Here’s some of the best music advice we shared in 2025
As another year in the music industry comes to a close, one thing hasn’t changed: independent artists continue to adapt in new and exciting ways to push their music forward. At CD Baby, we’re proud to support that momentum with dependable, actionable guidance for musicians of all levels.
We’ve gathered the articles our independent artists found most helpful in 2025. They’re packed with practical tips, clear strategies, and real-world advice you can carry into next year and beyond. So take notes, bookmark this list, and start building the foundation for your next big milestone.
With so much data available, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually matters. This article breaks down the metrics that truly move your career forward and shows you how to use them to set smarter goals.
Pro tip: Already confident in your numbers? Explore softer metrics like industry networking and PR. Start with our networking checklist.
Press coverage is still valuable, but it takes careful planning and a strong pitch to secure coverage. This guide walks you through how to build your pitch and target the right journalists to earn your music the glowing headlines it deserves.
Pro tip: Your electronic press kit is essential to your pitch. Our EPK checklist shows you what to include and how to make it shine.
Short-form video remains one of the fastest ways to reach new listeners. This article shows how to create simple, authentic videos that highlight your talent without requiring a huge production setup.
Pro tip: Incorporate your short-form videos into a social media campaign.
This guide is a one-stop-shop of artists who want to understand modern music marketing and how to create a sustainable strategy. From social media and branding to goals and campaigns, get your feet under you within the fast-changing landscape of music marketing.
Pro tip: Looking to experiment with tactics a bit more before getting your marketing strategy together? Here are 29 ways to start promoting your music today.
Songwriter credits determine legal ownership and how royalties get paid. Getting them wrong can cause disputes, delays, or missing income. This guide explains how to credit collaborators accurately from day one.
Pro tip: Do you want to collaborate with an artist but unsure of how to start? CD Baby artist Lee Wilson has made a career fueled by collaborations. Learn from his story here.
If you’re planning to release an album, you need a strategy to ensure it resonates with your fans. From gathering assets for promotion to maintaining momentum after your release, it’s all in this guide.
Pro tip: Still deciding whether you should release a single, album, or EP? Check out our guide to formats here.
Ever feel like you’re promoting your music to a void? It’s a familiar struggle for countless independent artists. In this article, we’ve compiled 10 tried-and-true methods for cutting through the noise and finding your audience.
Pro tip: Already building your fanbase? Level up your strategy with our guide to building a fan funnel.
Waterfall releases have gone from “pro tip” to “industry standard.” This strategy helps you build anticipation while getting the most mileage out of an album or EP. Our guide walks you through how to plan a waterfall release with CD Baby.
Pro tip: Combine your waterfall releases with strong single-release strategies for maximum impact.
Excited about your new release but stuck staring at that “<1000” mark next to your song? This guide breaks down 1,000 streams into several achievable increments. It’s like learning a new song or part; take it in chunks and you’ll be rocking in no time.
Pro tip: Already at 1,000 streams on a track? Sounds like you have playlist potential. Learn how to get your music on Spotify playlists.
Did you know that cover art is one of the most common reasons releases get delayed or rejected? Streaming platforms enforce strict formatting and content guidelines, and even small mistakes can hold up your distribution. In this guide, you’ll learn the rules and how to design a compelling cover that makes a strong first impression.
Pro tip: Having trouble finding inspiration for your cover art? Start by building your artist branding.
Take your music further with CD Baby
We hope these articles give you a foundation for better releases, marketing, long-term planning and more. Thanks for trusting CD Baby with your music this year. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the new year.