In Episode 353 of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack delves into a riveting conversation with the seasoned musician and author, Shannon Curtis. This episode unveils the fascinating story behind Curtis's viral hit, offering a glimpse into the magic that propelled her into the spotlight. Beyond the music, Curtis discusses the success of her intimate house concert tours, providing a unique perspective on connecting with audiences on a personal level and making it profitable. Curtis generously shares her approach to giving back to her fans, creating a bond that transcends the traditional artist-fan dynamic. Join Jack and Shannon Curtis on this enriching episode as they explore the multifaceted facets of her artistic journey, offering a profound look into the life of a truly independent and inspiring musician.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina sits down with DIY Musician regulars Rachel and Jack to delve into their New Year's creative resolutions, share insightful songwriting goals, and reflect and celebrate their artist triumphs from 2023. As a bonus, Rue joins the conversation to provide valuable information on Tidal's innovative "Collabs" product, offering listeners an exclusive peek into the cutting-edge features reshaping the music collaboration landscape.

In this episode the of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack sits down with Abigail Fierce and discusses her dynamic career between being an LA-based indie-pop songstress, her songwriting process, to her growing acting resume!

In Episode 350 of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel share their personal predictions for the future of the music industry in 2024. While these predictions are purely for fun and not grounded in data, their enthusiasm and insightful banter make for an entertaining exploration of what the musical journey might hold in the coming year.

In Episode 349 of the DIY Musician podcast, Cristina has the pleasure of sitting down with two remarkable guests, Anna Held and Christine Barnum from CD Baby, as they celebrate an incredible 25 years of CD Baby being the leader in independent music. The episode is a journey through time, delving into the past of CD Baby and sharing amusing anecdotes that reflect the vibrant spirit of our journey. As we reminisced about the challenges and triumphs, the conversation was not only a nostalgic reflection but also a testament to the enduring importance of the artists who have been the heartbeat of our company. 

In the milestone Episode 349 of the DIY Musician podcast, Cristina has the pleasure of sitting down with two remarkable guests, Anna Held and Christine Barnum from CD Baby, as they celebrate an incredible 25 years of CD Baby being the leader in independent music. The episode is a journey through time, delving into the past of CD Baby and sharing amusing anecdotes that reflect the vibrant spirit of our journey. As we reminisced about the challenges and triumphs, the conversation was not only a nostalgic reflection but also a testament to the enduring importance of the artists who have been the heartbeat of our company.

Join Cristina and Rachel as they delve into the strategies for fostering community within the DIY music market, addressing the challenges posed by industry changes. Inspired by Brian Eno's concept of "scenius," the discussion revolves around the communal intelligence that drives cultural movements. Together, they explore the power of community building, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artists, collaboration with other creatives, and other opportunities to keep the DIY music scene thriving.  

Cristina gives a little insight into what is next for the DIY Musician Podcast, and Jack interviews artist BARii about their incredible journey as a DIY artist turned pro-songwriter.

Relationships are the driving force behind a successful music career. Think of a photographer who captures your essence, a marketing expert who promotes your music, and a meticulous mentor who helps you find order in chaos. As an independent artist, you'll encounter a diverse network of supporters who can redefine your musical journey. In episode #346 of the DIY Musician Podcast, Chris and Cristina explore these essential connections, unveiling eight key allies you should engage with. Plus, Chris has a big announcement...

Running ads for your music isn't easy, no matter what the experts tell you. But it CAN be one of the best ways to reach new listeners and build a lasting audience of fans and customers. So in this episode, Chris and Cristina talk about 10 ways to streamline your ad efforts. The point of this conversation isn't to provide tips on maximizing and optimizing and endlessly tinkering with options. It's to simplify your life running ads, so you can realistically see progress, not perfection. 

After 18 years as a band AND business, Bombadil is still going strong. In this "Artist Spotlight" episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Chris interview James Phillips of the independent indie-folk group about their long journey as a recording and touring act, the challenges they faced along the way, and how the keys to their longevity are creative respect, daily habits of collaboration and communication, and treating every aspect of their music like a business. -- Check out Bombadil's music and tour dates. Follow their touring and recording adventures. -- Distribute your music with no annal fees. Plan your successful release with a customized timeline.  Learn how to grow your audience, boost your streams, and build a sustainable music career on your own terms. 

Threads is one of the fastest growing apps in history. Can musicians benefit from adopting this "carbon copy of Twitter," or is it all hype? In this episode, we ask CD Baby's Social Media expert Rachel Bearinger all about the app, its origins, how it's integrated with Instagram, present and future functionality, and the real concern: Should musicians embrace Threads, ignore it, or wait and see?

Are you struggling to find the time to make and promote your music? In this episode, Chris & Cristina discuss ways to carve out MORE time for your music amidst a busy life, and how to get more productive and creative within the limited time you have already.

As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Sadly, music is such a public-facing endeavor that our egos are often on high-alert, which can lead to to moments where we put our worst foot forward! What can we do about it? In this episode, Chris & Cristina discuss some common musician pitfalls when it comes to social etiquette, networking, artist mindset, and more. Plus, we'll hear a short discussion between CD Baby's Jack Poulis and Lee Wilson, an R&B singer who found success while exploring a completely different genre. 

IF you do it right, advertising on social is one of the best ways to build an audience for your music. But so many musicians are held back by bad attitudes and misconceptions about advertising. In this episode, Chris interviews social advertising expert Kyle "Circa" LeMaire to set the record straight on music advertising.

There's no doubt, great social content can unlock so many doors in your music career. But “social” can also feel tired and impersonal, like you're shouting into the void. In this episode, Chris & Cristina discuss how to engage audiences without relying on big platforms or one-off posts. Check out this inspiring list of alternative ways you can interact with your fans so that your messages and conversations feel personal and surprising!

Are there common struggles most young musicians face? Can they be avoided? Whether you're a new musician just starting out, or you're an experienced artist looking for a reminder on healthier ways to maintain your music career, this episode is for you. Cristina and Chris discuss the five things they wish they'd known years ago. If they'd learned these lessons earlier, their music (and happiness) might've been further along by now. 

After 15 years of hosting this podcast, Kevin Breuner has moved on to the next adventure in his music career — but the DIY Musician Podcast will continue! What's going to change? What's going to stay the same? In this quick bonus episode, Chris Robley previews the new format, and tells you how you can shape the future of this podcast!

After 17 years at CD Baby and 15 years hosting this DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin Breuner has a big announcement: He's saying farewell to both and looking forward to a new adventure in his music career.   Where's he headed? What did he learn from his time at CD Baby? And what's his top 6 tips for musicians who want to make a life in music?  All that and more in this episode.

Artists who want to promote their music online know they have to be active on social to build an audience and engage fans, but some days you just don't know what to post! If you're stumped for social inspo, check out this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast where we run through an insane list of ideas for you to try. 

Pursuing a music career can be incredibly challenging. As an independent musician, it's easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. The journey is full of ups and downs, and the road ahead looks like endless work. But why do musicians really quit? What are the pain-points that cause so many talented musicians to throw in the towel? And most importantly, how can you overcome these challenges and thrive in your music pursuits? In this episode of The DIY Musician Podcast, we'll take a look at some common reasons why musicians quit, and offer encouraging solutions to help you keep moving forward! 

Spotify has launched some new tools for artists to promote their music, and in today's episode we're going to discuss how to use these new features and what they might mean for your music poromotion. Plus, we have 5 fun music marketing hacks!  

Whether you love it or hate it, social media is one of your best options when it comes to finding an audience for your songs and building a lasting fanbase.  In this episode, we talk with Cassie Petrey, CEO and co-founder of Crowd Surf, a music marketing firm that has run social media campaigns for household names like Camila Cabello, Kim Petras, and Backstreet Boys, as well as countless local and grassroots artists. 

Email is still the most effective online communications channel you have to market your music, drive sales, and deepen your connection with fans.  If that's statistically true (and it is), then why do so many musicians fumble when it comes to their email list?  In this episode, we'll address 15 common mistakes musicians make when it comes to email marketing.

Are you holding your own music back?  Whenever we hear an artist rationalize why they haven't achieved a certain level of success, it often seems like they're getting in their own way due to some outdated beliefs or faulty priorities. And this has nothing to do with the quality of the music. Sometimes people with amazing songs aren't reaching the audiences they could because they're holding too tightly to ideas that no longer serve them. Is it time to embrace new tools, trends, and mindsets? Time to abandon some stale modes of thinking? In this episode, we'll discuss five things we should all let go of!

There's too much music out there now for an average listener to care about YOUR SONGS just because they're available on streaming platforms.  That's why you need to create anticipation BEFORE your new music launches. In this episode we'll discuss how to do exactly that, drawing lessons from artists such as Walk Off the Earth, Emma McGann, and Ellie Dixon.

Would you rather earn a living from your music or gain massive reach on social and streaming?  Of course those two things don't HAVE to be at odds, but when you're towards the beginning of your music career, it helps to focus on one top priority.  There isn't a correct goal; it'll differ depending on your interests and talents. But how you allocate your time and budget will change based on the priority: paid or famous?   In this episode, we discuss those differences.

Everyone is talking about A.I. — or "artificial intelligence" — and the impact it will have on musicians and artists. Will advanced machine-learning and information synthesis help usher in a new era of creativity, or could artificial intelligence destroy the music industry (on its way to destroying humanity?)

For independent artists, the most reliable way to earn a living from music isn't streaming, social monetization, or even lucrative opportunities in sync licensing. It's merch sales!  In this episode, Dave Cool of Bandzoogle talks about creating merch items your fans will love, how to make effective offers, and using the best tools for selling online.

