July 2023 – Jack Corbyn

Essential Methods for Mixing like a Pro

July 16, 2023 by jackcorbyn

As a music producer, I understand the importance of creating top-quality sound that captivates listeners and brings out the best in every element of a mix. When it comes to mixing in Pro Tools, there are several tried-and-true methods that can elevate your mixes to a professional level.

Set Up Your Session for Success
A well organized session is the foundation of a successful mix. Begin by organising your tracks logically, grouping related elements together, and colour-coding them for easy visual identification. Label tracks clearly to avoid confusion and use markers to mark important sections or song structures. This level of organisation will streamline your workflow and help you stay focused on the creative process.

Establish a Balanced Mix with Proper Gain Staging
Start by setting appropriate gain levels for each track. Use gain plugins or the channel faders to ensure that your input levels are optimal, avoiding clipping or excessive noise. Pay attention to the relative levels of each track to achieve a balanced mix. A well-balanced mix ensures that no instrument overpowers others and allows each element to shine through clearly.

Focus on EQ for Clarity and Definition
EQ is a fundamental tool for shaping the tonal balance of your mix. Use Pro Tools’ versatile EQ plugins to enhance the clarity, definition, and separation of individual tracks. Identify frequency conflicts or unwanted resonances and use subtractive EQ techniques to remove or attenuate problematic areas. Experiment with boosting or cutting frequencies to sculpt the sound of each instrument and create a cohesive and balanced mix.

Harness the Power of Dynamics Control
Dynamics processing is crucial for controlling the dynamic range and shaping the overall sound of your mix. Pro Tools offers a wide range of compressors, limiters, and other dynamics plugins that can help you achieve the desired balance. Use compression to tame peaks and create a more consistent sound. Experiment with attack and release times to find the sweet spot between control and natural dynamics. Remember, subtlety is key to maintaining the integrity of the original performance.

Create Depth and Dimension with Reverb and Effects
Reverb and effects play a pivotal role in adding depth, ambience, and spatialization to your mix. Pro Tools provides an array of high-quality reverbs, delays, and modulation effects. Experiment with different settings to create a sense of space and place each element in its own sonic environment. Use effects tastefully, enhancing the tracks without overpowering the mix. Consider sending tracks to dedicated effect buses to maintain control and efficiency.

Harness the Art of Automation
Automation is a powerful tool that brings life and movement to your mix. Take advantage of Pro Tools’ automation capabilities to add dynamics, enhance transitions, and emphasize important sections. Automate volume, panning, EQ parameters, and effects to create a mix that evolves and engages the listener. Carefully craft automation curves to shape the energy and emotion of the music, adding depth and realism to the mix.

Trust Your Ears and Reference Frequently
While techniques and methods are valuable, trust your ears above all else. Continuously reference your mix on different playback systems, including studio monitors, headphones, and consumer-grade speakers. A/B comparisons with professional reference tracks can provide valuable insights into the tonal balance and overall quality of your mix. Regular referencing ensures that your mix translates well across various listening environments.

Remember, the art of mixing is a continuous learning process. Experiment with different techniques, trust your instincts, and develop your unique style. With dedication and practice, you’ll hone your skills as a mixing engineer and consistently deliver top-quality sound that captures the essence of the music.

Music Distribution Need To Knows

July 16, 2023 by jackcorbyn

Music Distribution

Digital Distributor, Music Distribution

In today’s digital landscape, music distribution has become more accessible than ever before. Independent artists now have the opportunity to share their music with a global audience without the need for major record label backing. However, with numerous music distributors available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. This article aims to guide you through the process of choosing the right music distributor to get your music heard worldwide.

Understanding the Role of a Music Distributor Before diving into the selection process, it’s important to understand the role of a music distributor. A distributor acts as a bridge between artists and various digital platforms, streaming services, and online stores. They help deliver your music to these platforms and ensure it is available to listeners worldwide.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Music Distributor

