Overcoming obstacles with creativity, drive, and talent
Blind musician and motivational speaker Joey Stuckey is proof that following the four pillars of success can help you overcome whatever obstacles are in your way. Read the post.
indie musician
Are we witnessing the rebirth of physical media?
With the explosion of music streaming, physical media appeared to be out for the count. However, the majors are now reporting physical music revenue growth compared to 2018. Heck, even cassettes are making a comeback. Read the post.
Set goals for 2020 and plan for a year filled with music (and money)
Kick 2020 off right by making achievable goals and plans now. Use this list to help you decide where to put your time and energy to set music goals for 2020 and make it your best music year ever. Read the post.
You need to sell merch — here’s why
Why pass up the chance to make additional revenue, build your artist brand, and cement a special connection with your fans?
Read the post.
How to get your music on streaming music stations
There’s a universe of streaming music stations to explore where you can get your music played to grow your fanbase and get coverage of you and your music. Read the post.
The importance of merch for today’s working musician
Being blind hasn’t stopped Joey Stuckey from living a life of intention, joy, and music-making. He also helps design and sell his merch, which is a big part of his revenue stream as an indie artist. Read the post.
Stop saying your songs are “great”
If the market decides your songs are forgettable, then guess what? Your songs are forgettable. If the market, the listeners, decides that your new album is not worth their time… they’re right. They get to decide if your songs are great. Read the post.
How Much Does Streaming Pay?
When you analyze the money you can earn from streaming, you’ll find it’s difficult (at best) to earn enough to support yourself as an artist. But streaming is still valuable: it can be a gateway to discovery and other means of monetizing your fan base. Read the post.
A release strategy to fill your yearly calendar
Your best social media strategy is to entertain your fans throughout the year rather than just drop an album and disappear into the studio for 12 months. Create a strategy to make your fans anticipate your every release — music, videos, merch, and more — and attract new fans in the process. Read the post.
The Indie Music Minute’s greatest hits
Here are three of our most popular Indie Music Minute videos so far, tackling the topics of being your own record label, mixing vs. mastering, and getting a mechanical license for YouTube. Read the post.
Stop failing at music (and be a smart CEO)
As an independent musician, you own a small business — and it’s time you realized it. To stop failing at music, you need to be a smart CEO. Read the post.
Train to succeed in the music business
People train for everything: marathons, driving tests, hotdog-eating competitions! Why on earth wouldn’t you train for something as huge, as dangerous, as awe inspiring, as being able to succeed in the music business? Read More.
Pricing merch for sales and profit
While pricing merch competitively is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are a number of other factors to consider if you want merch to be really profitable. Read More.
From your brand to your fans: Making music merch work for you
What’s in an artist brand? How do you develop one? And how do you best integrate your brand into your music merch endeavors? Read More.
Getting out of a creative rut
If your music career spans any length of time, there will be those inevitable periods when you find yourself in a creative rut. The challenge is knowing how to work your way out and get back to the business of making your art. These tips can help. Read More.