The 9 Hard Truths For Releasing Music In 2024

[@TomBretonOfficial]

The best thing you can do to share your music is to get out of your house. Either physically or digitally. Ideally both. No one is coming to knock on your door looking for new music.

[@LegPuppy]

find your tribe, go to gigs, play gigs, play more gigs, stop, collaborate and listen

[@PriscillaMahesh]

Agree

[@upfront864]

@@LegPuppy and repeat.. dont forget that part

[@joshuaBrooks.nicholas]

Facts bro even I go out to gigs most artist there kinda suck,but there trying

[@peake864]

works great for other genres besides rap tho, if you do rap/hip-hop, better off spreading via socail media and DJs

[@treybruce9789]

Spot on! One of the best, most honest, cut thru the BS mentoring videos I’ve ever seen. Damian knows what he’s talking about.

[@garyjohnstonemusic]

I've always dipped into Damo's vids but nowadays I start my day by watching one in full. He's the biggest kick up the arse most of us need. I play weddings and covers gigs for income, but i still release an original album per year (almost). His points that regular singles and microcontent are more important than albums have changed my whole game plan. Plz keep em coming sir!

[@odessachen]

I am quite frustrated by tech companies who made music free and now make streaming free and the answer is always that the musicians need to work harder. Making .0000 on each stream? It’s your fault. I seriously feel this is blaming the victim. Personal responsibility is a dying thing so perhaps you’re trying to counteract that but we exist in a system and no matter what spin you put on it, musicians are criminally devalued while the tech guys who run the platforms take not 80 but 99.999percent. It’s so soul crushing for those of us who aren’t natural self marketers. I appreciate your free advice and I hate to hear much of what you say but try to open my mind to the realities of music today. Thanks for your advice.

[@joshlicht1359]

Couldn't agree more, I've just completed a super album and feel I haven't the faintest hope of getting ears on it, let alone making any income from it. Everything is put back on the muso, rather than addressing the actual problem - streaming is theft and has allowed every Tom Dick and Harry to upload their gear - regardless of standard. The market is flooded with Nacissists who are great at SM but produce very average music. oh well kick on - good luck!

[@aigoated]

I'd take marketing over a 9-5. I'm no natural marketer but I do my best to learn. If you don't like the streaming platforms like Spotify build a website where you can have fans subscribe for your music. The second it's up on Spotify you won't be getting much, but you can use those fans for member exclusive songs that aren't on Spotify. Basically you decide your value, whether you are undervalued is based on your decisions.

[@bobbyflowstate]

The reality is people made music free not software companies. The market speaks and we as humans need to respond and adapt.

[@tvman7916]

A couple of things to consider though. With a music video, you can chop that up into several short length content videos, even cropping and zooming in a vertical format and use those for shorts, tiktoks, make stills for band pics and ads and for canvases for spotify. Secondly considering many people see most music like fruit - only have a certain amount of time to sell it before it becomes unsellable - you probably should release an album if it's done, not all the songs probably make sense as singles and on some distributors it costs 10 dollars for a release whether it's an album or single. That being said I'm not saying you're wrong and I am having the worst time trying to sell music.

[@garybrowe]

I’m taking a break from music and writing a book of poetry. At least with a kindle book, the customer gets a sample for free and if they want to read the rest they have to buy it. Book publishing doesn’t have the same free model as music.

[@TheMortonians]

Several undeniable (and sometimes painful) points, as usual! We wouldn't even have half the small following we currently have without your invaluable tips and insights. Our first release is hitting the digital shops later this month and we're trying to follow your 21 day roadmap as closely as we can! Thanks so much for all the great pointers!

[@RollerDoper]

Music videos build relationships with the fans and it helps grow a deeper connection with the music. If you focus on social media you only gain followers, not fans. Also it means you're trying to be an influencer not an artist.

[@DamianKeyes]

@@RollerDoper sounds great… how do you get views on those music videos? MTV? TV shows? Or are we thinking KZbin where you will need to put money into showing it people as the platform has no organic reach for up coming artists? Doesn’t sound like a good strategy until an artist can get a lot of organic reach on KZbin and isn’t that trying to be an influencer? Just asking with respect 😊

[@thecoyote5000]

It's all on me. Thanks for your help, Damian!

