When someone discovers your track through a Spotify playlist, radio, or a recommendation from a friend, the first thing they’ll … Continue reading
Are music critics too nice?
The snarky freelancer that tore your last release to pieces might be the exception to the rule. I’ve been pretty lucky when it comes to “press.” I did my own … Continue reading
Using Facebook Live to earn $74k in one year as a solo musician
How musicians should use Facebook Live to serve their audience first, and later reap the rewards. Last weekend at CD Baby’s DIY Musician Conference in Nashville, I rounded a corner … Continue reading
The 2017 DIY Musician Conference recap: CD Baby hosts three days of creativity, community, and career advice
The DIY musician community gathered in Nashville for a life-changing 3-day weekend of music biz education, live performances, and more. Yes. I just used the term “life changing.” No hyperbole. … Continue reading
Should You Stand at a Seated Venue?
I went to a show last night at a downtown concert hall. It was a classy-ish affair, with a veteran headliner and a crowd that leaned older – averaging somewhere in … Continue reading
How I Used Feature.fm to Get My Song onto 200 Deezer Playlists
Promoting your songs on Deezer using Feature.fm. Last month Feature.fm offered me a $100 credit to run a promo campaign for my newest single. CD Baby was thinking about a … Continue reading
“I’m a full-time solo pianist and I’ve made my living through streaming royalties”
How one DIY musician found her audience through music streaming. I remember as a kid, my mom had a bunch of records by legendary pianist George Winston in our family … Continue reading
A different take on making money from your music: The 6 different kinds of income sources
Balancing sanity and satisfaction (and your checkbook) in your music career. There are a bajillion articles, courses, and books on making money in the music industry. Heck, even my mastermind … Continue reading
Best Lyric Apps for On Stage
Relying on lyric sheets or chord charts during a performance It finally happened. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m thinking about leaning on a crutch on stage: a lyric … Continue reading
Concert guest-list etiquette for friends, family, and fans
When it comes to guest list spots and +1s, “free” can cost you. At most small listening venues and house shows, I’ve found your average audience member is expecting, even … Continue reading
A publishing split sheet for co-songwriters
Get it in writing and protect your publishing rights. You’ve just co-written a killer song. You’re psyched. But before you leave, before you celebrate, before you tweet about it, before … Continue reading