-Music culture

About music culture: music history, instruments history, composer life, music business…

Mastering the Twitter Thread Challenge: Promote Your Track in Just 30 Words

Understanding the Twitter Thread Challenge The Twitter Thread Challenge has emerged as a vital tool for musicians looking to promote their tracks in a concise yet effective manner. This challenge calls for artists to encapsulate the essence of their music in a series of interconnected tweets, ideally limited to 30 words. Such a format not […]

Mastering the Twitter Thread Challenge: Promote Your Track in Just 30 Words Read More »

The Importance of Visibility: Why Fans Can’t Find You If You Don’t Show Up

Understanding the Concept of Visibility in the Digital Age In the ever-evolving digital landscape, visibility has emerged as a crucial element for artists, influencers, and brands to connect with their audiences. Visibility, in this context, refers to the prominence and accessibility of individuals or entities online, influencing their ability to attract attention and engage with

The Importance of Visibility: Why Fans Can’t Find You If You Don’t Show Up Read More »

The First Song in Space: A Cosmic Merry Tune

Setting the Scene: Gemini 6 Flight The Gemini 6 mission, launched on December 15, 1965, holds a significant place in the history of space exploration. This mission was part of NASA’s Gemini program, which aimed to facilitate the United States’ efforts in the ongoing space race with the Soviet Union during the mid-1960s. The Gemini

The First Song in Space: A Cosmic Merry Tune Read More »

The Power of Simplicity: Bernard Herrmann’s String-Only Score for Psycho

Introduction to Bernard Herrmann and Psycho Bernard Herrmann is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the realm of film scoring. Born in 1911, he cultivated a unique sound that set a new standard for musical composition in cinema. His innovative approach, characterized by its emotional depth and psychological insight, quickly drew

The Power of Simplicity: Bernard Herrmann’s String-Only Score for Psycho Read More »

Common Misconceptions About Music Ownership Every Composer Should Know

Understanding Music Ownership: The Basics Music ownership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various legal rights associated with the creation and distribution of musical works. At its core, music ownership is primarily concerned with copyright, which protects the original expression of ideas in sound. When a composer creates a piece of music, they automatically hold

Common Misconceptions About Music Ownership Every Composer Should Know Read More »

From Hobby to Hustle: How to Price Your First Commission as a DIY Music Composer

Understanding Your Value as a Composer As a music composer, acknowledging your value is essential for establishing a proper pricing strategy for your first commission. Your unique skills, experiences, and artistic style contribute significantly to how you should assess your worth in the marketplace. One of the first steps is to reflect on the time

From Hobby to Hustle: How to Price Your First Commission as a DIY Music Composer Read More »

Ravel’s Memory and the Magic of ‘Boléro’

The Genesis of ‘Boléro’ ‘Boléro’, composed by Maurice Ravel in 1928, stands as a landmark piece in the canon of classical music. Its origins can be traced back to a ballet commissioned by the Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein. Ravel intended to create a work that showcased orchestral color and rhythmic sophistication, and he found inspiration

Ravel’s Memory and the Magic of ‘Boléro’ Read More »

The Harsh Truth: Gig Income vs. Streaming Income for Musicians

Understanding Gig Income Gig income represents a critical revenue stream for musicians, encompassing earnings derived from live performances. These earnings can significantly vary based on multiple factors including the artist’s popularity, location, venue size, and audience turnout. On average, emerging artists can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per show, with

The Harsh Truth: Gig Income vs. Streaming Income for Musicians Read More »

The Irony of Tchaikovsky’s Disdain: A Closer Look at ‘The Nutcracker’

Tchaikovsky’s Initial Reaction to ‘The Nutcracker’ Upon its completion, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky exhibited a stark ambivalence towards ‘The Nutcracker’, perceiving it as somewhat trivial and ‘childish’. Composed in a period marked by personal and professional turbulence, Tchaikovsky felt that the ballet did not hold the depth or seriousness that characterized his earlier works. This perception

The Irony of Tchaikovsky’s Disdain: A Closer Look at ‘The Nutcracker’ Read More »

Admin Work for Music Composers: A Necessary Evil?

Understanding the Role of Admin Work in Music Composition In the realm of music composition, the creative process is often perceived as the primary focus. However, behind the scenes lies a significant amount of administrative work that is essential for a composer’s success. Admin work encompasses a variety of tasks, including managing contracts, handling finances,

Admin Work for Music Composers: A Necessary Evil? Read More »

Best Times to Post Music Online

Understanding Your Audience Understanding your audience is pivotal when determining the optimal times to post music online. The connection between an artist and their listeners can significantly influence engagement and overall success. To effectively reach your audience, consider various demographic factors such as age, location, and listening habits, as these elements play a crucial role

Best Times to Post Music Online Read More »

Understanding John Cage’s 4’33”: The Piece of Silence

What is 4’33”? John Cage’s 4’33” is often regarded as one of the most provocative pieces in contemporary music, challenging the very essence of what constitutes a musical composition. Composed in 1952, this groundbreaking work consists of three movements, with a total duration of four minutes and thirty-three seconds. Unlike traditional music, which is characterized

Understanding John Cage’s 4’33”: The Piece of Silence Read More »

Automate Your Music Uploads to Save Time!

Understanding the Importance of Automation for DIY Musicians In the contemporary music landscape, DIY musicians frequently encounter unique challenges that demand their attention not only to music creation but also to various logistical tasks. From marketing to distribution, managing these responsibilities can be overwhelming, diverting focus from the creative process. Thus, understanding the importance of

Automate Your Music Uploads to Save Time! Read More »

Success Stories of Musicians Publishing Without a Label

Introduction to Independent Music Publishing Independent music publishing refers to the practice of musicians managing and promoting their own works without the involvement of traditional record labels. In recent years, this approach has gained considerable traction among artists due to the transformative changes within the music industry, particularly regarding digital distribution and social media’s pervasive

Success Stories of Musicians Publishing Without a Label Read More »

The Captive Composer: Bach’s Imprisonment in Weimar

The Context of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Career Johann Sebastian Bach’s career spans numerous significant periods, with the Weimar period standing out as particularly influential. Employed as a court musician in Weimar from 1708 to 1717, Bach held the position of concertmaster and organist at the ducal court. This role not only demanded a high level

The Captive Composer: Bach’s Imprisonment in Weimar Read More »

Royalty Loopholes Every Music Composer Should Know

Understanding Music Royalties Music royalties play a crucial role in ensuring that composers are compensated for their creative work. In essence, royalties are payments made to musicians and composers when their music is used or performed publicly. Understanding the intricacies of these royalties is vital for anyone involved in music composition, as they can significantly

Royalty Loopholes Every Music Composer Should Know Read More »

Only Music Matters? Understanding the New Rule of Promo Counts for Musicians

The Changing Landscape of Music Promotion The music industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, particularly with the advent of digital technology and social media platforms. Historically, traditional marketing strategies dominated the landscape, with record labels primarily controlling the promotion of artists through radio play, magazine features, and physical album sales.

Only Music Matters? Understanding the New Rule of Promo Counts for Musicians Read More »

What Happens After the Release of a Song: A Simple Guide for Music Lovers

The Excitement of a Song Release The release of a song marks a significant moment for any artist. It is not merely the unveiling of a new piece of work but represents a culmination of creativity, hard work, and passion. The excitement surrounding this occasion can be palpable, as artists eagerly anticipate the reactions of

What Happens After the Release of a Song: A Simple Guide for Music Lovers Read More »