perspectives and styles to your catalogue. Additionally, it’s essential to think about the different ways in which your music can be used. For example, a song that works well for a film or television soundtrack may not be the same as one that’s suitable for radio airplay.
By diversifying your catalogue, you can also take advantage of different revenue streams. For example, streaming platforms pay out different rates for different genres, and sync licensing opportunities may be more prevalent in certain music styles.
Focus on Sync Licensing
Sync licensing is the process of using music in a visual medium, such as a film, television show, commercial, or video game. This is an important revenue stream for artists and music businesses, and a great way to increase the value of a music catalogue.
To make your catalogue attractive to music supervisors and licensing companies, it’s essential to create music that is versatile and can work in a variety of settings. This means producing music that is instrumental, as well as songs with strong lyrics that can be used in a variety of contexts.
Additionally, it’s essential to work with a sync licensing agency that can help place your music in the right visual media. This means doing research and finding an agency that specializes in your type of music and has a proven track record of successful placements.
Focus on Publishing
Publishing is another significant revenue stream in the music industry. It refers to the ownership and management of a song’s intellectual property rights, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform the music.
To maximize your publishing revenue, it’s essential to work with a publishing administrator or publisher who can help collect your royalties and negotiate licensing deals. Additionally, it’s essential to register your songs with a performance rights organization, such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, which can help collect royalties for public performances.