Music Business Hacks

Latest Episodes:

#366 - Season 2: Music Business Hacks That Scale Mar 06, 2020

Show notes

I'm proud to announce Season 2 of the Music Business Hacks podcast.

This time, we're taking a slightly different approach. Instead of having a daily show, we'll be following the career of three very different artists. They're each receiving six months of coaching from me through the DIY Musician Accelerator program so every episode will focus on direct advice given to a musician in different stages of their career. We're providing complete transparency so you'll be able to hear in near-realtime what is and what isn't working for artists. Of course, I'll still be focusing on information, inspiration, and application for a music career, but we're now diving deeper than ever and focusing on tactics that scale.

Check out the artists I'll be working with here:

Darro

Maxximo

Aspen Jacobsen

And don't forget to register for the DIY Musician Conference where you can join us to hear the final results of this six month program as well as get information on how you can be a truly independent musician! To save $30 off the registration price, use code DIYCON30.

The DIY Musician Accelerator Program Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

I'm so excited to announce this new joint venture between CD Baby and my new nonprofit, The Slants Foundation: The DIY Musician Accelerator Program.

You'll have a chance to receive six months of music business mentoring in addition to a CD print and distribution package worth over $2,400 at no cost! We'll be able to tackle your music business goals, develop specific strategies that you can work on each week, and test the latest tactics to scale up your career.

There's no cost to apply but hurry! The deadline is February 15, 2020.

Apply here.

#365 - One Year of Music Business Hacks Sep 14, 2019

Show notes

It's our final episode!

Today, I reflect on the lessons learned from our journey of one year of music business hacks together.

Follow me on tour: www.theslants.com

Stay in touch: @SimonTheTam

#363 - Learning Hacks From Other Artists Aug 22, 2019

Show notes

In today's episode, we talk about how you can learn best practices from other artists in a way that fits your own music business strategy. Do you have guidelines? SMARTER goals? These can provide guidelines for you when considering options that are sustainable and relevant for you.

Recent Interviews:

Episode #356 - Diving Into the World of K-pop with ESAE

Episode #357 - How to be an Unstarving Musician with Robonzo

Episode #360 - Using Memes and Humor with Blank Face Villain

Episode #361 - Crushin it with Camp Crush: Hustlin' Kids and Instagram Hacks

Episode #362 - Touring for One Year Straight in an RV with Elissa Sun

#362 - Interview: Touring for One Year Straight in an RV with Ellisa Sun Aug 21, 2019

Show notes

Today's interview is with Ellisa Sun.

“Ellisa Sun is a force of nature.” (KFOG) She cuts out her heart and leaves it on the stage—which is why she never wears white.

Currently on her first national tour, Ellisa is showing she has what it takes to make it on her own. Just a guitar, a 30-foot RV, and an insatiable desire to perform.

Raised in Los Angeles, Ellisa migrated north and found a home in San Francisco’s creative scene, where she wrangled a seven-piece band to play her music. Her sound is honest and textured, combining elements of jazz, soul, and pop.

Ellisa self-produced her debut album Moon & Sun in 2017 to critical acclaim. SF Weekly called the first single, Unravel “as near to perfect as any song could be” and “damn gorgeous.”

Ellisa self-released her 2nd album—the Just a Little More EP—in September 2018. With support from her talented bandmates, the 5-track EP boasts a one-of-a-kind, edgy sound that “takes listeners on a trip across all spectrums of love” (WomenCrushMusic) and is “too much of an original to fit into one box” (The Bay Bridged).

Since releasing her album, Ellisa has ventured out on a year-long national tour. Living full-time out of their Winnebago, she and her partner Ken are taking the music directly to the people. Ellisa and her guitar have also earned frequent flyer miles in Japan and South America.

Learn More:

Official Website: https://www.ellisasun.com

Resources:

A Beginner's Guide to Living in an RV (Book)

How to Make it in the New Music Business (Book)

The Artist's Way (Book)

Music Industry Blueprint (Podcast)

And the Writer Is (Podcast)

DIY Musician (Podcast)

Song Exploder (Podcast)

Music recording gear:

Logic & Propellerhead interface, and Sennheiser e935 mic.

