The idea that the ‘subscription model’ is a new thing is greeted with wry smiles at SOS Towers, where our print edition has been available on subscription for almost 40 years. We were among the first magazine publishers to offer digital alternatives, and today, more than half of our readers choose to view our articles on our website, through downloadable PDFs or in our dedicated iOS / Android apps. You could say that Sound On Sound knows a thing or two about subscriptions.
So when we thought about how to apply that experience beyond the world of magazine publishing, we didn’t want to offer something underwhelming. With hundreds of companies vying for a monthly fee, we knew we had to go the extra mile in order to stand out. And I think we have done exactly that with SOS For Artists.
SOS For Artists is a complete one‑stop shop for distribution, aggregation, promotion, royalty reporting and more.
The concept is simple: SOS For Artists should make a difference at every stage of the music‑making process. For music creation, you’ll have access to thousands of samples, plus virtual instruments and even DAW software. For mixing, you’ll draw on a powerful selection of plug‑ins, as well as the industry’s leading stem separation and AI mastering tools. And when it comes to getting your finished music out there into the world, SOS For Artists is a complete one‑stop shop for distribution, aggregation, promotion, royalty reporting and more.
I’ll admit that I was initially sceptical. What could SOS For Artists offer someone like me, who rarely uses samples and has more than enough plug‑ins already? I soon learned the answer, which is that each of its main strands is worth the asking price on its own. In my case, the sample and plug‑in libraries are simply a nice bonus. The ‘here, take my money!’ feature for me is the ability to release tracks on over 150 music platforms simultaneously, with metadata, licensing and promotion all handled from one central hub.
And that’s just the start. We have ambitious plans for SOS For Artists. New content will be coming online every month, including video tutorials, and very soon you’ll be able to make real money not just by releasing music, but by sharing your unique skills and expertise.
I’d urge you to take a minute to dive into what SOS For Artists offers.
I hope this little taster has whetted your appetite. Even if you’re one of those people who is rightly cynical about some subscription services, I’d urge you to take a minute to dive into what SOS For Artists offers. Check out our introductory SOS For Artists workshop article that kicks off this issue of the magazine, or point your web browser at www.sosforartists.com to find out more. I think you’ll agree that it’s a pretty compelling offering.
See you there!
Sam Inglis Editor In Chief