Self-Releasing as a Artist/Composer

2 part Webinar

Thursday 16 November 11:00-12:30 - Session 1 - The practicalities and best practices of Self Releasing Music

Friday 17 November 11:00-12:30 - Session 2 - PR, Marketing and Strategy when Self Releasing Music

Why Self-Release?

Nowadays, in the modern music industry, we find ourselves, in the dominance of streaming platforms and with less emphasis on physical products it has never been easier to release your own album or EP. The recorded music landscape is very different from where it was 15 - 20 years ago, and even in Classical music, we need to adapt how we release our music to benefit our careers and build audiences.

📜 Course Description

A two-part course explaining how to self-release an Album or EP. From the practicalities to the strategy and why it is crucial in your career.

🗝 Main take aways

practical know-how: the steps needed to put your music out yourself

Understanding storytelling: when considering recording and releasing music, think about why that music, why now and what will interest your audience/potential audience and the music industry, what is your goal?

How to draw attention to a self-release using PR and Marketing: Set goals for audience growth with a marketing strategy, think cleverly about stories about the album/artist or compser to interest press, research to get to know which journalists, tastemakers are likely to enjoy your music

Social Media planning: Social Media can be a useful tool for promotion and also marketing, especially during a release. One should think strategically about how it can be used and even plan a diary of what content you will release and when, as part of the story of the release

Matthew Whiteside in Session 1 will cover

The practicalities and best practices of Self Releasing Music

Releasing music can feel like a daunting task, with so many acronyms and companies you need to deal with it can feel like a ball of string without a start. This session will break down the process of self-releasing music into an understandable and digestible way. It will help you find the start of the ball of string. It will cover:

setting a realistic budget
preparing for an running recording sessions
digital distribution
where to register your music to make sure you are paid
using artist analytics dashboard to understand your audience

This session is presented by composer concert producer, Matthew Whiteside. Matthew has over 10 years experience in the music industry and has been releasing his own music since 2015. In 2020 set up TNW Music, a record label to promote cutting edge contemporary classical music. Combined he has released 12 albums and numerous singles and EPs.

www.matthewwhiteside.co.uk

Naomi Belshaw in Session 2 will cover

PR, Marketing and Strategy when Self Releasing Music

Every release is different and needs a different strategy to reach the ears of your audience and taste makers. This session will help you think about ways to promote you music, your brand and your story. It will discuss:

the important of PR and Marketing and how they are different (and complimentary)
framing story of your release to maximise the potential for coverage
the role of social media
an in depth look at different aspects of PR from features, interview, radio airplay and beyond
how you can decide your marketing focus to best use your budget

This session is let by Naomi Belshaw a specialist in career strategy and branding. Naomi’s career has spanned royalty collection while working at PRS, funding while working at PRS Foundation and PR at Wildkat PR. She is now a freelance Consultant for Composer and Artists, working with a slate of cutting edge composers and artists.

https://naomibelshaw.com/

Self Releasing as an Artist/Composer (2 part Webinar) Session 2