In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel welcome Via to the show. Together, they delve into the intricacies of being categorized as a “female” musician within the industry, exploring their personal perspectives on this label. While some express frustration at the persistent emphasis on gender in their work, others view it as a meaningful community to belong to. They navigate the concept of multiple truths coexisting within identity and its impact on their journeys in the music industry.
#140: Roundtable – The Biggest Album launch in History?
In this edition of the remarkably entertaining and educational DIY Musician Podcast, The Bolt has a baby, Kevin launches a fan funding campaign (and gains a few grey hairs in the process) and the Podcasters discuss the surprise album release by U2. U2 partnered with Apple to give all iTunes users free access to their newest album. Apple and U2 are calling this the largest record release of all time. But not everybody is happy about the way Apple went about it.
In the news: CD Baby launches CD Baby Free! Now you can sell music on CDBaby.com without signup fees. More info on CD Baby Free here. Soundcloud is getting in the advertising game and select artists may reap the benefits. But will Soundclouds changes benefit indie musicians? Also . . . streaming music subscribers are growing in leaps and bounds.
Tune in for all this goodness and more!
#138: Roundtable – The importance of email marketing
In the news, CD Baby gets featured in the New York Times. A study finds that 91% of people surveyed use YouTube to listen to music before they buy it. BandPage now allows artists to sell merch and more on Spotify. And CD Baby launches a new music player!
The Podcasters also discuss the importance of email marketing to the modern artist. Is building an email list still worth it? Is social media a replacement for email? What techniques should artists use to build and maintain an email list? Listen in and leave your feedback in the comments below!
#135: Roundtable – Does your artist image matter?
Soundcloud removes music creation tools from their popular app. Google buys Songza. Music Vault opens their vault by publishing 12,000 concert videos on YouTube. The podcasters discuss a recent blog article from the DIY Musician Blog by Brandon Seymour Your image is more important than your music — especially if you’re an indie artist. Plus, your emails and phone calls!
Mentioned in this Podcast:
Read the study at West Point HERE
#133: Roundtable – Is Music Dead?
Is music dying? Recent comments by Apple’s Eddie Cue, who spearheaded Apple’s iTunes store, suggest the music industry may be taking its last gasp:
“Music is dying,” said Cue. “It hasn’t been growing. You see it in the number of artists. This past year in iTunes, it’s the smallest number of new releases we’ve had in years.”
– via readwrite
And, in other news, the internet is buzzing about a controversial announcement by YouTube. Listen in, and find out what the buzz is all about!
Articles mentioned in this show:
Apple Bought Beats Because “Music Is Dying”
#127: Roundtable – The Pandora Problem
Pandora is one of the most popular internet radio apps available. Loved and listened to by millions, Pandora is also at the center of a heated debate about music streaming royalties. Pandora argues they are unfairly forced to pay royalties way above what terrestrial radio pays, while artist rights organizations believe artists and labels deserve every penny. Join the podcasters as they explore this sticky issue and offer their own insights. What are your thoughts on The Pandora Problem? Let us know in the comments below or give us a ring and leave a message 360.524.2209.
Mentioned in this show:
My Song Got Played On Pandora 1 Million Times and All I Got Was $16.89
#125: Roundtable – How Much Are Musicians Paid to Play?
In the news: Pandora’s controversial tactics to reduce what they pay artists. Japan is poised to take the lead as world’s biggest music seller. And Amazon releases its first “Cities That Rock List” a compilation of US cities that sell the most music.
In this episode we asked CD Baby musicians how much they get paid when they gig. Find out what what your fellow musicians are getting paid and get tips on how to make more money from your gigs and choose gigs that pay more than others. If you’re looking to make more than just drink tickets at your next gig, this episode is for you.
Let us know how much you get paid or ask us a question we can answer on the show.
#120: Roundtable – Are You Ready To Go Viral?
Rumors of the DIY Podcast’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Mark Twain, on the other hand, is quite dead. In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Chris, Kevin, and the Bolt investigate what a musician needs to be prepared for if he or she becomes suddenly successful online. Some artists seem to be ready and take full advantage of a viral event, while others are little-prepared and thus fall into a drug-infused tailspin that leads them to a life of debauchery and petty crime. Wouldn’t you rather be prepared? Find out what the podcasters have to say on the subject of viral preparedness.
Tuck, duck, and Rock n’ Roll my friends, the DIY Musician Podcast is back!
#119 Roundtable – Are Your Fans Stealing Your Music?
