DIY Musician Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#289: 10 creative challenges to get you out of your songwriting rut Feb 01, 2022

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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.

#288: Is social media dead for musicians? Jan 26, 2022

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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.

#287: The new rules for cover art Jan 18, 2022

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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.

#286: Music predictions for 2022 Jan 10, 2022

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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?

#285: What independent musicians can learn from The Beatles' Get Back Dec 29, 2021

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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.

#284: Releasing music for the first time Dec 20, 2021

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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.

#284: Releasing music for the first time Dec 20, 2021

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#283: Bryan Ewald: Artist endorsements and diversifying revenue Nov 30, 2021

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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.

#282: Band Vs. Solo Artist - How You Make Decisions Nov 22, 2021

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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

#281: E-commerce 101 for musicians Oct 28, 2021

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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.

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