The Cheat Code

Latest Episodes:

The Blame Game Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Here's the description for Episode 99 of the Cheat Code:

In Episode 99 of the Cheat Code, we kick things off with a TikTok "Effect House" gem for all aspiring creators out there. Check out the Effect House link for some fantastic examples of how artists can create different effects to enhance their content.

During our on-camera moment, we discovered that many artists we referenced were unavailable on TikTok due to the ongoing dispute between Universal Music Group and TikTok. Despite this inconvenience, artists continue to sell and stream their music.

We delve into some licensing facts about TikTok, shedding light on the complexities of the platform's agreements with major music labels.

Shifting gears, we dive into the Super Bowl extravaganza, discussing how this year's game in Vegas is shaping up to be the most capitalistic yet. With tickets fetching exorbitant prices and sportsbooks and gambling houses sponsoring events, the commercialization of the Super Bowl is reaching new heights.

In Atlanta, the DJ vs. artist controversy takes center stage, but we opt to stay neutral on the matter. Instead, we commend everyone working to push the culture forward, recognizing that difficult conversations are sometimes necessary for progress.

Tune in to Episode 99 for insightful discussions and valuable insights into the music industry and beyond.

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Before You Go To Radio Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we kick things off by showcasing some amazing Champa Bay merchandise from our friend Aych302. We're all about supporting fellow creatives, and Aych's work is nothing short of impressive.

As we gear up for the big game on the horizon and the excitement of All-Star Weekend, we dive into the world of advertising, particularly Super Bowl commercials. We challenge our listeners, known as the "coderz," to watch those commercials and take notes. Why? Because scaling your brand through commercials is a powerful strategy. We'll dissect what these big brands are doing right and how you can apply their techniques to connect with your fans on a larger scale.

Ferrari shares his thoughts on dubplates, a fascinating way for artists to add their name to a song and make connections with influencers and tastemakers in their local music scene. It's an invaluable asset for musicians looking to expand their reach.

But we also touch on a sensitive topic in the music industry – the necessary work. What happens when artists aren't willing to put in the essential effort? We dive deep into this issue and share our frustrations.

Finally, we get into the radio spins game, discussing what it means to get your song on the radio and the key steps to keeping it there. We'll reveal the best-kept secret in the radio business that can make all the difference.

Tune in to Episode 98 for an insightful and engaging discussion about the music industry, branding, and what it takes to succeed. 🚀🎶 #CheatCodePodcast #MusicIndustryInsights #SuperBowlCommercials

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Building Intentionally Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Cheat Code Podcast, we dive into the world of music merch, travel, and networking. Our hosts kick things off by announcing new Rari merch just in time for Valentine's Day, bringing you the latest in style and support.

As February unfolds, we discuss the unique marketing opportunities that come with holidays like St. Patrick's Day and an early Mardi Gras, providing insights into how these festivities can impact your marketing plans and travel budgets.

Get ready to hit the road as we explore the invaluable routes of I-10 East and West, and I-20 East and West, connecting you with key markets to help your music movement thrive. We emphasize the importance of intentional building and networking, especially when searching for DJs in cities like Las Vegas during events like the Super Bowl.

But it's not just about transactional relationships; we delve into the significance of self-worth and genuine connections within the industry. Plus, we share our enthusiasm for Wendy Day's internship program and the incredible opportunities it offers aspiring artists.

Discover how building a year-long relationship with a peer can evolve into exciting opportunities, just as it did for Rari and his new brand ambassador partnership. Tune in to Episode 97 and gain valuable insights into bridging connections and building lasting brands. 🚀🎧 #CheatCodePodcast #NetworkingSuccess #MerchandiseMagic

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You Cant Break A Hit Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Join us for an exciting new episode as we kick off with style and swag! Rari showcases his Yalee Merchandise, sharing his thoughts on the talented artist Yalee and his music. Meanwhile, Kingpin proudly flaunts his DRO Life Clothing, featuring the DRO Racing Line in this episode's sponsor spotlight.

