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How to Make Money as a Singer or Songwriter - 13 Strategies

Authored by Audiolancer • 1/3/2025

How to Make Money as a Singer or Songwriter (Featuring Audiolancer)

Whether you’re belting it out on stage, crafting the next pop hit, or harmonizing as a session vocalist, there’s no shortage of ways to turn your voice into a steady income stream. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you monetize your singing and songwriting talents—plus insights on how Audiolancer can boost your exposure.

1. Live Performances & Gigs

Performing live remains one of the most straightforward (and thrilling) ways to earn:

  • Local Venues & Clubs: Start small, build a following. Bars, cafes, open mics, festivals, or music lounges can be great stepping stones.
  • Weddings & Corporate Events: Often higher-paying than typical bar gigs. Prepare a varied setlist that appeals to a broad audience.
  • Touring: Once you’ve developed a fan base, consider booking tours regionally or nationally—though this requires planning and financial investment.

Audiolancer Tip: If you need a band or backing track support, post a job listing on Audiolancer for instrumentalists. Or, if you’re a top-line singer, bid on performance gigs that others have posted.

2. Session Vocal Work

If you have a versatile voice, studio or remote session singing can be lucrative:

  • Backing Vocals: Provide harmonies or ad-libs for artists in genres like pop, R&B, or gospel.
  • Demo Vocals: Sing on songwriter demos that labels or artists will review.
  • Ghost Singing: Lend your voice for an artist who needs additional vocal layers but doesn’t want credit attached.

Audiolancer Tip: Advertise your session vocalist services under “Services.” Include audio snippets showing your range (pop, rock, jazz, etc.) so producers can quickly evaluate your sound.

3. Songwriting & Royalties

Songwriting is a profitable route for those with a knack for lyrics or melodies:

  • Pitch Your Songs: Send demos to publishers, A&R reps, or established artists seeking new material.
  • Royalties: When your composition is performed, streamed, or broadcast, you earn performance and mechanical royalties. Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI, or PRS.
  • Co-writing & Splits: Collaborate with other writers and producers. Ensure splits are agreed upon up front to avoid disputes.
4. Collaboration & Features

Don’t limit yourself to solo projects:

  • Features on Other Artists’ Tracks: Rappers, EDM producers, and bands often look for unique vocalists to elevate their songs.
  • Duets & Crossovers: Partner with a vocalist in another genre to tap into a new audience.
  • Credit & Fees: Negotiate payment or royalty splits based on your contribution’s importance.

Audiolancer Tip: Join the competitions or job listings to see if any producers need a featured vocalist. This could help you gain new fans and experience.

5. Teaching & Vocal Coaching

If you excel at vocal technique, consider instructing:

  • Private Lessons: One-on-one coaching in person or online via Zoom.
  • Group Workshops: Host local or virtual classes focusing on topics like stage performance or advanced vocal techniques.
  • Online Courses: Create structured video lessons on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
6. Voice Acting & Jingles

Singers often have an edge in voice acting, thanks to pitch control and expressiveness:

  • Commercial Jingles: Quick to record and can pay well.
  • Video Games & Animation: Voice characters, singing lines, or spoken narration.

Audiolancer Tip: Indicate your availability for voice-over or jingle production. Producers in need of a versatile voice might hire you for audio ads or brand music.

7. Online Platforms & Streaming

Don’t underestimate the power of digital:

  • Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music: Each stream generates micro-payments—focus on building a loyal listener base.
  • YouTube Channel: Share covers, originals, or behind-the-scenes footage. Monetize through ads and partnerships once you meet channel requirements.

Audiolancer Tip: Connect your streaming accounts to your Audiolancer profile for added exposure. The platform can push your following and encourage new fans to discover your music.

8. Crowdfunding & Memberships

If you have a dedicated fanbase, ask for direct support:

  • Patreon: Offer behind-the-scenes videos, early song previews, or personal Q&A sessions for subscribers.
  • Kickstarter / Indiegogo: Crowdfund albums, music videos, or tours by giving exclusive perks to backers.
9. Sell Vocal Samples / Loops

Turn your catchy hooks, soulful ad-libs, or chants into digital products:

  • Loop Packs: Riffs, layered harmonies, or stylized phrases for other producers.

Audiolancer Tip: Upload these samples to the Audiolancer Sample Library. You’ll earn whenever users download or license your vocal loops for their tracks.

10. Music Licensing & Publishing

Gain revenue from TV shows, films, ads, or corporate videos:

  • Sync Licensing: Use your vocal performance in conjunction with visual media.
  • Publishing Deals: If you wrote the lyrics or melody, ensure you handle publishing agreements carefully to receive your share of royalties.
11. Contests, Competitions, & Auditions

Competitions can offer prize money or industry recognition:

  • Local & Online Contests: Keep an eye on social media for singing competitions.
  • Auditions: Theater or TV talent shows can catapult you to fame, though competition is steep.

Audiolancer Tip: Participate in Audiolancer competitions (when available) to showcase your vocal prowess and expand your network.

12. Merchandise & Branding

Your fans might want more than just your music:

  • Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, caps that reflect your style or lyrics.
  • Creative Extras: Personalized lyric books, signed posters, or limited-edition vinyl.
13. Why Use Audiolancer?

Audiolancer is a powerful tool to centralize your offerings and find fresh opportunities:

  • Networking: Meet producers, co-writers, managers, or fellow vocalists.
  • Exposure: Showcase your best performances and work.
  • Income Streams: Earn from session work, sample packs, direct licensing, or job listings.
  • Profile Boost: Connect your social and streaming accounts—Audiolancer will help drive traffic to your external channels.

Final Thoughts

Building a career as a singer or songwriter isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about strategy, consistency, and exploring multiple revenue streams. From live gigs and session work to licensing deals and vocal sample packs, opportunities to earn money from your voice are vast. Platforms like Audiolancer can help you discover new collaborators, advertise your services, and seamlessly sell your musical creations. Keep learning, stay inspired, and watch your singing career flourish both artistically and financially.