Does the number of followers you have on any of the social media platforms, or how many streams you get, or how many views you get matter? Kind of. But there is a whole lot more that goes into it than just that. Those are vanity metrics. In this video, I discuss what really matters for musicians when building a business.
The Free Market Musician is edited and published by independent singer, songwriter, performer, and writer, Rebecca Day. Over the past decade, Rebecca has run her music business with a dogged passion and stubborn desire to, like The Fountainhead character, Howard Roark, see her work done her way.
Over the years she has self-funded several independent regional tours with her group The Crazy Daysies. She has also independently released 2 EPs, a full album, and several singles under her own publishing company.
In this conversation, we discuss DIY musician strategies, managing your music and business, free-market philosophy and economics, Anarcho-Capitalism and much more.
To learn more about Rebecca Day visit:
https://thefreemarketmusician.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecrazydaysies
TW: https://twitter.com/RebeccaDayMusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccadaym...
This is the foundation lesson of a 12-week series that started on 1/18/2021. Get Access to all 12 Lessons and more: https://www.patreon.com/makingitacademy. If the program is still going on, we will be adding a new lesson every Monday. This foundation lesson shares the basics to what we will be exploring over the next 12 weeks. Creating your content strategy, customer journey's and building your funnel, branding, business models, and much more.
You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher |
Wesley David is a Singer-Songwriter who in 2020 released his debut solo album “Never Late Than Better.” During the release campaign for his album he experimented with different marketing strategies to figure out and learn what works for his music. Before the COVID pandemic, Wesley was touring consistently and made a name in the Piano Bar world where he took that experience from a traditional piano bar out onto the road, which can serve as a tour strategy to build higher paid anchor dates around original shows for a DIY touring musician. In this conversation, we talk about the different marketing strategies Wesley used, his journey prior to the debut album, figuring out the right social media platforms for you, and much more.
To learn more about Wesley David visit https://wesleydavidmusic.com/.
Connect with Wesley David:
https://www.instagram.com/wesleydavidmusic/
https://twitter.com/itswesleydavid
Wesley David YouTube
You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher |
One of the beauties of the Digital World is that creators and artists can completely take charge of their careers to produce music or any type of content. It’s easier than ever for musicians to create demos and completed songs in their home studios. Learning how to record yourself has so many different advantages too when working with producers. It gives you the ability to create a demo of what you envision your sound to be. Also, it opens up the ability for a great side hustle to record other artists. Justin P. Slaughter and MC King Khan are two DIY musicians, who have been building success through always learning, consistency, and always working on their craft.
Justin P. Slaughter has been on the podcast before on Episode 42, and returns to the show to share his journey in the world of acting. Since our last conversation, he’s been featured in Marvel films, worked on a movie with Kyle Chandler, and as well as wrestling legend the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. From the first episode, I always appreciated Justin’s positive attitude and work ethic. After almost having lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident, he made a decision to never make excuses and to not waste time by always pushing himself to be the best fitness coach for his clients, leading by example, and thriving for excellence in his creative endeavors from music to acting.
MC King Khan is a rapper, producer, and audio engineer who came to Texas all the way from Russia. Khan is a DIY artist who prides himself to always be learning and mastering his art. He’s a student of the business and the art of producing music. Besides building his own music career, his big vision is to start his own record label. With the skills he’s acquired through his work ethic, he has already established a lot of value for himself to when he signs his first artist. Khan has built his own home studio where he’s constantly working on music but has also gained skill as a graphic designer and designing his own merch. One of the things I admire most about him is not only that he’s always working on mastering his craft, but that his family is always the top priority. Justin and MC King Khan met in Texas, and together recently released Justin P. Slaughter’s song “Ride with Me.”
In this episode, we discuss producing music, gear, finding and purchasing beats from producers online, how to get started as an actor, and all the different casting agencies that cast for extras, we get into some music promo, and so much more.
To learn more about Justin P. Slaughter visit https://www.instagram.com/justinpslaughter/, and for MC King Khan visit https://www.instagram.com/kingkhanent/.
You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher |
After over 100 interviews for the podcast, I’ve learned one of the most important qualities to “making it” is about having the right mindset. Clinton Sparks is a world renowned DJ, Producer, Songwriter, Serial Entrepreneur and now Author. He’s a Grammy nominated artist who has worked with artists such as Akon, Bun-B, Ludacris, Tyrese, Pitbull, Lady Gaga, Jordan Knight, and many more. Today, he’s also an author of the book “How to Win Big in the Music Business.”
In this conversation we talk about the new book, the importance of having the right mindset, setting goals and having a plan, building real genuine relationships in the music business, balancing family life and being a dad with the crazy music business and all the ventures he’s involved with, and much more.
To learn more about Clinton Sparks visit https://clintonsparks.com/ and www.winbiginmusic.com/.
Get In Touch with Clinton Sparks:
https://clintonsparks.com/
https://www.winbiginmusic.com/
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher |
In the last few years, for the first time we’re living in an age where musicians and artists can take control of their music career, and use powerful strategies to promote their own music. In the digital age, artists have the ability to find real fans to stream their music on Spotify and watch their videos on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Musicians don’t have to rely on labels or others to make a living doing what they love. Also, the artist team no longer needs to follow the traditional model of manager, attorney, agent, label, publicist, and publishing company. In the new music industry, one of the most powerful persons to have on your artist team is a digital marketing expert.