Want to bring your listeners on a journey? To send them on an adventure that goes deeper than bonus "behind the music" content? How about a multi-player RPG your fans can play together on Discord!? That's exactly what celebrated songwriter and Twitch livestreamer Emma McGann did with her newest album "The Monsterverse." She created an immersive experience for fans that combined her recordings, videos created with 3D graphics, an RPG built using a Discord Bot, and more.  The Monsterverse takes "music promotion" to a whole new level. In this episode of the podcast, Emma tells how (and why) she constructed a whole world around her music. 

If you're releasing new music in 2023, of course you want it to "succeed" and reach as many listeners as possible! But you'll need much more than checklists and rote release strategies; making your music relevant in a world of infinite songs takes the right combination of good marketing mechanics AND exceptional tunes, videos, messaging, and more.  In this episode we're gonna go deep and help you build a great foundation for any new singles or albums you release this year. 

n some ways, 2022 felt like another year on pause. In other ways, the past 12 months passed in the blink of an eye. How did music trends (and the music industry) change this year? And what are our biggest predictions for music marketing, music creation, and music consumption in 2023? 

TikTok is a powerful platform for music discovery; your songs and videos can reach the right new fans because of TikTok's algorithm. But did you know it's also one of the best places to find inspiration and showcase your  quirkiness.  TikTok travels at the speed of memes, and that means there's a constant churn of humor, skits, trending audio, fun filters, and more. Conversations to join. Creative collaborations. Things to imitate or spin your own unique way. More than other entertainment or social apps for artists, TikTok frees you of always needing to be the prime instigator and driver of every piece of content.  In this episode we talk with multi-instrumentalist, TikTok connoisseur, and CD Baby's social media expert Rachel Bearinger — all about the culture of TikTok, how to source inspo, stay organized on the app,  and keep up with the pace of a platform that thrives on memetic energy. 

How does niche music reach millions on TikTok? In this discussion from 2022's DIY Musician Conference, CD Baby's Chris Robley spoke with Jeremy Carter-Gordon of the vocal group Windborne.  Not only have Windborne's videos gone massively viral, but the group grew their TikTok audience while staying true to how they want to perform and represent their music.  In other words: Windborne didn't work for TikTok. TikTok worked for them. And in this session, we break down the story, the strategy, and their editing and caption tricks. We also analyze fun example videos along the way! 

Whether you're new to music, new to town, or finally getting back out there after a break, it can be really beneficial to make solid connections in your own hometown before you try to conquer the world. How do you break into your local music scene and build a loyal audience?

Want to know how to make yourself more desirable, marketable, and overall employable as a side-person or session musician in today's post-pandemic climate?  In this session from the 2022 DIY Musician Conference in Austin, TX, you'll hear from Damon Grant (who has worked with Charlie Hunter, Madonna, and many more) and Stephen Bidwell (of Black Pumas), all about good preparation, the right tools, memorization hacks, professionalism, and heading off personality conflicts with artists, managers, or other players.  Though both presenters are percussionists, this conversation is relevant for any instrumentalist or vocalist who seeks to work in a supporting role, on tour or in the studio. 

What ELSE do you need for a successful music release besides the mastered music files? A lot! Let's talk through both the big-picture and nitty-gritty things you'll want to prepare before you launch your next single or album into the world.

Let's be honest, there are some things about being an independent musician that kinda suck. There are (at least) five common personal and professional struggles that go hand-in-hand with creative pursuits.  And in this episode we're gonna gripe, we're gonna reach collective catharsis, and then we're gonna figure out how to move beyond the unique hurdles that musicians face. 

Imagine a terrifying world where you're an... independent musician. Boo!  In this spooky Halloween-themed episode, Kevin and Chris talk about musician horror stories — both the kind that are common amongst DIY artists and a few uncommonly strange, scary, and disastrous stories submitted by listeners. 

How did an artist who'd been told NO by everyone in the industry blaze her own path to success using TikTok? In this episode, Britnee Kellogg reveals the details behind her massive achievement, sharing the whole story of how she went from 0 to 1,000,000 TikTok followers in a short amount of time. Whether you're a TikTok pro or total novice, this interview should both inform and inspire!

When recording artists are just starting out, they often overcomplicate things that are simple, and underestimate things that will be difficult. This confusion might just be a matter of inexperience, and the artists will learn as they go. But sometimes that confusion is actually caused by well-meaning industry "veterans" stepping in too soon to give poorly-timed (and often intimidating) advice.  In this episode we'll set the record straight and tell new artists what they should ACTUALLY prioritize when they're getting ready to release music for the first time.

No matter what genre of music you make, TikTok is one of your biggest opportunities for finding fans and building an audience today. If you still feel like you're sitting on the sidelines while the rest of the music industry rushes headlong into TikTok, this is the episode for you — a broad overview of TikTok for musicians. Kevin and Chris describe what makes TikTok unique in the social media landscape, how the algorithm surfaces content, a few tricks for driving TikTok engagement, and much more. Plus listener feedback!

One of our most frequently asked questions is “How can I promote my music?” In the era of limitless opportunities for music promotion on social media, through email and with new formats like short-form video, it can be difficult to know where to start.That’s why we compiled this list of 50 promo ideas and crammed it all into 50 minutes!

If you think you need to spend thousands of dollars shooting a professional looking music video just to get people to watch, think again! Short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels and trusty standbys like YouTube have made it easier than ever for indie artists to reach new fans with quick, affordable videos. In this live podcast recording from the 2022 DIY Musician Conference, Kevin and Chris explain how to make music videos without breaking your wallet or testing your patience. 

With hundreds of attendees both in person and virtual, dozens of presentations from industry insiders and countless jam sessions, mentoring workshops and after parties, the 2022 DIY Musician Conference was the biggest and best indie music event of the year! If you were there, you doubtless made some connections that will last the rest of your music career. If you weren’t, this Conference recap is the next best thing.Kevin and Chris discuss their five takeaways and highlights from the weekend in Austin. And they give us a preview of what’s next for the DIY Musician Conference.

Live music is officially back! If you’re an artist who plays live often, Bandsintown is an essential tool for listing and promoting your shows.From notifying fans about when you’ll be in their area, to recommendation algorithms to get your music in front of more listeners and a free email platform right in your account, Bandsintown offers artists plenty of ways to connect with fans new and old. Bandsintown Managing Partner Fabrice Sergent joins the podcast to discuss the platform. Learn about Bandsintown’s offerings for artists and fans, and how they’ve pivoted during and after the pandemic.

Touring and playing live can be a great way to expand your audience, sell merch and interact with your existing fans. But there are also many things that can go wrong on the road. From vehicle troubles to poor sound systems to fatigue, we address all the issues artists face on tour, and how to handle them.

Before anyone ever hears your music, they need to be convinced to listen. Maybe they’re getting a recommendation from a friend or they see a cool Instagram ad or blog review. Maybe it’s an eye-catching album cover.But sometimes it’s the description of the music that captures someone’s imagination. But you don’t have all day to sell someone on your music. So your description has to pack a punch.Learn how to come up with a compelling elevator pitch for your unique sound with the help of Chris Robley and special guest Cristina Cano.

With Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” seeing runaway success after their placement in Stranger Things, sync licensing is back in the news. While these are classic hits from veteran artists, independent musicians can also benefit from just one big sync placement.Learn how sync can change your music career and get expert advice from special guest CD Baby Manager of Sync Licensing Brett Byrd.

Even in the age of singles, there are many benefits to releasing an album. Learn why you should keep albums part of your release strategy, and how to successfully release an album.

With 60,000 new tracks released on Spotify every day, you need an advantage that will help your music rise above the noise and get noticed amidst that daily mountain of new music.You can’t leave it to luck. Your advantage will come from work, strategy, connections, and collaboration. And you can find all of that at the DIY Musician Conference.Learn how to prepare, what to bring, and most importantly: What to achieve when it’s all happening!

Most people in the world don’t know what it’s like to put themselves and their ideas out into the world. There’s a level of vulnerability involved in releasing your music for others to hear. These are your hopes and dreams, your thoughts and ideas and your creativity all on display. From the indie newcomer to the seasoned singer-songwriter with a dozen albums to their name, we all have moments of doubt in our music journey. That’s why we’ve outlined seven ways to feel more confident about your music.

If your songs do well on Spotify, it means reach and revenue for your music. Sending the right signals to Spotify can lead to huge audience growth driven by personalized playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar.But sending the wrong signals to Spotify can ruin your presence on the platform, which means you’ll need to spend more time and effort to build back your standing. There are five major ways artists self-sabotage the work they’ve done on Spotify. We’ll outline each of them and offer some tips to build and maintain your presence on Spotify. 

Having a plan and using the right tools is essential to building an audience for your music.In the second part of our two-part series Music Marketing 101, you’ll learn how to market your music on streaming platforms, social media and more. Reach your fans where THEY are!

Do you want music fans to hear your music, love it and stick with you for life? Of course! But that doesn’t happen automatically.It takes marketing to achieve this goal. And not just marketing, but GOOD marketing. Learn how to effectively market your music to grow your audience in part one of our two-part music marketing series.

Are you looking to make more money from your music? Of course! We all are.The good news is there are more revenue streams for artists out there today than there have ever been. But most artists aren’t tapping into all of them. In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing ALL the revenue streams for your music. Because there are probably a few you’re missing.

Cover songs can be an amazing way for you to build an audience and reach new fans, but there are some right and wrong ways to do them. We’ll show you how to choose the best cover songs for different scenarios like live shows, studio recordings and social media. Tired of playing “Wagon Wheel” and “Don’t Stop Believing” over and over again? Or do you think covers are just for wedding bands? Learn how to do cover songs the right way so you build your audience and connect with existing fans, while still maintaining your artistic integrity.

The DIY musician podcast has been going strong for 15 years, and this is our 300th episode! This episode is a celebration of the amazing independent artists that make up now-massive segments of the music industry. It's a celebration of all the people past and present here at CD Baby, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to level the playing field for all creators. And it's a celebration of perseverance, because there were so many times where it would have been easier to let the podcast fade away. In this episode, we'll discuss the podcast's origin stories, how the music industry has changed and how that change impacts the future.