Distribution Reach: One of the primary considerations when selecting a music distributor is its distribution reach. Look for a distributor that has partnerships with major digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer, as well as a wide network of smaller streaming services and online stores. The broader the reach, the more opportunities your music will have to reach a diverse audience.
Pricing and Revenue Share: Evaluate the pricing structure and revenue share offered by different distributors. Some distributors charge upfront fees or annual fees, while others operate on a commission-based model, taking a percentage of the revenue generated from your music. Consider your budget and the long-term financial implications when making your decision. Additionally, look for transparency in revenue reporting and prompt payment schedules.
Artist Services and Support: Assess the additional services and support provided by the distributor. Some distributors offer promotional tools, playlist pitching, marketing assistance, and analytics to help you track your music’s performance. Consider your specific needs as an artist and determine which distributor offers the most valuable resources to support your career growth.
Rights Ownership and Control: Review the terms and conditions related to rights ownership and control. Ensure that you retain ownership of your music and have control over how it is used and monetized. Beware of distributors that claim ownership of your content or impose restrictive contracts that limit your creative freedom.
Flexibility and Transparency: Look for a distributor that offers flexibility in terms of contract duration and the ability to switch platforms if needed. Transparency is also crucial—choose a distributor that provides clear and detailed reports on your music’s performance, including streaming numbers, downloads, and royalties.
Customer Reviews and Reputation: Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation and reliability of different distributors. Seek feedback from other musicians and industry professionals who have experience with the distributors you’re considering. A reputable and trusted distributor is more likely to provide quality service and support.
International Reach and Localization: If you plan to target specific international markets, consider distributors with a strong presence and localized support in those regions. Look for options that offer multi-lingual support, regional promotions, and partnerships with local streaming platforms to maximize your exposure.
Additional Rights Management: Assess whether the distributor offers additional rights management services, such as YouTube Content ID registration, which can help protect your music on video platforms and monetize user-generated content.

Making an Informed Decision To make an informed decision, create a list of potential music distributors and compare them based on the factors mentioned above. Consider your specific needs as an artist, your goals, and your budget. Reach out to each distributor to ask questions, clarify any concerns, and gauge their responsiveness and professionalism.

It’s also worth noting that you’re not necessarily limited to a single distributor. Many artists opt for a multi-distributor strategy, utilizing different platforms for specific regions or targeting niche audiences.

Remember, selecting the right music distributor is a significant decision that can impact your music career. Take your time, do thorough research, and choose a distributor that aligns with your artistic vision, offers valuable services, and provides the best opportunities for your music to be heard by a global audience.

By partnering with the right music distributor, you can amplify your reach, maximize your revenue potential, and focus on what you do best—creating and sharing your music with the world.

YouTube Content ID The Basic

July 16, 2023 by jackcorbyn

Music Rights, Music Royalties, YouTube

Music Rights, YouTube, YouTube Content ID

In today’s digital age, YouTube is by far one of the most powerful platform for musicians to share their music with a global audience. However, with millions of videos uploaded every day, it can be challenging to protect your music from un-authorized use and ensure you receive the recognition and royalties you deserve. That’s where YouTube Content ID comes into play.

What is YouTube Content ID? YouTube Content ID is a digital rights management (DRM) system implemented by YouTube to help copyright owners protect their content on the platform. It allows musicians and other rights holders to identify and manage their copyrighted material through an automated matching process.

How Does YouTube Content ID Work? When you upload your music to YouTube, the Content ID system compares it to a vast database of registered audio and video content. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze the audio waveform and identify any matches with existing copyrighted material.

If a match is found, YouTube’s Content ID system provides several options to the rights holder:

Monetization: You can choose to monetize the video that contains your copyrighted music by running ads on it. This enables you to earn a share of the revenue generated from those ads.
Track: You can track the usage of your copyrighted music across YouTube, gaining valuable insights into how and where it’s being used. This data can help inform your marketing and promotional strategies.
Block: If you prefer to have complete control over your music and restrict unauthorized usage, you can block the video from being viewed or remove the copyrighted material altogether.
Attribution: Content ID also allows you to request that the video creator attributes your music in the video description, providing proper credit and linking back to your own channels or websites.

Benefits of YouTube Content ID for Musicians YouTube Content ID offers several key benefits for musicians:

Protection of Intellectual Property: By registering your music with Content ID, you can safeguard your intellectual property rights and prevent unauthorized use of your songs on YouTube.
Monetization Opportunities: Content ID enables you to earn revenue from your music on YouTube. When your copyrighted content is used in videos, you have the option to monetize those videos and receive a share of the ad revenue.
Audience Reach and Exposure: YouTube’s vast user base presents an opportunity for musicians to reach a global audience. Content ID helps ensure that your music is properly identified and monetized, allowing you to earn from your music while expanding your fan base.
Valuable Insights: With Content ID’s tracking capabilities, you can gain insights into how and where your music is being used on YouTube. This data can inform your marketing strategies, help you identify trends, and engage with your audience more effectively.

