Your Spotify artist profile isn’t just a placeholder—it’s your storefront, your press kit, your digital merch table, and your virtual … Continue reading
How streaming is changing the way music is produced, and what you can do about it
Get more streams by understanding the new structure and sound of popular music. Streaming platforms are measuring success through new metrics, which is changing the way musicians are creating music, … Continue reading
5 signs your band is doomed
Does your musical project have an expiration date? For what seems like a lifetime, but is probably just a few short years, your band has been your life. Every waking … Continue reading
Get Your Spotify URI Before Release
What is a Spotify URI? A Spotify URI is a unique resource indicator code for music on their platform. It is a link to directly share your songs to fans, … Continue reading
Grow your email list and make a profit by GIVING AWAY your albums for free
How to build your audience (and NOT lose money) by giving away free CDs. Last year I started doing something kinda unusual. I offered to mail fans a FREE signed … Continue reading
How an indie hip-hop artist, Call Me Ace, charted on Billboard and iTunes
This direct marketing strategy helped me chart at #3 on iTunes and #50 on Billboard. It was all a dream: “I believe I can chart on Billboard with this album!” … Continue reading
Why nobody is noticing your music
Why can’t I get any recognition for my music? Why do other bands get the gigs when we’re clearly better musicians? Why can’t we book more gigs? We should be … Continue reading
Ad-supported streaming is contagious, and coming to your smart home device soon!
Free streaming tiers available to owners of two popular home devices. Amazon announced plans to make Amazon Music available for free — with ads — to Echo owners. Now Google … Continue reading
How to deal with stage fright without booze or drugs
The healthy way to confront stage fright as a performing musician. Beta blockers. A shot of booze. A couple beers. Sure, those can all have some effect when battling stage … Continue reading
5 ways you don’t understand your fans (and that’s why they’re tuning you out)
Do you really “know” your fans online? I don’t mean, like, having a clear picture of your target demographic or creating some fan avatar. I mean YOUR ACTUAL FANS. Are … Continue reading
How a songwriter in his 60s broke back into the music industry
Independent musician Daniel Antopolsky started building a music career in his 60s. I’ve written before about age in the music industry. In many respects, age isn’t an asset: the big and … Continue reading