Growing and maintaining a sustainable music career is always a hot topic, especially as opportunities around music monetization continue to evolve. While some artists express frustration regarding streaming payouts, there are many more dependable ways to earn revenue from your music.Independent roots rock artist Adam Ezra has been proactive in connecting with his dedicated fans. This connection has allowed him to generate over $200,000 right from his Bandzoogle website. In our interview, Ezra provides some tips for indie artists to achieve the same level of success.

If you’re not promoting your music with short-form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to grow your audience. And while everyone wants to go viral, actually achieving hit status on the social video platforms is difficult. That’s why we brought in experienced musician and viral content creator Gil Assayas to offer some expert advice on how to attract more viewers to your videos on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and more.

Whether you’re just starting out or it’s been a while since you’ve released new music, it’s important to find real, true fans. These are people who love your music for what it is, not because they know you personally. In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, you’ll learn how to find those first fans at live shows, online and in your local scene.

Real, live, in-person gigs are finally happening again! That means you should start thinking about getting back out on the road and on stage. But what if it’s your first time out, or your first time in a long time? Or you’re just looking for a leg up in the hyper competitive world of independent music? You should consider working with a talent buyer to help you book the right venues for your music. Talent buyer Jeff Tuohy joins the podcast to discuss everything you need to know to work with a talent buyer and book all the gigs you could ever play.

After two years of false starts and canceled tours, it’s finally time to plan for a post-pandemic music career. But with so many changes in the music industry, how do you get back on track? We’ll review the challenges you’ll face and provide helpful tips on booking tours, getting back on stage, marketing your music and much more.

You’ve likely seen some famous artists announcing they’re removing their music from streaming platforms like Spotify. These major artists can have an equally major influence on the music industry, and they may even inspire independent musicians to remove their own music from streaming platforms. But is this something indie artists should do? Why would they want to? And what does it mean to cancel your music? We answer all that and more on this episode.

You might know what NFTs are, how they work and how to create and sell them. But…should you? That’s a totally different question. In part two of our series on NFTs, we talk through some of the opportunities AND challenges when it comes to musicians creating and selling NFTs.

NFTs have been hyped as digital collectibles; as a way of building community; as a new format that could potentially revolutionize the music industry; as a way to return value directly to artists for their work. But what is the real opportunity for NFTs with musicians? Is there real profit to be made? Or are they just a fad? In part one of our series on NFTs, we outline everything musicians need to know to get started.

The cover art for your single or album is one of the first points of contact that you have with your listeners, so it’s important to make a compelling first impression. After all, your cover art won’t just live on streaming platforms. It might also inform your social media presence, your videos, your website design, your ads, and more. That’s a lot of brand touchpoints, so it’s important to have a cover image that works well with your music.

What are mechanical royalties and how do you get them? If your music is not listed with the MLC, you’re missing out on mechanical royalties you’ve earned. That’s YOUR money! So how do you collect it? And just what is the MLC? We interviewed CEO Kris Ahrend for all the details, so this is a must listen!

Writer’s block happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating when you’re trying to create and coming up blank. If you’ve found yourself in a songwriting slump, try these fun challenges to dig out. You’ll emerge with a new perspective on your creative process, a revived outlook on music and -- most importantly -- a few new additions to your repertoire.

When it comes to sustaining your music career, is social media… Dead? Dying? A zombie? Still the greatest tool we have, even though it’s killing our souls one post or doomscroll at a time? In this episode, Kevin and Chris take stock of the state of affairs with social media and its ability to move a music career forward.

The new rules for album art: Contrary to the old idiom, people DO judge a book by its cover. And the same goes for music. If your release’s cover artwork is blurry, unnecessarily cluttered or just downright ugly, it could put off potential fans before they even click “Play.” In Part 1 of our 3-part series on cover art, we warn artists about some common mistakes, as well as provide guidelines you want to follow so your distribution goes smoothly.

Given that there’s no ONE path to success these days, CD Baby has made sure to empower artists in a myriad of ways: digital music revenue, publishing administration, sync licensing, physical manufacturing and distribution, social video monetization, label services, and more. That’s a LOT of the music industry right there. Which also means we have a lot of experts in-house who are shaping the present with an eye to the future. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss what their predictions were for the music business in 2022, particularly as it relates to independent artists. Do you have a prediction to share?

It may feel like there are few applicable lessons to learn from the unrivaled career of The Beatles. They were icons. They were giants. They were... mere mortals? Yep. Humans, just like the rest of us working musicians — bouncing between frustration and inspiration, struggling against their own flaws. And Peter Jackson's recent 8-hour documentary 'Get Back' lays that bare. In this podcast episode, Chris and Cristina unpack the many universal lessons that creative people should learn after watching the Beatles' process unfold in both catastrophic and triumphant ways.

Are you planning to release your first song? Or... your first song in a while? Let's talk about all the things you'll need and need to know to ensure your music gets out there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Are you planning to release your first song? Or... your first song in a while? Let's talk about all the things you'll need and need to know to ensure your music gets out there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Even megastars "piece it together." Ticket sales, merch, streaming, publishing, appearances, sponsorships, the list goes on. But how can a DIY musician earn a living via a diversified revenue stream that includes production, session work, and teaching? And how do you score a major endorsement deal at the indie level? In this episode, Kevin interviews Brian Ewald about with Paul Reed Smith Guitars endorsement and all his various endeavors that keep a full time musician.

One decision, whether to go solo or work with a group, can have a huge impact on how you make, market, and monetize your music. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some of the differences and similarities between those two alternate paths for your music career. Plus listener questions.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

What separates full-time from part-time musicians often comes down to merch sales — not just at gigs, but ONLINE too. Do you have YOUR e-commerce game dialed in? Are you profitably selling shirts, hats, CDs, vinyl, mugs, posters, books, and VIP experiences to your website visitors and social followers? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through the foundations of e-commerce for musicians.

In this episode, which was recorded at the 2021 virtual DIY Musician Conference, Jackie Venson details how she adapted for continued success during the uncertain times brought on by the pandemic. Not only has she maintained her career trajectory, but it has thrived in new ways she didn't expect.

As a DIY artist, you need to manage every aspect of your music creation and marketing. At the same time, your audience's attention span is shortening, so you feel the pressure to be MORE productive than ever. It can be a grind. So how do get things done, on time, every time, without burning out? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk 10 productivity hacks for independent musicians. Plus, they answer listener calls and questions.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

As a musician today, your VIDEO presence is likely what has the most impact on your ability to reach new listeners and engage your fans. So you need a steady flow of good video content. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some video ideas that will help you stay inspired, get videos published on a realistic timeline, and (most importantly) help you build your following.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Are you ready, like REALLY ready, for the return of live gigs? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about what artists should (and shouldn't) be doing to make the most of the return to concerts and touring. Plus listener calls and emails.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Growth on Spotify. We all want it. And there are a hundred online courses teaching you how to run PAID traffic to boost your streams. But Siren & the Sea grew their monthly listeners on Spotify by more than 2000% WITHOUT running ads — using only email and organic posts on Instagram. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk to Cristina Cano of Siren & the Sea about her creative social content, her playlist pitching, and more.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

DIY musicians don't actually want to do it all themselves. Nor should they! BUT... there's a right time and wrong time to grow your team, take a big risk, or attempt the next big thing. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some criteria for knowing when you're ready for the next step in your career.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

We have big dreams whenever we releases new music — more fans, more money, more recognition. But there's a difference between a goal and a wish. In this episode, Kevin and Chris provide a detailed framework for your next release that will help you get actual results. Plus listeners calls and emails.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com  

As musicians, our most valuable resource is time. Yet we often spend that time on things that don't matter. Or that won't help us achieve our actual goals of growing and engaging with our fanbase. In this episode, Chris and Kevin discuss six common or trendy things that musicians waste their time on. Plus, answers to listener calls and emails.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

The State of Streaming: CD Baby artist's revenue increased 26% in 2020 over the previous year. What music platforms drove the most revenue? What does today's fractured listening environment mean for your music promotion? In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss the data and the story the numbers tell. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Can musicians succeed on YouTube if they're not "YouTubers?" Yes, though there are many lessons musicians should learn from creators who use YouTube as it's intended — managing a video channel with consistent programming. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss those best-practices, YouTube promotion tips, and how audio content is monetized on the biggest music platform in the world.

Every musician's path is unique, but a lot of times we're all wondering the same thing. How to reach new listeners during a pandemic? How to make sure our single releases build towards the album? What's the best way to brand our music? Etc. In this episode, Kevin and Chris tackle some common listener questions at the start of 2021. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

It's a new year with many challenges still facing artist as they try to connect with music fans during a global pandemic. Take heart! Indie artists have always lead the charge when it comes to music promotion innovation and adapting to tough circumstances. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss what you'll need in order to make 2021 your best year yet! Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

The way artists release music completely changed in 2020. As we approach 2021, artists are asking what is the right balance between singles and albums? How do you target and engage new listeners in the streaming world? Kevin and Chris answer these questions and more.

Whether you're launching a new album, promoting a livestream, or trying to shoot for something bigger like a Grammy nomination, getting your fans onboard can be a challenge. In this episode you'll hear how Cheryl B. Engelhardt organized her fans to feel ownership in her quest for a Grammy nomination.

