In episode #368 of the DIY Musician Podcast, we sit down with Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon, as well as one-half of the musical duo Pomplamoose and co-leader of Scary Pockets. Jack shares his unique insights on what he calls “the end of the follower era” in 2024. We dive into what it means to be a musician today, how the changing digital landscape affects creators, and why metrics still play a crucial role in shaping careers. Whether you’re an artist or simply curious about the future of content creation, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of social platforms, fan engagement, and much more.
#136: Mary Gauthier – Love, Trouble, and Indie Success
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n this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin interviews Americana Troubadour, Singer, and Songwriter Mary Gauthier. Mary is currently on a world tour to promote her new album, Trouble & Love. Mary is a shinning example of an how an independent artist can wrangle the music industry, find success, and stay independent. Mary shares her thoughts on the changing music industry, on building a team, connecting with fans, and creating and selling a record. Don’t miss this episode!
Check out Mary’s new album and tour dates on her website!
#124: Brian Thompson – Get Your Music Heard
This week on the DIY Musician podcast, Brian Thompson (also known online as Thorny Bleeder) joins us to talk about online music promotion and how the music business has changed over the course of his career. Brian started his own record label (Thorny Bleeder Records) in 2006 along with Jonathan Hetherington, and Greg Bradley (founders of Art Of Dying). As the company evolved it went from a label to an artist consultancy and Brian became a sought after social media guru, blogger, podcaster, and artist advocate. Listen, learn, and find out why Brian goes by “Thorny Bleeder” in the first place.
#081: Roundtable – Bolton Gets a Theme Song
In this exciting episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Bolton gets his very own theme song. That’s right, the world premiere of Mr. Billy’s “The Bolt.” In music related news: More speculations about Apple intentions with the newly acquired Lala and Rockband opens itself up to the indie music community. The Podcasters recap of last weeks episode with Howard Massey and share stories from their own musical projects. Plus your calls and emails!
#074: Roundtable – Bundle Up!
An interesting study on audio listening habits reveals surprising results. EMI launches Abbey Road Live a live music recording service that makes concert recordings available immediately after the show. Weezer bundles up with Snuggie to offer their fans a unique package. The Podcasters also revisit last weeks interview with Josh Rosenthal to discuss how targeting the right market can be just the thing to move your music career forward. Plus all of your feedback which includes a mysterious stranger’s rebuke of Bolton’s on-air name change.
#072: Roundtable – Google Your Tunes
In an unexpected move, Robert changes his on-air name to Bolton. Google throws its hat into the music game. MySpace offers stats for their artist profile pages. Is iTunes LP a real option for indie artists? These questions and topics addressed, plus the Podcasters take on your calls as we dive into the ever changing landscape of indie music online.
Want to weigh in with your opinions? Leave a comment below.
#067: Roundtable – Social Media, Music and You
iTunes, Twitter and Facebook updates in the news. Kevin and Robert bring everyone up to speed on their recent musical endeavors as summer draws to a close. Your questions and comments lead us into discussions on raising funds for the studio, using Twitter to get gigs and paying taxes on the road. Plus we’re already lining up great interviews for the fall. We’re back baby!
#066: Roundtable – We’re Back
After a brief summer hiatus, the podcasters are back with lots of indie tricks and tips for the working musician. In the news: whispers of a deal between Apple and record labels, code name: cocktail. A bill enters congress to grant royalties to recording artists for radio play. Of course it wouldn’t be a proper DIY Musician Podcast without discussions about Twitter and social networking. Kevin, Chris, and Robert recap the last episode and discuss U-stream and the future of online concerts. Plus, calls from our wonderful listeners.
In this podcast, Kevin references this article about Twitter Click Here to read it.
#064 Roundtable – Twitter Vs. Music Journalism
Watch Christopher Weingarten’s Twitter rant here.
In the News: The RIAA wins it’s case, The New iPhone 3.0 is finally released and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor bows out of social networking (or so he says). This week’s episode focuses on a video by Rolling Stone music critic Christopher R. Weingarten. Click the link below to watch. As always, calls, emails and now tweets, from our listening audience.
