It's becoming increasingly more difficult for bands to make money off their music, outside of touring nonstop for the rest of forever. So what mistakes might you be making? According to Crowbar frontman Kirk Windstein, you absolutely should not be giving up the rights to your merchandise.
In a recent episode of Talk Toomey, Windstein urges that bands not give up their merchandising rights whatsoever.
"Everything is in house, merchandise. The one thing I learned and this is actually a very good lesson for younger bands as well. I remember talking to Evan from Biohazard way back in the day and he was like man, whatever you do, don’t, regardless of how much money it is or how much money you think it is, whatever you do, do not sell over your merchandise.
That’s one thing for bands even this day in age with people not really selling records. Your publishing belongs to you. The record company is lying even if they tell you that otherwise. You’re the one writing the songs and the same thing for the merchandise. Nobody deserves that but you. [You know] it’s your band. Your part in the band. That’s your name on there. Your picture or whatever that may be and that’s the truth."
Hopefully this helps out at least one band looking to make some money off their art! Oh, and if you haven't heard the new Crowbar track, you really ought to get on that.
