Remixes are an excellent way to build your profile as a DJ or producer. They can help you become recognizable amongst the increasingly competitive music industry. If you’re looking to officially remix a song, release it on streaming platforms and earn money from it, there are a number of ways to go about it.
Here are our top practical tips to help you get a shot at remixing a song for cash:
- 1. Contact Artists
- 2. Contact Record Labels
- 3. Enter Remix Competitions
- 4. Network & Develop Industry Connections
- 5. Create An Unofficial Remix
- 6. Stand Out As An Artist
- 7. Produce Great Music
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Contact Artists
If you’re looking for opportunities to get paid to create a remix, start by contacting other artists. Getting in touch with other musicians is the most direct approach to requesting a remix opportunity.
However you choose to contact an artist with a remix request, make sure to be polite, keep it short and explain why you think you would do a great job at remixing their track. Include links to your previous work and if you have any samples of remixes you’ve created in the past, send those along too.
If you’re not sure who to contact, think about which artists would be a good match for your music – perhaps an artist with a similar fanbase to you or someone that you know personally. If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to officially remix another artist’s track and distribute it online.
2. Contact Record Labels
Contacting record labels is one of the most effective ways to earn money from a remix. Record labels generally hold the rights to the songs they sign which makes it one of the best ways to get legal permission to create an official remix.
To find out how to contact a record label, use their website’s contact page and see if they have a way for artists to reach out. You can also try searching Google or social media but labels will often only provide an email address.
Make sure to include links to any social media accounts you have so they can see who they may be working with. It’s important that you are polite and respectful in your communication with artists and labels, even if they decline your request. You never know when someone might send you a remix request in the future.
3. Enter Remix Competitions
Another way to get paid for remixing a track is by entering remix competitions. Remix contests are a great way to be noticed by top musicians and professionals in the industry.
These competitions are usually put on by artists, record labels, radio stations or other companies who are searching for new talent in the music industry. Taking out the number one prize in a remix contest can be a challenge, but it also gives top artists and labels the opportunity to listen to your work.
Remix contests offer up some pretty decent rewards too. Along with record deals and cash, winners can also take home music equipment, software and other incredible prizes. If you’re looking for the best place to find remix competitions, make sure to check out SKIO.
4. Network & Develop Industry Connections
Networking is an important part of building your career as a musician. With the music industry as competitive as ever, it’s never been as important to network and develop industry connections. From club promoters to record label owners, who you know is just as important as your musical ability.
By networking, you can meet other musicians and industry professionals, make connections that could lead to opportunities in the future and even find mentors who will guide you through the process of getting gigs, recording music and making money from your art. These types of people can help you land remix opportunities, as well as gigs, record deals and more.
If you’re looking to earn money from a remix, consider reaching out to others on social media or networking in person at relevant music settings such as festivals, clubs, conferences and music events.
5. Create An Unofficial Remix
If you’re struggling to get the legal rights to officially remix a song, sometimes creating an unofficial remix can be the best place to start. Although it may not pay you right away, a great remix can be exposed to big-name artists and record labels and when heard by the right ears, sometimes be asked to become an official remix.
DJ’s around the world are always searching for and playing new remixes, so creating an unofficial remix can be a great way to catch their attention and gain opportunities over time.
If you’re looking for the best places to share an unofficial remix, try uploading it to YouTube and SoundCloud. Although royalties can’t be paid out to unofficial remixes, they are great platforms to grow a fanbase and earn more opportunities as an artist.
6. Stand Out As An Artist
The music industry is flooded with talented artists so in order to be considered for remix opportunities, it’s crucial that you stand out as an artist. Showcasing your individuality will catch the attention of industry professionals looking for new artists.
Working hard to create your own style will help set you apart from the many musicians searching for success. More and more, established artists and labels are offering remix opportunities to up-and-coming musicians with a recognizable sound.
As tempting as it sometimes is, avoid imitating your favorite artists and musical inspirations. If you want to be considered for remix opportunities, don’t focus on sounding like other artists – be yourself and create music that reflects your personality.
7. Produce Great Music
At the end of the day, creating good music is the key to becoming a successful musician. If you’re regularly posting new and exciting music, it’s only a matter of time before the right ears discover your music. Produce great music and the opportunities will come to you.
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