Kohrey is a digital marketing expert, and the co-founder of the Brandman Network and Contraband Agency. Through their companies they have created powerful results for independent musicians in finding a real audience that they can convert to loyal fans. They teach artists how to do this through their agencies and with all the amazing content they share on their YouTube Channel and Instagram. Kohrey and his partners are making a real difference in artists careers, and taking them to build successful businesses.
In this conversation, we talk about digital marketing, promoting shows, about the different platforms to promote music and much more. To learn more about Kohrey visit https://www.contrabrand.agency/ and https://www.instagram.com/kohreydasavior/.
Quotes from Kohrey
“If we’re seeing that people are willing to come to an old bakery to watch a concert, it really opens up the world to what artist touring can look like.”
“Events, if you have the stomach for it, the capacity for it, and the team for it, it’s one of the best networking things you can do.”
“The way to play the game in marketing is the same whether you’re emerging or established.”
“Content is 60% of the game. If you don’t start there, you’re not even competing.”
“You should know enough to know what you’re not good at and what you need to delegate.”
“You don’t need to run your marketing campaigns forever, but at least understand enough about it so when you’re hiring somebody you know what they’re talking about and what questions to ask.”
“Spotify is like the industry scoreboard.”
“YouTube is the most rewarding platform to grow on.”
“TikTok is the first social media platform where there is music promo going on 24/7 and everyone is clearly fine with it.”
“Spotify doesn’t convert as well to other platforms, as other platforms convert to Spotify.” “Ads alone are not enough to break an artist.”
“Ads make it easier to take risks on the other stuff.”
“The strategy is in the long term.”
“The email list does show work ethic.”
Highlights from this Episode
[02:35] Promoting Shows in Alternative Venues
[10:58] Organizing Blue Summer Festival & Booking Touring Artists
[22:07] Promoting lesser known artists through Digital Marketing
[26:24] About Contraband Agency
[31:10] Developing Your Artist Team
[35:40] Booking Agents
[41:40] How to know who’s a good manager
[47:27] Best platforms for musicians
[53:03] The right time and way to direct people to Spotify
[56:15] Advertising on YouTube
[01:01:36] Engagement with retargeting ads
[01:03:20] Directing fans to your email list
[01:09:44] Taking care of your fans along the funnel
[01:13:10] Getting to know Kohrey
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Blue Summer ATL
Paradigm Agency
International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA)
Jonathan Hay
Brandman Sean
Kendrick Lamar
Meek Mill
Travis Porter
Miguel
Creative Juice Podcast
Earn Your Leisure
Joe Budden Podcast
[BOOKS]
All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Don Passman
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
All Marketers Tell Lies by Seth Godin
Jab, Jab, Jab Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuck
The Art & Science of Respect by Jay Prince
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by 50 Cent
Kohrey’s Definition of Making It:
“Being able to do whatever it is that I wanna do in the moment comfortably, without ever worrying.”
Get in touch with Kohrey
https://www.contrabrand.agency
Instagram | YouTube
Get in touch with Kohrey
https://www.contrabrand.agency
Instagram | YouTube
Related Articles & Episodes:
Cheryl B. Engelhardt - Rockin’ Your Email Subscriber List [Episode #083]
Mark Schaefer - Strategies to Building Your Brand [Episode #073]
Kyle “Circa” Lemaire - Disrupting the Traditional Music BusinessKyle “Circa” Lemaire - Disrupting the Traditional Music Business [Episode #054]
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
Rick Barker is one of the leaders in the DIY Musician space. He is a phenomenal speaker and has a great way of explaining things. I love his philosophies on the music business and his style of coaching and mentoring. His career started in radio in 1989, where he spent over a decade of his career learning what listeners want to hear and how to build a community around music. Rick started a country music station in 2001, KRAZy Country, and launched the first country radio tour “Nashville to You,” where artists were paid to perform. Through his experience in radio, he met Scott Borchetta, founder and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, the label that signed Taylor Swift. Scott hired Rick to be a radio promoter for the label, which led him to become the manager for Taylor Swift early in her career. Taylor once told Rick that she wanted a Gold Record (500,000 in sales), and he told her “then let’s go meet 500,000 people.”
Today, Rick Barker coaches and manages musicians, working with over 1,600 clients. He teaches his lessons through his podcast “The Music Industry Blueprint,” YouTube Channel, courses, public speaking, and spending time coaching artists through Instagram Live. Rick is also the co-author of the book “$150,00 Music Degree.” People call him the Gary Vee of the music business. He’s constantly crushing it with valuable content through all his social media platforms, always going live, and finding ways to engage with people online. Not only is he a leader in the DIY Musician world, but he’s a brilliant digital marketer, spending countless hours always educating and improving himself.
This was a really fun episode full of amazing insight. In this episode, you’ll learn about Rick’s journey in the music business, and so many tips to building the right relationships, where to start in your music career, touring strategies, marketing strategies, and so much more. I’m excited to share this conversation with the amazing Rick Barker.
Quotes from Rick Barker
“Focused hustle is more important.”
“The best way today to build relationships is by putting out content and showing up on social media and say thank you.”
“The internet now allows us to play that game. We have direct access to fans.”
“Stop waiting to be discovered.”
“Stop trying to be everything to everyone, and just focus on who your audience is.”
“If you come in with something already happening, you can partner with a label. You don’t have to be at mercy to the label.”