Our conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we delve into the music landscape. Today, it's not just about making music; it's about making noise for attention. Likes, comments, and applause can sometimes be mistaken for success, and we're here to dissect this evolving aspect of the music industry.

Atlanta, GA, has been a hub of music culture, but even the club scene is experiencing a transformation. Rari candidly shares his perspective, calling the new club scene "boring" and elaborating on why this shift has occurred. Clubs are no longer the primary grounds for breaking records; instead, they serve music.

As we explore the dynamics of music promotion, we tackle the question: Can you break a hit record? We clarify the roles of record-breaking DJs and record-introducing DJs, shedding light on what it truly means to break a record.

Furthermore, we discuss the crucial relationship between DJs and record label A&R professionals. Plus, we share valuable insights on how artists can effectively network with DJs in their target markets, revealing a strategy that's both simple and brilliantly effective.

Join us for Episode 96 as we navigate the evolving music scene, celebrating true artistry and the professionals who are shaping its course. 🎶🚀 #CheatCodePodcast #MusicSceneEvolution #BreakingRecords

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Unlocking Success Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a power-packed episode of the Cheat Code Podcast! In Episode 95, we start with style, showcasing our exclusive "Writ3rs Block" hoodies – a perfect blend of comfort and style that echoes the spirit of creativity. In this episode, we ask, "What grabs your attention in marketing?" Before we unveil our truth-bomb on this, we delve into Luminate's 2023 Music Streaming Report, providing our Coderz with essential context to navigate the ever-evolving music industry. Wendy drops a game-changing gem – before releasing your music, test it! Discover the meticulous process behind this strategy, arming our Coderz with a competitive edge over the rest. Shifting gears, we explore the world of DJ marketing. Learn how DJs can elevate their digital value, breaking more records and leaving an indelible mark in the industry.As we enter the new year, Episode 95 is your guide to unlocking success in 2024. Tune in for insights, strategies, and insider knowledge that sets you apart in the competitive music landscape. getthecheatcode@gmail.com

Singles vs Albums Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

In Episode 94, we kick things off with some exciting news about where you can stream The Cheat Code Podcast and grab our merch. We're making it even easier for our Coderz to connect with us and represent the Cheat Code community. Next, we dive into the world of music and monetization. Rari shares his journey with his new intro song for his iHeart Radio show, featuring Young Dro. We celebrate Rari's successes and discuss the strategies he used to monetize and register his song. It's all about making the right moves in the music industry, and Rari is a prime example. We also take on a burning question from one of our Coderz: Should they release singles or a full project? Our advice: consistency is key. We recommend consistently releasing track after track, closely monitoring the results, and adjusting your release strategy accordingly. It's a singles-driven streaming market, and we break down how to navigate it successfully. Rari shares his insights into curation and how he keeps his playlist fresh and relevant. It's all about staying hip and current in the ever-changing world of music. But we don't stop there. We tackle the issue of accountability head-on. Blaming others for what you won't do for yourself is an easy trap to fall into, and we discuss the importance of taking responsibility for your own success. In this episode, we drop some truth bombs: entitlement and poor time management are an artist's two biggest enemies. So, tune in, and let's conquer these challenges together. It's time to level up and make 2024 your year of music mastery

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Inspiration Into Action Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

In the first episode of 2024, we're bringing you fresh inspiration and insights to kickstart your year in the music industry. We kick things off by unveiling the story behind our "Federal Bureau of Promotions" T-Shirt, a fun addition to our merchandise lineup that's bound to spark some laughs. For those of you who received music equipment or instruments over the holidays, now is the time to channel that newfound creative energy into your music career. We urge our fellow "coderz" to consider investing in merchandising and think creatively about how to leverage new tools and gadgets for content creation. From streaming devices to video games, there are unique opportunities waiting to be explored. We dive into the business cycle, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience, turning a profit, and eventually expanding your team. The journey to success is a cycle of growth and learning, and we're here to guide you through it. As we close out the episode, we leave you with a valuable thought: If your goal is to make money, do things the right way. But if you're not concerned with profits, then by all means, do things your way – just be prepared to get out of your own way! 2024 is your year to thrive, and we're here to help you navigate the path to success in the music industry. Tune in and let's get started on the right note!