Releasing music before the end of 2020? Listen to this episode, where Kevin and Chris talk about distribution deadlines, holiday music promotion, which Christmas favorites you can record without paying a mechanical royalty, and more. Plus, listener calls and questions.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Sync licensing has grown into a huge opportunity for indie musicians to gain listeners and earn money. That's increasingly true for thousands of CD Baby clients whose songs have been licensed to numerous projects on almost every major and cable network, streaming networks, film studios, and more. What do the tracks that we place in film and TV have in common? How can you increase your chances of getting a sync placement? Let's talk. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

The internet exploded with news that Facebook was no longer going to allow artists to livestream on the platform. Fortunately, that information was completely false. However, on this episode of the podcast Kevin and Chris help define the mysterious "listening experience" issue that has Facebook muting some artists videos. Plus, we take some amazing listener calls. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Let’s get real for a sec: Musicians are well acquainted with rejection and failure. But we don’t want to admit it, do we? In this podcast episode, Kevin and Chris talk about the kinds of rejections you’ll inevitably encounter as a musician, how to deal with it, and maybe even transform it into something positive. Plus listener questions. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com

Birds of Chicago are a husband and wife folk/soul duo based in Nashville, TN. In this episode of the DIY Musician Stories podcast, Alli and JT chat with Montse about their origin story, writing process, and what it’s been like to pause and pivot from a life on the road. They also talk about collective grief, the rejection every artist encounters, finding your tribe, and much more.

Few people are going to notice your music simply because you've made it. You have to do something ELSE to get attention, and online advertising opens up an affordable way to create awareness, stir interest, and build a fanbase as an independent musician. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about advertising for musicians, the power of a new interactive ad tool, and much more. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

Musicians, it's time to get Reel. Instagram Reels — Instagram's answer to TikTok — is now available, and your music can be there too! In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss the features of Instagram Reels, why it matters for your music career, and what it means for TikTok. Plus, gossip and rants about Spotify's Daniel Ek, listeners calls, and more. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

Maya de Vitry is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.  In this episode Maya tells us about releasing her beautiful album How To Break a Fall just as the pandemic started to hit. Maya and Montse also chat about holding day-jobs as an artist, self-forgiveness, and social media breaks.

When it comes to creating videos to promote music, most artists and labels are still operating under that old paradigm of one “Official” music video, which drastically limits their reach and potential impact they get from video. In this episode of the podcast, Kevin is joined by Diarmuid Moloney, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rotor Video to discuss how developing a video strategy in 2020 and beyond looks very different than what we were used to in the past.   Get 50% off your first ROTOR Video by using coupon: CDBABY50

Mary Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated folk singer-songwriter who has struck a balance between her own artistry and penning songs for singers such as Blake Shelton and Jimmy Buffett. In 2017, Mary was the keynote speaker at CD Baby's DIY Musician Conference, and had 1000 attendees wiping tears from their eyes after her talk about the transformative power of songwriting to heal trauma. In this episode, Mary conveys that power, while discussing her songcraft, and her new memoir "Saved by the Song," the way her life has changed since the pandemic, and much more. If you’re a songwriter, or want to be, this episode is a must listen. More episodes here: https://podcast.cdbaby.com/category/diy-musician-stories/

Singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah is a solo artist, and can be heard alongside Layla McCalla, Allison Russell and Rhiannon Giddens in the Grammy nominated project Our Native Daughters. In this episode of the NEW DIY Musician Stories podcast, Amythsyt Kiah talks openly about overcoming trauma and pain and how music was her emotional vehicle to process deep feelings. She speaks on the transition of music in her life from an escape into a career, on being a part of the Grammy nominated project Our Native Daughters, and how she’s been leaning into live streams during this time.

It’s time to rethink the way you release singles. Standalone tracks are no longer SOLELY tied to larger album promo efforts. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss 10 strategies for releasing single songs so you can grow your audience, build algorithmic momentum on streaming platforms, and stay inspired. Plus listener questions! Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

Misty Boyce is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She is part of Sara Bareilles and Lord Huron’s band, and has an incredible solo career to boot!  In this episode of the NEW DIY Musician Stories podcast, Misty talks about what it's like being a "sideman" vs. a solo artist, the artist/manager relationship, and her recent collaboration with Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith.

With so many artists turning to live-streaming, it’s time to ensure you stand out from the rest and take yours to the next level. In this episode Kevin and Chris share more tips on presenting yourself like a pro. Plus, you get a rundown of all the gear Chris uses to pull off a top notch livestream. The article on Zoom audio tips mentioned in the episode can be found HERE.  Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

On this episode of the podcast, Kevin chats with Henry Invisible to discuss how he’s using live-streaming to make his music go further and reach a broader audience. Henry had been live-streaming before COVID-19, but really took advantage of new opportunities that have popped up as people learn how to socialize in the currently reality. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

Like many artists, Dawn set her sights on Nashville in order to pursue her musical dreams. When things hit rock bottom, she randomly notice the “go live” button on Facebook and everything changed. In this episode you’ll hear how Dawn has turned her use of Facebook Live into a full time sustainable career.   Check out Dawn’s live-streaming resources at TheRealMakingIt.com.

Is your social feed crowded with seemingly every musician on the planet "going live" at once? How many of those livestreams feel like genuine, engaging events? In this episode, Kevin and Chris dig into a lot of the common misperceptions about live streaming and offer some best-practices as well.

You might have missed some important music industry news during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's catch you up! In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about recent music biz developments that could impact your music career. Plus some great listener stories and questions. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

There are seven things that many musicians get mixed up — publishers and PROs, cover songs and Public Domain tunes, UPCs and ISRCs, etc. In this episode, Kevin and Chris clear away the confusion. What's the difference between "this" and "that?" Listen up! Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

What do you do when a gig or tour is cancelled? Touring musicians are facing a time of uncertainty and financial sacrifice as the Coronavirus pandemic has lead to many public gatherings being postponed or cancelled. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some of the difficulties artists are confronting, and present a few alternatives to touring so musicians can still engage with fans, drive revenue, and make use of this unexpected downtime. Our list of resources for artists can be found HERE.

Whether you want a gig, playlist placement, or press opportunity, you're going to need to sell someone on your music — and that means "pitching." In this episode, Kevin and Chris dissect successful music pitches and find 7 things in common. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

Promoting your music on social media can eat up a lot of your time. Sadly, most artists waste that precious time using social media in ways that are rote and uninspired. In this episode, Kevin and Chris walk through a list of quick tips that will help you get better results, have more fun, and create a deeper connection with your audience on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.   Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

The music business is constantly evolving. Streaming dominates. Markets are truly global. The way people promote & monetize music shifts every year. And videos are growing shorter and more important than ever before. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about some important changes at CD Baby that will help artists stay ahead of the curve. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

TikTok has more than half a billion active users, it's the most downloaded app in the world, and the entire platform runs on music! Now that CD Baby is delivering YOUR music to TikTok, Kevin and Chris walk you through TikTok culture, features of the app, and a few of the opportunities you have to promote your music with short video. Distribute your music to TikTok and 150+ other digital platforms at http://cdbaby.com.

Having your own pro website is even MORE important in an age where fan relationships are often owned by anyone but the artist. In this episode, Bandzoogle's Dave Cool talks about creating a good experience for your followers online, capturing their contact info, and using your website as the hub for your music career.

First time releasing music? Returning to music after a hiatus? Where do you even start? With a plan — then you build the foundation. In this episode, Kevin and Chris outline the basic steps artists should take before, during, and immediately following their first release. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

What kind of merch is selling in the streaming era? How do you experiment with t-shirts and other kinds of band merch without going broke? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through some of the things they've tried recently, both on tour and online, and some of the trends they see working for DIY musicians today. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

With over 600 million users on Instagram every day, you need your IG game to be strong. In this session recorded at the 2019 DIY Musician Conference, Rick Barker shows you how to use IG to build your music career. Learn the tips and tricks that have helped Barker’s clients take their IG to the next level. He will cover IG Stories, IGTV and IG Live in detail, giving you the most up-to-date strategies and tactics in real time.

"Everything about my music career will get better, easier, bigger, once I'm on a label." That's what musicians tell themselves, and in most cases it isn't true. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about nine things music labels don't want you to know — at least not until it's too late.

Music mastering can be the mysterious and stressful punctuation at the end of your creative recording process. Or it can bring out the best in your music, making it ready for streaming, CD, or vinyl. What should you expect in the mastering process? And what are some things you should beware? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about 5 things you need to know about mastering, and they use almost zero technical audio engineering terminology. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

Musicians are natural storytellers, but for some reason we don't apply that  talent to our music marketing. The best music marketing conveys a story that makes someone want to DO something with your music. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about how to liven up your music marketing so you're thinking way beyond uninspiring calls-to-action like "pre-save my music now!" The song Parked out by the Lake can be found HERE. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

The world’s most successful artists, brands, and companies have one thing in common: They understand their true fans. If you want to build a sustainable, thriving music career, you've got to understand how to work with target audiences. This session, recorded at the 2019 DIY Musician Conference, is a master class in marketing, funding, and developing your art so that it reaches your most enthusiastic fans. Mixing inspiration, information, and practical application, this session offers practical steps for you to dominate a niche market.  Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at cdbaby.com.

You can learn a thing or two (or seven) when you hang out with 1000+ DIY musicians for an entire weekend. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through their "takeaways" (which is an annoying word for "lessons") after the 2019 DIY Musician Conference in Austin, TX. Plus, the hosts get stumped, criticized, and praised during the listener calls and emails segment.  

Once upon a time crowd funding (or fan funding) offered artists the illusion of musical streets paved with gold, all paid for by their adoring fans. Fast forward to today, where many artist have hitchhiked down that hard road only to discover it's full of failed campaigns, extremely difficult work, and unfulfilled promises to both the artist and fans. What does funding look like for musical endeavors in 2019? In this live taping of the DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin and Chris will discuss that past, present, and future of funding for indie artists. Distribute, monetize, and promote your music at https://cdbaby.com.

Catch up on the first half of 2019's big music stories in less than an hour! Kevin and Chris talk through a number of recent news items that relate to independent music-makers. Plus, listener calls and emails that will blow your mind!

Musicians make a lot of assumptions about what it means to "distribute" a track or album. In the wake of Spotify jumping out of the distribution game (almost as quickly as they jumped in), what should you look for in a long-term distribution partner? In this episode, recorded live at CD Baby HQ, Kevin and Chris talk about the most important things to consider when you release music in the streaming era.