Tips for Using YouTube Content ID Effectively To make the most of YouTube Content ID, consider the following tips:

Register Your Music: Ensure that your music is registered with YouTube’s Content ID system. This involves working with a digital distributor or a specialized service that handles Content ID registrations.
Optimize Metadata: Provide accurate and detailed metadata for your music, including track titles, artist names, and album information. This helps Content ID accurately identify your content and match it with user-uploaded videos.
Regularly Monitor Matches: Keep an eye on the matches identified by Content ID. Review the videos and assess if they comply with your desired usage policies. Use the provided options to monetize, track, block, or request attribution as appropriate.
Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s policies and guidelines regarding copyright infringement and Content ID usage. Stay updated on any changes or developments that may impact your rights as a musician.
Engage with Fans: YouTube offers a unique opportunity to connect with your audience directly. Respond to comments, engage in discussions, and encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel and support your music.

Remember, YouTube Content ID is a powerful tool, but it’s essential to use it wisely and strike a balance between protection and promotion. Find a strategy that aligns with your goals as an artist, allowing you to protect your rights while maximizing the exposure and opportunities offered by YouTube’s vast platform.

By leveraging YouTube Content ID effectively, you can safeguard your music, monetize your content, and engage with a global audience, all while maintaining control over your creative works. Embrace the digital landscape, protect your intellectual property, and continue sharing your music with the world through the power of YouTube.

Music Publishing All You Need To Know

July 16, 2023 by jackcorbyn

Music Publishing, Music Rights, Music Royalties

Music Publishing, Performing Rights, Sync Licensing

Music publishing goes beyond simply creating and copyrighting your songs. It encompasses the management and earning potential of your musical creations. It’s the process that ensures you receive the recognition and compensation you deserve for your latest pop melody.

Now, let’s dive into the essential aspects of music publishing that every artist should know.

Publishing Deals and Rights When it comes to music publishing, one of the key steps is signing a publishing deal. This agreement allows a music publisher to represent your songs and exploit them to generate income. In return, they provide valuable services like licensing, promotion, and royalty collection.

But before you rush into signing any deal, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a songwriter. As the creator, you hold the exclusive rights to your music and lyrics. These rights include the mechanical rights (recording and reproduction), performance rights (public performances), sync rights (music in films and commercials), and print rights (sheet music).

A publishing deal can be either exclusive or non-exclusive. An exclusive deal means the publisher has the sole right to exploit your songs, while a non-exclusive deal allows you to work with multiple publishers simultaneously.

Royalties and Income Streams Now, let’s talk about the money. As a songwriter, you earn royalties from various income streams, and understanding them is vital for maximizing your earnings.

Mechanical Royalties: These royalties are generated from the reproduction and distribution of your music. They come from sales, streaming, downloads, and physical copies. In many countries, mechanical royalties are collected by collective management organizations (CMOs) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS.
Performance Royalties: When your music is performed publicly, whether on the radio, TV, live venues, or online platforms, you earn performance royalties. Performance rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the US, and PRS in the UK, collect and distribute these royalties to songwriters.
Synchronisation Royalties: If your songs are used in films, TV shows, commercials, or video games, you earn sync royalties. These can be negotiated directly with the party using your music or collected through a sync licensing agency.
Print and Sheet Music Royalties: If your music is transcribed into sheet music or used in music books, you’re entitled to print and sheet music royalties. These can be administered through a publisher or directly negotiated with the entities using your compositions.
Digital Royalties: With the rise of digital music platforms, streaming royalties have become a significant income stream for songwriters. Companies like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music pay royalties based on the number of streams your songs receive.

Understanding these different income streams is crucial because each one requires proper registration and tracking to ensure you receive the money you’re owed.

Publishing Administration Publishing administration is a crucial part of managing your music publishing. It involves the registration, licensing, and collection of royalties on your behalf. While some songwriters choose to handle their publishing administration independently, others opt to work with a publishing administrator or a publishing company.

A publishing administrator takes care of the tedious tasks of registering your songs with CMOs, licensing your music for various uses, monitoring royalty collection, and ensuring you receive your fair share of the earnings. They act as your ally in the complex world of music publishing and help protect your rights and financial interests.

However, it’s essential to choose a reputable publishing administrator or company. Do your research, read contracts carefully, and seek advice from fellow musicians or industry professionals before making any commitments.

Music publishing may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little knowledge and guidance, you can navigate this complex landscape successfully. Remember to educate yourself about your rights as a songwriter, explore different income streams, and consider partnering with a trustworthy publishing administrator.

By understanding the basics of music publishing, you’re taking a significant step towards claiming the royalties that are rightfully yours. Don’t let intimidation or exploitation hold you back from maximising the potential of your music. Embrace the world of music publishing, protect your creations, and let your talent shine through both creatively and financially.

Monthly Archives: July 2023

Essential Methods for Mixing like a Pro

Music Distribution Need To Knows

YouTube Content ID The Basic

Music Publishing All You Need To Know