Real, live, in-person gigs are finally happening again! That means you should start thinking about getting back out on the road and on stage. But what if it’s your first time out, or your first time in a long time? Or you’re just looking for a leg up in the hyper competitive world of independent music? You should consider working with a talent buyer to help you book the right venues for your music. Talent buyer Jeff Tuohy joins the podcast to discuss everything you need to know to work with a talent buyer and book all the gigs you could ever play.
#295: The Post-Pandemic Plan for Musicians
After two years of false starts and canceled tours, it’s finally time to plan for a post-pandemic music career. But with so many changes in the music industry, how do you get back on track? We’ll review the challenges you’ll face and provide helpful tips on booking tours, getting back on stage, marketing your music and much more.
#294: Before you remove your music, listen to this!
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?
#287: The new rules for cover art
#286: Music predictions for 2022
#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
#283 – Bryan Ewald: Artist endorsements and diversifying revenue
#282: Band Vs. Solo Artist – How You Make Decisions
#281: E-commerce 101 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
#278: 10 music videos you should be making right now
#277: Tips for getting back on the stage in 2021
#276: How I grew my Spotify monthly listeners over 2,000%!
#275: How you know when you’re ready?
#274: Create the perfect release plan
#273: 6 Music Trends that are wasting your time
#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.