Well it’s been debated all over the internet in recent weeks. An intern at NPR, Emily White, sparked a huge controversy in the music blogging world, when she admitted to not paying for all the music she owned.
We’ll explore both sides of the controversy and throw our thoughts into the ring. Plus, we’ve got the latest music news and more.
Check out the DIY Musician article mentioned in our podcast here
And for those who thought we’d thrown in our hats, we’ve just had a little less time to devote to new podcast episodes, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still fighting the good fight for independent musicians everywhere. Thanks for sticking with us!
#118: Roundtable – The Big Three: Apple, Google, and Facebook
Apple, Google and Facebook are the new media giants of our time. How do these companies affect the livelihoods of independent musicians who want to sell their music online? How do recent announcements by all three companies affect the way music is bought and consumed? The podcasters investigate these topics and share tips on preparing for the new Facebook timeline transition which will be enforced as of March 30st.
Article From the DIY Musician:
Using the New Facebook Timeline Feature to Market Your Music
#114: Roundtable – Summer of Changes in Music
We’re back! And with all sorts of news, tips and artist feedback.
In the news: Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple. Wildly popular UK music streaming service, Spotify launches in the US. MySpace promises a relaunch that will compete with the likes of iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. Google+ launches a music blog and more!
Join in the conversation in the comments below!
Sell your song on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and more! Only $9.95.
Videos from Kevin’s musical trip  to Africa are HERE.
YouTube xylophone mentioned in podcast
Photo: RossBelmont
#113: Roundtable – Why YouTube Pulled Your Video and Other Music Mysteries Solved
iTunes releases juicy details about iTunes Match, a service that some say “legalizes piracy” and others say “monetizes it.” Pandora’s public offering doesn’t fair well for the popular music streaming company. Facebook starts randomly changing things and Kevin (and others) get upset. The Podcaster discuss getting a Wikipedia musician page in relation to this article: How to Create a Wikipedia Page for Your Band/Music
A podcast listener shares an interesting email about the dangers of getting your music videos pulled from YouTube and the podcasters discuss this and other copyright issues on YouTube.
Plus lots of other tips, anecdotes, listener calls and bad jokes by Kevin, Chris and the Bolt.
Have you ever had a video pulled from YouTube or a page pulled from Wikipedia? Share your stories in the comments below.
#108: Roundtable – Your Best Music Career Stories
Thievery, Revenge, and Karate moves gone wrong! In this episode of the DIY musician podcast, musician share their stories of triumph, hilarity and defeat. Find out who wins the grand prize for best music career story and walks away with a free duplication package from CD Baby. Join Kevin, Chris, and The Bolt as they discuss happenings in the music industry and share your emails and stories. Â You won’t want to miss this episode!
#106: Roundtable – For Love or Money?
In the News: There’s a new baby in town and her name is BookBaby. Apple makes lots and lots of money. MySpace cuts half its staff. MTV has something new up its sleeve and it (apparently) involves music.
In this episode Kevin and the Bolt discuss an article written by their fellow podcaster, Chris Robley, on the DIY Musician Blog. The article, “Should artists have to work a second job?” stirred up quite a few opinions and stories in the comments section of the blog. These stories and others are shared as Kevin and the Bolt explore the frustrations that many artists feel when their hard work fails to produce hard cash.
#105: Roundtable – Bring on the New Year!
What will the future hold? Flying cars, teleporters, and instant beauty pills? The Podcasters are back with predictions for the future and reflections on the past. Join Kevin and the Bolt as they discuss this years notable developments in music and technology and posit their own predictions for what 2011 will mean for the independent musician.  Was there a major story for 2010 you thought we missed?  Do you have a prediction for the coming year you’d like to share?  Please weigh in on our listener line or email us.
#104: Roundtable – Why We’re Not Afraid of Pirates and Other Indie Tales
In this spell binding, spine tingling, breathe taking episode of the CD Baby DIY Musician Podcast, the Podcasters investigate such mysteries as: “Why did it took so long for the Beatles to finally get on iTunes?” “Why aren’t young folks going out to concerts anymore?” and “Is MySpace in bed with Facebook?” In addition to these topics Kevin, Chris, and the Bolt will prove their bravery by ignoring the dangers of digital piracy and discussing the topic unabashedly while making bad jokes with wild abandon. If that isn’t enough action, adventure, and intrigue . . . There are also calls, comments, and tips from our listening audience. Hold on to your hats and get ready for a podcastic ride!