“Fall in love with the fans. Write music for your fans.”
“When you buy courses, you’re buying someone else’s experience.”
“We want to know what you’ve done, not what you’ve learned.”
“Those that pay, pay attention.”
“I would do a lot of getting to know before you just show and say you have tickets on sale.”
“Too often people are trying to get seen before they’re ready.”
“All you need in the beginning is a vocal coach. If you want to be a songwriter, write songs.”
“Anyone who’s smart has a coach.”
“They’re not there to see you, they’re there to be entertained.”
“Get your music right, before you start to go out and do shows.”
“If people aren’t showing back up, it’s all on you.”
“Become a digital marketer. Period.”
“If you are not having success doing it yourself you don’t have the skills and need to learn them.”
“Until you have something to offer, don’t make those calls.”
“Build relationships with your venue first.”
“Become friends with promoters. They’re the ones taking the calls from the booking agents.”
“There is no competition. There is only collaboration.”
“Nobody can take advantage of you if you do your homework.”
Highlights from this Episode
[7:20] Inspiration to coaching musicians
[9:30] Focused hustle and redirecting your focus
[13:12] How Rick got started in the business
[16:00] Radio for Independent artists
[18:15] Benefit of labels
[20:05] Lessons learned from Taylor
[22:10] Standing out as an artist manager
[26:30] Coaches and Mentors
[32:15] Where to start after writing new music
[34:45] Playing open mics
[36:30] Knowing when you’re ready
[37:50] Live music producers
[38:58] Building your team
[40:35] Relationships and playing the right venues
[42:52] Building your email list
[45:00] Getting people to come back to shows
[46:20] Playing shows outside of your hometown
[48:50] Booking Agents
[50:05] Getting the attention agents and managers
[52:35] Become friends with promoters
[56:30] Getting to know Rick Barker
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Gary Vee
Taylor Swift
Scott Borchetta
Big Machine Label Group
Russell Brunson
Click Funnels
Todd Brown
Sunny Lenarduzzi
Ari Herstand
Wade Sutton
Circa from Indepreneur
Episode with Rick on Creative Juice
Amy Porterfield
Dawn Beyer
Shannon Curtis
Tom Jackson
Prince
Bruno Mars
Rel Carter
Roc Nation
Creative Juice Podcast
Chris Greenwood / Manafest
Rob Level / Smart Rapper
BOOKS
Traffic Secret by Russel Brunson
The One Thing by Gary Keller
One Million Followers by Brendan Kane
How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand
Ask by Ryan Levesque
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuck
Rick Barker’s Definition of Making It:
“When someone is able to do what they love, and can make a living doing what they love.”
Get in touch with Rick Barker
https://rickbarker.com/
Music Industry Blueprint Podcast
YouTube Channel
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Related Articles & Episodes:
Ari Herstand - Strategies for DIY Musicians (Episode #096)
Jasmine Star - Building a Successful Business of the RIGHT Fans (Episode #051)
Circa - Disrupting the Traditional Music Business (Episode #054)
Joe Pulizzi - Killing Old Marketing Practices and Building Media Companies (Episode #055)
Mark Schaefer - Strategies to Building Your Personal Brand & Becoming KNOWN (Episode #073)
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
One of my favorite things in life is having conversations with people that challenge the way I think and inspire me to break old habits to explore new ways to approach different situations in life. Derek Sivers has become one of my favorite thinkers when it comes to living a fulfilled life, breaking the habits of how we are “supposed to” do things, and living outside of the box, really never even allowing yourself to be in the box in the first place. One of his first ventures was the pursuit of becoming a professional musician, playing multiple instruments at a very young age. Eventually his journey lead him to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and shortly after joining a circus as ringleader/MC musician.
Derek was a professional touring musician, who was looking for a way to release his music online. At the time, the only way artists could sell their music online was being on a major label, or a label that had distribution through a major. This inspired him to the creation of CD Baby in 1997, which for the first time gave all musicians an opportunity to release their music online, and has become the biggest distributors and seller of independent music. In 2008, Derek sold CD Baby, giving the proceeds to a charitable trust for music education. Since, Derek has written several books, articles, frequent TED Speaker, has become a master programmer, philosopher, teacher, and inspiring creative thinker.
In this conversation, you’ll learn about Derek’s story, philosophies and strategies on how artist can approach the music business in new and creative ways, and much more. It’s such a gift to have Derek on the podcast, and to share this conversation with the world. My tagline for the podcast is “go see shows, meet people, make stuff.” I hope this conversation inspires you to go make stuff and pursue the things that “interest you the most at this moment.”
Quotes from Derek Sivers
“I like the idea of your site as the definitive source of information about you.”
“It feels kinda cool, punk, and indie, to just do it myself.”
“When I look back at my career, so many great things happened because I was right there in the game. Right there in New York City where everything is happening.”
“It’s a huge benefit, it’s actually still underrated benefit, to be in New York, LA, and maybe Nashville.”
“When you go to these conferences you’re meeting people who are usually in the game right now, making things happen right now.”
“Hell, yeah or no is a mindset to use when you’re already successful and you’re overwhelmed with opportunity.”
“Have your shit together so that when you’re encountering people for the first time, it shows that you’re serious, you got it going on.”
“Always do whatever is interesting you the most at this moment.”
“For most of us what you need is right there already in your head and in your fingers, and it’s just a matter of mastering distraction.”
