These days there are some cool platforms for musicians that offer unexpected opportunities for making money.  

Platforms for musicians have changed beyond recognition over the past few years. Making a sustainable income remains, as always, the musician’s main concern. It may seem that each new technological development is a further monetary blow to artists. But, some platforms have actually emerged to help the modern musician earn some extra income.

We’ve done our research and picked 5 of the best platforms for musicians:

Qrates

Invented in the nineteenth century, vinyl hardly seems the likeliest way for the modern musician to make money. But Tokyo-based Qrates are bringing vinyl into the 21st century by connecting it with music lovers on demand. Artists can use the site in a few different ways. They can take pledges for a crowdfunding project, or they can take preorders for a record that’s already ready to drop. Just upload your audio, design a label and Qrates will press and deliver the disc for you.

Musicoin

Did you think being a musician meant that you could avoid ever having to learn what the blockchain is? You were, sadly, mistaken. Musicoin is both a streaming platform that uses the transparency of the blockchain ledger system to streamline the process of musical revenue generation and distribution and a currency designed for paying artists directly and instantly. Still confused? You’re not the only one.

Essentially, by eliminating the need for intermediaries between artists and their fans, the company promises to deliver “100% free streaming for listeners, industry best compensation for musicians”.

All this being said, you don’t need to be a crypotocurrency expert to use the platform. All you have to do is get yourself verified as a professional musician on the site, upload your tracks and design your licensing agreement. And then, hopefully, the streams will follow.

Artisound

If you use Artisound to find royalty-free music for your media project, you can rest easy that the artist will be paid a fair 50% whatever the processes and costs involved. The platform was created by Yann Ireland, a musician and entrepreneur who wants to bring a more human touch to a marketplace increasingly driven by algorithms.

Yann still acts as the curator of the Artisound catalogue, personally selecting each of the tracks that go into it. You can submit your music for Yann to assess here — but be warned that not everything makes it past his well-trained ears…

Encore and Fat Llama

Uber transformed transport through the sharing economy. Airbnb transformed travel, and now Encore and Fat Llama are doing the same to the music industry. Musicians and event organizers can compare quotes, reviews and videos, and then book an act using Encore.

Whereas Fat Llama is an online marketplace for lending and borrowing (almost) anything, including musical instruments and equipment of all kinds — from keyboards to omnichords, double basses to didgeridoos.

Nuno Oliveir, session drummer and member of bands Canoe Duo and RESET, uses both platforms. He says: “I use Encore because it’s a great way to get booked for gigs, speak directly with the customer and have all of the fees and gig details organized and at the ready. I use Fat Llama because it’s a fantastic way to get stuff done, without making a big investment.”

Already made that investment in pricey music gear, which you’re not using? Try listing it for rental on Fat Llama, you could earn the money back.

Guest Post by Sarah Young