[@MusicMom-c9l]

You provided some very helpful information, Damien… But the one thing that I want to question is… If KZbin is one of the number one places to get your music out there… essentially you do need a music video for your song… Yes, there are people who just put their song out there … But most people are attracted to the music video before they listen to some random song without a video I myself am putting out a music video with my first song release … It wasn’t high budget… But it matches nicely with my song

[@Xcharlie_brownX]

I'm reading 'the subtle art of not giving a fuck,' which goes on to explain that "it's not your fault that bad things happen to you, but it is your responsibility with how you deal with life's problems". In this context, I don't believe it's an artists fault for the examples mentioned, BUT the point you make is TRUE. Artists should take the ownership to make changes to their careers.

[@mmmitchell6887]

Some solid content here! I’m glad you spoke about improving skills and helping an audience connect with the emotion and the packaging of the music.

[@danyielevanmusic]

If you do something that Damian "explained how" and it doesn't work. Damian will say "it's your fault". And it's dangerous, it sounds like a guy telling you how to lose weight in 10 minutes, or get hair by eating onions. But if it doesn't work, that's not his problem. ITS YOUR FAULT. Thanks internet. How is it possible to say such stupid things in the music industry. If I can speak from experience (and not some invented but realistic one). We cannot apply the same solution at the same time to everyone as each country will have different forms of opportunities and industry paths. This will never apply in Belgium for example, its laughable. So, it's maddening to hear so much nonsense in a single video while reading the "presupposition" experience which shows all the legitimacy of a carpet seller. Every country and terrain works differently, every detail, on an industry circuit, every path will be different. And I've heard that so much, from artists who signed with record labels, "each path is different" MANY TIMES. If you ever hear it's your fault. There he tells you anything. But really anything. It's quite amusing not to hear it at all but we get a full view of it. He has done everything, succeeded everything and he lost himself making KZbin videos while saying not to make KZbin videos (how can you take us for...) We are at the top of the top. Damian reminds me of Tommy Tallarico like that in the video game that impressed me. He was obsessed with records, he had done everything. They look A LOT alike. Be careful when you watch these kinds of videos, believe in yourself and don't believe everything you are told on internet.

[@Boneidlebros]

Most people watch you tube on a Fri Sat night now to hear new music it’s much better than Spotify and and social media cause you’ve got the visual element which is more engaging than listening and watching stuff on a pishy phone . I think you’ve have got the video thing wrong Damien but i agree with everything else you’ve said.

[@normalizedaudio2481]

Spotify just gets better and better. I LOVE the Spot. Let's all monetize guys. I am going to buy a new keyboard.

[@fraustpunk]

So...why not make good music video's on a budget and cannibalise the content, edit it and post it on social media? Essentially using the music video as an opportunity to create stock footage...That's kinda part of my strategy, but I'm open to suggestion.

[@rosamaaninka9272]

Thank you🌹 I appreciate your honesty. I have a lot to learn

[@JulyanGrantNextlevelWorld]

Thank you so much for posting. I love these hard truths.

[@roonraps]

Sheeesh Damian! You spit heat on this one

[@mylesrodenhouse]

Great content on this channel lately. Cheers Damian!

[@SilentRedem]

Everything said here makes sense, the only thing is the perspective, and the frame needs to be set a little bit better. Becoming a successful musician is sort of like becoming a successful shoe manufacturer. You’re going up against brands that literally have decades if not, half a centuries worth of notoriety And visibility. You might be 100% in control, but there is very little to control. The industry is no longer what it wants was, and that’s fine but it just means making money off of music is going to become a rich person’s game, the same as any other kind of art. Like painting, or sculpting, which is usually commissioned by someone wealthy to have done by someone whose talented

[@Sam-cs3mi]

Thanks for this video Damian, very informal. I know you're going to kill me for this but happy late birthday 😉😂

[@albabrosmusic]

great info , always learning from your videos man . i appreciate you .

[@vishnumenon81]

As always, valuable insights! Thanks, Damian

[@knaengt]

Music videos are still a great way of working creatively and put out something that's an extension of your artistic image. Which is what you did this for in the first place right? To have a creative outlet. If you were just gonna pay someone you write and direct your video, and do nothing yourself, just to have a promo tool - then yes, it's a waste of money. But investing in keeping your creative fire alive is always good!

