How to Make Money Singing: 10 Revenue Streams for Vocalists

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Sell Acapellas on The Vocal Market
• Freelance Vocal Services
• Vocal Engineering and Production
• Develop and Sell Vocal Sample Packs
• Provide Vocal Lessons or Courses
• Produce and Monetize Original Music
• Live Performances and Gigs
• Initiate a Patreon Campaign
• Launch a YouTube Channel
• Collaborations and Features
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

In today's digital age, the music industry is a paradox. On one hand, the decline in physical album sales and the rise of streaming platforms have made it challenging for artists to earn a stable income. On the other hand, the digital revolution has democratized music production, allowing anyone with talent and a computer to produce high-quality music. This duality is especially true for vocalists, who often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges. For those looking to monetize their vocal talents, the journey might seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it's more than possible.

1. Sell Acapellas on The Vocal Market

The Vocal Market is a premier platform for buying and selling high-quality acapella vocals. As a vocalist, you have the unique opportunity to monetize your voice by offering tracks, acapellas, and toplines to a global audience of producers. Whether it's a catchy hook, a soulful verse, or a powerful chorus, your voice can be the missing piece a producer is searching for. By selling your vocals, you not only earn money but also get a chance to collaborate with producers, potentially kickstarting your music career. Choose between exclusive and non-exclusive options to maximize your earnings. You can set your own price but on average non-exclusives are sold between $40 - $100 and exclusives are $300+

Apply as a vocalist for The Vocal Market

Vocalist dashboard for singers on The Vocal Market to track their sales

2. Freelance Vocal Services

With the rise of freelance platforms, vocalists can offer their services to a wider audience. This could range from voiceovers for advertisements, jingle creation, or even collaborating with music producers. Websites like SoundBetter, Vocalizr, and Fiverr provide platforms where you can list your services, set your rates, and connect with clients. By diversifying your offerings, you can tap into various revenue streams and ensure a steady income.

• soundbetter.com (freelance musician focused)
• airgig.com (freelance musician focused)
• fiverr.com (general freelancer website)

3. Vocal Engineering and Production

If you've spent time in a studio or have experience with audio software, you can offer vocal engineering services. This involves enhancing vocal recordings, making them sound polished, and ensuring they fit seamlessly into a track. With the proliferation of home studios and independent artists, there's a growing demand for skilled vocal engineers. By offering your expertise, you can help other artists achieve a professional sound while monetizing your skills.

4. Develop and Sell Vocal Sample Packs

Music producers are always on the lookout for unique vocal samples to incorporate into their tracks. By creating and selling vocal sample packs, you can provide producers with the sounds they need while generating income. This could include vocal hooks, ad-libs, phrases, or even simple vocal sounds. Platforms like Splice and Loopmasters allow artists to sell their sample packs to a global audience.

Karra's youtube video on how to create a vocal Sample Pack

5. Provide Vocal Lessons or Courses

Sharing your expertise and skills can be a rewarding way to monetize your vocal talents. With the rise of online education platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Coursera, you can create and sell courses on vocal techniques, breathing exercises, and more. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider offering one-on-one coaching sessions via platforms like Zoom or Skype. This not only provides a steady income but also helps in building a dedicated community of learners who value your expertise.

6. Produce and Monetize Original Music

While this might seem like a given, producing original music remains one of the most direct ways to earn from your vocal talents. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube offer monetization options for artists. For distribution, consider platforms like CD Baby, which provides music distribution to over 150+ streaming and download services worldwide, including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and more. Another popular option is DistroKid, known for its fast, easy, and affordable distribution. Additionally, consider selling your tracks on platforms like Bandcamp or even on The Vocal Market. Remember, it's not just about producing music but also effectively marketing it to reach a wider audience.

7. Live Performances and Gigs

Live performances, whether at local venues, cafes, or events, provide an opportunity to earn money and connect directly with fans. With the current trend of virtual concerts and live streaming due to global circumstances, platforms like Twitch and Stageit allow artists to perform live, interact with fans, and receive donations or ticket payments.

8. Initiate a Patreon Campaign

Patreon has emerged as a popular platform for artists to get support directly from their fans. By offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes looks, or even early access to new music, you can build a dedicated community of patrons willing to support your musical journey financially.

9. Launch a YouTube Channel

YouTube remains a powerful platform for vocalists. By regularly uploading covers, original music, or even tutorials, you can build a subscriber base and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Collaborate with other artists, engage with your audience in the comments, and ensure you optimize your videos for SEO to reach a wider audience.

10. Collaborations and Features

Collaborating with other artists, especially those in complementary genres or with a different audience base, can open up new revenue streams. Whether it's featuring on another artist's track, creating a joint album, or even performing together, collaborations can boost your visibility and offer additional monetization opportunities.

Conclusion

The journey to monetizing your vocal talents is multifaceted, with numerous avenues to explore. While the music industry has its challenges, the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for vocalists to carve a niche for themselves and achieve financial success. By diversifying your income streams, staying updated with industry trends, and continuously honing your craft, you can turn your passion into a lucrative career.

FAQ