“Whoever works the hardest and work the smartest and master distraction instead of having distraction master you, that person is going to win.”
“Real change will feel like it’s not you. You’ll be acting like someone else. It will feel weird when you’re doing it right.”
“You have to try everything yourself. Feel the pain of making mistakes, and then feel the deep happiness of coming out on the other side of something difficult.”
“The fountain of youth is to make more mistakes.”
Highlights from this Episode
[4:00] About Page and What I’m doing Now page
[7:35] What’s happening NOW with Derek Sivers
[11:36] Getting started in his Music Career
[15:15] Working at Warner Chapel Music
[19:35] Pursuing a Music Career in today’s Music Industry
[25:00] Moving to New York or Los Angeles, and Conferences
[27:36] Training your personal Self-Awareness
[30:33] Saying Yes
[33:11] Hell Yeah or No
[36:20] Tasks musicians can outsource
[38:58] Building your team – Strategies on how to get peoples attention
[44:10] Derek’s writing process
[51:20] Building your craft with experiments
[55:13] Experiments in personal life
[57:25] Writing and telling your story
[1:04:10] Getting unstuck from your current season
[1:07:20] Imitating your role model
[1:11:35] Note taking from reading books
[1:14:35] Mentors
[1:18:30] Advice for parents looking to build a creative environment
[1:27:00] Getting to Know Derek Sivers - Quick Questions
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Now, Now, Now
Ari Herstand
Kimo Williams
ASCAP Music Expo
SXSW
Moby
Bono from U2
Experiments in Music and Life – Article by Derek Sivers
Fela Kuti
Derek Sivers Book Notes & Book Reviews
Seth Godin
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Frank Zappa
Learning Programming
Books mentioned
“Your Music And People” by Derek Sivers
“How to Make It in the New Music Business” by Ari Herstand
“22 Immutable Laws of Branding” by Al and Laura Ries
“U2: The Definitive Biography” by John Jobling
“The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life” by Todd Herman
“Brain Rules for Baby” by John Medina
“Playful Parenting” by Lawrence J. Cohen
Get in touch with Derek Sivers
https://sivers.org/
https://sivers.org/contact
Twitter: @sivers
Derek Sivers’ Definition of Making It
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”
Related Articles and episodes
Ari Herstand, Episode 096 - Strategies for DIY Musicians
Bree Noble, Episode 082 - A Path to Being a Profitable Independent Musician
Kyle Lemaire, Episode 54 - Disrupting the Traditional Music Business
Mark Schaefer, Episode 073 - Strategies to Building Your Personal Brand
Brad Mason, Episode 067 - Finding Motivation by Being Full Engaged
Best Music Business and Marketing Podcasts in 2020
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
Emily Kopp returns for a Round 2 on the podcast. Kopp is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer, world traveler, and badass human based in Nashville, TN. To hear about her back story and lessons from booking her first shows, playing cover gigs, writing for synch placements on commercials, and backpacking the world, listen here. Since the last episode, she has continued producing and writing music for commercials, has gone on tour with Kacey Musgraves, played Bonnaroo, started working with a new management company, and is going to release a new EP under her new and rebranded project, Lowen, on October 25th. Her first single from the new EP, “Morning, Mourning” was released on August 1st of 2019.
In this episode, we discuss what it’s like to work with a management company, what artists should look for in a manger, making great art, co-writing with other people, rebranding herself, recent adventures, and much more. Really excited to have her back on the show, and share her story up to this point. Emily has been one of my best friends for a long time, and it has been very exciting to see her evolve as a songwriter, musician, and producer, and watching her journey to do many amazing things and create “good fucking art!”
Quotes from Emily Kopp
“A manager needs to be someone with good intention, and not trying to sell you a fake dream.”
“With anyone you’re going into business with, especially a manager, needs to be someone that has integrity.”
“If they don’t know what they’re doing exactly, they need to be willing to go to know what they’re doing.”
“Sometimes the work we physically see being done, it feels like being productive, but it’s not actually.”
“Touring is what you get to do only when your art is in a place where that’s justified.”
“The main goal should be making the best music you can and finding yourself as an artist.”
“You need to be making good fucking art!”
“Just because you played one festival one time, doesn’t mean the rest of your career will just begin to unravel.”
“It’s important now more than ever to get yourself a little recording rig and start learning how to record.”
“When no one is looking and paying attention, that’s the time to explore.”
“Always come prepared with a seed of an idea, because that is king.”
“Being a good listener is the most important thing.”
“I also suggest doing three-way writes.”
Highlights from this Episode
[4:38] Working with a Management Company
[7:20] What should artists look for in a manager and how do they let go?
[11:40] Making great art versus touring
[17:35] Playing at Bonnaroo 2019
[20:32] Touring with Kacey Musgraves and playing the Ryman Auditorium
[22:40] How much has living in Nashville impacted her career?
