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…

You’ve finished your first recording, but how do you turn that into the start of an actual music career? In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss the essential steps you should take to begin (or restart) your music career on the right footing, make a good impression, and build your “brand” with intention. Plus some…

Recorded live at the 2016 DIY Musician Conference with Tony van Veen, Karen Marie Mason, Bob Baker, Martin Atkins, Chris Robley and Mark Hornsby. A solid hour of 60 quick tips on marketing, social media, songwriting, recording, distribution, PR, and artist management, jammed into a single, high-impact hour, presented by experts with decades of experience. Better…

The first step in establishing a playlisting presence on Spotify is to create your own playlists, seed them with your own music, and attract followers. But what works? What’s a waste of time? How do you get Spotify to take notice? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about their own recent playlisting experiences and…

Getting your music onto a popular Spotify playlist is the modern-day equivalent of having a hit song in a local radio market. It’s an important step in reaching a larger following, and it can drive significant revenue. But you don’t just GET a song placed in a curated Spotify playlist. You need to work your…

Checking the data — it’s probably NOT the most inspiring aspect of your music career, right? But the key to success could be waiting just below the surface of those daily reports and analytics. You just need to make a habit of looking, noticing the trends, and adjusting to the unexpected. That’s what Kevin Breuner…

We love getting listener feedback, whether it comes in on our listener line, by email, or in comments and tweets. As 2016 nears its close, Kevin and Chris use this final episode of the year to answer listener questions, recap some big music streaming news, and more. Happy holidays!

“Christmas time is here again,” as the Beatles once sang, bringing with it a huge spike in music sales, streaming activity, concert opportunities, YouTube ad revenue, tablet and smartphone purchases, and more. Is your music ready to conquer Christmas this year? In this episode, Kevin and Chris draw up plans for you to make the…

Are you really ready to release your new music? In the frenzied juggling act that leads up to the launch of a new song or album, it’s easy to miss some crucial things, or let them slip through the cracks because you’re over-eager, under-prepared, or just not properly informed. In this episode, DIY musician and musician…