You’ve likely seen some famous artists announcing they’re removing their music from streaming platforms like Spotify. These major artists can have an equally major influence on the music industry, and they may even inspire independent musicians to remove their own music from streaming platforms. But is this something indie artists should do? Why would they want to? And what does it mean to cancel your music? We answer all that and more on this episode.
#293: NFTs for Musicians, Pt 2
You might know what NFTs are, how they work and how to create and sell them. But…should you? That’s a totally different question. In part two of our series on NFTs, we talk through some of the opportunities AND challenges when it comes to musicians creating and selling NFTs.
#292: NFTs for Musicians, Pt 1
NFTs have been hyped as digital collectibles; as a way of building community; as a new format that could potentially revolutionize the music industry; as a way to return value directly to artists for their work. But what is the real opportunity for NFTs with musicians? Is there real profit to be made? Or are they just a fad? In part one of our series on NFTs, we outline everything musicians need to know to get started.
#291: Making an impact with cover art
The cover art for your single or album is one of the first points of contact that you have with your listeners, so it’s important to make a compelling first impression. After all, your cover art won’t just live on streaming platforms. It might also inform your social media presence, your videos, your website design, your ads, and more. That’s a lot of brand touch points, so it’s important to have a cover image that works well with your music.
#290: What every artist needs to know about mechanical royalties
What are mechanical royalties and how do you get them? If your music is not listed with the MLC, you’re missing out on mechanical royalties you’ve earned. That’s YOUR money! So how do you collect it? And just what is the MLC? We interviewed CEO Kris Ahrend for all the details, so this is a must listen!
Click HERE for the video that explains the MLC is 60 seconds.
#289: 10 creative challenges to get you out of your songwriting rut
Writer’s block happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating when you’re trying to create and coming up blank. If you’ve found yourself in a songwriting slump, try these fun challenges to dig out. You’ll emerge with a new perspective on your creative process, a revived outlook on music and — most importantly — a few new additions to your repertoire.
#288: Is social media dead for musicians?
When it comes to sustaining your music career, is social media… Dead? Dying? A zombie? Still the greatest tool we have, even though it’s killing our souls one post or doomscroll at a time? In this episode, Kevin and Chris take stock of the state of affairs with social media and its ability to move a music career forward.#287: The new rules for cover art
Contrary to the old idiom, people DO judge a book by its cover. And the same goes for music. If your release’s cover artwork is blurry, unnecessarily cluttered or just downright ugly, it could put off potential fans before they even click “Play.†In Part 1 of our 3-part series on cover art, we warn artists about some common mistakes, as well as provide guidelines you want to follow so your distribution goes smoothly.#286: Music predictions for 2022
Given that there’s no ONE path to success these days, CD Baby has made sure to empower artists in a myriad of ways: digital music revenue, publishing administration, sync licensing, physical manufacturing and distribution, social video monetization, label services, and more. That’s a LOT of the music industry right there. Which also means we have a lot of experts in-house who are shaping the present with an eye to the future. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss what their predictions were for the music business in 2022, particularly as it relates to independent artists. Do you have a prediction to share?#285: What independent musicians can learn from The Beatles’ Get Back
It may feel like there are few applicable lessons to learn from the unrivaled career of The Beatles. They were icons. They were giants. They were… mere mortals? Yep. Humans, just like the rest of us working musicians — bouncing between frustration and inspiration, struggling against their own flaws. And Peter Jackson’s recent 8-hour documentary ‘Get Back’ lays that bare. In this podcast episode, Chris and Cristina unpack the many universal lessons that creative people should learn after watching the Beatles’ process unfold in both catastrophic and triumphant ways.
#284: Releasing music for the first time
Are you planning to release your first song? Or… your first song in a while? There is a lot you’ll encounter along the way that might be new to you. Let’s talk about all the things you’ll need and need to know to ensure your music gets out there as quickly and efficiently as possible.#283 – Bryan Ewald: Artist endorsements and diversifying revenue
Even megastars “piece it together.” Ticket sales, merch, streaming, publishing, appearances, sponsorships, the list goes on. But how can a DIY musician earn a living via a diversified revenue stream that includes production, session work, and teaching? And how do you score a major endorsement deal at the indie level? In this episode, Kevin interviews Brian Ewald about with Paul Reed Smith Guitars endorsement and all his various endeavors that keep him a full time musician.#282: Band Vs. Solo Artist – How You Make Decisions
One decision, whether to go solo or work with a group, can have a huge impact on how you make, market, and monetize your music. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some of the differences and similarities between those two alternate paths for your music career. Plus listener questions.#281: E-commerce 101 for musicians
What separates full-time from part-time musicians often comes down to merch sales — not just at gigs, but ONLINE too. Do you have YOUR e-commerce game dialed in? Are you profitably selling shirts, hats, CDs, vinyl, mugs, posters, books, and VIP experiences to your website visitors and social followers? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through the foundations of e-commerce for musicians.#280: Jackie Venson – Adapting for success
In this episode, which was recorded at the 2021 virtual DIY Musician Conference, Jackie Venson details how she adapted for continued success during the uncertain times brought on by the pandemic. Not only has she maintained her career trajectory, but it has thrived in new ways she didn’t expect.
#279: Productivity hacks for musicians
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? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk 10 productivity hacks for independent musicians. Plus, they answer listener calls and questions.#278: 10 music videos you should be making right now
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 on a realistic timeline, and (most importantly) help you build your following.#277: Tips for getting back on the stage in 2021
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.#276: How I grew my Spotify monthly listeners over 2,000%!
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, Kevin and Chris talk to Cristina Cano of Siren & the Sea about her creative social content, her playlist pitching, and more.#275: How you know when you’re ready?
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 your career.#274: Create the perfect release plan
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.#273: 6 Music Trends that are wasting your time
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 to listener calls and emails.#272: The state of music streaming
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.
#271: Musicians guide to YouTube
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 platform in the world.
#270: What every artist is asking
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 at the start of 2021.