[@pebblemusic7430]

A really good direct video & message. Thanks for the info & presentation (once again). Best from Berlin. Chris Lastelle

[@tacarachi]

My guy is back and im listening to every word

[@ultimatecomeback9645]

i believe making music as an artist and getting paid isn't really a thing anymore. it's evolved way past that. music is an expense, not a business. unless you're as big as taylor swift or not far off then there isn't a lot of money to be made in the music industry. lots of musicians spend thousands of pounds on music gear and equipment and will never make a return on that investment. if you are spending money on a good guitar and an amp and all this other stuff and venues are asking you to play for free for experience and spotify is paying you nothing then you aren't going to make money you are going to lose money. people are working a regular day job to fund their music passion, not doing music to try and make a livable wage. sure there is ways to make money in the industry but not as an artist. you could sell beats to rappers or work in a music store but if you are an artist where it's your name on the song and you are selling yourself then you aren't going to be paying your rent from that even artists that blow up on tiktok are forgotten about a couple months later and are are back in the same situation. every gig i've played has been for free not out of the kindness of my heart but because no one will pay me so i'd rather have gigs and no money instead of no gigs and no money. i've been signed to 3 labels and haven't made a penny as my music didn't sell enough to turn a profit and barely broke even with the budget. in my 10 year career i've made less than £500 but have spent roughly £10k on music gear. and i know plenty of people in the same boat who are working regular day jobs to fund their music passion but are making less than £50 a month from music. i know someone who works as a teacher and has spent near to £100k over the decades on their music journey and is making about £20 a gig from their percentage of the band and plays 4-5 gigs a month. for lots of people music is an expense and not a business

[@projectdelorean3133]

I guess you need to live up to your handle then. Good Luck! 👍

[@jMerkyJJ]

Dk seems kinda shallow. My music will offend people. It's about suicide, drug, use, sex, and oh oh.. religion. If I can't do that on tik tok😅 count me the fuck out. I'd rather die then make a Jonas Bros record ..

[@Qmooremusic]

Lies

[@TheMadComposer]

I still think music videos have a place. They can be cut up for ads and promo at any point and also represent the body of work. Agree with everything else.

[@kingi1flash981]

i feel like if you can find connections for a good price and decent quality shit we have multi talented artist (artist/producers) for exp. which means there def people out there making bangers with sick camera skills or at least has friends/fam. so if it easy to make a video i dont see why not making one right?

[@RossThePianoMan]

Great advice as always! Thanks Damian!

[@waynebo248]

Priority management! 💡 That's is the key for me. Gotta improve that!

[@wildeocean]

These are exactly the same points that Damian has been making ever since I first discovered him but and its a BIG BUTT, loved the examples, Bulls eye.

[@guusbokmusic]

Thank you for this

[@mariposagoldenboy1]

Hey Damien, I agree with everything that you have to say here. I would love to touch base with you and have a conversation about my unique experiences marketing and having a successful music career in the digital age I have used streaming services like and KZbin along with social media to promote my band and my music, thanks again for having great advice always

[@untouchable360x]

Hard truths cut both ways.

[@j.daphaney]

GREAT Content Damian💝😎Thank you..🤗

[@ItsQUENCY]

Damian ,what about a 3 to 4 song EP buh treat each as a single buh still respecting the EP aspect?

[@KenTeel]

Good job, Damian. Mr. Motivation.

[@thehousedevelopermusic3084]

You are actually quite funny tbh 👌🏻👌🏻 Love the sarcasm 👊🏼👊🏼😂

[@upfront864]

No no, we need 30 more hard truths lets goooo

[@datemonthyear]

Thanks Damian. Timely!

[@realredrhythm]

13:40 #9 It's 100% your fault !!!

[@Chronade]

It really is my fault in so many ways... If I had to go back to flipping burgers, if I had to learn how to generate quid as a stock investor, if I had to get an on-demand diploma, just to get a full-time job, now I know that it's up to me to shine my light for all the world to see! Coz I've got the power now! 🌟

[@RobbieBlue]

This makes sense. Yeah, use a singles to build a base

[@theirishlassies7160]

I think you should get some T-shirts made that say /it’s your fault/ I wish I could get every single person in the Western world to understand that. Great video as always !