[25:15] Moving to a major music market like Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles
[30:23] New single “Morning, Mourning”
[32:25] Emily’s journaling process
[34:45] Changing her name from Emily Kopp to Lowen
[38:48] Where to being when it comes to co-writing
[40:30] When to write with more established songwriters
[45:14] Learning production as a songwriter and getting a starting rig
[49:25] The communication of setting up a co-write
[51:42] What to bring and prepare to a writing session
[53:07] Things to avoid during a writing session
[57:25] Getting to Know Emily Kopp
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Chance the Rapper
Kacey Musgraves
Bonnaroo
Ryman Auditorium
Jack Antonoff
R.LUM.R
Brandi Carlile
Chris Stapleton
Jeffrey James [Episode #041]
Max Martin
Blue Microphones
Logic [Recording Program]
Pro Tools [Recording Program]
Cubase [Recording Program]
Destiny’s Child
Christina Aguilera
Brene Brown
Oprah SuperSoul Sunday Podcast
Emily Kopp’s Definition of Making It:
“When you’re in the flow of a path of finding your total happiness, your total joy, and making choices that align with those things. You’re making it.”
Get in touch with Emily Kopp
Instagram | Twitter
https://www.earthtolowen.com/
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
When you post on social media, on average, anywhere from 0% to 5% of your audience see your post. The acception to that algorithm rule is when people are actually engaging with your post by commenting, sharing, and liking it. However, the less engagement, the lower the impression rate. Meaning, if you have 1,000 followers - 0 to 50 people see your post. However, the average open rate on emails is closer to 20%, and if you write really good emails that percentage can be significantly higher. This means instead of 0 to 50 people, 200+ people are actually opening and reading your email, and 66% at least see your email. That’s 660 people on your list of 1,000. With those kind of odds, don’t you think email management and building your email list as a musician, and really any business, should be part of your strategy? Maybe even one of the main focuses of your strategy? What has been holding you up from building, managing, and ROCKIN’ your email list? Is it lack of creativity on what to send or do you think it’s to time consuming? Today’s guest Cheryl B. Engelhardt raised over $40,000 from an email list with less than 2,000 subscribers. Motivated now?
Cheryl B. Engelhardt is a true pioneer in the world of DIY Musicians, and one the only or very few people that extensively talks about building and managing your email lists. In this episodes, she shares some amazing insight on creating a welcome series or welcome sequence for your email subscribers. Also, she shares some of the strategies she used for her crowdfunding campaign to raise over 5 figures on consistent basis with less than 2,000 subscribers. We discuss some amazing insight on the right time to start asking your audience for money, and when to start a crowdfunding campaign. The beauty of it all is that Cheryl is a fellow musician and songwriter at the core. She started her journey writing jingles and scores, and continues having a successful career in synch licensing. One of my favorite things about Cheryl is that she used the tools that have helped her with her career to teach other musicians on how they can do the same. She offers some amazing courses to teach you how to ROCK YOUR EMAIL LIST, writing a Perfect Pitch, and so much more.
There are so many ways to make a full time and fulfilling living being a musician in today’s world. You don’t have to wait for a label, manager, or agent to give you permission. Give yourself permission to educate yourself, learn new thing, and becoming a practitioner in the things you learn. The only way to get better is to start doing. Cheryl is a great example of how so many musicians today can find creative ways to “live the life they love.”
To learn more about Cheryl check out http://www.inthekeyofsuccess.com/ and https://cbemusic.com/
Highlights from this Episode
[4:05] Working with Ari Herstand
[7:40] Writing Bio’s, books, and more
[12:57] Sharing your story and journey
[17:25] Scuba Diving for the United States Government to a Music Career
[21:48] Coaching Resources for Musicians
[29:45] Communicating with your audience over email instead of social media
[33:00] Strategies to building your email list
[38:42] Email welcome series
[43:15] Sending a regular newsletter or broadcast
[50:42] Creating a Year’s Worth of Content with 30 Emails
[54:35] Crowdfunding through your email list and asking fans for money
[1:00:00] Rapid Fire Questions - Getting to Know Cheryl B. Engelhardt
Quotes from Cheryl B. Engelhardt
“It’s so easy now days to find the person before you even find the music.”
“The things that makes the story and the bio really interesting, is the points of transition.”
“What were the transitions, and what then were the decisions.”
“It’s awesome to not have to be full-time on the road and still have an artist career.”
“Get clear on what you want so it’s very obvious on your website and emails.”
“You get undivided attention when you’re reading an email.”
“Emails are way more likely to get delivered and seen than a Facebook post.”
“66% of people are more likely to purchase something through your email than the same ad over social media.”
[About Email and Social Media] “It’s not one or the other, it’s about how we can make these things work together.”
“Every email should have a call to action even if it’s not a promotion.”
“Your welcome series is meant to train them [subscribers] and engage with you in a certain way.”
“The most opened email will be the first email, because people sign-up for a thing, and they want the thing.”
“The key is to be consistent, so they can manage their expectations of you, and you’re not surprising or disrupting them.”
“The once a month rule, is a very outdated music industry rule.”
“If you can write 30 emails, and send one out every 2 weeks or 3 weeks, that’s a years worth of content.”
“When someone is reading a newsletters with so many things in it, you’re distracting them from yourself.”
“If that person said no, Fuck It, on to the next.”
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Ari Herstand
“Inevitably” by Cheryl B. Engelhardt
United States Geological Survey
Cornell University
Lou Playa
ReverbNation
SXSW
Anthony Snape
Pre-Writing Your Automated Emails
Sara Bareilles
Dave Matthews
Tim Reynolds
Amy Porterfield
Key Conversations with Cheryl B. Engelhardt
Cheryl’s Definition of Making It:
“Where I’m constantly participating in projects that allow me to be fully self-expressed in partnership and creative.”
