The Cheat Code

Latest Episodes:

Owning Your Image Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

n this episode, our hosts embark on a journey deep into the realm of ownership, kicking off the discussion with an intriguing question—how many songs are dedicated to actual dances, step-by-step, not just associated with a viral challenge? The conversation pivots towards ownership: Can an artist claim a dance, trademark it, and register it? They delve into the strategy of creating songs, dance moves, and content simultaneously to monetize every piece in preparation for a comprehensive rollout.

The dialogue extends to the crucial topic of owning your likeness. The hosts emphasize the significance of this aspect and raise a pertinent question—have we unwittingly relinquished our rights by agreeing to upload content on specific platforms? Join us as we unravel the complexities of artistic ownership and provide insights on securing your image in the dynamic landscape of the music industry.

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It Pays To Be Real Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

n this episode, titled "It Pays to Be Real," our hosts share insights from their recent trip to Louisville, where they engaged with creators facing common challenges in content creation. The discussion revolves around the essence of authenticity in content, emphasizing that perfection follows consistency. Addressing the struggles artists face in fear of failure, the hosts encourage listeners to create freely, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself. Rather than pretending to be someone else for entertainment, the focus should be on creating genuine music and capturing authentic moments. The episode underscores the significance of understanding one's audience, studying follower demographics, and tailoring content to be celebrated where it matters. The hosts stress that success is within reach for artists who are disciplined, resilient, and committed to the journey of self-discovery in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.

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Planning To Sale Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Get ready for a festive episode as we dive into the holiday spirit on Episode 87 of The Cheat Code! Rapjuggernaut declares his love for the holidays, family traditions, and the unique opportunity the season brings for focused work. We explore the powerful connection between gratitude and happiness, backed by a recent study.

Shifting gears, we delve into strategic planning with insights from an Eventbrite creators email. Planning schedules, budget breakdowns, and meticulous preparation take center stage. For our Coders working with limited resources, we emphasize the importance of resource allocation and focus. As the year winds down, executing current plans and laying the groundwork for the new year becomes paramount.

Addressing the cost of doing business, we discuss the necessity for artists to itemize wants vs. needs, fostering a strategic approach to acquiring resources for successful execution.

In the realm of social media, we unravel the new shop requirements, highlighting the need for UBO verification before diving into the world of online sales. Homework is assigned to our Coders: set up Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday pricing, along with Christmas discounts. Paying attention to details now ensures a smooth sail through the holiday sales season.

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What Are You Willing To Do Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Embark on a deep dive into the beating heart of the music industry in Episode 86, "What Are You Willing To Do?" We kick off with merch vibes, showcasing Rari's "Fanbase" hoodie and paying homage to Isaac Hayes III's cultural contributions. As we dissect industry dynamics, ponder the question: is hip-hop down, or is it the battleground of heightened competition with 100,000 daily releases? Explore the post-pandemic scene, where streaming soars, and discover why some believe hip-hop might be facing a crossroads. Insights from Cory Sparks and Jimmy Iovine add sparks to the conversation, questioning whether today's artists seek greatness or just popularity. Join us for an insightful exploration of the music realm, where dreams are chased, and the pursuit is not for the faint-hearted. Welcome to The Cheat Code – where we decode the industry for you.

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Lets Go On Tour Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

🎙️ Episode 85: "Let's Go On Tour" is here, and we're diving straight into the action!

First, we share our passion for the Cheat Code Coffee Mug – the perfect gift for you and your fellow music enthusiasts. Get yours now and elevate your coffee game! ☕

Next, we unveil the invaluable College Radio Directory, a fantastic resource for artists. We emphasize the importance of the college demographic – a vital segment for your music's growth.

With homecoming schedules, promo campaigns, and campus visits on our minds, we explore when an artist is ready to make the financial commitment for a campus tour. Our hosts recount a game-changing campus visit that demonstrated the power of personal connections.

Building relationships with student ambassadors and liaisons becomes crucial. Plus, we delve into the post-visit phase – what happens once you've left and how to maintain the momentum.

We provide insights into tour routing, highlighting the significance of the cities in between major tour stops. And let's not forget the vital role of digital communication and in-person connections to foster your fan base.

Are you up for the challenge? Is it harder to get in the door, get established, or stay relevant in the music industry? Our hosts share their unique perspectives, and it's something we all can relate to.

