How to fund your indie music.

Independent music is a type of music that most people have described as non-conformist and unique. Most artists have chosen to remain independent so as to retain control over their content and sound. With independent labels, artists can also retain the copyrights to their songs, unlike with mainstream labels, where the studio possesses ownership of artists’ work. This is quite a big deal because most artistes’ record songs and the studios decide not to release it. The artist’s future is now on a hiatus because they cannot release these songs on their own as well as the fact that they cannot be signed unto another label until their contract with the present one has expired. We have seen several cases of these, lawsuits, feuds and all.

For these reasons and more, a lot of artists have decided to tow the independent line as was earlier stated. But without a big corporation backing you, financing can become really tricky and challenging. This is why most artists pray to be picked up by the big boys in the first place. But the truth is with a bit of insight, will, careful planning and hard work.

Here are a few tips on how to fund your indie music.

• Treat your indie music as a business and get a business plan

The problem why some indie artists crumble is not because of lack of content but due to lack of careful planning. Your indie music is a business therefore recognize it for what it is. Get a business plan to go along with this. If you can’t handle this, you can talk to a professional about it. Freelance professionals would cost you very little. A business plan includes the type of product you will be putting out there, your target audience, distribution, marketing and promotional strategies, expenditures include cost of studio time, production and all that, a budget, source of income, how much songs you can produce in a year etcetera. From all these, you can surmise that a business plan covers everything that a business is about. This will help you to understand what is needed, and give you an overview of your prospects. It will also help you to curb useless expenditure and put you on the path of success.

• Use this business plan to procure creative grants

There are several organisations that have a sentimental or business interest in independent artists. Having a business plan to present to them makes them consider you a serious business to invest in. Make sure you approach them. Sometimes schools and religious institutions also offer grants to independent artists and the artist does not have to return it back in the future. This is because it is not a loan really.

• Financial aids from your city

With the aid of your city council, you can organize a concert-cum-fundraiser where your people from your city come together and contribute their quota to your dreams. You can even make shorts with your logo and a catchy phrase and get people to buy it as a way of showing support. This has a double benefit because not only do you get to create awareness about your music but you also gather some funds for your business.

• Crowd funding

There are a lot of platforms on social media or websites where you can solicit for financial support. They include GoFundMe, Kickstarter, EquityNet, Indiegogo, Rockethubetcetera. Write a honest and catchy story about your music, your life and you will find people who believe in you enough to make donations to your vision and purpose. A lot of people have been successfully crowd funded especially if you can get popular blogs, pages, friends and family to publish your story and the link.

• Secure capital working loans

If all the above prices abortive or insufficient l, then you have the option of securing capital loans from financing houses. Make sure you seek professional advice before taking this step before you get into a situation that is too tricky for you to handle. Also you have to be credit worthy and have the necessary collateral.

Whatever decision you make, remember that financing your indie music is possible. You can even have some fun whilst doing it. All you need is your passion, insight and hard work. We really hope this article helped you . Brainstorm ideas and please share your thoughts  and suggestions below .