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How Do You Show Up Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

This episode of The Cheat Code is brought to you by "Utopia" by Brand DREAM™️. https://www.branddream.us/

In Episode 92, our hosts kick off the conversation by exploring a crucial question: when is it time to heed the advice of professionals and learn to do business the right way? Is it after going through several investors or squandering a small fortune? They emphasize the importance of knowing when to seek professional guidance in the music industry. Our hosts proudly showcase their meticulously crafted "Utopia" by Brand DREAM™️ T-shirts (Available Here: https://www.branddream.us/ ) and dive headfirst into a post-Christmas discussion.

The episode is intriguing as the hosts recount an encounter with an artist who sent a fake Spotify wrap-up graphic. Delving deeper into the story, they discuss the implications of such actions and the importance of authenticity in the music industry.

Additionally, they share insights from a thought-provoking article highlighting that Walmart knows more about its customers than musicians know about their fans. This discussion leads to valuable insights on enhancing fan engagement and understanding.

The hosts also draw attention to the vast teams that major record labels employ and the challenges indie artists face. They stress that every loss in the music industry is a lesson learned and emphasize the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks.

The episode wraps up by exploring the notion that music success isn't solely determined by the amount of money invested. It requires passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to succeed. As they point out, many athletes and wealthy individuals try their hand at music but only succeed if they truly want to.

Join The Cheat Code hosts as they unravel the intricacies of the music business in Episode 92, "How Do You Show Up?" presented by "Utopia" by Brand DREAM™️. https://www.branddream.us/ |

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Yuletide Tune Up Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

🎅🌟 Get ready to jingle all the way with Episode 91 of The Cheat Code! In this festive installment, Kingpin goes full Santa mode with a Santa hat and ugly sweater, setting the perfect holiday mood. 🎄❄️

But it's not all sleigh bells and reindeer games. We dive into the unique challenges that come with being in the music industry during the holiday season. 🎵🎁 The workload piles up, and sometimes, those seemingly golden opportunities that appear during the holidays require extra scrutiny.

We discuss the importance of closing out the year strong, shifting from last-minute scrambles to tidying up what's already in motion. 📑✨ Are all your songs properly registered? Are your lyrics organized? Now's the time to get those loose ends tied up and plan for a successful 2024.

Plus, we share tips on how to engage with your fanbase and community during the holiday season, making them part of the excitement for what's to come. 🙌🎉

Join us as we navigate the "Phygital" era and explore the divide between the old and new music business models. 📱💿

So grab your hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and tune in as we unwrap the secrets to thriving during the festive season. Let's make the most of these merry moments! 🚀🌟 #CheatCodePodcast #HolidaySeason #MusicIndustry

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Sleighing The Season Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 90 of The Cheat Code, we embrace the holiday season, delving into the festive spirit. Our hosts discuss the dichotomy of the holidays for artists, balancing the joyous season with the challenges it brings. Amidst family celebrations, they shed light on the emotional and financial struggles many artists face during this time. To uplift spirits, we launch the "Obnoxious Christmas Decorations Challenge," urging followers to showcase their extravagant setups for a chance to win a Cheat Code Hoodie. The hosts share Christmas advice, emphasizing safety and gratitude. They introduce a new perspective for starting the day: listing five things to be thankful for, fostering appreciation and resilience. Highlighting a community hero who champions education and generosity, the episode explores the power of self-affirmations. As the holiday season unfolds, the hosts encourage spreading cheer through actions, content, words, or music. Join us in celebrating the season with joy and empowerment!

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