#345: 10 Ways to Simplify Your Instagram Ads
Running ads for your music isn’t easy, no matter what the experts tell you. But it CAN be one of the best ways to reach new listeners and build a lasting audience of fans and…
#344: Growing a Band into a Successful Business
After 18 years as a band AND business, Bombadil is still going strong. In this “Artist Spotlight” episode, Cristina and Chris interview James Phillips of the independent indie-folk band about their long journey as a…
#343: A Musician’s Guide to Threads
Threads is one of the fastest growing apps in history. Can musicians benefit from adopting this “carbon copy of Twitter,” or is it all hype? In this episode, we ask CD Baby’s Social Media expert…
#342: Time as an Instrument (Carving Out Moments for Your Music Creation...
Are you struggling to find the time to make and promote your music? Are you wasting some of the time you DO have? In this episode, Chris & Cristina discuss ways to carve out MORE…
#341: Musicians, Don’t Be THIS Person!
As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Sadly, music is such a public-facing endeavor that an artist’s ego can feel like it’s always on high-alert, which…
#340: 5 Things Musicians Get Wrong About Advertising
IF you do it right, advertising on social is one of the best ways to build an audience for your music. But so many musicians are held back by bad attitudes and misconceptions about advertising….
#339: How to Reach Fans Beyond Social Media
There’s no doubt, great social content can unlock so many doors in your music career. But “social” can also feel tired and impersonal, like you’re shouting into the void. In this episode, Chris & Cristina…
#338: “5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Making Music”
Are there common struggles most young musicians face? Can they be avoided? Whether you’re a new musician just starting out, or you’re an experienced artist looking for a reminder on healthier ways to maintain your…
BONUS EPISODE: The Future of DIY
After 15 years of hosting this podcast, Kevin Breuner has moved on to the next adventure in his music career — but the DIY Musician Podcast will continue! What’s going to change? What’s going to…
#337: My Top 6 Pieces of Advice for Artists – Kevin’s Parting Words
After 17 years at CD Baby and 15 years hosting this DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin Breuner has a big announcement: He’s saying farewell to both and looking forward to a new adventure in his music…
#336: The INSANE Social Content Idea List for Musicians
Artists who want to promote their music online know they have to be active on social to build an audience and engage fans, but some days you just don’t know what to post! If you’re…
#335: Why Musicians Quit – And How to Avoid It!
Pursuing a music career can be incredibly challenging. As an independent musician, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. The journey is full of ups and downs, and the road ahead looks like endless work….
#334: 5 New Spotify Features & 5 Fun Hacks
Spotify has some amazing new features to promote your music and create a better listening experience for users. In this episode, we’ll discuss each of them, as well as five creativity, marketing, and productivity hacks!…
#333: Cassie Petrey – Building a Social Strategy
Whether you love it or hate it, social media is one of your best options when it comes to finding an audience for your songs and building a lasting fanbase. In this episode, we talk…
#332: 15 Email Marketing Mistakes Musicians Make
Email is still the most effective online communications channel you have to market your music, drive sales, and deepen your connection with fans. If that’s statistically true (and it is), then why do so many…
#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…
#330: 10 Ways to Build Anticipation for Your Music
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….
#329: Releasing Music: Paid or Famous?
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…
#328: A.I. and Music – Why Musicians Should Care!
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…
#327: The Key to Making More Money from Your Music
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…
#326: Gamifying Your Music Promotion Using Discord
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!?…
#325: Releasing Music in 2023
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…
#324: Music Predictions for 2023
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?…
#323: Talkin’ TikTok Trends – How to Use Them for Your Music Promo
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…
BONUS EPISODE: Viral Success for Niche Music – How TikTok Worked f...
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…
#322: Breaking Into Your Local Music Scene
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…