Author Topic: Make $300/mo in *FUN* Side Hustles  (Read 2382 times)

Ox05

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    • Stock Music Musician
Make $300/mo in *FUN* Side Hustles
« on: August 08, 2015, 10:41:18 AM »
Hi all! Long time lurker, first time poster.

So I've been trying to figure out a way to turn my love of playing music into something a little more profitable. For me, talent isn't the issue so much as finding a way to monetize it. Obviously, I don't expect to be the next super star, but I'm looking for something enjoyable and sustainable for my life style as a busy professional.

Here are some ideas I had, but would welcome any suggestions from creative types, or others.

  • Hustle more gigs for my band and do more to promote them. This is sort of a double edged sword, because if we play too much without expanding the fan base, I worry that we'll start to become less appealing. Any suggestions for this?
  • Expand the number of royalty free songs I'm selling on Pond 5. I've been at it for a few months and make about $25/mo, but I'm not sure how to optimize this. Here is my https://www.pond5.com/artist/RoughCoast. Maybe I'm not making the right type of music? Maybe I need to promote more?
  • Put songs up on Youtube, spotify, etc. I'm not sure there's any money in what I expect will be a pretty low number of plays. Anyone have any experience in this?

Any other ideas for how to make a little more in my spare time doing what I love?

Thanks!

Gin1984

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Re: Make $300/mo in *FUN* Side Hustles
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2015, 11:20:00 AM »
Do tell us about your YouTube videos so we can visit.

Ox05

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
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  • Posts: 26
    • Stock Music Musician
Re: Make $300/mo in *FUN* Side Hustles
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2015, 12:13:51 PM »
Thanks Gin, haven't put any up yet, because I'm not sure it's worth my time to finalize them and upload. I was wondering if someone with some Youtube experience could help me make the call.

CashStashFever

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Re: Make $300/mo in *FUN* Side Hustles
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2015, 02:17:32 PM »
My boyfriend is a performer and has probably earned more from private gigs than typical bar/venue gigs.  If I were you I'd market myself for weddings/bar mitzvahs/company parties/etc. It might mean learning covers and putting together marketable playlists but that might also be fun.