DIY Musician Podcast

In episode #368 of the DIY Musician Podcast, we sit down with Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon, as well as one-half of the musical duo Pomplamoose and co-leader of Scary Pockets. Jack shares his unique insights on what he calls “the end of the follower era” in 2024. We dive into what it means to be a musician today, how the changing digital landscape affects creators, and why metrics still play a crucial role in shaping careers. Whether you’re an artist or simply curious about the future of content creation, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of social platforms, fan engagement, and much more.

Your personal brand doesn’t stop at what you post on Spotify, TikTok, and Instagram. It’s also expressed in the way you interact with other artists in your community, how you pitch your music to tastemakers, and how you present yourself in interviews. These forms of outreach expose you to new audiences who could make a genuine connection with you and get invested in your music — and it all starts with a great first impression. What will you do to stand out in a way that’s authentic to you and your music? In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Via Perkins, Senior Communications & Content Manager at CD Baby, takes a deep dive with Annabelle Kline-Zilles, founder and host of That Good Sh*t, Daylon Hicks, founder of arabbitshole, and Meleah Hartnett, host of The Luna Collective podcast, to answer this question, including a Q&A featuring questions from CD Baby, That Good Sh*t, The Luna Collective, and arabbitshole audience members.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel offer insight into the process of building a band from scratch. Join them as they navigate the intricacies of finding the perfect performers and nurturing relationships within the group. Together they discuss some practical tips like how to keep a consistent rehearsal schedule, band calendar, how to communicate effectively, and much more.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack talks with artist, Sarah Christine, about a life-changing accident that set her on the path of going all in on her music. Since then she quit her job, cashed out her 401K, doubled down on music, and is now moving to L.A. Jack and Sarah also chat about the making of her new album Hotel Earth which made it to the top on multiple Amazon Music charts.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina, Rachel, and Via delve into the labyrinth of file organization for independent musicians. They tackle the complexities of managing computer files, spreadsheets, lyric and chord sheets, finances and more, while offering invaluable insights into best practices for staying organized and maintaining professionalism. Join them as they share amusing anecdotes of past organizational mishaps and explore the strategies they're employing to bring order to their chaos.

In this captivating episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, host Cristina delves deep into the tropical realm of The Bahamas alongside CD Baby' Erika Parr, and Lyndera Pinder, the founder of Music With a Twist. Together, they unravel the secrets of success for independent artists yearning to make waves in this vibrant archipelago. From uncovering hidden stages to expanding your network amidst the island backdrop, they share invaluable insights and best practices tailored for breaking into new regions. Join them on this journey as they illuminate the path to finding, building, and captivating audiences in The Bahamas.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina sits down with CD Baby Artist Services Manager, Austin, to discuss CD Baby Boost. Together they dive into the various royalties collected by Boost, registration with the MLC and SoundExchange, sync licensing opportunities, and how this service differs from the now retired CD Baby PRO. Please visit our Help Center for more info: https://support.cdbaby.com/hc/en-us/articles/17723985999885-CDB-Boost

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina delves into the intricacies of pursuing a GRAMMY with Kaytee Long Becker from DIY PR Group. Together they celebrate Carla Patullo, a CD Baby independent artist and composer who won her first Grammy this year! They explore essential topics such as understanding FYC campaigns, distinguishing between album release and FYC strategies, determining the optimal career stage for submission, eligibility criteria, crucial deadlines, category selection significance, indispensable FYC campaign elements, a golden rule for success, and common pitfalls to avoid during the FYC journey. Connect with Kaytee Long Becker and learn more about her Express PR Campaign offer: https://www.instagram.com/kayteelongbecker kaytee@diyprgroup.com

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, join Cristina as she engages in an enlightening conversation with Miami-based entertainment lawyer, Somara Jacques, Esq. Together they dive deep into the intricacies of copyright law, and explore the most frequently asked questions pertinent to independent musicians. This episode is a must-listen for musicians seeking clarity and a solid understanding of copyrights in the ever-evolving music industry. Follow Somara Jacques, Esq: https://www.instagram.com/thelattelawyer

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina engages in a conversation with Megh Vakharia, CEO and co-founder of Symphony OS, exploring the necessity for artists to streamline their marketing efforts. Megh sheds light on Symphony's innovative solutions tailored to ease artist marketing burdens, freeing up valuable time for creative pursuits. With Symphony's tools, artists reclaim control over their careers, empowered to shape their destinies without relinquishing ownership. Symphony's mission is clear: to empower the next wave of a million artists to thrive independently, building their businesses on their own terms. Learn more about Symphony OS and claim your CD Baby discount here: https://www.symphonyos.co/partners/cdbaby

