How To Promote Your Music

This is a Guest post by Johnny Fame, founder of Hip Hop Musicpreneur

If you want to know how to promote your music and get it listed on the Billboards when you make sales, keep reading.

Promoting your music isn’t just about posting links on social media and paying for promotion. It’s about setting yourself up from the moment you create a song to win.

I deal with a lot of unsigned Hip Hop Artists daily, and most of them have one thing in common, they’re just creating music and posting it anywhere they feel they can get some recognition. Not that it’s a bad thing, but they’re all missing a major key. A key that will change everything for them.

As an Artist, you should never promote your music without first making sure you’re registered with Soundscan and ASCAP or BMI.

Why? Being registered with Soundscan allows you to get listed on the Billboard charts every time you make a sale online or in stores, they also track streaming. And if your goal is to get a record deal or distribution deal, The Billboard charts is one of the first places record companies look to see how much noise you’re making.

Being registered with ASCAP or BMI allows you to get paid for performances, radio play and more.

What good is promoting your music if it isn’t helping you move forward with your music career?

Soundscan, BMI and ASCAP will provide you with ISRC codes and UPC codes. Below is a detailed explanation of what they are and why you NEED them.

What are ISRC Codes and why do I need them?

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the globally recognized standard numbering system for audio and music video recordings. It comprises a 12-digit alphanumeric code and functions as a universal identification number for each sound recording.

ISRC codes are primarily used to identify and catalog individual songs (tracks) on an album. The ISRC allows you to get paid for digital music sales by ensuring that your royalties are tracked properly. ISRC codes are necessary to sell your individual tracks via iTunes and other online music distributors. They are also required for any songs that you plan to offer for streaming on Spotify and other streaming services.

Similarly, you need to get ISRC codes in order to have your songs participate in the Billboard charts. In order to have a chance at making the Billboard music charts, your release must be registered with SoundScan using your ISRC codes for the individual tracks. If you do not register then your sales figures are not counted, and you remain invisible to the system.
ISRC Codes are also used to identify videos and spoken word recordings such as audio books, sermons, and training programs.

Is the ISRC code different from a UPC code?

Yes, it is. The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique international identifier for sound and music video recordings. Unlike the Universal Product Code (UPC), the ISRC is tied to the recording in the track and not the carrier of the track (CD or digital sound file).

In short, the ISRC identifies individual tracks while the UPC identifies the complete album.

ISRC CODES
https://www.isrc.net/order-form.php

UPC CODES
http://members.cdbaby.com/barcode-for-music.aspx

SOUNDSCAN REGISTRATION
http://titlereg.soundscan.com/soundscantitlereg/

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Visit my blog here: Hip Hop Music Promotion