[@synthzizer3324]

Simply said.

[@manzg1]

Damian is straight to the point😂🙌🏾 people keep whinging for nothing

[@hellkeyproduction]

I am not sure about streaming anymore. Spotify is increasing the threshold to monetization more and more and I am aware that the DSP is a discovery tool, not a monetization tool. But after getting bots on my home (I swear I didn't do anything bot related - and it seems I am not the only one victim), and after realizing that 99% of legit streams from spotify playlists are from people who have music as background noise, I am not sure anymore about the discovery potential too. I will never get tired of asking your opinion on direct to consumer approach, Damian. What if we do an album, we crowdfound it and then we sell it through Bandcamp or website? 1 album sell at 15$ equals 5000 streams, circa. Your opinion?

[@Thejammindodgersfan]

If your songs can't get to 1000 streams, then I think you need to have a look at your plans overall. The album costs alone vs a single make it hard to justify (more money to manufacture etc), and also is a very limited audience (if you can't get to over 1000 streams with a single when your song is easy to access, then I find it hard to see a LOT of people wanting to spend $15 for the album)

[@hellkeyproduction]

@@Thejammindodgersfan If I get less than 2000 streams on a song, I would be really pissed. I know how to run ads and how to drive some organic. The costs would be only about collaborating with big names (not huge ones, but big enough) and the cover. All production, mixing, mastering, etc is on me.

[@aRRRaiS]

Imagine Gaudi took advice like this seriously - Sagrada Familia would look like a barrack.

[@hellkeyproduction]

@@aRRRaiS what do you mean? Can't see the connection between Gaudí and direct to consumer approach

[@holdenoaks]

speaking the good truth here.

[@INTER.NET_TONY]

You are so RIGHT BUT I JUST SIGNED A DEAL THEY ARE 30% IM 70% BOTH DISTRIBUTION & PUBLISHING

[@AThousandHills]

That sounds good! What's your artist name?

[@INTER.NET_TONY]

@@AThousandHills INTERNET TONY I AM FROM SOUTH AFRICA MY BROTHER SO BASICALLY THE AFRICAN TERRITORY... ITS HARD FOR AFRICAN ARTISTS TO BREAK IN AMERICA A LOT OF MY COUNTRY MEN TRIED IT

[@pgfputgod1st]

BIG FAX 🎯💯💰💰💰✈

[@Andris_Z_Marosi]

Thanks so much

[@orangeboard]

i get everything you say Damian been following you and many others forma couple years now. are you saying paying for promo is dead? if not what paying for promo do you recommend? we are about to release the new tunes but we have no reach - how will or how do you surface on Spotify is there a formula for releasing on Spotify- how do you get heard on Spotify - should i pay for promo on youtube if so what kind and how much. and isn’t FB dead? some PR are still telling to make a look a like audience on FB and buy ads on FB…. please help.

[@WillBrahm]

Damo is our man

[@oscarWVO]

I had a question if you upload your music to bmi or ascap does that mean you own your masters or is their another website so you have 100% ownership ?

[@djangomclear_rocks]

in "butt-fugg-nowhere" lol THAT was funny :)

[@aRRRaiS]

Imagine if Gaudi took advice like these seriously - Sagrada Familia would look like a barrack now.

[@KimTangPiano]

“Let’s just get the top bit of the rocket and throw it in the air” 🤣🤣

[@YariBeatsMedia]

Since when did music artists served money more than serving the song 😢🎶🔔

[@LynnColeMusic]

On #9, nonsense. There's no such thing as failure. Just temporary setbacks

[@DumbBeat]

Music videos forever ❤

[@AlexLong98]

Yeah I absolutely prefer music videos that will stand the test of time over short form content you'll just forget about straight away

[@karacoldmusic]

Totally agree. I've literally found so many artists even in 2024 via music videos and have added their music to my streaming service because you're really able to see their personality and vibe shine through.