Get in touch with Cheryl B. Engelhardt
All the stuff I offer musicians lives: inthekey.co/results
Rock Your Email List course: inthekey.co/emailcourse
The Perfect Pitch course: inthekey.co/perfectpitch
Free Checklist on Pitching Music: inthekey.co/prime
MX4 course: inthekey.co/mx4
Podcast: inthekey.co/keypodcast
Cheryl’s music: cbemusic.co/official
Instagram: cbemusic.co/cbegram
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
The beauty of today’s music business, is that there are so many ways musicians can make a living. It’s important to remember that every artist is a business, and with being a business there are certain fundamental and advanced techniques that everyone can build a successful career with. Bree Noble is a singer-songwriter, podcaster, coach and co-founder of the Profitable Musicians Summit. Bree is focused on mentoring and coaching musicians through a step by step program that helps guide musicians through their journey of making a living doing music. In this episode, Bree discusses some of her principles on how to build email lists, touring and show strategy, and much more.
To learn more about Bree Noble http://femusician.com and get the free guide of 19 sources of income at http://femusician.com/income.
Highlights from this Episode
[4:45] The Profitable Musicians Summit
[11:17] Resources available for Musicians by Bree Noble
[12:44] Projects Bree Noble is involved in
[17:37] How Bree got started in the music industry
[21:05] “The Music Industry Game” and common mistakes artists make
[22:46] How to know if an artist needs a manager or when to get one
[24:55] How often to play when first starting out
[27:08] When to transition from playing open mics and coffeehouses to house concerts
[29:28] Building the first 100 email list subscribers
[34:40] How often to send email newsletters to fans
[36:35] What to send to your mailing list
[40:40] Writing engaging posts on social media
[43:30] Facebook Groups versus Newsletters
[45:45] Touring strategy and when to start playing outside of your hometown
[51:25] Rapid Fire Questions
Quotes from Bree Noble
“I just started getting out there and got scrappy.”
“We get into these tracks with all these gatekeepers out there, and getting them to open the gate.”
“You need to be doing is not going to get a manager, you need to get customers, fans.”
“Become an entertainer, instead of someone who just does music.”
“Every fan that you get, you need to feel thankful and lucky for them.”
“In the foundation stage, you’re building your email list to 100 people.”
“Once you get that ball rolling with house concerts, it becomes easier.”
“Some people think you have to earn every single fan through blood, sweat and tears, that’s not true.”
“It doesn’t have to be as complicated as most of you are making it.”
“I wasn’t afraid to ask for a referral.”
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Femusician.com
Profitable Musicians Summit
Angela Mastrogiacomo
DIY Musician Conference
Female Indie Musician Community
Tyrone Wells
Zac Brown Band
Carlene Thiessen
Dawn Beyer
Rick Barker
Wham!
The Pointer Sisters
[BOOK] “The E Myth” by Michael E Berger
[Documentary] 20 Feet from Stardom
[Documentary] Metallica “Some Kind of Monster”
[Documentary] Metallica “This Monster Lives”
Bree Noble’s Definition of Making It:
“Doing what you love that gets you excited to get out of bed everyday, and not doing it on anyone else's schedule.”
Get in touch with Bree Noble
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Musician's Profit Path Masterclass: www.musiciansprofitpath.com
Income Guide: http://femusician.com/income
Main site: http://femusician.com
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
You can also listen to this episode on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher |
The Podcast is BACK with Season 2!! This season, we’re coming back with a deeper focus on education and lessons for independent musicians and music business students across the country. The podcast will range from inspiring independent musicians living a career on their terms, to influential marketers and entrepreneurs, and highlighting many of the different careers within the music business.
The first guest of the new season is the return of Dawn Beyer! Dawn Beyer is a true pioneer and living proof of how you can build a career as an independent artist in today’s music industry. In the last episode, we learned about her journey as a struggling musician in Nashville making the rounds on Broadway, where she was playing for tips. After getting sick and worried about how to make ends meet by not being able to play on Broadway, she discovered Facebook Live. This discovery was a career changer for Dawn. In her first year, she made over $74k from tips with Facebook Live and a PayPal tip button. This new journey has led to true fans of Dawn’s music, who went from watching on Facebook Live to paying her to play in their living rooms, parties, and so much more. Today, Dawn offers some amazing coaching to teach other musicians on how she did, and how they can do it too.
After my first conversation with Dawn, I was really inspired by her amazing spirit and positive attitude to take on the music industry and find her way to push through and live her dream. Dawn didn’t wait around for a manager, label, or agent to give her permission to make a living doing music. She gave herself permission, and she went out and did it. In the first episode, she shared her amazing journey on how she made a living and built the foundation of her career after discovering Facebook Live. Today, she is touring the country playing for fans she made from her Facebook Live videos, but is also giving back and teaching other musicians how they can make a full time living playing music, and do it on their terms.
To learn more about Dawn Byer, please visit https://www.therealnashville.com/ and http://www.therealmakingit.com/
Highlights from this Episode
[4:12] What’s new in the life of Dawn Beyer
[7:28] Dawn’s 30-Day Tour
[8:55] Structure of Living Room Concerts
[10:58] Finding people to host you for a house concert
[15:26] Dawn’s content strategy
[17:03] What types of emails do people want to read?
