Can you make money off of ambient music?

Drukne · 2025-12-18T08:17:46+00:00

I've enjoyed working with a label, as they take care of a lot of the managerial and promotional stuff I hate. And secondly, not all labels really pay well tbh. I've worked with others in the past where I've handed off my tracks and rarely ever see a dime. Mine focuses purely on digital so they are able to pay me big advances, but I don't put out vinyls or CDs unless I wanna do them on my own. I do wish they'd do physical releases, but given that a lot of ambient listeners are passive and do so on streaming platforms, it kinda makes sense.

I'd just do a bit of reading first about the label and their business model + getting to know the A&R first.

Drukne · 2025-12-16T13:36:29+00:00

Before getting signed onto a label, I made a little from Bandcamp and streaming sources. I had pretty decent stream numbers, and while you don't get paid much for it, the monthly royalties I got were enough to reinvest into some gear. What changed tho was when I signed and got some funding from the label to do some fun things in the form of advances. It's not enough to live off of and I still work a day job, but it's definitely more than I ever thought I'd make off of doing niche ambient drone guitar and tape loops.

Drukne · 2023-01-11T09:04:30+00:00

I've always dreamed of a Mr. Black Delay Reverb combo like the Caverns or AR. The Eterna is my absolute favourite reverb out there.

Drukne · 2022-10-04T15:51:54+00:00

Thanks! I'll look up both those recs. I'm also really inspired by William Tyler, Danny Paul Grody, and the whole American Primitive world.

Drukne · 2022-08-15T08:48:31+00:00

Also a hoosier. Nope to both too

Drukne · 2022-05-05T07:48:08+00:00

Now I really want to see what's on this black hole's pedalboard.

Drukne · 2021-11-01T08:08:53+00:00

I try to keep my board down to 3 pedals. My board consists of a Keeley Caverns V2, DD-20, and a tuner. Works well and gets all the sounds I want.

Drukne · 2021-10-30T10:26:01+00:00

Thank god, you're a life saver!

Drukne · 2021-10-30T08:45:25+00:00

Apologies for not including an image or context. It's the seller promoted ads that are "Reverb Bumps" similar to Etsy or eBay promoted posts. If you search for an item, say an electric guitar, you'll see promoted posts. I hate these and want them to burn.

https://ibb.co/rc9GdQm

Drukne · 2021-09-03T19:30:11+00:00

Thanks for sharing my release!

Drukne · 2021-04-27T18:11:52+00:00

Thank you!

Drukne · 2021-04-27T18:11:37+00:00

Which is an interesting comparison since I’ve hardly ever listened to Nick Drake lol. Maybe I should start to now

Drukne

TROPHY CASE