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# Case Study Of A Background Singer’s Financials: Mailbox Money and Union Support
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/case-study-of-a-background-singers-financials-mailbox-money-and-union-support/
- Published: 2014-03-05T14:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2014-03-05T14:00:00.000Z
- Description: Future of Music Coalition (FMC) adds another case study to its ongoing Artist Revenue Streams project. The study looks at the financials of a background vocalist based on "income from. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2014/03/case-study-of-a-background-singers-financials-mailbox-mon
- Author: admin
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Music Business, All World Dance, arts, Contributor Clyde Smith, Do it yourself, Facebook, Hypebot, music, Singing, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:38

[![20-feet-from-stardom](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201a5117cff42970c-150wi "20-feet-from-stardom")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201a5117cff42970c-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

Future of Music Coalition (FMC) adds another case study to its ongoing Artist Revenue Streams project. The study looks at the financials of a background vocalist based on "income from her work as a session musician and background vocalist only – both in the studio and live on tour." The importance of "mailbox money" aka residuals are revealed as is the role of unions in negotiating and administering royalty agreements.

FMC's "[Case Study: Background Vocalist](http://money.futureofmusic.org/case-study-ay/?ref=hypebot.com)" peels back more of the curtain raised in "[20 Feet From Stardom](http://twentyfeetfromstardom.com/?ref=hypebot.com)."

The Background Vocalist who [shared her financial records](http://www.futureofmusic.org/blog/2014/03/04/artist-revenue-streams-financial-case-study-background-vocalist?ref=hypebot.com):

"performs regularly on network TV and in widely-released films. She also performs live on tour, and as a singer on many recordings. "

The study provides an individual look at the two key ways money is made by background vocalists:

"(1) from the initial performance or appearance, and (2) from residuals, often referred to as 'mailbox money.'"

Two important takeaways include:

"Mailbox money, or residual income, is important but unpredictable."

"Unions play a critical role in negotiating rates and managing residuals."

The union's role in negotiating residuals and royalties as well as collecting payments is an important piece of the puzzle.

The [full report](https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://money.futureofmusic.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ARScasestudyAY.pdf&chrome=true&ref=hypebot.com) is available as a free download.

*\[Thumbnail image cover of "[20 Feet From Stardom](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00E1LR2B4/hypebot-20?ref=hypebot.com)."\]*

**More:**

- [Take FMC's Music + Money Quiz](https://www.hypebot.com/take-fmcs-music-money-quiz/)
- [The 3 Most Profitable DIY Revenue Streams And Why Many Artists Succeed At Only One Of Them](https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2013/01/the-3-most-profitable-diy-revenue-streams-and-why-many-artists-succeed-at-only-one-of-them.html)
- [FMC Case Studies: How Do Musicians Really Earn Their Living?](https://www.hypebot.com/how-do-musicians-really-make-their-living-case-studies/)

*Hypebot Senior Contributor Clyde Smith ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/fluxresearch?ref=hypebot.com)/[Facebook](http://www.fluxresearch.com/?ref=hypebot.com)) is currently relaunching [All World Dance](http://www.allworlddance.com/?ref=hypebot.com). To suggest topics about music tech, DIY music biz or music marketing for Hypebot, contact:*

clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com

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