Things every musician and songwriter can learn from McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner, a giant of jazz piano, embodied powerful lessons that music-makers of any sort can learn from. Read the post.
disc makers
Ben Folds’ “2020” — A case study for indie artists
From songwriting ideas to recording technique, there’s a lot you can learn from the songwriter’s tragi-comic recording-in-quarantine project. Read the post.
Tailor your music marketing campaigns for different types of media
To boost the effectiveness of your marketing, you need to understand the four different types of media channels. Each requires a different approach and in this article, we explain how to use the first two to get the message out about your music. Read the post.
Neighboring rights and SoundExchange
In our sixth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses neighboring rights and SoundExchange, the organization that tracks and pays those royalties. Read the post.
How to record a snare drum
Producer/engineer/studio owner Jon Marc Weiss discusses miking techniques when recording a snare drum along with a full drum kit. Read the post.
“Ladder up” and connect your music to something big
Excerpted from “Branding For Musicians: Getting People to Care,” this post uses some notable industry examples to bring a focus on what you can do to ladder up and connect to something aspirational. Read the post.
Using niches to grow your fanbase
To build or grow your following and help others discover your music, you should target niches. To market this effectively, you need to know your target niche’s culture and the type of entertainment they love. Read the post.
The functional relationship between math and music
The relationship between math and music extends to many elements of both, and studying one can lead to success in the other. If nothing else, the connection is an interesting one to explore. Read the post.
Performance royalties and PROs
In our fifth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses performance royalties, the PROs (ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC) who collect them, and why you’re probably not getting all you deserve. Read the post.
Prepping for a podcast interview
Podcast interviews can be powerful outreach for indie artists of all genres. Here are some ways to set yourself up for success once the red light goes on. Read the post.
Merch strategies for your live streams
While it may be easier to sell merch when you’re performing live and in person, there are techniques you can use to promote and sell your merch while streaming online. Read the post.
You need a music marketing plan
Bobby Borg talks to Freddy Nager about the value of creating a marketing plan and the important distinction between a mission statement and a vision statement. This post and video will get you thinking critically about planning your future and visualizing how to get there. Read the post.
What are mechanical royalties (and how do I get mine)?
In our fourth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses mechanical royalties — the money that gets paid to the songwriter or publisher for the “reproduction of your song.” Read the post.
Five things you need more than that new guitar
On Episode 214 of the CLIMB podcast, Johnny Dwinell makes the argument that, whether you know it or not, you’re in the media business, and you need to invest in that aspect of your music career. Read the post.
How to get better results mixing in your home studio
From stereo placement to EQ, busing to reverb, veteran music producer and engineer Jon Marc Weiss gives pro advice and insights on how to manage your mix in your home studio. Read the post.