How to Work with Session Artists & Help Them Monetize Skills

Music history is laced with stories of session musicians who played a pivotal role in the creation of legendary tracks. Some of the brightest examples are The Wrecking Crew’s work with The Beach Boys and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, collaborating with such musicians as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Wilson Pickett, and Dusty Springfield. Some of the famous performers also sometimes take part in the recordings as session artists; for example, Mick Jagger and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones contributed vocals to The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” and “Yellow Submarine,” respectively.

These people have often been the secret ingredient behind iconic songs. Yet their contributions go unnoticed, even as they elevate projects to extraordinary heights. The expertise of session musicians can be a game changer both for solo artists and established bands.

In this article, we are going to explore the value of session artists, provide tips for finding and working with them, and give advice for session musicians looking to market their services. We will also look at how innovative tools are changing the industry.

Why Work with Session Artists

Working with session musicians can be a transformative step for your music. You can improve your sound with expert input because professional musicians bring years of specialized training and experience that add new dimensions to your music and provide depth and polish.

Besides, it gets you access to specialized skills. Maybe you are a songwriter but lack the technical skills to create a killer guitar riff or drum track. Hiring a session musician provides you with something you may not have. Another benefit of hiring one is that session artists save time and increase production value: instead of spending hours perfecting a solo or filling in instrumental gaps, let a pro do it for you. The result? A high-quality track completed faster.

Hiring a session artist also helps you build valuable relationships and expand your network as working with experienced musicians often leads to opportunities for mentorship, future gigs, or industry introductions. A single successful collaboration can open doors to long-term creative relationships.

Where and How to Find Session Artists

It’s not as complicated as it may sound. Online platforms offer many opportunities to connect with the people you need. You can use classic social media and explore communities on Facebook, Discord, and LinkedIn, where musicians connect and showcase their work. For a more targeted search, use specialized platforms such as SoundBetter, Fiverr, or local music forums to find approved professionals.

In addition to the Internet search, you can try to connect to musicians at recording studios. Many studios have their own databases of session artists or established relationships with freelance musicians. Ask your engineer or producer for recommendations. And do not forget about networking events! Attend open mic nights, jam sessions, conferences, and industry meet-ups since they might give you the chance to meet talented musicians in person and judge their skills first-hand.

Before you start working with session musicians, here are some tips.

Prioritize the artist’s technical skill and ability to adapt to your vision.
Once the right musician is on board, preparation is key. Providing a detailed brief can make or break the session. Include crucial details such as the song’s key, tempo, mood, and any reference tracks. Tools like sheet music, demo recordings, or MIDI files can also help bridge communication gaps.
Start small and work together on a one-off gig or short project before committing to a long-term arrangement. This gives both parties a chance to assess compatibility.
Do not forget budgeting! Discuss payment upfront, as clarity is essential to avoid misunderstandings. Are revisions included in their fee? How soon should the recording be delivered? Addressing these questions upfront avoids misunderstandings later.
When you’re working on a project, think of your session musicians as your creative partners. They’ll have ideas of their own that could add some unexpected and valuable value to your project.
Trust and respect are key to making sure you can rely on each other in the future.
During the session, be open to feedback. While you may have a vision for your project, session musicians often bring creative insights that elevate the work. Striking a balance between direction and collaboration can yield surprising results.

Tools Transforming the Session Musician Landscape

The growth of AI and digital tools makes sessions more accessible and flexible than ever. Some of the tasks may be done using innovative technology instead of hiring professionals.

LALAL.AI lets artists separate vocals and instruments, making new possibilities for session work. In addition, it enables musicians to change the voice in a recording to another singer's voice. Session singers can allow their voices to be used digitally, if they agree, to train AI models that copy their unique sound. This is win-win for everyone: no copyright is broken, vocalists earn money, and bands get the exact voice they need. The most important part is that artists keep control of their work and can license their vocals or instruments to make money while making sure copyright rules are followed.

Similar services are provided by Voice Swap and Kits.AI.

Tips for Session Musicians to Monetize Their Services

For session musicians, success often hinges on their ability to diversify income streams and adapt to various client needs. The traditional model of relying solely on live gigs or in-studio recordings is no longer the only pathway. Unfortunately, not all artists are as lucky as Mariah Carey whose single song let her made £47.3 million between 1994 and 2016, according to The Economist.

Many session musicians now embrace remote work, taking advantage of digital platforms like AirGigs, SessionExchange, and even Fiverr to connect with clients from all over the world. These platforms enable them to market their skills, set competitive rates, and manage projects flexibly from their home studios.

Teaching is another area where session musicians can find stability. By offering private lessons, group workshops, or even online courses, you not only earn a steady income but build their reputation as skilled professionals. Virtual teaching platforms such as Lessonface or music-specific YouTube channels have become powerful tools for connecting with students worldwide.

For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, creating branded merchandise, offering consulting services, or organizing masterclasses can add further revenue streams. These efforts don’t just generate income—they help session musicians establish themselves as versatile professionals in the music industry.

If you are a session musician or want to be one, here are some other ways you can optimize your working process:

Show off your work with a well-built and complete portfolio on sites like YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. Be active on freelance musician marketplaces like SoundBetter or Fiverr to connect with clients.
Go to industry events, join online communities, and work with local artists to build your reputation and expand your opportunities and horizons.
Work with platforms like LALAL.AI or Voice Swap to license your voice or instrumentals. You can even train your voice or instrument as an AI model, which gives you extra ways to make money.
One area often overlooked by session musicians is licensing and royalties. Negotiating contracts that include performance or recording royalties can provide a steady income stream long after the session ends. Additionally, registering with Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) ensures that musicians get paid whenever their work is used commercially.
Beyond traditional session work, many musicians have found success creating and selling sample packs or loops. These pre-recorded snippets of music are highly sought after by producers and composers. Stock music platforms also offer an avenue for licensing recorded parts for use in film, television, and commercials. Platforms like Splice, Loopmasters, and Bandcamp allow musicians to upload and sell pre-recorded content which is highly valuable to producers and composers who need ready-to-use materials for their projects.

Speaking of licensing in more detail. You should be aware of the rights you are giving away versus the rights you can retain. For instance, some contracts include buyouts, where the musician is paid a flat fee with no future royalties. While this might work for short-term needs, retaining performance or mechanical royalties can lead to significant income if the track becomes successful.

Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and PRS for Music ensure musicians get paid whenever their work is performed or broadcasted. By registering your contributions with these organizations, you can earn royalties for radio play, streaming, live performances, or TV usage of the songs you’ve worked on.

Sync licensing is another lucrative area. All that music you hear in trailers, video games, ads, and movies involves licensing your creative pieces for use in these projects. If a session musician retains partial rights or royalties from a track, they can benefit significantly if the song is picked up for a sync deal.

Session musicians are the lifeblood of so many musical masterpieces, offering skills and expertise that take tracks to new levels. So, if you know how to find, work with, and make the most of what session artists can offer, bands and solo artists can achieve their creative vision more efficiently and effectively. These partnerships are what make great music – and with the right approach, it is a win-win for everyone.