In the end, it's about doing what you love every day. Join us for another insightful episode of The Cheat Code! 🚀🎶

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Surrounded By Winners Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 84 of The Cheat Code, we kick things off by sending a big shoutout to Aych for the fantastic Champa Bay merch he sent our way. It's incredible to see our Coderz bringing their visions to life, and we're here to celebrate and help them market their creations. Cheers to you, Tampa Bay, Florida! We also reminisce about some of our cherished memories from that vibrant city.

From the world of merch, we seamlessly transition into the realm of events, specifically DJ listening parties or, as they're often called nowadays, "Artist Playbacks." What exactly is an artist playback, and what distinguishes it? Is the music showcased at these events released or unreleased? Tune in to learn the ins and outs of planning and executing a successful artist playback.

Planning is key, and our hosts emphasize that, on average, it takes about 30 days to meticulously plan and flawlessly execute an event. Major kudos to Eventbrite for providing event checklists and budget sheets, invaluable tools that make organizing events more manageable.

If you're wondering about the right venue, the ideal number of attendees, or the best day and time to host your event, we've got you covered. We share tips, insights, and cost-effective strategies for Indie artists looking to host artist playbacks even with limited resources.

We dive into the resources available to us through major platforms for data mining and analytics. Building a strong resource pool and striving for constant improvement with each release are essential.

Our hosts pay their respects to Atlanta's hip-hop staples, including The Coalition DJs, ATLTop20 Family, Off the Porch with DGB, the Big Facts podcast, and more. Their unwavering support is invaluable as we strive to reach a wider audience and build a thriving community.

Tune in to Episode 84, titled "Surrounded By Winners," for an insightful and engaging discussion on artist playbacks, event planning, and making your mark in the music industry.

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Growth and Gratitude Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we kick things off with an exciting update on our latest merchandise. We're thrilled to see our Coderz turning their visions into reality, and it's a win-win when they send us some swag to help them celebrate and promote. From T-shirts to hats and hoodies, it's all about embracing creativity and showcasing it to the world.

But we don't stop there. We take a moment to shine the spotlight on Aych from Tampa, Florida, who's not just an artist but a true representation of hip-hop in the Sunshine State's central region. We delve into our relationships with Florida and acknowledge the DJs who are making waves in the local music scene, including DJ C-Nazte, DJ Shizim, DJ Headbussa, DJ Winn, and many more.

The episode takes an exciting turn with a breaking announcement – Ferrari Simmons, our co-host, shares the news that he's no longer with Warner Records. Instead, he's back on the radio with iHeart Radio, hosting his new show "Rari at 2," which is set to be syndicated by 2024. It's a significant move, and we couldn't be more excited for Ferrari's next chapter.

Acknowledging the mentors at Warner Records who've played a pivotal role in his journey, Ferrari expresses his gratitude for the valuable experience and learning opportunities. Gratitude is indeed the word of the day.

We continue to explore the power of email and the benefits of setting up your inbox effectively. Ferrari gives a special shoutout to Kingpin, another co-host, for encouraging him to optimize his music servicing email blasts. We emphasize the importance of filters, organization, and customizing your email setup according to what matters most to you. Cheat Code subscribers can DM us on Instagram for exclusive email optimization documents, as email remains an underrated yet powerful tool in the digital age.

Email's accountability, date and time stamps, and file-sharing capabilities can empower you to handle business more effectively. Understanding the full potential of your email is the first step in maximizing your efficiency.

The episode then shifts to discussing the "Dj Blast" and why it's an invaluable tool. Sending music via email is more professional than texting, and it allows for sharing multiple versions, links to drops, analytics, visuals, and more. Building a community is a key part of our discussion, and we share our Community Building 101 tips, emphasizing the importance of engaging with your audience and keeping them informed.

In the grand finale, we leave you with this thought: the music business is participatory, and you have to actively engage in your journey to success. It starts with checking your email and staying connected. Join us for another insightful episode on The Cheat Code!

Stay tuned for more and keep those messages and feedback coming. Let's continue to grow together.

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A Winning Environment Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of The Cheat Code, titled "A Winning Environment," we kick things off with a nod to the BumpBoxx, diving right back into the world of salesmanship. The spotlight shines on becoming an Amazon Influencer, sharing how you can turn your daily product usage into money by recommending and selling these products. We emphasize the importance of using the Paid Advertisement sticker, showing that transparency can open doors for brand collaborations that you may not have known were possible.

Want to start creating content that attracts brand partnerships? We discuss the methods to achieve just that, but remember, it requires dedication and effort. As we pivot, we ponder which areas of the music industry lack sufficient information. Producers and Production need more education and information circulating within their community. The digital side, including Metadata, Data Mining, and Analytic Reviews, requires an overhaul to stay relevant and competitive.