Mentioned in this episode. Robert’s (AKA Chris Bolton) Storylife Podcast
#061: David Gray – Anatomy of a Music Career
David Gray has done it all. He’s been a musician, songwriter, publisher, producer, A&R rep and worked for some of the most renowned record companies in the world. Currently he’s head A&R for Simon Cowell’s Syco Records label. You’ve probably seen some of the music reality shows they produce like, “America’s Got Talent, X Factor, and American Idol.” After the show is over, it’s David’s job to continue the artist’s development and help them create their albums. In this interview, conducted by the president of CD Baby, Brian Felsen, David shares his experience as a musician as well as an insider in the mainstream music business.
#060: Roundtable – Throw your Fans A Party!
Paste magazine launches their “save Paste” campaign in order to preserve one of the top selling music magazines in the country. Webcaster’s rights are debated in the White House. Twitter gets bigger and BIGGER. The podcaster’s recap last weeks interview with professor Nancy Baym and discuss viewing your music career as party which you continually throw for your fans. Plus Your emails and phone calls! It’s a DIY party for the independent musician!
#059: Nancy Baym – Online Fandom
Artists and musicians spend a lot of time communicating with their fan community, whether it be social networks, email, or just the music itself. With so much thought and energy going into fan communication, it funny how little time is actually spend considering the fan’s perspective. In this episodes, we hear from Nancy Baym, an Associate Professor in Communication Studies at the University of Kansas. She is an award-winning teacher on topics including the use of new communication technologies in creating identities, relationships and communities, interpersonal communication, and qualitative research methods. She has spent years studying online fandom to understand what communities like music fans a re really looking for. It might not be exactly what you think!
You can find more of Nancy Baym’s writing’s on here blog http://www.onlinefandom.com
#056: Roundtable – A Music Career Without Touring?
iTunes introduces variable pricing. Facebook stays on top. The podcasters recap our last episode, where David Nevue demonstrated that it’s entirely possible to make a living without the constant touring and gigging that most musicians do. But is this possible for the rest of us? Listen in as the broadcasters weigh in on this topic while sharing calls and comments from our audience.
Our new podcast T-shirts are here! Help support the podcast by sporting our stylish logo. You can buy it direct from CD Baby here – http://cdbaby.com/all/cdbabypodcast
#044: Roundtable – Polishing Your Performances
Revisiting Tom Jackson’s interview, the Podcasters offer their own thoughts on the importance of developing a great live show. Many of our listeners have taken up the Twitter challenge and called our listener line with tips and tricks for using Twitter and Facebook, plus more calls, questions, emails and comments from our audience. Â Have you identified any “moments” in your show? Have you made a serious mistake you’d like to share? What’s your favorite move on stage?
#042: Roundtable – Microblogging your music career
iTunes introduces tiered pricing. Microsoft releases SongSmith, a program that makes anyone a musician. NIN gives away 400GB of HD video. Kevin, Chris and Robert discuss Twitter and how micro-blogging and social networking can enhance your music career. 
Plus calls and emails from our amazing listeners: That’s you!
In episode 41 Alex Steininger mentioned questions that he gives to artists and bands to help them write a better bio and discover some specific story lines. To see some of those questions, Just Click Here!
#041: Roundtable – What’s Your Story?
Not-so-secret secrets revealed! Social media do’s and don’ts. What Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna have in common. YouTube teams up with Rumble Fish. Robert offers to throw a virtual snowball at Kevin. And the podcasters discuss the importance of knowing the story behind your music. Pour yourself a cup of hot coco, plug in your earbuds, and let the DIY Musician Podcast ring in the New Year.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Techipedia article on Social Networking Etiquette
#029: Ariel Hyatt – Social Networking Online
Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Friendster, YouTube and Flickr. Are you on these these websites? Do you know how to take advantage of their many features for self promotion and fan building? Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR and Ariel Publicity proselytizes that social networking is not just a quaint way of keeping track of your old high school buddies, but a critical element in finding success in your music career. Why? Because these are some of the most powerful marketing tools available and they are all free to use. Join us for this truly valuable interview with an expert in the field of marketing music online. Ariel shares all sorts of great tricks and tips. No matter if you are an occasional myspace user or seasoned social networker, Ariel has insights and strategies that we can all learn from. You may have to listen twice, just to absorb all the valuable advice!
Check out Ariel’s website http://arielpublicity.com
for more articles, books and resources for marketing your music online!