The music industry is booming with opportunities to turn your music skills into income. Some people try to make money by listening to music on apps, but the real money comes from creating and monetizing music.
Here are five practical music hustles to explore.
1. Sell Beats and Instrumentals
Selling beats is a popular hustle for producers. “Type” beats are in high demand worldwide, especially Amapiano and Afro House. You can make money by:
Selling beats online: Use platforms like Chune.xyz or BeatStars to sell your instrumentals directly to artists.
Licensing or custom work: Offer non-exclusive licenses for YouTubers, independent artists & record labels to use your beats, or craft exclusive beats on commission.
Pro Tip: Share short beat snippets on TikTok or Reels. A catchy loop can go viral and drive listeners to your beat store.
2. DJ at Events, Clubs, and Festivals
Landing DJ gigs is another proven way to make money with music while building your name. If you have great mixing skills and a crowd-pleasing playlist, you can earn through:
Club gigs & festivals: Start with local clubs. As you gain experience, aim for bigger festivals or tour gigs.
Private events: Weddings, parties, and corporate functions often pay premium rates for DJs.
Live music is booming again, so there’s plenty of opportunity for DJs who can stand out.
3. Release Original Tracks (Streaming & Sync Licensing)
Putting out your own music can create multiple income streams:
Streaming platforms: Get your songs on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other streaming services. Payouts are low (~$0.001–$0.005 per play, so you’ll need millions of plays to earn significant revenue.
Publishing & sync deals: Register your songs to collect royalties and pitch them for use in TV, films, ads, or video games. A single sync placement can pay big fees, making this a lucrative path if your track gets picked up.
4. Host Music Events and Parties
If you have an entrepreneurial streak, hosting events can be profitable:
Niche parties and shows: Organize genre-themed nights or small concerts and sell tickets.
Partner and monetize: Partner with media & marketing brands like Lepoledides or venues to fund the show, and monetize everything from ticket sales to merchandise, even negotiate a cut of the bar sales.
5. Create AI-Generated Music
One rising hustle is making AI-generated music. Platforms like Suno AI let you create songs with AI that you can own.
You can then release these tracks on streaming platforms or sell them as digital collectibles on Chune.xyz.
Even major labels are exploring this, for example, Warner Music Group partnered with Suno to develop AI-generated songs.
Final Thoughts: Turn Passion into Profit
Music is art, but it’s also business. If you want to make money making music, you must approach it strategically.
Build your brand, stay consistent, and diversify your income streams. Success won’t happen overnight, but with persistence and creativity you can earn money doing what you love and turn your passion into a career.