As a DIY artist, you need to manage every aspect of your music creation and marketing. At the same time, your audience’s attention span is shortening, so you feel the pressure to be MORE productive than ever. It can be a grind. So how do get things done, on time, every time, without burning out?…

As a musician today, your VIDEO presence is likely what has the most impact on your ability to reach new listeners and engage your fans. So you need a steady flow of good video content. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some video ideas that will help you stay inspired, get videos published…

Are you ready, like REALLY ready, for the return of live gigs? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about what artists should (and shouldn’t) be doing to make the most of the return to concerts and touring. Plus listener calls and emails. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Growth on Spotify. We all want it. And there are a hundred online courses teaching you how to run PAID traffic to boost your streams. But Siren and the Sea grew their monthly listeners on Spotify by more than 2000% WITHOUT running ads — using only email and organic posts on Instagram. In this episode,…

DIY musicians don’t actually want to do it all themselves. Nor should they! BUT… there’s a right time and wrong time to grow your team, take a big risk, or attempt the next big thing. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some criteria for knowing when you’re ready for the next step in…

We have big dreams whenever we releases new music — more fans, more money, more recognition. But there’s a difference between a goal and a wish. In this episode, Kevin and Chris provide a detailed framework for your next release that will help you get actual results. Plus listeners calls and emails. Distribute, monetize, and promote…

As musicians, our most valuable resource is time. Yet we often spend that time on things that don’t matter. Or that won’t help us achieve our actual goals of growing and engaging with our fanbase. In this episode, Chris and Kevin discuss six common or trendy things that musicians waste their time on. Plus, answers…

The State of Streaming: CD Baby artist’s revenue increased 26% in 2020 over the previous year. What music platforms drove the most revenue? What does today’s fractured listening environment mean for your music promotion? In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss the data and the story the numbers tell. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music…

Can musicians succeed on YouTube if they’re not “YouTubers?” Yes, though there are many lessons musicians should learn from creators who use YouTube as it’s intended — managing a video channel with consistent programming. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss those best-practices, YouTube promotion tips, and how audio content is monetized on the biggest music…

Every musician’s path is unique, but a lot of times we’re all wondering the same thing. How to reach new listeners during a pandemic? How to make sure our single releases build towards the album? What’s the best way to brand our music? Etc. In this episode, Kevin and Chris tackle some common listener questions…

It’s a new year with many challenges still facing artist as they try to connect with music fans during a global pandemic. Take heart! Indie artists have always lead the charge when it comes to music promotion innovation and adapting to tough circumstances. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss what you’ll need in order…

The way artists release music completely changed in 2020. As we approach 2021, artists are asking what is the right balance between singles and albums? How do you target and engage new listeners in the streaming world? Kevin and Chris answer these questions and more. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Whether you’re launching a new album, promoting a livestream, or trying to shoot for something bigger like a Grammy nomination, getting your fans onboard can be a challenge. In this episode you’ll hear how Cheryl B. Engelhardt organized her fans to feel ownership in her quest for a Grammy nomination. Distribute, monetize, and promote your…

Releasing music before the end of 2020? Listen to this episode, where Kevin and Chris talk about distribution deadlines, holiday music promotion, which Christmas favorites you can record without paying a mechanical royalty, and more. Plus, listener calls and questions. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Sync licensing has grown into a huge opportunity for indie musicians to gain listeners and earn money. That’s increasingly true for thousands of CD Baby clients whose songs have been licensed to numerous projects on almost every major and cable network, streaming networks, film studios, and more. What do the tracks that we place in…

The internet exploded with news that Facebook was no longer going to allow artists to livestream on the platform. Fortunately, that information was completely false. However, on this episode of the podcast Kevin and Chris help define the mysterious “listening experience” issue that has Facebook muting some artists videos. Plus, we take some amazing listener…

Let’s get real for a sec: Musicians are well acquainted with rejection and failure. But we don’t want to admit it, do we? In this podcast episode, Kevin and Chris talk about the kinds of rejections you’ll inevitably encounter as a musician, how to deal with it, and maybe even transform it into something positive….

Few people are going to notice your music simply because you’ve made it. You have to do something ELSE to get attention, and online advertising opens up an affordable way to create awareness, stir interest, and build a fanbase as an independent musician. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about advertising for musicians, the…

Musicians, it’s time to get Reel. Instagram Reels — Facebook’s answer to TikTok — is now available, and your music can be there too! In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss the features of Instagram Reels, why it matters for your music career, and what it means for TikTok. Plus, gossip and rants about Spotify’s Daniel Ek,…

When it comes to creating videos to promote music, most artists and labels are still operating under that old paradigm of one “Official” music video, which drastically limits their reach and potential impact they get from video. In this episode of the podcast, Kevin is joined by Diarmuid Moloney, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rotor Video…

It’s time to rethink the way you release singles. Standalone tracks are no longer SOLELY tied to larger album promo efforts. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss 10 strategies for releasing single songs so you can grow your audience, build algorithmic momentum on streaming platforms, and stay inspired. Plus listener questions! Distribute, monetize, and…

With so many artists turning to live-streaming, it’s time to ensure you stand out from the rest and take yours to the next level. In this episode Kevin and Chris share more tips on presenting yourself like a pro. Plus, you get a rundown of all the gear Chris uses to pull off a top…

On this episode of the podcast, Kevin chats with Henry Invisible to discuss how he’s using live-streaming to make his music go further and reach a broader audience. Henry had been live-streaming before COVID-19, but really took advantage of new opportunities that have popped up as people learn how to socialize in the currently reality….

Like many artists, Dawn set her sights on Nashville in order to pursue her musical dreams. When things hit rock bottom, she randomly notice the “go live” button on Facebook and everything changed. In this episode you’ll hear how Dawn has turned her use of Facebook Live into a full time sustainable career. Check out…

Is your social feed crowded with seemingly every musician on the planet “going live” at once? How many of those livestreams feel like genuine, engaging events? In this episode, Kevin and Chris dig into a lot of the common misperceptions about live streaming and offer some best-practices as well. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music…