DIY Musician Podcast
377 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 351 ratingsMaking music has never been easier, but building a music career today is altogether different. Finding the right audience for your music takes an entrepreneurial mindset, a lot of hard work, and a willingness to experiment. The DIY Musician Podcast features interviews with artists of all styles and backgrounds who’ve found a unique but authentic pathway to success, as well as in-depth discussions with music publicists, promoters, lawyers, publishers, talent buyers, and more. This podcast is geared towards independent musicians who want to build a sustainable music career without giving up (too much) financial or creative control. Hosts Kevin and Chris work with hundreds of thousands of artists at CD Baby, and are actively releasing and promoting their own music too; they're part of the same community they’re helping to educate and encourage with each new episode.
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Episodes
#358: Hitmakers Live - Songwriting Secrets with Industry Pros Judy Stakee + Mike Meiers
April 03, 2024 19:29 - 41 minutes - 96.5 MBIn 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. Thr...
#357: The Truth(s) About Being "Female" Musicians
March 26, 2024 17:45 - 40 minutes - 93 MBIn this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel welcome Via to the show. Together, they delve into the intricacies of being categorized as a "female" musician within the industry, exploring their personal perspectives on this label. While some express frustration at the persistent emphasis on gender in their work, others view it as a meaningful community to belong to. They navigate the concept of multiple truths coexisting within identity and its impact on their journeys in ...
#356: Exploring Short Form Video Trends in 2024
March 14, 2024 19:50 - 54 minutes - 125 MBIn 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 Spoti...
#335 How to Get Into Sync Licensing - Insider Tips to Get Your Music Featured Now with Chris SD
March 08, 2024 19:57 - 52 minutes - 120 MBIn this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack engages in a compelling conversation with Sync Songwriter Chris SD, delving into the intricacies of succeeding in the realm of Sync Licensing. Tune in as Chris shares valuable insights into crafting sync-friendly tunes, understanding licensing deals, and building relationships with music supervisors. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, this episode provides actionable tips to navigate the sync licensing landscape effectively ...
#354: Mental and Physical Health Hacks for Touring Musicians
February 09, 2024 19:24 - 55 minutes - 128 MBHeading 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 ...
#353: Artist Spotlight: Exploring Shannon Curtis's Creative Universe
February 01, 2024 02:34 - 1 hour - 180 MBIn 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 share...
#352: 2024's DIY Musician Creative Resolutions and Tidal's Collabs Revolution
January 17, 2024 00:22 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn 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.
#351: Artist Spotlight - Navigating a Dynamic Creative Career with Abigail Fierce
January 02, 2024 23:00 - 36 minutes - 82.8 MBIn 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!
#350: Forecasting the Musical Trends of 2024
December 22, 2023 05:22 - 55 minutes - 128 MBIn 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.
#349: Celebrating 25 Years of CD Baby!
December 02, 2023 21:33 - 54 minutes - 125 MBIn 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 re...
#348: The Scenius Approach to Navigating Industry Changes
November 06, 2023 18:52 - 42 minutes - 98.7 MBJoin 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 sc...
#347 - The Future of the Podcast & BARii's Odyssey from DIY Musician to Writing for The Proud Family
October 23, 2023 17:04 - 45 minutes - 105 MBCristina 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.
#346: 8 Friends Every Musician Needs in Their Corner
September 28, 2023 19:53 - 51 minutes - 118 MBRelationships 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, ...
#345: 10 Ways to Simplify Your Instagram Ads
August 24, 2023 12:10 - 52 minutes - 121 MBRunning 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.
#344: Growing a Band into a Business (with Bombadil)
July 26, 2023 16:43 - 1 hour - 148 MBAfter 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 B...
#343: A Musician's Guide to Threads
July 20, 2023 17:16 - 46 minutes - 108 MBThreads 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?
#342: Time as an Instrument (Carving Out More Moments for Your Music)
July 06, 2023 15:01 - 55 minutes - 127 MBAre 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.
#341: Musicians, Don't Be THIS Person!
June 28, 2023 14:01 - 58 minutes - 134 MBAs 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 sing...
