Bands/Artists have more ways to make money then ever before but have to WANT to work their ass off to make it happen. Fans are not going to line up without you bringing them to the door but there are more ways to make that happen now. I mention some cool companies I have come across that may help you, some are obvious.
1. Get you music on all digital retailers like itunes, amazon, etc. Use a digital distributor like CD baby
2. Get web presence thru your own website on MySpace, Facebook and your own basic site. When you update it use an automated software such as FanBridge and ReverbNation so when it updates all your sites. Make sure your sites have the same branding messaging (look and feel). Then you have to use social networks to get new fans such as twitter, Bebo, imeem and MOG.
3. Sell your ringtones, MySpace let's you do that or use a company like Myxer
4. More companies are looking to license music from indie bands then ever before as they don't want to pay the big bucks for mega bands and they also want to stay hip and relevant. Services such as Taxi.com and MusicGorilla offer ways for your music to get in front of music supervisors for TV/Commercial/Movies.
5. Touring, Touring, Touring - This is still a growth business. Make sure you sell your merchandise at shows and offer bundle deals like Shirts and CD's for a discount. Make sure you get word of your show to online promotion houses like Eventful which is a free service. Build your fan email list and where they are located and tour where they are, make sure you email them when coming to town and offer them a reason beyond your music to come to the show, like a $5 off your merch table. Always when you send your fans an email, put something in it for them, such as discount on your new CD, etc.
6. Sell your live shows - there are some pretty cool new technologies out there that allow you to record your live show and then post it for sale. Simple thinks like Mikey from Blue Microphone for $79 or Aderra or All AccessToday who have USB wristbands you can sell to your fans after the show. There is investment up front for doing this so may not work for everybody.
7. You can enter musician contests and some do have some nice payoffs, plus you get some fans along the way. A couple that are legit are Our Stage and FameCast.
8. Use influential Music Bloggers to find new fans and promote your shows. There are hundreds of them, so google where you live and music bloggers to see who you should approach. There is a good article here on how to approach them http://www.musicnomad.com/Advice?adviceid=21
9. Need to use online radio to find new fans who can buy your music. Pandora, Last FM and Jango all have ways to get your music on their station, some are free, some are nominal charges like $30 for 1000 plays.
These are just a few suggestions did not hit every one. More power is there for indie musicians to make money. Hope it helps.
http://www.musicnomad.com
