DIY Musician Podcast (CD Baby)

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina sits down with CD Baby Artist Services Manager, Austin, to discuss CD Baby Boost. Together they dive into the various royalties collected by Boost, registration with the MLC and SoundExchange, sync licensing opportunities, and how this service differs from the now retired CD Baby PRO.

Please visit our Help Center for more info: https://support.cdbaby.com/hc/en-us/articles/17723985999885-CDB-Boost

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!

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! 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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? 

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina, Rachel, and Via delve into the labyrinth of file organization for independent musicians. They tackle the complexities of managing computer files, spreadsheets, lyric and chord sheets, finances and more, while offering invaluable insights into best practices for staying organized and maintaining professionalism. Join them as they share amusing anecdotes of past organizational mishaps and explore the strategies they're employing to bring order to their chaos.

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.

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.

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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!

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.

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. 

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, hosts Cristina and Rachel dive deep into the dynamic world of short form video trends dominating the internet landscape in 2024. From viral challenges to captivating storytelling techniques, they unravel how independent artists can leverage these trends to amplify their presence and engage with audiences on a whole new level. Additionally, they shed light on the CD Baby Video Creator Tool, unveiling its ability to seemlessly craft compelling Spotify Canvas videos.

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! 

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.

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/

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, join Cristina as she engages in an enlightening conversation with Miami-based entertainment lawyer, Somara Jacques, Esq. Together they dive deep into the intricacies of copyright law, and explore the most frequently asked questions pertinent to independent musicians. This episode is a must-listen for musicians seeking clarity and a solid understanding of copyrights in the ever-evolving music industry. Follow Somara Jacques, Esq: https://www.instagram.com/thelattelawyer

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.

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. 

In episode #368 of the DIY Musician Podcast, we sit down with Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon, as well as one-half of the musical duo Pomplamoose and co-leader of Scary Pockets. Jack shares his unique insights on what he calls “the end of the follower era” in 2024. We dive into what it means to be a musician today, how the changing digital landscape affects creators, and why metrics still play a crucial role in shaping careers. Whether you’re an artist or simply curious about the future of content creation, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of social platforms, fan engagement, and much more.

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!

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.

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...

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. 

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel offer insight into the process of building a band from scratch. Join them as they navigate the intricacies of finding the perfect performers and nurturing relationships within the group. Together they discuss some practical tips like how to keep a consistent rehearsal schedule, band calendar, how to communicate effectively, and much more.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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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. 

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.

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.

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.

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Check out Bombadil's music and tour dates.

Follow their touring and recording adventures.

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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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina sits down with two titans of the music industry: the renowned songwriting coach and music publisher, Judy Stakee, and the Emmy award-winning songwriter, producer, and coach, Mike Meiers. Together, they delve into the intricacies of songwriting approach, offering invaluable insights gleaned from their extensive experience. The spotlight, however, shines on their forthcoming virtual Songwriting workshop, "Hitmakers Live," on April 21st. Through this eagerly anticipated event, participants are primed to embark on a transformative journey, drawing from the wealth of wisdom accumulated by these industry leaders and major guest artists and educators. Expect not only to refine your craft but also to forge meaningful connections within a community of dedicated songwriters, akin to yourself. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring songwriter, this workshop is an unmissable opportunity to refine your skills, expand your network, and ultimately, make your mark in the world of music.

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!

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. 

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. 

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.

Heading out on tour our can introduce a range of stressors, spanning from confined living spaces to an inflexible (or non-existent) schedule, limited food choices, feelings of isolation and detachment from your people back home, free booze at every turn, and less-than-ideal sleeping conditions. These factors can contribute to physical and mental strain for indie artists who are just out there trying to put their best on stage. In the latest episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina Cano and Rachel Beringer offer practical health hacks to help musicians maintain their physical and mental well-being while on the road.

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina engages in a conversation with Megh Vakharia, CEO and co-founder of Symphony OS, exploring the necessity for artists to streamline their marketing efforts. Megh sheds light on Symphony's innovative solutions tailored to ease artist marketing burdens, freeing up valuable time for creative pursuits. With Symphony's tools, artists reclaim control over their careers, empowered to shape their destinies without relinquishing ownership. Symphony's mission is clear: to empower the next wave of a million artists to thrive independently, building their businesses on their own terms.

Learn more about Symphony OS and claim your CD Baby discount here: https://www.symphonyos.co/partners/cdbaby

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.