A life in music is full of high highs and low lows — but being down doesn't mean you have to stay down. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about five common ways musicians get discouraged, and how to prepare your comeback every time!

3 days could change the course of your whole music career. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss what sets the DIY Musician Conference apart from other industry events, and they preview some of the sessions, workshops, and opportunities they think will have the biggest impact on the way you make, market, and monetize your music. Plus listener calls and emails!

Are listeners leaning in at your gigs, or are they tuning you out? There are many ways to build a solid set list, but lots of ways to lose your audience too. In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about the different kinds of sets musicians perform, and how to put the right songs in the right order for each occasion.

Good band names are hard to come by. Before you decide what you’re going to call yourself as an artist, listen to this episode. Kevin and Chris list a number of common problems with band names, how to avoid them, and WHY your artist name can spell the difference between success and obscurity.

Live-streaming gives you as a DIY musician a consistent, low-cost way to reach listeners on huge social platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and more. You can also format your broadcasts in a number of ways: concerts, talking about your songs, AMAs, and more. In this episode, Kevin asks Chris Robley about his bi-weekly series of live-streamed concerts called “Lunch Songs Live.” The gear, the mistakes, and tips to get your viewers more engaged.

In this listener feedback episode, Kevin and Chris answer emails and calls from DIY musicians who are wondering how to market their music in the streaming world, how to brand themselves, how to make sure every sale counts, and more. Plus, news about Amazon and Google introducing free, ad-supported streaming to Echo and Google Home users.

In this live taping of the DIY Musician Podcast, CD Baby’s Kevin Breuner and Chris Robley compare notes on how they launched and managed their “Free + Shipping & Handling” campaigns to give away their newest CDs for free — while STILL making a profit, building their email lists, and converting casual listeners into fans. Concepts in this discussion can be applied to ANY sales or marketing funnel for your music, not just a traditional “Free + Shipping” offer.

A good producer can turn your songs into masterpieces. But a bad producer can ruin more than just your recordings. They can sap your self-confidence, wreck your reputation, and exhaust your energy and bank account. In this episode, Kevin and Chris give some pointers on how to find a good producer, what to expect of them, and how you can pave the way for a fruitful collaboration.

The foundations of music marketing stay pretty solid: capture attention, offer value, lead listeners on a journey from awareness to action. But the house you build on that foundation is always shifting. What older marketing strategies still work for musicians in 2019? What are the new tools to tell your story? How do the shifting expectations of your audience alter your approach? In this LIVE taping of the DIY Musician Podcast, CD Baby's Kevin Breuner and Chris Robley will discuss what effective music marketing looks like today — and tomorrow.

At CD Baby, we are always looking for new and innovative ways for artists to market and promote their music. That’s why we’re happy to announce  Spotify audio ads and banner ad targeting as a new additions to our Show.co marketing platform. In this episode. Kevin and Jason (Found.ee) walk through the new features that are going to change how artists promote their music to fans. If you still don’t have a a Show.co account, you can get it for free by creating a CD Baby account and clicking on the “Free Marketing Tools” link on the dashboard. 

Are you standing in the way of your own success? In this episode Kevin and Chris talk about 25 kinds of self-sabotaging artist. Are you one of them? Listen in to make sure you’re not creating obstacles in your music career.

As we close out 2018, we have another episode dedicated (mostly) to our listeners, where DIY musicians call and email with great questions and tips! “Mostly” dedicated, because the episode begins with Kevin and Chris sharing some of the successful things they’ve tried recently while releasing singles, touring, marketing music, and selling new merch!

Our listeners ask great questions, so we thought we'd do a whole episode taking calls and emails from DIY musicians, and then try our best to provide answers that aren't bonkers. Plus, inspirational film and podcast recommendations that will help you close out 2018 on an upswing.

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to crank up your music promotion efforts and try something new and different to engage your fans. In this episode, Kevin and Chris share their holiday promotion ideas and tips that take advantage of this special time of year. Plus, they reach into the mail bag to tackle listener questions.

Time to say goodbye to a few false assumptions that have been holding you back! The music industry has stayed loyal to some really destructive myths, so it’s always great to see when independent artists find new methods for success once they’ve freed themselves of bad or outdated ideas and habits. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss those myths and bad habits. There are eight of them in all!

Do "real" artists do cover songs? What kind of songs should you cover? And what are the different uses of a great cover version? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about the controversy and opportunities of recording or performing another songwriter's material. Plus some great listener emails!

The European market has a rich live-music tradition, but artists often feel lost when trying to infiltrate the scene as an outsider. However, with the aid of online tools like Google Translate and Skype, booking your own successful European tour might be easier than you think. In this session, recorded live at the 2018 DIY Musician Conference, Kristen talks Euro-tour logistics including accepting payments, renting music equipment, lodging, meals, merchandise, arranging a vehicle or cheap flights, busking, and non-traditional venues. Grab your passport and get booking!

Once you've finished recording your new album or single there is still some work to do in order to get the release over the finish line. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss all the final pieces and bits of information needed to ensure success in the distribution process. Plus, we answer listener calls, emails, and tweets!

Streaming has opened up new opportunities for artists to get creative with the way they release music. What strategies actually work? How can you ensure your album release has maximum impact? In this... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The way musicians — heck, the way ANYONE uses Instagram today — is very different from how we used it years ago. Whether you’ve been marketing your music on Instagram for years or you’re brand new to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Whether you were at the 2018 DIY Musician Conference in Nashville, missed out, or didn’t even know it existed, Kevin and Chris talk about 8 lessons learned at the event, and how they apply to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Let’s get beyond the basics of Spotify playlists. How do you determine which playlists will actually make a difference for your career? How do you find them, hunt down the contact info of the curator... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Rethinking everything you know about Spotify playlists means you have to revisit your assumptions. In this first of a two-part series, Kevin and Chris talk through the foundations of a playlisting... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

There are a million ways to promote a new release. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss some of the things they’ve tried with their new music to reach listeners and amplify that interaction —... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The old ways and myths are strong. And many musicians are still making important decisions for their careers based on outdated practices and false assumptions. In this episode, taped in front of a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Are you use Pandora AMP? It’s a no-brainer; DIY musicians should absolutely take advantage of these powerful (free) features of Pandora’s streaming service, particularly the Artist Audio... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Have you been wasting your time on social media? Online tools and trends are constantly changing. In this live taping of CD Baby’s DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin Breuner and Chris Robley will discuss... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

If you’re like most artists, you’ve been collecting fan emails to build that coveted email list. However, once you build that list, it’s hard to figure out what to send so your emails continue to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

As musicians, we work hard to get press coverage. But when the moment arrives, we sometimes squander the opportunity, or worse, let it go completely off the rails. In this episode, Kevin and Chris... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Independent musicians today have LESS time and MORE responsibilities. Plus, we can waste a lot of hours just daydreaming. How do you juggle all the DIY tasks without dropping the ball or wandering... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Artists that create original music will make more money from on-demand streaming over the next five years. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss two recent wins for songwriters in the world of... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Show.co’s music marketing tools make it easy for you to create online campaigns that will get your fans to take specific actions. But the effectiveness of these tools is directly related to the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Getting gigs and building out a tour is always a challenge for indie musicians. In this episode, Craig Grossman talks about how to utilize three proven methods for networking, contacting venues, and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for independent musicians in 2018, and what lessons can they carry forward from the past year? In this episode, Kevin and Chris do some soul searching, and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Want to know how to grow your YouTube channel and increase audience interaction? In this session recorded at the 2017 DIY Musician Conference, YouTube’s Ted Kartzman chats with Hip Hop artist Illmac... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Releasing singles is arguably more important for artists today than any time since the 1960s. But is there a RIGHT way to release a single?  In this episode, Chris and Kevin talk about five key... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

It’s not too late for your music to get a bump from the holiday season’s dependable spike in streaming, YouTube, and music-buying activity. Are you and your songs ready? In this episode, Kevin and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Streaming success often involves bucking conventional music industry wisdom. Are bad habits holding you back on Spotify? In this episode, Chris and Kevin talk about common areas where artists are... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The tools are there for you to monetize with Live Streaming! See what Dawn Beyer did to make over $74,000 in one year using FB Live and how you can too. Walk away with a clear understanding of how to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

There’s a big difference between making your music available and making your music connect. Thousands of new albums and singles are being “released” every day. But how do you make... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

“I feel like I got $1000+ worth of information at the DIY Musician Conference,” said guitarist Lance Allen. If you weren’t with us in Nashville, we can’t give you a time... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

“How can I build a successful career without going on tour?” That’s one question we get asked a lot on the DIY Musician Podcast. Whether your travels are limited by a job, a family, or a disdain for... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

What can artists learn and experience at 2017’s DIY Musician Conference in Nashville? In this episode, Kevin and Chris give a detailed conference preview to help you plan your trip. Plus Soundcloud... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Spotify’s recent “fake artist” issue: a real streaming rights conspiracy, or a whole lot of nothing?  Who gets to decide what a “real artist” is anyway? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk through... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Many of the things you’ve probably heard about music streaming are wrong, yet those myths persist. Why? In this episode, Kevin and Chris debunk some of the prevalent music streaming myths, try to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Are you making a clear and powerful impression with your music releases, career choices, merch, visuals, and shows? In this episode, Chris and Kevin discuss five things they learned about artist... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Kevin last spoke to Cathy on Episode #169 of the podcast where she detailed the opportunities in the world of sync licensing for independent artists. That episode garnered a lot of positive feedback... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

There’s a good reason why “poor musician” jokes abound: we aren’t known — by and large — for our financial acumen. Have you found yourself complaining about not making any money in this biz? Well,... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Anyone can point a smartphone and hit the Facebook Live button. But can you put on a real SHOW through Facebook Live? IN this episode, Kevin talks with Wade Sutton and Amanda Jones about how they... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

