It’s difficult to make it as an indie musician today. With streaming services hampering CD and vinyl sales and live touring becoming increasingly expensive, musicians must seek alternative revenue streams if they’re to build a reliable income. One of the most effective ways to do this is through Patreon, a subscription service that allows creators to monetize their craft with direct audience engagement. We’ve explored how the platform can be used by musicians to make money in this guide.
Appealing to Cost-Conscious Audiences
At a time when many are struggling to stay ahead of their spending, individuals and companies are finding novel ways to encourage patronage. Patreon, for one, uses a tiered membership scheme, offering different privileges based on how much a customer can afford. Other sites have relied on promotions that give perks to new members, rewarding them for their initial investment.
For example, online poker fans can use a bonus code for Global Poker, which awards a discount on on-site currency with a first deposit. The benefit of this is that registrants are more inclined to commit to a purchase if it holds extra value. A musician starting a Patreon may want to consider this approach.
What is the Patreon Model?
Patreon operates a subscription-based model, whereby fans (or “patrons”) of a content creator can pay a monthly premium to access exclusive content. Creators can choose to offer their content at a flat monthly rate or have tiered plans with varying perks. The most common plan for creators, the Pro plan, sees Patreon take an 8% cut of income.
How Musicians Can Use Patreon
The most obvious way for independent musicians to use Patreon is by sharing unreleased tracks, demos, or early access to single or album releases. They may also offer live streams of rehearsals, studio recording sessions, or even concerts. Many fans are also intrigued by artists’ processes, so sharing behind-the-scenes footage from tours or jams may be worthwhile.
Merchandising is another great way for fans to identify with musicians’ work, so artists may want to award higher-tiered members limited edition posters, clothing, postcards, or records. Finally, the most successful creators understand the importance of direct engagement and could offer anything from a personalized poem or song to a one-on-one call.
But how can a musician build a Patreon audience? It could be advertised through social media accounts, or promoted during live concerts. It is also worthwhile to offer links to Patreon channels through QR codes on posters.
Successful Examples of Musicians on Patreon
The most successful musician on Patreon is Amanda Palmer. The singer-songwriter famously turned her back on her record label to go independent on the platform. By offering exclusive content and early access to songs and albums, Palmer raised more than $1.5 million on the site in 2015 alone.
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Jacob Collier, the experimental jazz prodigy, has also built a sizable following on the platform. His $5-a-month tier has over 4,000 members, guaranteeing a reliable monthly income. In exchange, Collier offers album recommendations, monthly Zoom Hangs, and access to listening party events and exclusive music.
Patreon: Empowering and Profiting Musicians
The digital age may have brought new challenges to musicians’ income streams, but clever adoption of platforms such as Patreon can breed new opportunities. By offering exclusive content to fans using a subscription model, indie musicians can strengthen their communities to ensure a long, sustainable career.
