Need some advice about metal industry

[Zakarumite]

Hi everyone! First of all, sorry about my english, i learned by playing videogames lol. May seem a dumb question for some people, but i just wanted some advice from people from US, Canada, and Europe in general. I have my band and i'm the composer, but in my country it's almost impossible to make yourself a living from metal music, and i was thinking about sending material to some Metal Records, and see what else i can do. And i always hit the same wall, i'm really confident of what i do, and i really think it's good enough to reach the top so to speak, but at the same time i feel like i'm probably delirious, and narrow minded and i don't see the truth because i'm the one composing the music. SO, what i need is some advice, from people that has metal bands, that has something on spotify, signed with a record label, making money of any kind or whatever. I really needo some help and guidance. Thank you for your time!

[JohanV]

Good for having such ambitions. But you are likely more than aware that the majority of metal bands don't make any money, let alone making a living. And that isn't only in your country, that goes for States, Canada and Europe too.  If a very good and well known band can be break even I believe they are doing remarkably well. 

But that shouldn't let you down and the best way is to start spreading your music, make your music available on Bandcamp, Youtube and so and send your demo's to metal records and magazines that supports your style of metal. Not even sure what you play.

I am not in any band or what but I am following the metal scene for some 35 years so I have picked up some info here and there.

[MacabreEternal]

The concept of reaching "the top" is a pipe dream (again not knocking your ambition - just telling you the truth).  When bands like Mastodon have to consider handouts as reported during lockdown then that should tell you all you need to hear about the concept of making money from music.

Clearly you are passionate about what you do but I would focus my efforts on making that passion clear in the music and using it as the best representation of you.  You want money?  You're in the wrong game for it.  Most bands have a "day job" and post-GLOBAL PANDEMIC this isn't going away as a fact any time soon.

Like JohanV, I am not in a band but am over the 30 years mark of listening to metal also and have never met a musician who gets by on their band income let alone earns riches from it.

[Zakarumite]

It's not about the top really, i have my day job, (sadly today restrictions went crazy and i can't work), and i'm not planning on being rich or anything, because i make music because i love to, just asking guidance on that, if spotify works, if signing with a record label, merchandise, etc. i want to understand where is that difference between a good underground band that is good enough and nightwish, after forever, epica, within temptation, because they were underground one day, i want to know what happened in between.

[Sheol]

15 hours ago, Zakarumite said:

 i want to understand where is that difference between a good underground band that is good enough and nightwish, after forever, epica, within temptation, because they were underground one day, i want to know what happened in between.

I think its equal parts hard work and tons of luck. Working your ass off, touring, grinding the road, getting the word out about your band (or in this day and age, creating a internet hype may work), but also dumb luck. The right person spotting you at the right time, and you fitting into the labels roster. Your music and style to be popular at the right time etc.

Also, the industry has changed since the 80-90's. Labels don't have as much power or money any more, meaning that you will not be "employed" by them in the same way, given a million dollar studio budget etc. The flip side is that you don't need a label to create or release music. You can do it all yourself. But of course, that means the market is flooded with albums, of all genres.

 

[Yowie]

Pretty much what Sheol said. 

These days I get the impression a label needs to see you already doing most the work yourself. With a label or not, you can still send your music to magazines and radio stations, apply to play at festivals and tour. Getting a band manager may help too.