If you’re like most artists, you’ve been collecting fan emails to build that coveted email list. However, once you build that list, it’s hard to figure out what to send so your emails continue to feel fresh and useful to the people who subscribe. On this episode of the podcast, Cheryl Engelhardt is going to…

As musicians, we work hard to get press coverage. But when the moment arrives, we sometimes squander the opportunity, or worse, let it go completely off the rails. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss five surefire ways to ruin a press opportunity or interview. Oh, and how NOT to ruin your moment in the…

Independent musicians today have LESS time and MORE responsibilities. Plus, we can waste a lot of hours just daydreaming. How do you juggle all the DIY tasks without dropping the ball or wandering off track? In this episode Kevin talks with Suzanne of Rockstar Advocate about time-management strategies, finding a place of efficiency that balances…

Artists that create original music will make more money from on-demand streaming over the next five years. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss two recent wins for songwriters in the world of music streaming: a huge hike in interactive mechanical royalty rates, and the addition of songwriter and producer credits in Spotify’s track-level metadata….

Show.co’s music marketing tools make it easy for you to create online campaigns that will get your fans to take specific actions. But the effectiveness of these tools is directly related to the thought and creativity you put into your campaigns. In this episode, Kevin and Chris tell you how to get the most out…

Getting gigs and building out a tour is always a challenge for indie musicians. In this episode, Craig Grossman talks about how to utilize three proven methods for networking, contacting venues, and closing bookings. This episode, which was recorded at the 2017 DIY Musician Conference, will also teach you how to organize all the data…

What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for independent musicians in 2018, and what lessons can they carry forward from the past year? In this episode, Kevin and Chris do some soul searching, and a little industry analysis, to ask questions about where DIY artists stand right now. Plus, a bunch of great listener calls and…

Want to know how to grow your YouTube channel and increase audience interaction? In this session recorded at the 2017 DIY Musician Conference, YouTube’s Ted Kartzman chats with Hip Hop artist Illmac to break down the steps Illmac took to truly own his audience on YouTube.

Releasing singles is arguably more important for artists today than any time since the 1960s. But is there a RIGHT way to release a single?  In this episode, Chris and Kevin talk about five key strategic concepts you should apply to the launch of any single. Plus, some great listener calls. Our publishing split sheet…

It’s not too late for your music to get a bump from the holiday season’s dependable spike in streaming, YouTube, and music-buying activity. Are you and your songs ready? In this episode, Kevin and Chris run down a list of both standard and unusual holiday promotion tips for your music — plus, a discussion about…

Streaming success often involves bucking conventional music industry wisdom. Are bad habits holding you back on Spotify? In this episode, Chris and Kevin talk about common areas where artists are either missing opportunities or shooting themselves in the foot. Plus, they answer lots of listener calls. The Spotify article mentioned in the news section can…

The tools are there for you to monetize with Live Streaming! See what Dawn Beyer did to make over $74,000 in one year using FB Live and how you can too. Walk away with a clear understanding of how to use the tools to better engage and monetize your audience. You will also learn how…

There’s a big difference between making your music available and making your music connect. Thousands of new albums and singles are being “released” every day. But how do you make sure YOUR NEXT RELEASE will make an impact? In this discussion, you’ll hear from CD Baby’s Patrick Griffin, Anna Held, Ben Hubbird, and Chris Robley…

“I feel like I got $1000+ worth of information at the DIY Musician Conference,” said guitarist Lance Allen. If you weren’t with us in Nashville, we can’t give you a time machine, but we CAN share some takeaways, tips, and highlights. In this episode, Kevin and Chris recap their 2017 conference experience and also answer…

“How can I build a successful career without going on tour?” That’s one question we get asked a lot on the DIY Musician Podcast. Whether your travels are limited by a job, a family, or a disdain for sharing a van with stinky bandmates for weeks on end, in this episode, taped in front of…

What can artists learn and experience at 2017’s DIY Musician Conference in Nashville? In this episode, Kevin and Chris give a detailed conference preview to help you plan your trip. Plus Soundcloud news, listener questions, and a necessary game of bad cop/bad cop.    

Spotify’s recent “fake artist” issue: a real streaming rights conspiracy, or a whole lot of nothing?  Who gets to decide what a “real artist” is anyway? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through the controversy and also answer real emails and real phone calls from real listeners. Articles referenced in this episode: http://bit.ly/2uvhPxo http://bit.ly/2uvf8vV http://bit.ly/2v6pweV…

Many of the things you’ve probably heard about music streaming are wrong, yet those myths persist. Why? In this episode, Kevin and Chris debunk some of the prevalent music streaming myths, try to separate truth from fiction, and talk about the factors that have muddied the discussion within the music industry thus far. Plus, news…

Are you making a clear and powerful impression with your music releases, career choices, merch, visuals, and shows? In this episode, Chris and Kevin discuss five things they learned about artist branding from Jack White’s Third Man Records. Plus, big news about Spotify “payola,” a SCOTUS ruling on The Slants’ band name, and more. See…

Kevin last spoke to Cathy on Episode #169 of the podcast where she detailed the opportunities in the world of sync licensing for independent artists. That episode garnered a lot of positive feedback with the top question being, “How do I turn that inspiration into action?” In this episode, Cathy details much of her processes that…

There’s a good reason why “poor musician” jokes abound: we aren’t known — by and large — for our financial acumen. Have you found yourself complaining about not making any money in this biz? Well, maybe it’s not just bad luck. It could be a bunch of small (and avoidable) mistakes that have kept you…

Anyone can point a smartphone and hit the Facebook Live button. But can you put on a real SHOW through Facebook Live? IN this episode, Kevin talks with Wade Sutton and Amanda Jones about how they used Facebook’s streaming video feature — and a whole lot of planning and practice — to turn a live…

What rights are you entitled to when you create original music? WHY and HOW should you copyright your music? What happens if you don’t properly register your copyrights with the Library of Congress? How do you put together an agreement that’ll keep your band members happy and motivated? In this episode, entertainment lawyer Jim Jesse (RockNRollLaw.com) joins…

Yes, the entertainment industry is obsessed with newness and youth, but your age doesn’t have to be an obstacle to success. In fact, if you play it right, your history can be an asset. In this episode, Chris and Kevin talk about some ways to make sure you’ll have a long-term career that matures with…

The biggest thing holding your music back might be YOU! In this episode you’ll hear Jack Conte (of the band Pomplamoose) talk about the importance of creative momentum, the crippling effect of premature self critique, and why you need to put out as much music as possible to create the widest “funnel” for your potential…