What rights are you entitled to when you create original music? WHY and HOW should you copyright your music? What happens if you don’t properly register your copyrights with the Library of Congress?... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Yes, the entertainment industry is obsessed with newness and youth, but your age doesn’t have to be an obstacle to success. In fact, if you play it right, your history can be an asset. In this... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The biggest thing holding your music back might be YOU! In this episode you’ll hear Jack Conte (of the band Pomplamoose) talk about the importance of creative momentum, the crippling effect of... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

You’ve finished your first recording, but how do you turn that into the start of an actual music career? In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss the essential steps you should take to begin (or... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Recorded live at the 2016 DIY Musician Conference with Tony van Veen, Karen Marie Mason, Bob Baker, Martin Atkins, Chris Robley and Mark Hornsby. A solid hour of 60 quick tips on marketing, social... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The first step in establishing a playlisting presence on Spotify is to create your own playlists, seed them with your own music, and attract followers. But what works? What’s a waste of time?... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Getting your music onto a popular Spotify playlist is the modern-day equivalent of having a hit song in a local radio market. It’s an important step in reaching a larger following, and it can drive... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Checking the data — it’s probably NOT the most inspiring aspect of your music career, right? But the key to success could be waiting just below the surface of those daily reports and analytics. You... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

We love getting listener feedback, whether it comes in on our listener line, by email, or in comments and tweets. As 2016 nears its close, Kevin and Chris use this final episode of the year to answer... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

“Christmas time is here again,” as the Beatles once sang, bringing with it a huge spike in music sales, streaming activity, concert opportunities, YouTube ad revenue, tablet and smartphone... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Are you really ready to release your new music? In the frenzied juggling act that leads up to the launch of a new song or album, it’s easy to miss some crucial things, or let them slip through the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Most musicians are terrible at telling their story and describing their sound. Why? We’re inside the music AND the mind that made it, so it’s easy to lose perspective. But a band that has a solid... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

You don’t need to completely redesign your website to keep your fans engaged. Sometimes all it takes is a few simple tweaks. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss 12 tips that will help you get... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

How do you get music noticed in a world that has become so noisy? Is it possible to get anyone’s attention in an age where we’re bombarded with constant messaging and information? In his... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Deep voice: “In a world where one thousand independent musicians take over a historic and haunted hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago for the weekend…” For this episode, Kevin and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

We like to think we’re unique as snowflakes, but we musicians can be pretty similar when it comes to the mistakes we (continue to) make. In this episode, Kevin and Chris discuss 10 common... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Bad reviews, negative YouTube comments, hecklers: we all experience them from time to time. Criticism is an inevitable part of putting your music out there, but still it always seems to hurt. What... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Want your songs placed in TV and film productions? Had success in sync licensing, but you’re looking to secure higher-profile placements? In this episode, Kevin talks with Cathy Heller, an... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

A music video is a practically required these days when promoting new music. But most DIY artists don’t have a budget left for video production after all the expenses of recording, manufacturing, and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Just because you wrote a song and happen to be standing on a stage doesn’t make you a great performer. Captivating a live audience is a skill all its own, one that you must learn and practice —... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Once upon a time, the single ruled. Then, for almost half a century, the album dominated. Now that the means of distribution are in YOUR hands, which format makes the most sense for your music? In... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Blog premieres and exclusives have become a ubiquitous way of promoting new music, but are they WORTH it? Some blogs are putting an end to the practice on their own sites, and many musicians are... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Music Marketing: it’s either the art of effectively communicating your story to potential fans or it’s an utter waste of time spent staring at computer monitors and smartphone screens.... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Audio mastering is often the last, mysterious step in preparing a new song or album for mass consumption. That’s if you’re lucky. A lot of artists skip the mastering process for various reasons... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Like it or not, photography plays a huge part in how people HEAR your music. Yep, it’s true. Visuals are often the introduction to your artist story, and to the story of your music too. In this... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Want to move twice as many CDs at your next show? Hear all about the merch-table makeover that happened for Chris Robley during his seven-night residency last month, and how switching a few simple... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

SoundCloud provides artists with a unique ecosystem in which to promote music and build an audience. But like with most online tools, the more musicians that use SoundCloud, the harder it is to cut... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

What are your music goals for 2016? Do you work best when other people can hold you accountable? We do too. That’s why in this episode, Kevin and Chris each list a few things they hope to accomplish... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Putting out a new album is a rare opportunity to rally fans, the press, and other segments of the industry around your music and your story. It took a lot of work to get your album ready for release,... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

With Star Wars, George Lucas built an epic cultural touchstone, and then later left fans feeling betrayed by a series of epic fails. What can musicians learn from his creative mistakes? Lots! Travel... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

You’ve recorded a really unique cover version of your favorite song and you can’t wait for your fans to hear it. But hold on a second! Have you secured the proper license to release that tune? In... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Heads are abuzz and hearts are aglow after CD Baby’s first-ever DIY Musician Conference. What made this event so special? What were the key lessons learned over three jam-packed days of workshops,... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Should you trademark your artist/band name? Should an artist even care about a trademark? These questions – and many more – will be answered as we follow the band The Slants on a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

CD Baby has built a better, stronger, friendlier music conference geared specifically towards DIY artists. But why? And how? And where? And what can you expect when you attend? In this episode, Chris... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Has the launch of Apple Music been a dazzling success or a dud? Will fans and artist actually use Apple Connect? In this episode, Kevin and Chris talk about Apple’s new music streaming service, what... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Micro-sync licensing might sound like small peanuts, but indie musician Josh Collum has earned over $200,000 from online sync opportunities, Audio Swap, YouTube lyric videos, and other user-generate... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Apple has officially announced their new music streaming service called Apple Music. The new service will be available for iOS users on June 30th. Will Apple Music change the music industry forever ... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Your music is the last thing that matters. But once someone’s listening, it’s the ONLY thing that matters. Your artist story is what leads a listener to that moment. What IS your artist story,... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Meet Rob Filomena, CD Baby’s Director of Music Publishing. In this episode we’ll discuss the growing opportunities for indie artists through music publishing, and why professionalizing all you music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The recording industry has determined that Friday will be the new global record release day — but in a digital world of endless options and instant delivery, does it make sense for every artist to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

A great tour can make you feel on top of the world. A bad tour can make you question everything. We asked CD Baby artists for advice when it comes to successful DIY touring, and how to make sure... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

It’s pretty much a universal experience that every artist has had; the drive home from a so-so gig where you can’t help but think it would have been better to pass on that one. But how do you decide?... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Is today’s music industry healthier than ever? That’s what rock’s resident curmudgeon Steve Albini thinks. Yes, the legendary recording engineer who once compared the music biz to a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Dave is the founder and former CEO of Berkleemusic, the world’s largest music school, where he’s helped teach tens of thousands of students around the world and created hundreds of online music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Welcome to the “coolest” episode of the DIY Musician Podcast. In the news, YouTube has paid out over a billion dollars in content ID revenue, Bono apologizes for assaulting your iPhone... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Gretchen Peters is a Grammy nominated, Nashville singer-songwriter who has always been fiercely independent and true to her own vision. In fact, she’s managed to retain ownership of all her... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In this edition of the remarkably entertaining and educational DIY Musician Podcast, The Bolt has a baby, Kevin launches a fan funding campaign (and gains a few grey hairs in the process) and the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Jack Conte became well known for being half of the musical duo that makes up the band Pomlamoose. A few years back Pomplamoose burst onto the scene through the usage of YouTube and “video songs.” You... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the news, CD Baby gets featured in the New York Times. A study finds that 91% of people surveyed use YouTube to listen to music before they buy it. BandPage now allows artists to sell merch and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Shanta Thake books artists and bands at Joe’s Pub at the Public, one of New York City’s most celebrated venues for emerging and established performance artists. (They book an astonishing 800 shows a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin interviews Americana Troubadour, Singer, and Songwriter Mary Gauthier. Mary is currently on a world tour to promote her new album, Trouble &... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Soundcloud removes music creation tools from their popular app. Google buys Songza. Music Vault opens their vault by publishing 12,000 concert videos on YouTube. The podcasters discuss a recent blog... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Shannon Curtis is a touring musician and author. Her new book, “No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour (And How You Can Too)” explains how... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Is music dying? Recent comments by Apple’s Eddie Cue, who spearheaded Apple’s iTunes store, suggest the music industry may be taking its last gasp: “Music is dying,” said Cue.... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Kevin interviews Mike King, instructor and CMO of the Berklee Online school of music.  Mike has written and teaches four courses for Berklee Online:... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Ari Herstand is a singer/songwriter and blogger based in Los Angeles, California. Ari has played over 600 shows and writes about being an independent musician on his blog, Ari’s Take. He also... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Benji Rogers founded Pledge Music to help musicians and fans share in the experience of creating albums. 6 years ago when Benji started Pledge Music, there were fan-funding platforms popping up left... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Kevin interviews Ariel Hyatt, digital strategist, international speaker, author, and owner of Cyber PR. Ariel shares social media tips, music career advice, and her experiences and insights with... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Thinking about touring Canada anytime soon? Think again. Canada’s new exorbitant performance fees make it nearly impossible for non-Canadian independent acts to play there. iTunes radio is alive and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Pandora is one of the most popular internet radio apps available. Loved and listened to by millions, Pandora is also at the center of a heated debate about music streaming royalties. Pandora argues... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Dmitri Vietze is 14 year PR veteran and founder of StoryAmp, a platform for connecting music providers and journalists.  In this exclusive interview, Dmitri tells how artists can approach the press,... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the news: Pandora’s controversial tactics to reduce what they pay artists. Japan is poised to take the lead as world’s biggest music seller. And Amazon releases its first “Cities... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

