I am one lucky dog...

[santellavision]

I think many of you know, I released a blues album last year.  Ernie Santella - The Whole Shabang. https://erniesantella.bandcamp.com/album/the-whole-shabang 



So, just wanted to share this story of what's happened. Even though we are in the 'digital' world of on-line cloud and streaming sites, I printed up a ton of CD's. After all the work, I'm old school and wanted something tangible to actually hold in my hands, not just some digital cloud files. I printed up a couple of hundred, sent copies of it everywhere. (Amazing fact, radio stations, streaming companies, magazines etc still want physical copies and not just links) I've gotten plays all over the US, UK and Europe on radio. And, gotten messages from all over that people really like it - so cool.  

It's also streaming on all the major sites: Spotify, Apple music, Amazon, YouTube, Pandora etc. I get an update every month on hits from those sites. You get tenths-of-a-penny per play. Honestly, you will never get rich from that, until you get millions of streams a day. 

Now, the amazing-balls part.

I sent it to SiriusXM. Specifically, the B.B. King's Bluesville channel. I sent it totally blind. I didn't know a sole there, just mailed it in with a nice note about myself and the record. Boom, they picked one of my songs "I Owe Myself Money" (Not even my favorite song on the album) for their 'Hot new songs of the week' and I got a ton of plays. My wife and I actually heard them intro it on the channel and I almost crashed the car. It was just like out of that Tom Hanks movie "That Thing You Do". Insane.

Like I mentioned above, you don't get much in Royalties from streaming. I think I've gotten $100. total in a year from that. BUT, are you sitting down... For every play on SiriusXM, I get $40. You read that right, $40. (That's double as both the Artist and Songwriter) It really pays to write your own tunes and not just cover songs. I had no freakin' idea they paid that much per play. After the initial run of being on the 'Songs of the week', now, I'm down to getting played once a month, which don't get wrong, I am still HONORED they play it at all!

As my wife and I just moved to Las Cruces, NM and building a house, I will start recording a follow-up soon. I already have a bunch of ideas for new songs. 

Thanks for reading and listening. 
ernie

P.S. If anyone wants any info on all the stuff involved with getting your music copy-written, distributed and having a company manage your royalties etc. Message me, I'm happy to share! I had a friend help me with all that as I had no clue what to do.

Edited September 28, 2024 by santellavision

[alantig]

Congrats, Ernie!  

Your post reminds me I never reached out about the CD.  Still have any?

[specialk]

Love that tune! Big congrats man:

 

[Steve Haynie]

You are making money, officially.  Now every new guitar is a tax write-off!

[tweed]

Big Congrats Ernie!! That's one of my favorite channels when I'm in the car. Hopefully they'll play more songs from that CD. 

[Brooks]

Excellent! Sounds good Ernie.

I hope one of my pals from Generic Hustle got $40 for the handful of streams we got several years back...

[Hamerica]

Hey!  I know that guy! I got the CD!   Congratulations on your success.  Look forward to your next cd.  

Hamerica 

[BTMN]

Congratulations!!!!😎👍🏁

[hamerhead]

That's awesome, Ernie!

Now I can say I almost know somebody who's almost famous.

[Nan0brain]

That must have been a wicked shock to hear your stuff on the airwaves! Congratulations!

[santellavision]

18 minutes ago, Nan0brain said:

That must have been a wicked shock to hear your stuff on the airwaves! Congratulations!

So freakin' cool! Here's Bluesville DJ Early Times doing an intro I captured off the channel. 

 

Edited September 28, 2024 by santellavision

[The Shark]

So happy for you and Mrs. Santella.  I want to say the success is well deserved.  The songs and performances are really top notch.  "I Owe Myself Money" is one of my faves.  Put me in for a copy of the second CD Ernie.  Continued success and happiness, my friend.

[The Shark]

8 hours ago, alantig said:

Congrats, Ernie!  

Your post reminds me I never reached out about the CD.  Still have any?

Make 'em pay retail, Ernie!  

[gorch]

That’s really nice to hear. Congrats on the achievements! I’m having the album downloaded on my phone. It gets played here and there.

[Dutchman]

That is bonified AWESOME!!

I've had songs on indie radio for years. Never got a nickel but I'm happy they're still playing them.

I need a new agent....lol!!!

[santellavision]

On 9/29/2024 at 10:12 AM, Dutchman said:

I need a new agent....lol!!!

I'm happy as it is... no agent, no promoter, no record company, no band, just little 'ol me. haha.

 

[noisy neighbor]

Love it, Ernie! Guitar work is spectacular! Ordered on Bandcamp....  👍

[shankyboy]

Congrats and cool tune!

[JGale]

Some might say lucky.

Others would point to years of hard work.

Me, I say, Good on ya mate!

[Jeff R]

That is too cool, and the song kicks!  Attaboy!