[@TheImageDoctor]

"on TT... most people aren't shadowed banned ... unless your doing some sort of protest or religious songs" hmmm... good thing its not 1967 right ?!?!? I mean all that freedom of speech malarkey just hasn't had any impact on American culture, or produced any music worth remembering - I appreciate your videos and pointers, but the reality is 99% of those who follow your program will never see any real money from putting their music (and themselves) online, regardless of what they do - but thanks for the information and advice nonetheless 👍

[@de3dbeaT]

nobody's gonna want my albums but i'm gonna drop them anyway.

[@garyjohnstonemusic]

That's how I've been doing it. Being creative is the fun bit. I've put stuff out then not really cared if it gets views or *god forbid* turns a profit. With people like D's advice we could level up. Keep at it 👍

[@synthoelectro]

unless you post your URL on threads, and it's blocked and people can't see it. This didn't use to be so.

[@jMerkyJJ]

What are we doing here? Going for socials or making art? I dont know...some of this is lame...im not getting on tik tok and making shorts. Getting likes or whatever isn't worth it.

[@DamianKeyes]

@@jMerkyJJ why does it have to be one or the other? That’s decisive and small minded. This is about getting your art seen and heard. Just because you make art, it doesn’t give you the right to make money or to gain attention. Product needs marketing no matter how artistic. Hope this helps

[@jMerkyJJ]

@DamianKeyes agreed, but I use religious themes and motifs in my lyrics. Maybe I'm missing you, but the impression I get is you're encouraging bland art by appealing to Tik Tok algos....I'm sure you can see my point. I write about suicide and rape. Maybe this isn't for me?

[@DamianKeyes]

@@jMerkyJJ I would say the art and promotion can co exist. While you need to be careful about being shadow banned you can still promote. Tiktok/IG/YT isn’t for children, it’s all ages and appeals to all demographics. While you don’t need to be on socials, it’s the best way to get attention onto you as an artist. I would never encourage substandard art or music however music is subjective. Many people might think your art is crass or just for effect. Whether they are right or wrong isn’t the issue, it’s your music, your message and your art which you believe in and if you want people to listen you need to find a way to get attention. Ads will work but expensive and need experience, live gigs and tours are expensive and time consuming until you have an audience, and socials are free 😊

[@jMerkyJJ]

@DamianKeyes i appreciate you taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I'll consider your points and probably give it a try. Still man I get your point about distribution being accessible to all but there are limitations on this created by techies who seem to be all over the place in terms of policy....it will have an impact.

[@DamianKeyes]

@@jMerkyJJ 😊😊 I just want you to succeed. All said with respect

[@jamezmonroe]

No matter what you say, I'll never ever release singles without music videos. You can't compare artists who post useless content like any otherTikToker and hobbyist with artists who release amazing, and creative music videos. You'd get a different reaction from the audience, especially female fans when they see you being professional in the music videos., unlike a wannabe or something like that. Come on, man, you just over-praise and over-promote the stuff about the social media content bullshit.

[@drexlspivey5828]

When people say there's no money in Spotify/streaming..... Look at Lewis Capaldi's house, which he said was bought from the income of streaming (so not including touring) And before anyone says "Yeah but he's successful" he wasn't always, he started with zero listeners and zero fans, in fact, he did an interview recently saying when he started off playing in pubs nobody liked his stuff, which means he actually started off with less than zero fans, so you're already ahead of Lewis Capaldi when he started

[@jasminedtucker]

He's not telling the entire truth. There is absolutely no way to get as big as him without some type of major push from either a Label, investor, his own pile of money or connections. He did not get to that level by himself, just releasing "good music." If that's the case, there would be hundreds of thousands of Lewis Capaldis from all around the world, simply by uploading. There are many good artists from all genres with less than 1K monthly listeners. I find them all the time. The issue is getting that PUSH that puts you over the hump, which Lewis clearly got. They never tell the entire truth about how they came up because they want people to think they're so resilient, which also helps them sell. *Edit. I just looked him up and his Manager who discovered him, had connections to major labels. He can't be compared to small time artist making music with no connections.

[@drexlspivey5828]

@jasminedtucker that's not what I'm saying, of course he got help from a label, there's never been a million seller in history who didn't, I'm talking exclusively about royalties from Spotify

[@grahamtaylor6883]

Ts'all good.