[18:18] The programs Dawn is offering for musicians
[25:32] Songwriting process
[28:53] How often Dawn writes
[34:00] Details about Dawn’s courses and what people can expect
[36:48] Success stories from the program
[40:10] Creating a virtual tip jar
[46:35] Common mistakes musicians make
[50:34] Philosophy on Touring
[58:00] The lesson that took Dawn the longest to learn
[1:00:11] Rapid Fire Questions
Quotes from Dawn Beyer
“You have all the opportunity, and all the platforms available today.”
“I didn’t even have a laptop when I first started this.”
“Gather your core group, figure out who they actually are, and send them to where you can connect with them.”
“Figure out what making it really is for you.”
“There might be some other way, there might be some other making it.”
“It’s about not caring what other people think you should do, and making it for you.”
“The best way to play your own music is to get off Broadway.”
“The platform is what puts us out there and lets us connect with someone.”
“You have to have the ability to come through someone’s phone and be in their living room.”
“Once they are connected, they will be there for every album, every show, and everything you do.”
“If you’re writing about something you don’t care about, people will feel that.”
“Being real and raw, and just putting it out there, is the thing that anyone can do.”
“I don’t see any reason why you would start out playing bars first, when I can play in front of 50 people on Facebook right now.”
“If you’re going to go on the road driving from place to place, make as much out of that online as you can.”
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Dawn Beyer - First Episode on the Podcast
The Real Making It
Rick Barker
Mailchimp
Garth Brooks
Cosmic Contract
Pearl Mae Foundation
Jim Palmer
Connect with Dawn Beyer
dawn@therealnashville.com
https://www.facebook.com/dawnbeyermusic/
https://www.instagram.com/dawnbeyermusic/
https://www.therealnashville.com/
http://www.therealmakingit.com/
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
It’s important for us to remember that everyone is a human being. Behind all the usernames and social media handles, there is a real person behind there just like you and I. Think about how would you try to connect with a real person at a networking event, at church, a party, a concert, or at a restaurant, before you reach out to someone. I’d like to believe that everyone wants to be heard, and is trying to figure out a way to can live a better life and be able to “live the life they love.” Not only is this something I truly believe in, but it’s also one of the biggest messages by this episodes guest, Tommy Darker.
Tommy Darker is a DIY Musician and Entrepreneur. He has mastered the Alexander Osterwalder concept of creating unique Business Models and has applied it to the music business for musicians. Tommy is also the founder of Whiise, a platform where any musician can go and ask their questions about the music business to industry leaders from around the world. He’s a regular guest lecturer at the University of Westminster in London, England and the Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain. In this conversation, we talk about Tommy’s story being from Greece and now is based in London, England to how musicians can use the business model canvas, some unique and creative strategies to get your music on more Spotify playlists, and much more.
To learn more about Tommy Darker, visit http://www.tommydarker.com/ and ask your question at https://www.whiise.me/.
Highlights from this Episode
[3:48] What Tommy likes to teach about at Universities
[5:18] Tommy’s ideal music business program
[6:57] Where should someone visit in Greece
[7:55] The message Tommy wants people to learn from his Kickstarter Campaign
[13:34] Musicprenuer Hub (now Whiise)
[16:00] Topics people have the most questions about
[17:21] Where he finds experts and how someone can become an expert for Whiise
[18:44] Tommy’s Philosophies on Touring being located in Europe
[25:48] What is the business model canvas and how can musicians use it
[29:20] Where Tommy likes to start with the business model canvas
[38:12] What is value proposition
[44:02] Tommy’s Philosophies on Key Partners
[48:12] Where does an Artist Manager fall into all of this
[50:48] What are channels of distribution musicians should focus on and Spotify Playlists
[57:46] How can Musicians use Facebook Bots
[1:02:01] Strategies on building relationships with Spotify Playlist curators
[1:07:22] Setting Goals
[1:10:25] Getting to know Tommy Darker
Quotes from Tommy Darker
“If you just put this mp3 on stream or Spotify, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities.”
“When you talk with your community, you learn so many things.”
“There is tons of knowledge, and if you don’t share it, it doesn’t exist.”
“I want people to be immersed in what I do.”
“When you can control the experience...you can actually create something that’s way more valuable than what Spotify or other services dictate what you can do.”
“I usually prefer to go the hard way and find venues or platforms that can help me curate an experience.”
“Go out and do stuff, and learn, and create your own playbook.”
“Try to start realizing what kind of audience do you have.”
“Failing is part of the process.”
“Try to create something that will get an emotional response out of people.”
“People like connecting.”
“Usually people will pay much much more when what they buy makes them feel something.”
“Partnerships is all about relationships.”
“Facebook is a place where friends hang out, you need to create an experience that’s not salesy.”
“People like asking questions.”
“Remember, everybody that you’re talking with is a human being.”
“If you start with thinking with how can I get on the playlist, you already lost the battle.”
“The quickest way you can add value to somebody is to connect two people to each other.”
“The more people you know, the more you can get to know more people.”
“You can’t really lie to yourself if you have written down what you need to do.”
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
University of Westminster
Berklee College of Music - Valencia, Spain
Full Sail University
Tommy Darker Kickstarter Campaign
Whiise
YOUNow Live Streaming
Sofar Sounds
Patreon
Next Big Sound
Indepreneur Indies (Facebook Group)
Killing Joke
Andrew Dubber
NoiseTrade
Pledge Music
ManyChat (Facebook Bot)
Facebook Workplace
Depeche Mode
[BOOKS]
Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal
How Music Works by David Byrne
The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan Gottschall
Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead by David Meerman
Tommy’s Definition of Making It
“To become better than myself yesterday.”