This week on the DIY Musician podcast, Brian Thompson (also known online as Thorny Bleeder) joins us to talk about online music promotion and how the music business has changed over the course of his... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the news: Public performance royalties; Twitter launches Twitter Music; Google launches Google Play ALL Access; Apple is on the verge of announcing the rumored “iRadio” streaming... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Steve Rennie is a long time industry veteran who helped the band Incubus reach multi-platinum status. Now that Incubus is on hiatus, Steve is working to help independent artists learn about the biz... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Music publishing is arguably the most confusing (and important) aspect of the music business. What kinds of royalties are you owed as a songwriter? Which royalties do performing rights organizations... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Rumors of the DIY Podcast’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Mark Twain, on the other hand, is quite dead. In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Chris, Kevin, and the Bolt... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Well it’s been debated all over the internet in recent weeks. An intern at NPR, Emily White, sparked a huge controversy in the music blogging world, when she admitted to not paying for all the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Apple, Google and Facebook are the new media giants of our time. How do these companies affect the livelihoods of independent musicians who want to sell their music online? How do recent... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Over the past decade, independent artists have begun to earn significant income from traditional licensing opportunities in TV and film; but with YouTube quickly becoming the most popular online... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the news: CD Baby pays you even more; YouTube adds a merch store; and artists wonder if Spottily is hurting or helping. Kevin, Chris and the Bolt discuss getting paid at gigs: Should you demand a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The Future of Music Coalition is conducting an online survey from Sept 6 – Oct 28, 2011 to gather crucial information about the ways that US-based musicians and composers are currently... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

We’re back! And with all sorts of news, tips and artist feedback. In the news: Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple. Wildly popular UK music streaming service, Spotify launches in the US. MySpace... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

iTunes releases juicy details about iTunes Match, a service that some say “legalizes piracy” and others say “monetizes it.” Pandora’s public offering doesn’t fair... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Lots of launches this week! MySpace Launches a Facebook App. Google finally launches its cloud music service. YouTube launches top 100 music video charts and CD Baby launches a new widget store. The... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

While up at the ECMA music conference in Canada, Kevin (our host) witnessed Tom Jackson’s live-performance-makeover session. Tom works with a band and helps them make improvements to their live... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Do you believe in music in the cloud? Well it’s coming whether the record labels like it or not. In this episode, the podcasters discuss a recent flurry of tech and music news involving all... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Seth Godin is an author and thought leader who has written 13 books that cover topics such as leadership, digital marketing and the spreading of ideas. His book, Tribes, garnered a lot of attention... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Thievery, Revenge, and Karate moves gone wrong! In this episode of the DIY musician podcast, musician share their stories of triumph, hilarity and defeat. Find out who wins the grand prize for best... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the news, CD Baby’s sister company, HostBaby, launches a new website builder; FaceBook rolls out a major update to Facebook pages; YouTube does a deal with Rights Flow to help with video... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the News: There’s a new baby in town and her name is BookBaby. Apple makes lots and lots of money. MySpace cuts half its staff. MTV has something new up its sleeve and it (apparently)... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

What will the future hold? Flying cars, teleporters, and instant beauty pills? The Podcasters are back with predictions for the future and reflections on the past.  Join Kevin and the Bolt as they... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In this spell binding, spine tingling, breathe taking episode of the CD Baby DIY Musician Podcast, the Podcasters investigate such mysteries as: “Why did it took so long for the Beatles to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Listeners to this episode will be privy to a special deal from both CD Baby and HostBaby.  So don’t miss it.  In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast: UK music subscription service Spotify... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Despite being around for a number of years, there is still plenty of confusion in the artist community regarding what SoundExchange actually does. They ARE a performance rights organization, but they... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the News: Twitter is now #3 social network (if you count Hotmail as #2).  One report finds only 15% of consumers download anything. Another study finds most Twitter tweets never get a get a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Break out the champagne and celebrate with our dynamic trio (Chris, Kevin and the Bolt) as they celebrate 100 episodes and 3 years of the DIY Musician Podcast by shooting silly string at each other... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Apple announces a new music event.  The ever popular Pandora radio adds genre stations.  MySpace updates their band pages.  The Bolt gets a free T-Shirt.  The Podcasters discuss last weeks interview... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Brian Meece is one of the co-founders of the crowd funding (aka. fan funding) site called RocketHub.  RocketHub allows artists to promote projects and accept fan contributions to support and fund... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the News: has the digital singles market hit its saturation point? Sound Exchange has money for independent artists.  And the ‘Double Rainbow’ song reaches top ten in iTunes:... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Jack Conte of the indie pop duo Pomplamoose, joins us to discuss how they have used video to reach music fans around the world. Pomplamoose’s innovative videos have collectively been viewed... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Apple announces the new improved iPhone (optimized for video). YouTube adds video editing.  Thom York of Radiohead claims the music industry is dying.  Kevin recaps his show opening for the British... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Martin is a longtime musician (Public Image Ltd, Killing Joke, and Pigface) and a full time lecturer at Columbia College Chicago. He recently penned a book called “Tour Smart and Break the Band” that... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the news, Facebook has caused quite a stir with privacy and policy changes that have left many looking for an alternative social network.  Avid Twitter user John Mayer, a musician with over 3.2... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Income from performance royalties is on the rise according to ASCAP.  YouTube is working on a new streaming-video rental model.  Facebook now allows users to “unlike” things.  The... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

  An amazing number of CD Baby artists have achieved success through their version of a cover song. Covers provide an opportunity to be discovered by fans searching for a well-known song.... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

How will the iPad and devices like it change the way we listen to and create music?  Is this technology a step forward or a step back in computing?  Kevin makes his predictions about the future of... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

You’ve emailed, called, and left comments on our blog.  You’ve got tips, and opinions, and stories about being an indie artist.  You hate or love our guests.  You miss calling Bolton, ... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Kristin Thomson is the Education Director at the Future of Music Coalition, a national nonprofit organization that works to ensure a diverse musical culture where artists flourish, are compensated... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The value of music is undeniable. Music is woven into the fabric of every human culture. The digital age has made more music available for cheaper than ever before. This is an exciting time for music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Giving away music for free: does it help or hinder an artist’s career? There are those who believe that giving away music devalues it and makes it disposable. Others believe that free music is... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

A new study confirms watching music videos is still the primary attraction on YouTube.  Rock Band for indie artists may be more work than it’s worth.  Facebook topples yahoo as being the #2... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

A strategic partnership is a relationship between the artist/band and a company that wants to use music in a way that enhances the products they promote.  With all the doom and gloom about the music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Heard the Buzz about Google Buzz? How about the case of the disappearing music Blogs on Blogger?  The Podcasters discuss these topics, share some stories from their own music adventures and revisit... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Brian is a member of the Band I Fight Dragons, who after their first year, find themselves signing a major label record deal.  What’s interesting is the events that led them to that deal were very... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In this exciting episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Bolton gets his very own theme song.  That’s right, the world premiere of Mr. Billy’s “The Bolt.” In music related news:... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Howard Massey is a recording engineer and producer turned writer and author.  He authored the books Behind the Glass Volume 1 & 2 that chronicles the many hours he spent talking to music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

iTunes and Lala tie the knot and tech blogs are a buzz with the news.  What does this mean for the future of digital music?  Are we moving into the cloud?  Also, 2009’s top ten viral videos are... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

As we head into the next decade armed with faster internet connections and more bandwidth, it’s exciting to see the innovative ways artists are starting to collaborate with each other.  Entire albums... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Apple and Lala sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Twitter use wanes. Spotify payouts come under fire. The Podcasters discuss their own musical projects and recap last weeks interview with Corey... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Corey Smith made headlines when his independent music career slowly grew into a multi-million dollar business, selling out large venues normally reserved for those with chart topping hits.  No, it... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

We’ve been making our list and checking it twice!  Let the CD Baby Podcasters fill your stockings with indie tips and tricks.  In this episode, Kevin, Chris and Bolton discuss the impending... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Weezer bundles up with Snuggies. And the Podcasters revisit last weeks interview with Josh Rosenthal, and discuss how targeting the right market can be just the thing to move your music career... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Josh Rosenthal is a singer-songwriter living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Instead of making those long, costly treks to larger, more established music markets like LA, NYC, and Nashville, Josh spent his... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In an unexpected move, Robert changes his on-air name to Bolton. Google throws its hat into the music game. MySpace offers stats for their artist profile pages. Is iTunes LP a real option for... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Allison Weiss is a true DIY artist eager to get her music career moving forward, but being a college student makes touring and getting beyond her local scene a challenge.  To keep the dialogue going... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The guys from Works Progress Administration definitely have plenty of label experience under their belt from all their past projects (Toad the Wet Sprocket, Nickel Creek, Lyle Lovette). With WPA’s... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Kevin and Chris are joined by Portland’s music media guru Ryan Wines to discuss ways in which artists are controlling their own musical destinies. In this episode the podcasters debate:  Is the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Klayton is an artist, producer, songwriter, plus more!  In true DIY style, he turned his musical passions into a full time career.  After being burned by the old school music business, he set out on... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

iTunes, Twitter and Facebook updates in the news.  Kevin and Robert bring everyone up to speed on their recent musical endeavors as summer draws to a close.  Your questions and comments lead us into... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

After a brief summer hiatus, the podcasters are back with lots of indie tricks and tips for the working musician.  In the news: whispers of a deal between Apple and record labels, code name:... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Getting out on the road to build an audience is a constant struggle for the average indie artist. Limitations on time, money, and resources are all huge hurdles to overcome. But what if you could... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

This week's episode focuses on a video by Rolling Stone music critic Christopher R. Weingarten The post #064 Roundtable – Twitter Vs. Music Journalism appeared first on DIY Musician Podcast. So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Bruce Houghton (Founder of Skyline Music) is a long time industry veteran who has been booking music talent of all shapes and sizes for over 20 years.  As the shift in the music industry became... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Pandora adds a paid subscription option with perks. Walmart gets rid of its DRM’d songs. Emusic moves beyond the indie market and stirs controversy. File-sharing is now a part of the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

