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independent music artists

young women buying CDs

Want to double your merch and CD sales? Here’s how to do it.

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023 Tony van Veen

There are simple ways to boost merch and CD sales at gigs — but you’ve got to have merch and CDs to do it! Read the post.

headphones in the foreground in front of CDs

Streaming vs. CDs — Who wins?

January 6, 2023January 27, 2023 Tony van Veen

We live in a streaming world — yet revenues from physical media (i.e., CDs and vinyl LPs) continue to grow every year. Read the post.

indie music artist failing at piano

How to fail as an indie music artist (in 7 easy steps)

December 2, 2022December 23, 2022 Andre Calilhanna

Music success is fine for some, but if you really want to fail at this whole indie music thing, here’s a sure-fire recipe to achieve that goal. Read the post.

cynical musician upset because his distributor won't promote music

CD Baby won’t promote my music? Why not?

October 3, 2022October 3, 2022 Tony van Veen

Frustrated because your distributor isn’t doing enough to promote your music? The problem isn’t your distributor, it’s your expectations and understanding of who is responsible for driving demand for your product. Read the post.

superfans at a concert

How to make a superfan in 90 seconds

July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 Tony van Veen

Here’s my real-life story of how an artist I like took 90 seconds and converted me into a superfan. Read the post.

streaming revenue as depicted by a tiny $100 bill

The real reason you’re not seeing streaming revenue

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 Tony van Veen

Let me tell you a little secret… the reason you’re not seeing streaming revenue is because no one is discovering your recordings. Read the post.

graphic of CDs with Bandcamp logo insert

Sell your CDs online: Stake a tent at Bandcamp

March 31, 2022December 23, 2022 Andre Calilhanna

Ready to start selling CDs and merch online? Bandcamp offers a customizable solution with the independent musician in mind. Read the post.

woman shopping for CDs — there's a CD revival

There’s a CD revival in the making

February 24, 2022August 2, 2022 Tony van Veen

CD sales are up for the first time in over a decade, and we take a dive into the DIY market to explore the details of what’s being hailed as a CD revival. Read the post.

music success

Don’t stand in the way of your own music success

February 1, 2022February 24, 2022 Tony van Veen

Stepping outside of your comfort zone, by definition, makes you uncomfortable. But you might need to try something new to find success in your music career. Read the post.

music industry predictions

Tony’s 2021 recap and 2022 predictions for the music industry

December 20, 2021February 24, 2022 Tony van Veen

Let’s take a look back at the year in review and go out on a limb for what could happen in 2022. We’re in unpredictable territory, but there are encouraging trends in the music industry. Read the post

demand for your music

Your #1 job as a music artist? Create demand for your music.

July 20, 2021December 21, 2021 Tony van Veen

There are two million songs released every month. But those artists, those songs, are not your competition. Your success is driven by your commitment and patience. And your great music. Read the post.

social media

Promoting your music on social media: It’s all about you

June 25, 2021June 25, 2021 Tony van Veen

Promoting your music act via social media is no time to be coy. Make it about you and all the cool things you do. Read the post.

indie artist

You’re an indie artist — do you need legal protection?

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 Tony van Veen

When music becomes more than just a pastime and you set out to write, play, and release music, it’s time to consider steps you should take to protect yourself. Read the post.

music biz

Can you trust anyone in the music biz?

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021 Tony van Veen

Let’s face it, most emerging artists are inexperienced in the ways of the music biz and can’t always identify a fraudster from a legitimate resource. Here are 11 things you can do to avoid getting ripped off. Read the post.

YouTube Content ID

Why anyone can upload your music to YouTube (and why they haven’t been sued out of existence)

February 19, 2021February 15, 2022 Tony van Veen

YouTube is the world’s largest music-discovery platform, where indie musicians can monetize their music and anyone can post whatever they want, whether they own the rights or not. What does that mean for you and your music? Read the post.

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