Getting in touch with Tommy Darker
tommy@tommydarker.com
http://www.tommydarker.com/
http://www.musicpreneurhub.com/
https://www.kenophania.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tommydarker
Related Podcast Episodes:
1. Ari Herstand - Creative Ways to Build a Following, Generate Revenue, And Promote Your Music
2. Kyle Lemaire - Disrupting the Traditional Music Business
3. Dawn Beyer - Earning $74k with Facbeook Live
4. Cathy Heller - Building a Career with Sync Licensing
5. Shannon Curtis - How to Earn Over $50k in 4 Months with House Concerts
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/makingitwithchrisg/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
One of the most frequent types of questions I get from musicians and music business students are related to sync licensing, and when receiving these questions, I had the perfect person in mind to answer them. It’s been a few years since I’ve talked to Cathy Heller, but I knew she was the one I absolutely had to get on the show to speak about sync licensing. From when we first met, she has always been very passionate about coaching songwriters about the types of songs that get placed, and always had amazing resources and information available to help guide them. It was so wonderful reconnecting with Cathy and having her as a guest on the show to help answer some of those common questions. However, it is also an amazing gift to our listeners to have such an incredibly passionate, positive, and motivational mentor and teacher sharing an inspirational message that a successful and fulfilling career in music is possible, even without a record deal.
Cathy Heller has built a career in the Sync Licensing world after building a career with placements in TV Shows, Movies, and Commercials. After her success, she started her own company, Catch The Moon Music, where she represents and helps other musicians with sync licensing success. She’s an incredible teacher and mentor, offering consultations, and courses for musicians. One of her newest passions as a teacher includes being the host of her own podcast, Don’t Keep Your Day Job. In this conversation, you’ll learn what types of songs have the most success in sync licensing, common themes and genres that have the most success, how to get a sync licensing agent, and much more. In this episode, she also shares her meticulous researching and note-taking skills, that have helped develop her wisdom and understanding of what works best in the world of sync licensing.
Highlights from this Episode
[4:08] Meeting Michael Jordan
[9:30] Journey of starting her own podcast - Don’t Keep Your Day Job
[13:49] Cathy Heller’s story
[29:30] Common misconceptions and mistakes musicians make with sync licensing
[38:04] The process of a song being chosen for sync placement by a Music Supervisor
[44:45] Common themes that get placed for commercials
[47:47] Resources where people can learn about what type of music is getting licensed
[50:12] Process of clearing songs
[54:38] Types of producer arrangements
[1:00:02] How to find a licensing agent
[1:01:44] Getting to know Cathy Heller
[1:05:33] Cathy Heller’s Hollywood Vampires
Quotes from Cathy Heller
“If you have the persistence if you have the grit, and you have the passion for something, it doesn’t matter if you’re the first draft pick, or you’re the 150th draft pick, you’ll become the one that everyone is talking about.”
“All you can do in life is know what your effort is. You don’t really know what’s going to be on the other side of that.”
“To find out that something that you do can change the life for someone else, that’s the ultimate sweetness.”
“How do you be an artist if you don’t get a record deal? That’s the question.”
“There are so many ways to make a living doing what you love.”
“The intersection of you doing something you love, to create, that somebody else goes I find that’s beautiful or I need that, and then they are going to pay you for that. That’s actually not just a way to make money, but maybe even finding your bigger purpose in life.”
“My goal here is to do something authentic, that also tells the stories of other people’s souls.”
“We lost the respect for discipline.”
“You have to make music that they need.”
“In life, being uncomfortable doesn’t always mean don’t do it.”
“Be resourceful! Your number one resource is not your time, money or connections. It’s you!”
“I purposely make it my choice and my priority to be inspired and happy.”
“It is our responsibility to make sure we have a good day.”
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Michael Jordan
Don’t Keep Your Day Job [Podcast]
Ron Fair
Jimmy Iovine
Interscope Records
Craig Kallman
Atlantic Records
Ingrid Michaelson
Regina Spektor
Snow Patrol
Grey’s Anatomy
Ed Sheeran “Castle On The Hill”
This American Life [Podcast]
Ira Glass
The Access Course
TuneFind
splendAd
Huck Ingram (Entertainment Attorney)
David Sacks
Billy Joel
Wayne's World Soundtrack
Amy Porterfield
Jasmine Star
Cathy’s Definition of Making It
“Realizing what you have inside of you that really contributes to the world.”
Getting in touch with Cathy Heller
Submissions@catchthemoonmusic.com
hello@catchthemoonmusic.com
http://www.cathyheller.com/
https://www.dontkeepyourdayjob.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cathy.heller/
https://www.facebook.com/CatchTheMoonMusic/
https://twitter.com/cathyheller
Related Podcasts:
1. Copyright & Publishing Foundation Masterclass with Davey Jay
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
This is our second annual Thanksgiving special. In this episode, show producer, Jason Trosclair, joins the show to discuss creative DIY approaches for musicians from past guests. I've gathered some of the best advice about how an independent musician can approach their career on their terms, with their own unique voice. These conversations are extremely valuable because they show you there is more than one way to achieve your goals. Along with some insight from Jason and I, on the topic, this episode includes conversations with:
Joe Pulizzi
Ari Herstand
Shannon Curtis
Dawn Beyer
Kyle Lemaire
Happy Thanksgiving from the Making It crew!
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
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