#340: 5 Things Musicians Get Wrong About Advertising
June 21, 2023 14:30 - 48 minutes - 112 MBIF 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.
#339: How to Reach Fans Beyond Social Media
June 15, 2023 13:21 - 1 hour - 153 MBThere'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!
#338: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Making Music
June 08, 2023 19:30 - 1 hour - 140 MBAre 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.
BONUS EPISODE: The Future of DIY
May 31, 2023 20:03 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBAfter 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!
#337: My Top 6 Pieces of Advice for Artists - Kevin’s Parting Words
May 24, 2023 15:22 - 1 hour - 158 MBAfter 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.
#336: The INSANE Social Content Idea List for Musicians
May 18, 2023 14:15 - 1 hour - 196 MBArtists 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.
#335: Why Musicians Quit: And How to Avoid It!
May 09, 2023 18:15 - 1 hour - 168 MBPursuing 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 s...
#334: 5 New SPOTIFY Features + 5 Fun Hacks!
April 25, 2023 23:15 - 1 hour - 174 MBSpotify 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!
#333: Cassie Petrey - Building a Social Strategy
April 12, 2023 17:53 - 1 hour - 156 MBWhether 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.
#332: 15 Email Marketing Mistakes Musicians Make
April 02, 2023 23:50 - 1 hour - 220 MBEmail 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.
#331: 5 Things Musicians Should Leave Behind in 2023
March 09, 2023 02:38 - 1 hour - 162 MBAre 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 min...
#330: 10 Ways to Build Anticipation for Your Music
February 27, 2023 00:58 - 1 hour - 169 MBThere'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.
#329: Releasing Music: Paid or Famous?
February 20, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 141 MBWould 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.
#328: A.I. and Music - Why Musicians Should Care!
February 07, 2023 01:03 - 1 hour - 207 MBEveryone 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?)
#327: The Key to Making More Money from Your Music
January 27, 2023 22:14 - 42 minutes - 98.5 MBFor 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.
#326: Gamifying Your Music Promotion Using Discord
January 18, 2023 18:59 - 1 hour - 140 MBWant 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 ...
#325: Releasing Music in 2023
January 09, 2023 23:32 - 1 hour - 259 MBIf 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.
#324: Music Predictions for 2023
January 04, 2023 20:58 - 1 hour - 219 MBn 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?
#323: Talkin' TikTok Trends - How to Use Them for Your Music Promo
December 23, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 231 MBTikTok 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 ...
BONUS EPISODE: Viral Success for Niche Music - How TikTok Worked for Windborne
December 14, 2022 17:41 - 1 hour - 172 MBHow 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...
#322: Breaking Into Your Local Music Scene
December 07, 2022 23:27 - 1 hour - 214 MBWhether 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?
BONUS EPISODE: Get the Gig, Keep the Gig!
December 02, 2022 20:07 - 1 hour - 145 MBWant 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, manage...
#321: Everything After the Music: What Else You'll Need to Succeed
November 22, 2022 19:19 - 1 hour - 169 MBWhat 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.
#320: The 5 Hardest Things About Being an Independent Musician
November 07, 2022 20:40 - 57 minutes - 133 MBLet'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.
#319: Musician Horror Stories
October 27, 2022 21:38 - 1 hour - 196 MBImagine 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.
#318: Getting 1,000,000 Followers on TikTok
October 20, 2022 10:03 - 1 hour - 154 MBHow 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!
#317: 8 Things New Artists Get Wrong
October 16, 2022 22:08 - 1 hour - 163 MBWhen 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 pr...
#316: Musician's Guide to TikTok
October 03, 2022 16:30 - 1 hour - 159 MBNo 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 ...
#315: 50 Promo Ideas in 50 Minutes
September 23, 2022 16:35 - 1 hour - 175 MBOne 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!
#314: Power Up Your Music Videos
September 15, 2022 17:41 - 58 minutes - 133 MBIf 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 patie...
#313: 2022 DIY Musician Conference Recap & Highlights
September 07, 2022 20:53 - 1 hour - 192 MBWith 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...
#312: How to Promote Your Live Shows with Bandsintown
August 19, 2022 22:35 - 1 hour - 192 MBLive 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 abou...