Know more about song licensing.

For the majority of the talented individuals spending sleepless nights making music, sitting in their studios and creating music is pleasure enough. However, once the music has been made, what then? Releasing a fully packaged album can be a mission impossible, but depending on the style of music, there are other ways you can choose to get your music released. One such way is to license your songs for an album compilation.

If you are making music that could potentially be licensed for a project, it is worth sending your music to different labels or individuals who focus on the style of music you are pursuing.

Relevance:

Sending your songs to everyone you've ever encountered in the music industry might not be a smart move . You need to target labels that, or individuals who, specialise in the style of music you are interested in.

It would be wiser to focus your energy on the more feasible leads.
Create a list of those you think might like your music and start spreading the word.

Timing:

While you can approach labels or individuals at any time during the year, try to avoid approaching anyone with your music during the festive season. Those who have been working throughout the year and are slowing down in anticipation of a festive season break can be unresponsive.

Few business people are eager to be chased during this period and would prefer to avoid receiving copious follow-up mails and phone calls.

How you can send the songs:

There are many ways to get your music to the right people. Some labels, such as SoulCandi, offer the option of uploading your music directly to the company's portal. However, if you are intending on sending your music to companies or individuals lacking such a platform, you can contact them directly and request information on the best way to send your music to them.

This may vary, with some requesting that you post or send them a website link where they can download the songs.

Send your best song/s:

While you may have hundreds of songs available, choose which songs to send out wisely.

To select the best material, it is advisable that you play your favourite songs to those who have an ear for the type of music you are pursuing before you decide which song, or songs, to send. This will give you a better understanding of what works for other people compared to your personal preferences.

Choose two or three songs you feel stand out. If you are sending out a CD, be sure to order the tracks so that the best song is first, followed by the rest. If you are sending an internet link, send it in that order as well.

First impressions count and ordering your songs correctly will increase the chance of your songs being listened to.

Contact details:

Having your contact details attached to the file you are sending is as important as the song you are sending.

Some people get so excited about sending their songs to a big label that they forget to include their contact details. Don't make that mistake: ensure that you include the necessary contact details in every song you send to potential compilers so that they can call you back if they are interested in your music.

Always be ready for action:

Attending events where you may meet the right people to send your music to is a good idea, especially since music industry professionals are increasingly open to music that comes their way through informal channels. You never know who you will meet at a music event or at a neighbourhood party.

BlackwHole Entertainment Advice:

Head of BlackwHole Entertainment Simon Mmakola advises music makers to send original material rather than songs that use other artists' material as samples or remixes.
"If you want me to consider your song, give me original material because if you give me a cover version, you are giving me the additional work of having to clear the song before it can be released," he said.

While getting your song into a compilation project can offer excellent exposure for a new artist, Mmakola advices people not to sell songs but rather license them. He explains that it is important to retain the rights to your material. "License a song and agree on the profit percentage that you will get when the project is on the shelves."

Urban house labels include SoulCandi, Shelter Music, BlackwHole, KalawaJazzMe, EzaseAfro and TS Records. Individuals such as DJ Sbu, Oskido, Euphonik, Ganyani and a host of others might also be interested in your music. Get out there and expose your music. You never know who might give you a once-in-a-lifetime break into the mainstream music industry.