#361 - Interview: Crushin it with Camp Crush: Hustlin' Kids and Instagram Hacks Aug 21, 2019

Show notes

Today's interview is with Camp Crush.

Seeing Camp Crush live is like watching two people fall in love in front of you. And it’s true - the band was born when now-married Jen Deale and Chris Spicer discovered they were at the same summer camp together as children, and years later found each other in Portland, OR. With a late 80s mood-pop influence and driving indie rock rhythms, the duo has discovered new territory; a nuanced middle ground between Madonna and Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry and Win Butler, “blending old school and indie rock into something wonderful” according to Pop Dust.

Camp Crush has been busy, releasing two EPs in the last year, with a third arriving fall 2019. Soaring vocals combined with blistering synths, epic balladry, punching drums, and substantive lyrics all makes for a musical experience that is unforgettable.

For more, visit www.campcrushmusic.com

Watch: November Skin (Official Music Video) by Camp Crush

Resources:

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth (BOOK) The Earthsea Series - The Complete Illustrated Edition by Ursula K Le Guin (BOOK)

Dan Cable Presents (PODCAST)

Twin Peaks Season 1

#360 - Interview: Using Memes and Humor with Blank Face Villain Aug 20, 2019

Show notes

This is Blank Face Villain's self-written bio:

"Ay fam, it's cha main man Blank Face Villain AKA BFV AKA yung jimmy AKA 2Uncrustables. I play too many instruments. I've torrented a bunch of programs. I take pictures. I'm just here to make sure those around me have a good time. Invite me to your wedding(s)."

When you hear today's conversation and his approach to music business, you'll understand what this all means...

Check out Blank Face Villain:

Website: https://www.blankfacevillain.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NAtTLJWLOWLRIj3gXXlEq

Resources:

Music Business Hacks (BOOK)

The Last Question by Isaac Asimov (BOOK)

The Needle Drop podcast

MUSIC VIDEO:

#359 - DIY Musician Con pt 2: Social Media Hacks That Defy Trends Aug 17, 2019

Show notes

Today's audio is from my session at the DIY Musician Con.

We all understand that social media is an essential part of an artist’s career but there are very few resources on how to do it well. In this practical and inspirational session, you’ll learn how to build an audience online, make new fans, and create new excitement for your music in a way that defies trends.

If you're interested in receiving a copy of the slides from this session, please hit that contact button. Thank you!

#358 - DIY Musician Con pt 1: How to Dominate in a Niche Market Aug 17, 2019

Show notes

Today's episode is from my presentation at the 2019 DIY Musician Conference.

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 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.

#357 - Interview: How to be an Unstarving Musician with Robonzo Aug 15, 2019

Show notes

About Robonzo:

Roberto R. Hernandez (aka Robonzo) is a part-time professional drummer and vocalist, who performs with multiple bands throughout the course of any given year. While he’s most at home performing on a drum kit, Robonzo also regularly gigs with a Cajon, Djembe and other accoutrements of percussion. He’s worked with original artists and cover bands in and around San Jose, California since 2001. Although he’s a predominately self-taught drummer, Robonzo has in recent years become a student of the acclaimed online educator Mike Johnston at MikesLessons.com. Robonzo played his first gig at a college bar in Arlington, Texas. Within months of that first gig, he was performing throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth and the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Thanks to two older siblings, Robonzo’s earliest music influences included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Cream. In addition to his love of the 60s, Robonzo has always maintained a healthy interest in new music and emerging genres. On the business of doing business as a musician and an artist, Robonzo has also maintained an interest in the changing music industry. He recognizes a growing need to educate and help the next generation do more of what they love—make music. In July of 2016, Robonzo and his wife relocated to El Valle de Anton, Panama. Similar to his move from DFW to San Jose in ’99, Robonzo is poised to start over. He’s planning to foster and grow the live music scene in El Valle while researching ways to help other musicians around the world.

Resources:

The Unstarving Musician Podcast

The Unstarving Musician Book

The Slants self-titled release on Spotify

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected