Every up-and-coming and budding artist dreams of performing their songs in front of thousands of people. The first step towards achieving your dream of becoming a renowned musician is signing with a recognised and huge record label. However, finding a record label that complements your artistry, gives you a push, and protects your records can be challenging, especially for a musician new to the scene. With thousands of artists pursuing their passion daily, the demand for music licensing companies in Australia is increasing, but how would you decide which company suits you best?
Importance of Selecting a Compatible Record Label
Most new and independent artists often sign with an incompatible music label due to a lack of proper knowledge and awareness about industry play. A suitable music licensing company not only helps you release and spread your music but also protects and promotes you. Picking a good music record label is a stepping-stone for budding musicians, and adequate information about various music licenses, their purpose, artistic agreements and clashes, and promotional tactics make selecting the right licensing company easier.
Types of Different Music Licences
Music licensing companies in Australia usually offer seven types of licences:
- Publicly playing music
- Theatrical performances
- TV or radio
- Online
- Releasing music
- Audio or audio-visual productions
- Education licences
Tips for Choosing a Music Licensing Company
Even though the primary objective of every music record label is making profits, as an artist, you should select a company that also prioritises your profits and music, treats its artists with respect and transparency, and has a stellar track record.
Music Licence
In Australia, a music licensing company requires a copyright license to establish and run a music record label. According to Australian copyright laws, all music rightfully belongs to its creator as intellectual property. OneMusic Australia combines the different music licenses and issues them based on the music label’s nature, size, and purpose.
Official Label Website
The music company’s official website should be accessible, easy to navigate, generate traffic, and have a customer-friendly interface. An organised and direct layout serves as the brand image of the label and adds to its reliability and authenticity. Additionally, the website should display the company’s music catalogue, detailing the genres, artists, songs, and credits.
Play the Music Catalogue
The music catalogue available on the website should be playable. Listen to the music catalogue before finalising your decision, as it informs you about the company’s music production, song lyrics, sound quality, and composition. Sound quality preferences vary from musician to musician. Therefore, before picking a company, ensure the production and sound quality level is compatible with yours.
Music Royalties
Unfortunately, in today’s music scene, there are music labels that do not pay their artists the proper royalties for their music. Artists generate revenue by selling music on streaming websites, digital and physical CDs, vinyl records, and merchandise. However, they only receive a fraction of the total revenue generated. Many Australian artists have begun recording outside Australia to receive proper royalties. Make sure the music licensing company you choose pays you fair and square.
Artistic Differences
Ensure the label you pick respects your music, song inputs, concepts, and ideas. While artistic clashes are inevitable, they should not compromise your music ethic and vision.
As a new artist, you will find multiple music licensing companies in Australia. However, choosing the best and most compatible company is essential for a bright future. Before picking a label, check their website, reviews, and music catalogue, and ensure they pay their artist honest royalties.
