Mixtape DJ’s who release Alot of mixtapes… I need help!!!

^ Vice’s advice is right (<< tongue twister)

You definitely need a buzz, and in the US, its really not that hard to achieve. Just takes a little self-promotion.

Buy you really didn’t clarify how you needed help. Since Vice took care of the “buzz” issue, I’ll take care of the legal side of things.

You want to be legit as possible, especially if you’re in it for the long run. If you’re serious about being a producer / dj, my first advice would be to set up your publishing (BMI, ASCAP, etc.) I often get negative and unenthusiastic feedback when I mention “publishing” to new cats in the game. But it really isn’t hard to do. The hardest part would probably be coming up with a unique name, and fronting the cash (if you’re hard up for it).

With publishing, you have leadway to obtaining clearances from the artists / producers you sample. Some cats charge, and some just want credit. You’d be surprised at some really cool people in the industry that don’t charge. Now of course, if you move a million units or even 100 grand, there going to want their share. But that’s where wheeling and dealing comes in. And if you create your buzz strong enough, some cats will even consider it an avenue of promotion to be on your mixtape.

First off all, I always gave maybe 10 – 20 CDs away only. Never any more than that. Using my terminology, only give your product to “avenues” or “channels.” These could be radio stations, small and local music stores, party and club promoters, etc. Everybody else…make’em pay. Nobody—and I mean NOBODY, can afford to just give anything away. You gotta work to eat. If you give your work away, you’re taking food out your mouth and more importantly you’re making a terrible statement about your product. I don’t care if you just get 1 dollar for product—get something for it. It’ll keep you inspired, too.

Secondly, music publishing only makes you official as a writer / producer / artist. If you’re just blending tracks (eg – taking an established artist’s vocals and blending them over an established producer’s music), you’d be better off not starting your publishing company, because you’re not really creating anything but an idea.

The good points of music publishing are that you can request clearances from other artists on a business level. If you gone as far as to start your own publishing, then other “professionals” look at you as a professional. Then negotiation comes in—whether you pay for the samples or whatever. Another good point is that when you get paid in terms of moving units and distribution deals, you get paid directly as opposed through another person or publishing company. Through music publishing, you can create a catalog of your work for other producers and labels to observe.

Hope this helps. Peace.