The weird and wonderful realities of a life in music. This article is not about how being a member of a band somehow elevates you to a god-like status, nor … Continue reading
Music Career Tips
Being a musician is more than just plugging in your instrument. Learn tips on how to advance your music career on stage and beyond. Here you’ll find information about touring, how to make money with merch, how to brand yourself, and other ways to develop your music project into a business.
Leave ‘em wanting more (instead of wanting you to get off the stage)
We’ve all been at a show or played on a bill where a well-intentioned opening band has taken liberties. Maybe they had a few too many comped drinks before their … Continue reading
3 things every musician should remember, no matter where you are in your career
Don’t wait for the big dreams; WORK for the small victories. I wanted to share a few thoughts I had while in Spain during CD Baby’s DIY Musician Conference EU. … Continue reading
Taxes for USA-based musicians: how to file, when to claim income, and what expenses to deduct
Tax advice for DIY musicians. [Disclaimer: This advice does NOT substitute for consulting with a tax professional, and you are always under obligation to comply with IRS guidelines. For additional … Continue reading
20 stories of creative musical independence, Pt. 2: Gospel Lee
“Quality Hip Hop Your Mom Would Be Proud Of.” Gospel Lee is a study in the power of knowing your niche, knowing what to do with it once you figure … Continue reading
Musical teamwork: the pillars of effective collaboration
10 things to remember when you’re working with other musicians. I just got back from Oregon where I played the part of Peter Gabriel in a re-creation of his Secret … Continue reading
How to choose an artist name that’s Google-friendly
Is Your Artist Name Getting Lost On Google? Musicians: Don’t be “UnGooglable!” Is it “unGooglable?” Is it “unGoogle-able?” Whatever, I think you get the point: You need your music, your … Continue reading
The little known secret to booking gigs consistently
The key to playing more (and better) shows. Remember the first time you picked up your instrument? What about the first song you learned to play or sing? For me, … Continue reading
20 stories of creative musical independence, Pt. 1: John Sifuentes
3 ways to make big moves in a small music town. 2018 marks CD Baby’s 20th anniversary, and I wanted to take some time this year to highlight twenty stories … Continue reading
Musicians, there is no “next level”: It’s all about setting specific goals
What I learned at Folk Alliance International. I just spent a few days in Kansas City for the 30th Folk Alliance International, a conference where thousands of musicians gather from … Continue reading