Music Business Hacks

In today's monthly recap, we talk about the best ideas from the four weeks. September was a month of building blocks: essentials that artists should know as well as essential qualities that make someone a great entrepreneur. From perspective to problem-solving, there are many things that aren't taught in traditional music programs or MBA programs but things you out to know...that's why we cover them on this show. I believe that being a successful artist involves critical skills in writing/performing music as well as personality traits that can be cultivated, such as curiosity, persistence, and innovation. Some of the episodes you'll definitely want to give (another) spin include: Episode #198: How to Captivate an Audience from Start to Finish Episode #200: Becoming a Lifelong Learner Episode #205: Hacks for Merch Booths Episode #208: 3 Qualities Every Artist Needs for Success Episode #209: How to Increase Your Creativity pt. 1 Episode #210: How to Increase Your Creativity pt. 2 Episode #216: 4 Traits Every Mu

Building on our previous episodes on using Instagram, today we discuss specific tactics and ideas to use Instagram Stories as an artist. We don't spend much time focusing on benefits or basics - for those, check out this great article from Buffer. If you want to take your Instagram game to the next level, you don't want to miss this episode.

Today, we talk about how you can master the art of Instagram Live as an artist. Whether it is promoting your new giveaway as we discussed in Episode #221 or your upcoming release, we focus on the key concepts you need to know. Resources: Best cellphone gimball stabilizer Blue Raspberry Mobile Microphone (for phones, tablets, and PCs)

We discuss the most effective and legal ways of hosting a giveaway on Instagram (yep, there are rules). Resources: Instagram Promotion Guidelines (link) Example caption of terms: This is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s term of use.

In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth to answer questions about her career: everything from diversifying revenue streams to increasing effectiveness in her marketing. Chances are that many of the questions she had are also relevant to you as well! About Elizabeth: Singer, songwriter, pianist…a true artist, Elizabeth Eckert was discovered by five-time Grammy Award Winning producer Paul Worley, who upon hearing her for the first time declared she “bends music to her will, note by note.” Her indie-pop sound is reminiscent of Ingrid Michelson with the added "realness" of Sheryl Crow. Elizabeth's training as a pianist started at the age of 3 and culminated in a performance at Carnegie Hall as a teenager, and her career is an inspiring example of classical training with commercial success. A proud graduate of Indiana University as shown in her first single "Bloomington," Elizabeth appears at IU events regularly, and can usually be found on a sailboat when she's not making music. Be sure to check out her work h

Today, we look at DIY Crafter and YouTube video star LaurDIY, and how she was able to develop a successful business enterprise by using consistency, quality, and innovation. Artists take note: if you want to make a splash with your own channels, you can learn from her best practices to apply them into your own career.

Artists need to learn how to say no more often. In today's episode, we talk about the benefits of turning down gigs and interviews so that you can better focus on projects. We'll also talk about a better way of saying no so you can develop relationships (instead of hurt feelings)

Do you wonder how to get your music on Spotify playlists? Today, we talk about specific strategies that will help you get added onto more Spotify playlists so not only will you earn more revenue through streaming, but so you'll get discovered as well. Resources: Spotify for Artists

I believe that every entrepreneur is a problem solver. Today, we talk about what the skill means and how you can incorporate four key traits that every entrepreneur shares into your own career. Resources: Episode #8: SMARTER Goals Episode #212: How Mentoring Others Will Keep You Motivated

Today, we talk about how and why musicians should actively be using Pinterest to help their music careers. Whether you choose to actively engage in this community or not, you can still set things up to help capture more fans by following these principles. Also, if you'd like to check out Episode 38 of the Music Jobs Podcast, I share my own story of how I started a record label at age 13 and what I did to manage The Slants to success.

In today's recap, we talk about the running theme of awareness, persistence, and curiosity and how those three traits can drive engagement and success in the music industry. Episodes: Episode #208 - 3 Qualities Every Artist Needs for Success Episode #209 - How to Increase Your Creativity pt. 1 Episode #210 - How to Increase Your Creativity pt. 2 Episode #211 - Why Facebook Reach is Declining and What You Can Do About It Episode #212 - How Mentoring Others Will Keep You Motivated Episode #213 - How Manafest Sold Over 15,000 CDs Through Facebook Ads

Manafest is a barrier breaking singer, songwriter, rapper, author and skater. He effortlessly merges rock, rap and pop throughout his music, carefully assembling experiences and compelling inspirations that speak to a wide variety of fans across the globe. His unique style has garnered him notable achievements such as four JUNO nominations, multiple GMA Dove nominations and a slew of GMA Canada Covenant awards. His music has been featured in the NFL, video games, throughout television shows such as Knight Rider, One Tree Hill and MTV Unplugged, and most recently in the movie Hard Target 2. His intelligent and contagious music has sold over 300,000 albums worldwide and has brought him to perform over 1,000 shows across 4 continents. Resources: Smart Music Business Songs Promotions Guide Manafest's Music Promotion and Marketing Strategies video Manafest video: Get a Free CD Sent to Your Door Favorite Books: Bible (New International Version) and (New King James version) Rich Dad Poor Dad How to Reach Your Life

Mentoring relationships are critical. Of course, we want a mentor to guide us through this difficult industry. However, have you thought about taking on a mentee yourself and how that might impact your own career?

If your Facebook numbers aren't looking great these days, you're not alone. Across the board, reach and engagement is down across industries. In this episode, we talk about what you can do specifically to buck this trend. Resources: Is Facebook Reach Really On a Downward Spiral?Argora Pulse: (article)

Today is part 2 of our series on scientifically backed ways to increase your creativity. As creatives and artists, creativity is the source of our art, so let's discuss new ways to discover our brain-growing activities!

In today's episode, we're going to geek out about science and how it can be used to build stronger neuron connections, the kind that drive creativity. Let's flex those creative muscles! Resources: Online classes: Coursera Udemy

Awareness, persistence, curiosity. These three qualities are what every successful artist and entrepreneur shares. Today, we talk about how you can develop these traits in yourself. Resources: Entrepreneur article: 3 Traits Vital to Success

In today's episode, we talk about strategic application of diversity: everything from using different perspectives and approaching a diverse set of artist needs to actually applying principles of diversity and inclusion into everything that you do. Resources: Episode #201: How and Why Artists Should Have an Inclusion Rider Episode #202: How to Get Better Sleep on Tour Episode #203: The Best Exercise for Singers Episode #204: How Musicians Can Stop Wasting Time Episode #205: Hacks for Merch Booths at Conventions, Street Fairs, and Events Episode #206: Your Music Business Questions, Answered

Today, I answer some of the questions that have been coming in about my approach to the music industry, advice about labels, and how to fund an arts career.

Today, we focus on developing strategies and tactics to make more at non-music venue events such as music festivals, conventions and trade shows, and street fairs. If you want more information about booking conventions, check out Episode #165. Remember the big 7: Location Visual Interactive 15 Seconds Giveaways Presentations Follow up