#103: Roundtable – News, Fan Funding, Sound Exchange and a Special Offer
Listeners to this episode will be privy to a special deal from both CD Baby and HostBaby. So don’t miss it. In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast: UK music subscription service Spotify shares some positive results, Ustream unveils new features, and Apple launches iLife 11. The Podcasters discuss fan funding projects and dig into last weeks interview with Bryan Calhoun of Sound Exchange.  Thanks for all the great listener comments!
On the show, Kevin reads an email by Sarah Donner, who is seeing some success by connecting her videos to the right niche market. Â You can check out her video for the Center Pivot Irrigation Song here.
#100: Roundtable – The 100th Episode Extravaganza!
Break out the champagne and celebrate with the dynamic trio (Chris, Kevin and the Bolt) as they celebrate 100 episodes and 3 years of the DIY Musician Podcast by shooting silly string at each other and making bad jokes. In this special episode, the podcasters talk about Ping (Apple’s new social network), reflect on the past three years of podcasting magic and share their favorite episodes. They also offer stories about where they were when the podcast started and where their music and careers are now. Throughout the podcast, musicians from around the world call in to share their appreciation for the podcasters and their work. Don’t miss this one!
Check out our new podcast archives page to view our past episodes or download them from iTunes.
Get $20 off from Tom Jackson HERE!
#099: Roundtable – Fan Funding
Apple announces a new music event. The ever popular Pandora radio adds genre stations. MySpace updates their band pages. The Bolt gets a free T-Shirt. The Podcasters discuss last weeks interview with Brian Meece of Rockethub. Plus your phone calls and other indie goodies.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
DIY Musician article on Pandora: How to Get Your Music on Pandora Radio
Hello Morning’s Rockethub page
#095: Roundtable – Everybody Have Fun Tonight!
Apple announces the new improved iPhone (optimized for video). YouTube adds video editing. Thom York of Radiohead claims the music industry is dying. Kevin recaps his show opening for the British new wave group, Wang Chung. The Podcasters discuss last weeks semi-explicit interview with Martin Atkins. Plus, calls and emails from our totally rock’n audience.
Don’t forget to call or Email with your questions for Tom Jackson (Interviewed in Episode 43)
#093: Roundtable – Twitter’s Slow Dive and Facebook’s Face Plant
In the news, Facebook has caused quite a stir with privacy and policy changes that have left many looking for an alternative social network. Avid Twitter user John Mayer, a musician with over 3.2 million followers, decides that Twitter is . . .over. CD Baby launches its new singles program. In news of less concern, Kevin’s band gets a gig opening for Wang Chung! As always, the podcasters take your calls and discuss your thoughts and suggestions.
#092: Roundtable – Cover Songs As Marketing Tools
Income from performance royalties is on the rise according to ASCAP. YouTube is working on a new streaming-video rental model. Facebook now allows users to “unlike” things. The Podcasters revisit last week’s interview with Scott Sellwood and discuss how cover songs offer unique marketing possibilities. Plus, calls and emails from our incredibly talented and intelligent listening audience.
#090: Roundtable – The iPad and the Future of Music
How will the iPad and devices like it change the way we listen to and create music? Is this technology a step forward or a step back in computing? Kevin makes his predictions about the future of independent music and Chris and Bolton weigh in with their thoughts. Listener feedback, laughs and great indie tips! Join in the discussion!
Bolton’s Amazing Social Networking Icon Maker: http://socialnetworkingicons.com
#089: Roundtable – Listener Feedback Galore!
You’ve emailed, called, and left comments on our blog. You’ve got tips, and opinions, and stories about being an indie artist. You hate or love our guests. You miss calling Bolton, Robert. You want to plug your band. Well your voices will be heard! And even more so than usual. In this episode we’ve dedicated the whole podcast to you, our listening audience. Lots of calls and lots of fun (is that too cheesy?).  So, you didn’t have a chance to call  to make it in this episode?  Don’t worry, you can always call our listener line for inclusion in a future episode.
#087: Roundtable – The Value of Music
The value of music is undeniable. Music is woven into the fabric of every human culture. The digital age has made more music available for cheaper than ever before. This is an exciting time for music listeners because of the unprecedented variety available. This is an amazing time for musicians because they have access to millions of potential fans through the internet. The flipside to all this availability is decline in monetary value assigned to music. People expect more for less. As a musician, should you find hope or dismay in the state of the industry? The CD Baby Podcasters find both and everything in between in this lively discussion which revolves around last weeks interview with Chris Anderson. Also, our listeners weigh in with good points, agreements and disagreements. Don’t miss this one!