[@ItsQUENCY]

Music videos naaa, Diy music videos, yes, in some countries,yesss, in others naaa

[@NotMolly-jf2rh]

Whats your take on political shadow banning?

[@PeterandJuralove]

100% responsibility. That’s the only thing worth considering. Everything else is a waste of precious lifeforce.

[@EdoCFH]

Music Videos are a great idea if you are slicing this high-quality piece of content and you use it as 3/4 reels of the best parts to promote you :)

[@drewpiacine9612]

#10 - use DLT; sell p2p; uncensored Model coming soon follow when announced ; ) -DTR

[@mansiontv4724]

Go out and perform on any open mic or karaoke to present yourself as an Artist with your Original Display. It works

[@Nick2Stix]

music videos definitely work on youtube, and you definitely don't need to put money into them and KZbin also pays you the most out of any of the streaming services. there are KZbin music videos of a dude that just rapping in his kitchen and it has a 100,000 views because the song is fire. Spotify barely pays you anything, and tik tik is dumbing down music

[@dn-anonymous]

11:15 full of gas … or petrol … such a nuisance at the petrol station, you’re all ready, it’s the cheapest day of the week … the space shuttle rocks up and gets in first …

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

The streaming services take all that money now.

[@DanceWithAmps]

This offends a lot of people and I understand why. Musicians might practise for years, hone their skills, play to friends or at the local pub and be showered with compliments about their musical talent. To come to the realization that your talents only contribute about 10% to your commercial success is a bitter pill to swallow. People become musicians 'cos they are into creativity and that entails making music, playing instruments, dancing and producing a video. This path is the opposite of business strategy, marketing, sales, distribution, SEO, etc.. You may be correct in how the current music industry works but its always going to be hard to convince musicians to shift their focus to the stuff they hate doing which will still likely get them nowhere.

[@aigoated]

Skill plays a big role there's just a point where you reach diminishing results. For the first 4 years my music was absolutely garbage no amount of promoting will make it succeed. But when you're an expert at making music, learning marketing becomes the next important step.

[@javelin3105]

You are a jerk. No I’m joking. 😆Love you man. Your advices are precious to me and I’m learning so much from you. Please keep your mission going on and on… and on… Thanks Damian! 🤝

[@ianwhite7389]

If you make a decent music video, can't you cut it up into clips for short form content? Is this still a waste of time and resources?

[@kostisk8914]

No. 9 is simply not true. It’s not. It can’t be.

[@AnymMusic]

Gotta love that shitty short form slop 🙃

[@Ramiroocampo]

#1. My reaction: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHLADFGAMSD

[@karmelianinwonderland]

yes I am offended lmao XD

[@SeanBeecher]

Irony: Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift objectively suck and so does the music business.

[@katephillips962]

You might find this interesting. Spotify’s Monthly Listeners Count scam article abetnews.com/understanding-spotify-monthly-listeners-count/

[@TheFeelButton]

The truth is you shouldn't release any music in 2024, you should be playing live! Cheers Demo!!

[@jimmytwotime6875]

No point in playing live if no one shows up. Why would someone show up if they don't know who you are or what you sound like?

[@afrosensei5308]

But what if there's nowhere for you to play live in your hometown?

[@TheTickingClocks]

When Damian looks at the camera and said "If this fails, It's your fault." I felt like he was talking directly to me. I feel attacked! Lol Great vid, Damian!

[@jMerkyJJ]

We can't write religious songs on tik tok?? Seriously?

[@joshlicht1359]

No one who is pro artist would be endorsing short form content or even streaming as a good thing Damian. Let's get real, this video is esstentially like saying the music biz is a lemon so make lemonade...rather than suggesting the goverment and tech corps actually fix the problem through regulation and legislation. The problem being music and music criminally undervalued in our society. I appreciate where you're coming from Damian, but couldn't disagree more..and by thowing your weight behind this rubbish you just make it worse. The current climate for releasing music really suits SM enthusiasts and narcissists not great musicians...

[@DamianKeyes]

@@joshlicht1359 it’s ok to disagree, people look back at the old days through rose tinted glasses and they weren’t in it. This idea that Spotify is evil and social media is damaging music. I don’t buy it. But we’re allowed to respectfully disagree on this 😊