You've probably seen some of the music reality shows they produce like, "America's Got Talent, X Factor, and American Idol." After the show is over, it's David's job to continue the artist's... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Paste magazine launches their “save Paste” campaign in order to preserve one of the top selling music magazines in the country. Webcaster’s rights are debated in the White House.... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Artists and musicians spend a lot of time communicating with their fan community, whether it be social networks, email, or just the music itself. With so much thought and energy going into fan... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In the News: Mainstream radio is still a racket. Also, when is the best time of day to Twitter? For our main topic of discussion, our own Chris Robley uses Haiku to woo his audiences as well as other... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Whether you’re slugging it out in small clubs, or selling millions of albums, there are consistent themes that run through every artist’s experience. Matt Malley, former bass player for... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

iTunes introduces variable pricing. Facebook stays on top. The podcasters recap our last episode, where David Nevue demonstrated that it’s entirely possible to make a living without the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The internet is an irreplaceable tool for music promotion, but is it possible to build a music career in cyberspace alone?  In this episode, we hear from solo pianist David Nevue, who built his music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

How often do you post a new song, demo, album or blog post? In the web 2.0 universe artists are competing for the attention of an increasingly distracted audience. Keeping your fans engaged often... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The cell phone has rapidly evolved. It’s hard to even think of another technology that has changed as quickly as mobile phone technology. The way we use our phones has changed drastically as well.... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

News, calls, emails, tips and tricks! The Podcasters revisit last week’s episode with Greg Poree,  share some more Twitter tips, and investigate the art of playing other people’s music... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Most indie artists have a day job in order to make ends meet.  For some, their “day job” is actually playing music.  In this episode, Kevin talks to Greg Poree, the guitar player on the hit TV show,... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The big 50! Kevin, Chris and Robert are pleased as punch to have delivered fifty info-packed episodes of the DIY Musician Podcast. They kick off this episode by sharing a few of their favorite... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Dave Kusek is a musician who has been inventing the future of music for the past twenty-five years. He was one of the first to capitalize on the commercial potential of computers and music. As an... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Facebook’s new terms get a rewrite. More on royalty rates and internet Radio. Myspace has people spending way more time per visit. Indie band Officer Roseland sets up mystimuluspackage.org to... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

It’s tax time! Before you run away screaming, we’ve provided this resource to help guide you through process of properly reporting your music income to the IRS. Allen Jones, from Portland Community... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

The Boss gets hot under the collar over the Ticketmaster, Live Nation merger. A new performance rights bill is gaining traction in Congress. Facebook kicks Myspace’s virtual butt. Kevin, Chris... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Podcasting and internet marketing specialist Jason Van Orden, talks about podcasting, marketing and networking on the web. Jason lays out the nuts and bolts of how to create a podcast, and why... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Revisiting Tom Jackson’s interview, the Podcasters offer their own thoughts on the importance of developing a great live show. Many of our listeners have taken up the Twitter challenge and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Tom Jackson is a performance coach. He works with major label artists from all over the world in order to produce stage shows that will create a memorable experience for concert goers. Knowing your... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

iTunes introduces tiered pricing. Microsoft releases SongSmith, a program that makes anyone a musician. NIN gives away 400GB of HD video. Kevin, Chris and Robert discuss Twitter and how... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Not-so-secret secrets revealed! Social media do’s and don’ts. What Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna have in common. YouTube teams up with Rumble Fish. Robert offers to throw a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Alex Steininger, music journalist, 10 year veteran publicist, and founder of ‘In Music We Trust’ (a label, eZine and publicity company) discusses the ins and outs of promotion in the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Indie legends Wilco release an EP that’s also a free application. Guns ‘N’ Roses finally does it. Video games drive music sales. Robert seems mostly recovered from a minor head... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Pandora radio has revolutionized the way online music fans listen to and discover music. Tim Westergren is founder of Pandora and the Music Genome project that made it possible. With so many... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Kevin, Chris, and Robert make true on their promise to deliver four indie-packed episodes in October. Dell computers announces computers preloaded with Universal music. Guns ‘n’ Roses... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

You may be surprised to learn that the legendary John Oates of Hall & Oates is an indie musician who sells his albums on CD Baby. John Oates is part of a growing trend where established musicians... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Are SD cards the new CD? MySpace launches MySpace Music. YouTube decides to help sell music. We discuss last weeks episode with Carl Saff on mastering. Also, we learn what not to do when performing... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Excite, sweeten, widen, and color your mix. Mastering can make or break an album sonically. But what is it exactly? Why do albums need to be mastered anyway? How do you know if your album is being... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Surprise, surprise–The new Zune music player fails to compete with Apple’s new line of iPods. Kevin, Chris and Robert offer their own thoughts and processes on songwriting and Robert... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Songwriting is hard. It requires an ear for melody, a mind for poetry, and a heart to translate emotion into the hills and valleys of song. The process of songwriting is different for everyone, but... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Robert nearly burns down his apartment building. Yahoo Music folds along with the music that came with it. Chris extols the virtues of gig swapping. We revisit interviews with Anne Roos and Ariel... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Making a living as a full-time musician is a dream-come-true for most of us. But many artists are so busy looking for their ‘big break’ they forget to consider the more common and obvious... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Friendster, YouTube and Flickr. Are you on these these websites? Do you know how to take advantage of their many features for self promotion and fan building? Ariel Hyatt... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Don’t set yourself on fire with bad lighting equipment. Back up your recording sessions. Keep an eye on your producer when she takes your masters to the bathroom with her. Be careful what you... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Get your music reviewed by your local weekly! Amy McCullough, is the music editor for the Willamette Week, a popular and award winning weekly newspaper here in Portland with a circulation of almost... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Guess what? We’ve got a hotline: 206-426-5683. We’ve asked artists to call in and tell us about mistakes they’ve made in their music careers and what they’ve learned from... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Kevin shares his adventures in the land of 10,000 bands at SXSW (South by South West). Radiohead hits another line-drive and we wrap up our sync licensing episodes with some final insights. Join us... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

This is how to make money in indie music, plain and simple. In this follow up to our previous episode on music licensing, Kevin takes it home with two more in-depth interviews with music industry... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

See your music featured in movies, TV, radio or the web, and make money doing it! This is Part One of our two part special on sync licensing. Don’t know what sync licensing is? That’s... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Record companies and publishing houses duke it out for cash. Harry Fox throws indies a bone. Hip hop producer Timbaland becomes the first mobile phone music producer in residence at Verizon. All... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

David Harrington is the founder and visionary violinist behind the world renowned Kronos Quartet. Kronos has taken the stage with artists as diverse as Dave Mathews, Tom Waits and the Inuit throat... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Artist management may not be the first thing on your mind when you’ve got your amp cranked up and your creativity flowing. But management is just as essential to cultivating and maintaining a... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Holiday music from our listeners, our favorite tips from past episodes, a follow up with Robert on the Album In a Month challenge, and reflections on our interview with rock god Duff McKagan. Join us... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

What does Duff McKagan, bass player for Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver, know about indie music? More than you might think. All musicians–famous, infamous, or unknown–begin from the same... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Songwriting, record labels and music seminars, oh boy! Robert fearlessly signs up to write and record an album in one month (gulp), Kevin visits Seattle Music Tech 2007 (and shares his experience)... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

In a time when worldwide distribution is available through companies like CD Baby for less then a pack of new bass strings, what is the use of a record label for an indie musician? These days even... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Famed British rock group Radiohead gives away their album for free. The RIAA strikes again. Led Zeppelin goes digital. And a dog named Bucky interrupts Jourdan’s news report. Join Kevin and the... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Recording Engineer, Jeff Saltzman, well known for his work with many of the North West’s top indie artists, lets us in on some of the methods and madness that goes into engineering and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Are CDs going out of fashion or on their way back in? Why don’t MP3s sound better? What is the future of digital music? Is it possible to manage your career without ever leaving your apartment? How... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

It’s easy to promote in the real world right? All you need is a killer demo, a staple gun and a winning personality. But what if you’re not the outspoken type? What if you’re more... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

  Today’s Roundtable Episode is, well . . . all about video and how it can help your career. We’ll discuss Kevin’s interview with Moving Rushmore in our last episode, touch on... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

[display_podcast] Moving Rushmore started out a little different than most bands. When the band was just taking shape, they decided that video would be such a crucial part of what they do, that Tim... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

[display_podcast] Clubs, bars and coffee houses aren’t the only gigs in town! In this action packed episode of the DIY Music Podcast, Kevin, Jourdan, Chris and Robert discuss Fran... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

[display_podcast] Fran Snyder is a musician who’s hit on something that can truly breathe life into your musical career. In fact, his website (ConcertsInYourHome.com) receives thousands of... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

CD Baby artist Jonathan Coultan, a self proclaimed “codemonkey,” blogger, and musician, hit upon a simple idea that would gain him international attention. In 2005 he began what he aptly... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

[display_podcast] Kevin, Robert, and Chris welcome Jourdan to the podcasting ranks for a special roundtable discussion. They’ve assembled to discuss the copyright issues covered by our... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

[display_podcast] Copyright Law – It’s what gives a copyright owner their power. Established by the framers of the US Constitution, it was designed to strike a balance between the interests of... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

CD Baby’s top selling artist, singer/songwriter Dan Zanes, has been making music for over two decades. The former member of the 80’s group, The Del Fuegos, stumbled into his biggest musical... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Club bookers can be an elusive bunch, but they stand between you and your next gig. Who is Alicia Rose? She books the musical talent at one of Portland’s hottest clubs, the Doug Fir Lounge.... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Music promotion. Everyone from the first time songwriter, to the seasoned pro ponders the question of promoting his or her musical career. There are books, 10 step programs, and even charts and... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com

Welcome to the maiden voyage of the DIY Music Podcast! Lear about the music business from indie musicians who work at CD BABY and give advice to Indie artists 40hours a week. This is the first... So what's it take to be Indie anywho? www.cdbabypodcast.com