South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) has issued survival tips to local artists and their members during the COVID-19 pandemic – lockdown!
SAMPRA advises that artists should promote their music online using different platforms that allow them to do that. Some platforms enable you to upload video content such as music lessons and performance videos which may help you monetize your music.
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The organization also said that artists should create a compiler list with contacts database of music compilers – they may be working remotely from home but you can still submit your music.
If you already own a studio at home create new music. Use the lockdown period to produce new music from the comfort of your own home.
SAMPRA also firmly advises artists to live stream their gigs to amplify their fanbase.
“With network providers, recently announcing that they are reducing data prices, this could definitely be a perfect time to live-stream your planned gigs onto available digital platforms. You can host live performances and encourage your fans to buy tickets to watch you perform live,” SAMPRA.
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Artists should also participate in online masterclasses to learn more about the music business.
“Check out a number of music industry masterclasses being hosted online and be sure to join in the conversations. You can learn how to run a record label, how to generate multiple streams of income, and you can also learn about SAMPRA on some of these platforms,” advised SAMPRA.
Musicians should also take this time to look at their business plans (create one of you don’t have) and revise your plan to make it better.
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“At some point, this lockdown is going to be a thing of the past. How will you safeguard your livelihood in the future should another disaster of this magnitude – or greater – hit us again? Is your business model disaster-proof,” said SAMPRA.
Use existing tools to enhance collaborations. Face-to-face meetings are on hold for now, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot continue to put in the work. After the lockdown, everyone will be in the mood for new sounds. Video calling allows for seamless online collaborations.
Artists who would like to get hold of SAMPRA should know that the organization is still available to assist them with any SAMPRA related queries that they may have.
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You can also download the SAMPRA App which is available on Google Play and App Store. You can also contact us on the following touchpoints:
- Facebook: South African Music Performance Rights Association
- Twitter: @OfficialSAMPRA
- Instagram: @sampra_rsa
- Email: info@sampra.org.za
- Telephone: 079 815 8581
- Whatsapp: 072 080 2764
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