Why Indie Musicians Should Release Holiday Albums

Releasing a holiday album could be the easiest way to earn more from your music this season—and now’s the time to start. This guide covers why, how, and offers a video to get you started. Learn why most indie musicians should release holiday albums.

Why Indie Musicians Should Release Holiday Albums

by Tony van Veen via Disc Makers Blog

Did you know that the best time for independent artists to prep for the holiday season is significantly earlier than you might think?

If you’re an artist, the time to start thinking about how to make the most of the holiday music buying season. And here is my top tip for how to maximize your music revenue this holiday season: record and release a Christmas album or holiday album.

“That’s too cheesy for me,” you may be thinking, and you might be right. A holiday album is not for the meek. But I know this: Holiday albums sell like hotcakes. Don’t just ask Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé, who’ve become synonymous with the season. If they’re not cool enough for you, did you know that Snoop Dogg did a holiday album way back in 2008, well before he became lovable Grandpa Snoop? Many artists with indie cred and with mainstream cred — like Green Day, Weezer, Barenaked Ladies, and even Bob Dylan — have released holiday albums. There’s almost no genre where a holiday album would be inappropriate.

My favorite, because I’m a big reggae fan, is Jacob Miller’s 1978 classic Natty Christmasfrom back when I was 14. There’s even a punk rock holiday album. So, why not you?
Here are my four reasons to do a holiday album this year.

Number 1: Your fans are looking for new music from you.

Give them a holiday album this year and they will buy it, because there’s a big part of the music buying market that loves holiday music.

Number 2: doing a holiday album is easy.

There are no new songs to write; all that hard work is done for you already. Just remember to register for a mechanical license when you distribute or manufacture your albums so the publishers and songwriters can get the royalties they deserve. Don’t assume that they’re in the public domain.

Number 3: Holiday songs are already hits.

Recording a cover song means you’re giving the fans something instantly recognizable and sing-alongable. Having a rendition of all those holiday favorites in your unique style might be just what your fans have been waiting for. 

Number 4: They make great holiday gifts.

Sure, your album will likely rack up plenty of streams, but having CDs or vinyl makes your holiday album a great revenue generator when your fans snap them up both for themselves and as presents. Let’s face it, physical media makes for a great gift when you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday.

By the way, when we talk about holiday music, the reach is wide. Christmas music contributes to a large chunk of the music-buying season, but don’t forget about Hannukah, the 4th of July, Easter, Juneteenth… the possibilities are endless!
So, have I convinced you yet? If I have, and you start early in the year, you’ll have plenty of time to get the recording and manufacturing done by Thanksgiving. And that’s important because the holiday buying season really starts on Black Friday, and you don’t want to miss out on any of that six-week selling window between Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. Go forth and prosper, my friend. We’ll be here when you’re ready to press that album of holiday classics.

Still on the fence? I talk all about recording an album for Christmas — or any other holiday — in our companion YouTube video. Give it a watch!

Why indie musicians should release holiday albums

Tony van Veen is the CEO of DIY Media Group, the parent company of Disc Makers and BookBaby. As a college student, he played in indie bands, created his own LPs, cassettes, and t-shirts, and sold them at shows. Today, he collects CDs, vinyl LPs, and concert t-shirts to support the artists he loves.