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Once a music producer creates a platinum-selling song, it opens up significant opportunities for their career. A platinum certification means that the song has reached a certain level of success, but it also brings responsibilities and decisions on how to leverage that achievement. Below are the key steps a producer should take to make the most of this accomplishment.
Understanding RIAA Certifications
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is responsible for certifying music sales in the U.S. The RIAA awards gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications based on how many units of a song or album have been sold:
- Gold: 500,000 units
- Platinum: 1,000,000 units
- Multi-Platinum: 2,000,000+ units
In the digital age, the RIAA counts both physical sales and digital streaming toward certifications. For instance, 150 streams of a song count as one "sale" for certification purposes.
If your song has reached platinum status, you likely received an official notice from the RIAA. This is a big deal in the music industry, as it serves as proof of a song’s commercial success. Producers should make sure to check their song's certification status through the RIAA's official website or by working with their label to confirm the recognition.
Charting on Billboard
After achieving platinum status, your song likely charted on the Billboard Hot 100 or other Billboard charts. The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the U.S. based on sales, streaming, and radio play. If your track reached platinum status, it has likely spent weeks on the charts, and possibly even reached the top spots.
Having a platinum song on the Billboard charts strengthens your portfolio and marketability. It proves that your production work connects with a large audience, and it’s important to document and share these achievements. You can take screenshots of your chart positions, save news articles that mention your track, and share this information through your social media and professional channels.
Registering Your Song for Recognition
After the excitement of reaching platinum, it's essential to register your song properly. This includes making sure that your production credits are correctly listed across platforms, including databases like AllMusic, Discogs, and SoundExchange. These platforms store industry data about song credits and revenue.
You should also consider purchasing a physical plaque to commemorate your platinum achievement. Websites like JewelBoxPlatinum.com allow producers and artists to register their RIAA certifications and purchase customized plaques for display. These plaques are a great way to celebrate your success and make your accomplishments more tangible. Having a physical representation of your success can also help in meetings with future clients and collaborators.
Leveraging the Opportunity for Future Work
A platinum record is more than just a plaque on your wall—it's a tool for furthering your career. Here’s how to capitalize on your success:
1. Networking: Use your platinum status to build connections within the music industry. Reach out to potential collaborators, managers, or labels, letting them know about your recent success. Industry professionals will be more inclined to work with someone who has a proven track record.
2. Media Attention: Leverage the press surrounding your platinum song. If your song has hit the charts, there’s likely been some media coverage. You can compile any mentions in interviews, blogs, or magazines to create a media kit that highlights your achievements. This is valuable when pitching yourself for new projects or partnerships.
3. Increase Your Rates: Your track record now includes a platinum song, which puts you in a different league. Consider renegotiating your rates for production work, as clients will often be willing to pay more for someone with a high-profile hit. Keep in mind, however, that your rates should reflect not only your reputation but also the demand for your sound and skill set.
4. Expand Your Portfolio: Use this moment to grow your portfolio. With a platinum hit under your belt, you have more credibility and a broader reach. Try collaborating with more artists, including up-and-coming talents and established names. You might also explore producing in new genres, which can broaden your appeal and show your versatility.
5. Marketing: Take advantage of the recognition to market yourself. Keep your social media updated with news about the certification and chart positions. Share behind-the-scenes stories or insights about how you produced the track. Fans and fellow producers are often interested in these details, and it can help you build a stronger following online.
6. Public Speaking and Panels: Being a platinum-selling producer opens up doors for speaking engagements. You might be invited to speak at conferences, music production panels, or schools. Sharing your knowledge and experience can boost your visibility and connect you with more opportunities in the music industry.
Considering Awards
Aside from certifications, a platinum song may also be eligible for music awards like the Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, or American Music Awards. Keep track of submission deadlines and eligibility requirements for these awards. Even a nomination can be a huge career booster, and it further validates the success of your work.
Staying Humble and Hungry
Achieving a platinum certification is a significant milestone, but it’s essential to stay grounded and continue to develop your skills. The music industry is fast-paced, and while this moment will open many doors, it’s important to keep pushing for even bigger success.
Stay updated on trends in the industry, experiment with new sounds, and always look for ways to improve your craft. Remember that one platinum song can be the start of a long, successful career if handled correctly. Use this achievement to fuel your motivation to keep creating great music.
Conclusion
Reaching platinum status is a massive achievement, but it’s only the beginning of what could be a thriving music production career. Producers should focus on leveraging this success by networking, documenting the accomplishment, and maximizing their newfound credibility. Tools like JewelBoxPlatinum.com can help immortalize your accomplishment, but the most valuable aspect of going platinum is the door it opens for future projects. Make sure to take advantage of the attention and opportunities this brings and continue building on your success.