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina sits down with two titans of the music industry: the renowned songwriting coach and music publisher, Judy Stakee, and the Emmy award-winning songwriter, producer, and coach, Mike Meiers. Together, they delve into the intricacies of songwriting approach, offering invaluable insights gleaned from their extensive experience. The spotlight, however, shines on their forthcoming virtual Songwriting workshop, "Hitmakers Live," on April 21st. Through this eagerly anticipated event, participants are primed to embark on a transformative journey, drawing from the wealth of wisdom accumulated by these industry leaders and major guest artists and educators. Expect not only to refine your craft but also to forge meaningful connections within a community of dedicated songwriters, akin to yourself. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring songwriter, this workshop is an unmissable opportunity to refine your skills, expand your network, and ultimately, make your mark in the world of music.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel welcome Via to the show. Together, they delve into the intricacies of being categorized as a "female" musician within the industry, exploring their personal perspectives on this label. While some express frustration at the persistent emphasis on gender in their work, others view it as a meaningful community to belong to. They navigate the concept of multiple truths coexisting within identity and its impact on their journeys in the music industry.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, hosts Cristina and Rachel dive deep into the dynamic world of short form video trends dominating the internet landscape in 2024. From viral challenges to captivating storytelling techniques, they unravel how independent artists can leverage these trends to amplify their presence and engage with audiences on a whole new level. Additionally, they shed light on the CD Baby Video Creator Tool, unveiling its ability to seemlessly craft compelling Spotify Canvas videos.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack engages in a compelling conversation with Sync Songwriter Chris SD, delving into the intricacies of succeeding in the realm of Sync Licensing. Tune in as Chris shares valuable insights into crafting sync-friendly tunes, understanding licensing deals, and building relationships with music supervisors. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, this episode provides actionable tips to navigate the sync licensing landscape effectively and elevate your DIY music career. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that could be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your music.

Heading out on tour our can introduce a range of stressors, spanning from confined living spaces to an inflexible (or non-existent) schedule, limited food choices, feelings of isolation and detachment from your people back home, free booze at every turn, and less-than-ideal sleeping conditions. These factors can contribute to physical and mental strain for indie artists who are just out there trying to put their best on stage. In the latest episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina Cano and Rachel Beringer offer practical health hacks to help musicians maintain their physical and mental well-being while on the road.

In Episode 353 of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack delves into a riveting conversation with the seasoned musician and author, Shannon Curtis. This episode unveils the fascinating story behind Curtis's viral hit, offering a glimpse into the magic that propelled her into the spotlight. Beyond the music, Curtis discusses the success of her intimate house concert tours, providing a unique perspective on connecting with audiences on a personal level and making it profitable. Curtis generously shares her approach to giving back to her fans, creating a bond that transcends the traditional artist-fan dynamic. Join Jack and Shannon Curtis on this enriching episode as they explore the multifaceted facets of her artistic journey, offering a profound look into the life of a truly independent and inspiring musician.

In this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina sits down with DIY Musician regulars Rachel and Jack to delve into their New Year's creative resolutions, share insightful songwriting goals, and reflect and celebrate their artist triumphs from 2023. As a bonus, Rue joins the conversation to provide valuable information on Tidal's innovative "Collabs" product, offering listeners an exclusive peek into the cutting-edge features reshaping the music collaboration landscape.

In this episode the of the DIY Musician Podcast, Jack sits down with Abigail Fierce and discusses her dynamic career between being an LA-based indie-pop songstress, her songwriting process, to her growing acting resume!

In Episode 350 of the DIY Musician Podcast, Cristina and Rachel share their personal predictions for the future of the music industry in 2024. While these predictions are purely for fun and not grounded in data, their enthusiasm and insightful banter make for an entertaining exploration of what the musical journey might hold in the coming year.

In Episode 349 of the DIY Musician podcast, Cristina has the pleasure of sitting down with two remarkable guests, Anna Held and Christine Barnum from CD Baby, as they celebrate an incredible 25 years of CD Baby being the leader in independent music. The episode is a journey through time, delving into the past of CD Baby and sharing amusing anecdotes that reflect the vibrant spirit of our journey. As we reminisced about the challenges and triumphs, the conversation was not only a nostalgic reflection but also a testament to the enduring importance of the artists who have been the heartbeat of our company.