331: 5 Things Musicians Should Leave Behind in 2023
Are you holding your own music back? Whenever we hear an artist rationalize why they haven’t achieved a certain level of success, it often seems like they’re getting in their own way due to some…
Music Promotion and Marketing tips for Indie Musicians
Are you holding your own music back? Whenever we hear an artist rationalize why they haven’t achieved a certain level of success, it often seems like they’re getting in their own way due to some…
There’s too much music out there now for an average listener to care about YOUR SONGS just because they’re available on streaming platforms. That’s why you need to create anticipation BEFORE your new music launches….
Would you rather earn a living from your music or gain massive reach on social and streaming? Of course those two things don’t HAVE to be at odds, but when you’re towards the beginning of…
Everyone is talking about A.I. — or “artificial intelligence” — and the impact it will have on musicians and artists. Will advanced machine-learning and information synthesis help usher in a new era of creativity, or…
For independent artists, the most reliable way to earn a living from music isn’t streaming, social monetization, or even lucrative opportunities in sync licensing. It’s merch sales! In this episode, Dave Cool of Bandzoogle talks…
Want to bring your listeners on a journey? To send them on an adventure that goes deeper than bonus “behind the music” content? How about a multi-player RPG your fans can play together on Discord!?…
If you’re releasing new music in 2023, of course you want it to “succeed” and reach as many listeners as possible! But you’ll need much more than checklists and rote release strategies; making your music…
In some ways, 2022 felt like another year on pause. In other ways, the past 12 months passed in the blink of an eye. How did music trends (and the music industry) change this year?…
TikTok is a powerful platform for music discovery; your songs and videos can reach the right new fans because of TikTok’s algorithm. But did you know it’s also one of the best places to find…
How does niche music reach millions on TikTok? In this discussion from 2022’s DIY Musician Conference, CD Baby’s Chris Robley spoke with Jeremy Carter-Gordon of the vocal group Windborne. Not only have Windborne’s videos gone…
Whether you’re new to music, new to town, or finally getting back out there after a break, it can be really beneficial to make solid connections in your own hometown before you try to conquer…
Want to know how to make yourself more desirable, marketable, and overall employable as a side-person or session musician in today’s post-pandemic climate? In this session from the 2022 DIY Musician Conference in Austin, TX,…
What ELSE do you need for a successful music release besides the mastered music files? A lot! Let’s talk through both the big-picture and nitty-gritty things you’ll want to prepare before you launch your next…
Let’s be honest, there are some things about being an independent musician that kinda suck. There are (at least) five common personal and professional struggles that go hand-in-hand with creative pursuits. And in this episode…
Imagine a terrifying world where you’re an… independent musician. Boo! In this spooky Halloween-themed episode, Kevin and Chris talk about musician horror stories — both the kind that are common amongst DIY artists and a…
How did an artist who’d been told NO by everyone in the industry blaze her own path to success using TikTok? In this episode, Britnee Kellogg reveals the details behind her massive achievement, sharing the…
When recording artists are just starting out, they often overcomplicate things that are simple, and underestimate things that will be difficult. This confusion might just be a matter of inexperience, and the artists will learn…
No matter what genre of music you make, TikTok is one of your biggest opportunities for finding fans and building an audience today. If you still feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines while the…
One of our most frequently asked questions is “How can I promote my music?†In the era of limitless opportunities for music promotion on social media, through email and with new formats like short-form video,…
If you think you need to spend thousands of dollars shooting a professional looking music video just to get people to watch, think again! Short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels and trusty standbys…
With hundreds of attendees both in person and virtual, dozens of presentations from industry insiders and countless jam sessions, mentoring workshops and after parties, the 2022 DIY Musician Conference was the biggest and best indie…
Live music is officially back! If you’re an artist who plays live often, Bandsintown is an essential tool for listing and promoting your shows.From notifying fans about when you’ll be in their area, to recommendation…
Touring and playing live can be a great way to expand your audience, sell merch and interact with your existing fans. But there are also many things that can go wrong on the road. From…
Before anyone ever hears your music, they need to be convinced to listen. Maybe they’re getting a recommendation from a friend or they see a cool Instagram ad or blog review. Maybe it’s an eye-catching…
With Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill†and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets†seeing runaway success after their placement in Stranger Things, sync licensing is back in the news. While these are classic hits from veteran…
Even in the age of singles, there are many benefits to releasing an album. Learn why you should keep albums part of your release strategy, and how to successfully release an album.