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.

DIY Musician Podcast

#280: Jackie Venson - Adapting for success

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 

#279: Productivity hacks for musicians

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 

#278: 10 music videos you should be making right now

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 

#277: Tips for getting back on the stage in 2021

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

#276: How I grew my Spotify monthly listeners over 2,000%!

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 

#275: How you know when you're ready?

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  

#274: Create the perfect release plan

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 

#273: 6 Music Trends that are wasting your time

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

#272: The state of music streaming

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.

#271: Musicians guide to YouTube

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

#270: What every artist is asking

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

#269: Getting your music promotion in order for 2021

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.

#268: How to release your music in 2021

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.

#267: Cheryl B. Engelhardt - Organizing your fans to reach a goal

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 

#266: Preparing for the 2020 holiday release season

A Music Business Resource for Indie Musicians Everywhere!

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DIY Musician Podcast

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