Add drama with a flat-six chord
The flat-six chord can add drama to your music, and with some exceptions, is best used sparingly in your songwriting. Read the post.
You can’t make money if you can’t take money: How to take payments as a musician
Having things to sell requires you to find a way to take your customers’ money, whether by credit card, online payment, check, or cash. Read the post.
The profound healing quality of music
An intense desire to create and share her music helped indie music artist Sarah Fimm recover from a debilitating accident and find gratitude for the lessons she learned. Read the post.
Word-of-mouth marketing: What it is, and how to generate it
Bobby Borg talks to Freddy Nager about word-of-mouth marketing and how to leverage it to boost your music career. Read the post.
10 marketing mistakes independent musicians make
In these videos, I break down the 10 things I see independent artists do — or fail to do — that leads to underachieving in their music careers. Here are the top 10 marketing mistakes independent musicians make. Read the post.
It’s the perfect year to produce an album this February!
We’re still in various stages of lockdown, so this February, why not sign up for the RPM Challenge or February Album Writing Month and create an entire album of new music in 28 days? Read the post.
Sixth chords add moody complexity to your music
Sixth chords have an inherent lack of identity and purpose that can be riveting — a sixth chord can provide ambiguity, set curiously dark moods, and add a layer of complexity to your music. Read the post.
The Flying V: The history of an iconic guitar
Since the first production electric guitar rolled out of its plant in 1936, Gibson has crafted some of the industry’s most iconic guitars — from the Les Paul and SG to the Memphis blues classic. But the lore and design of the Flying V and its modernistic siblings hold a special place in the Gibson catalog. Read the post.
How to use Spotify Canvas to add looping video to your streams
With Spotify canvas, you can include short looping videos that will play while your music streams. It’s a great way to increase shares and engagement, and it’s easy to use. Read the post.
How to plan, perform, and rock your Zoom gigs
Live-streaming has opened new opportunities for many musicians. It has also created new categories of challenges. These prep and performance tips can make your Zoom gigs the best they can be. Read the post.
Setting (and achieving) your music career goals for 2021
Get 2021 started right by adjusting your music career goals and plans to make the most of the continued lockdown. Use this list to get the ideas flowing and help you decide where to put your time and energy. Read the post.
Musicians who died in 2020
The list of notable musicians who died in 2020 is expansive, with Coronavirus and gun violence making unsettling contributions. A number of masters, mavericks, upstarts, and icons are now sadly part of the cast of musicians who have played their final note. Read the post.
Ninth chords add ambiance to your compositions
There are many kinds of ninth chords, and they can be used in different ways. This post explores different kinds of ninth chords and how you can use them, with plenty of examples of their use in popular music. Read the post.
10 posts to help you make more money with your music
As 2021 approaches, we’re sharing the Top 10 articles of 2020 that Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan, AKA the “Music Money Guys,” contributed with a focus on making money with your music. Read the post.
Gigging over Zoom: A case study
Throughout the pandemic, live-streamed performances have been a lifeline for many musicians, but the technical challenges can be significant. Here are some tips to help you share your music via Zoom. Read the post.