We address a somewhat misleading social media post that suggests it takes zero money to start an account or a business. In reality, there are operating costs, and the importance of infrastructure setup cannot be understated. Our hosts reminisce about the '80s classic "War Games," reflecting on its prescient exploration of A.I. – a concept introduced to us 40 years ago.

Staying current on trends and remaining informed opens doors to becoming a beta tester on platforms like Instagram. We invite our CODERZ to DM us for access to a valuable social media news blast. Want to unlock the full potential of a platform? Dive in and explore the platform's intricacies. Want to learn? The answers are out there, waiting for you like Power Pellets in Pac-Man.

We delve into a research paper discussing the connection between emotions and virality, reminding us that topics are constantly evolving and require ongoing study. Beware of those who claim expertise in the unknown. We shift gears to address the frustration of working with individuals on different thinking tiers. To leave the world, the business, better than we inherited it, we surround ourselves with those who crave progress and action.

Handling personal situations at work can be tricky. We advocate for dialogue but discourage public grandstanding. Address issues privately to identify and solve any underlying concerns. It's possible to coexist with lazy colleagues by ensuring your department is immaculate and focusing on your own excellence. Remember, breeding a winning environment and addressing issues respectfully is key.

We conclude with a wise adage we've picked up along the way: "If you hang around a barber shop long enough, you'll get a haircut." See you next week for more Cheat Code insights.

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Money Money Money Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 81 of The Cheat Code, titled "Money, Money, Money," we're diving into a wealth of essential topics. Our hosts kick things off with a reminder about our awesome merch, including the coveted Cheat Code coffee mug – perfect for your morning inspiration!

But the main course for this episode is all about money. We explore the intricate relationship between money and the music industry. It's not just about making money; it's about understanding that money is a vehicle that grants you the freedom to make moves on your own terms. Money is fluid, and knowing how to navigate its ebbs and flows is key. We discuss downsizing and how it happens in various aspects of life and business. We emphasize the importance of knowing what you want to do, as it's the first step in budget allocation and successful planning.

If you're considering investing in your music project or seeking an investor, research and knowledge about how your music is received are crucial. The living legend, Wendy Day, shares her valuable method for determining the right time to drop songs, and it's a golden nugget of wisdom you won't want to miss.

Our hosts dive into how the film and TV industry is adopting data monitoring and tracking techniques from the music industry, making it a relevant topic for artists. We also celebrate the Writers of America returning to work and bringing back late-night TV and other beloved shows.

Adding value to your craft is essential, but it goes hand in hand with learning how to monetize your work. Elevating and growing require effective marketing and promotion, which means knowing your target audience and how to reach them.

The Cheat Code isn't just about shortcuts; it's about preserving your money, safeguarding your intellectual property, and maintaining your sanity. To help you on this journey, we break down the "Cost of Doing Business" for artists, giving you insights into how much you need to invest to make your music career profitable. It's a must-listen for anyone hungry to learn and reap the rewards of the music business.

Join us as we navigate the complex world of music and finance, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to thrive in the industry.

For more episodes and updates, follow us on our social media platforms and stay informed.

#TheCheatCode #MoneyTalks #MusicIndustry #FinanceMatters

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You Can But Will You Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 80 of The Cheat Code, titled "You Can, But Will YOU?" we kick things off with a shoutout to our incredible supporters, urging them to grab our exclusive merch and coffee mugs—one for themselves and one for a friend. It's a great way to share the love!

Shifting gears, we delve into the fascinating world of Momagers. Rari highlights the growing trend of mothers taking on executive roles in their kids' careers, while Wendy reflects on the days when parents used to plead with her to dissuade their children from pursuing a career in the arts. We discuss the essential roles parents should play in nurturing and managing their kids' careers, emphasizing the need to understand the music business and commit to the journey.

Our conversation leads us to the topic of learning, where we debunk the notion that learning through authority or coercion is effective. We confront a stark reality—options are scarce, and only a select few are willing to work to become champions. The secret? Mastering the art of turning moments into more moments is a skill that megastar artists have honed to perfection.

Reflecting on the past, when the "work records" mentality prevailed, we marvel at today's wealth of resources. Artists now compete with fellow musicians and with books, shows, gaming, and various platforms. We explore why many artists perceive social media posting as fruitless labor and reveal the transformative power of monetization. Once accounts are approved for monetization, a world of perks and unlocked features awaits.

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