The Big Picture for Indie Artists This week’s digest packs a punch for independent musicians focused on growth. The standout resource is the blog ‘125 Ways to Promote Your Music’ from Symphonic—a must-bookmark list covering distribution, social media, email lists, and more. But the real gem is the MUBUTV podcast with manager Nick Groff, who … Read more
Industry Headlines UMG Q1 2025: Universal Music Group generated $3.39 billion in Q1, up 8.1% year-over-year, driven by BTS, Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, and more. Sony Music Legal Victory: Sony Music won a copyright and performer rights battle against the estates of Jimi Hendrix’s bandmates. Times Music Acquisition: Times Music acquired long-running Punjabi label Catrack … Read more
From Passion to Profession: The New Artist Mindset The days of waiting for a label to discover you are fading. Today’s music industry demands that artists become their own CEOs, blending creative talent with business acumen. A recent interview with manager Nick Groff on MUBUTV emphasizes that pure talent is no longer enough—artists need drive, … Read more
Industry Moves & Deals Primary Wave scores Harry Chapin catalog: Partnership covers hits like ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ and ‘Taxi,’ including NIL rights. Jimi Hendrix bandmates’ estates lose UK court battle: Sony Music retains ownership of recordings after legal dispute. MusicRow’s 2026 InCharge Issue features Russell Dickerson: A look at key industry players and the … Read more
Navigating the Modern Music Landscape This week’s digest brings together advice from industry veterans and practical tools for indie musicians. The key takeaway: success today requires more than talent—it demands strategic branding, consistency, and a CEO mindset. From career journeys to tactical tutorials, here’s what matters most for your music marketing. Career Lessons from the … Read more
Music Industry News Deezer Tepid Q1 Results & AI Deal: Deezer reported tepid Q1 subscriber growth, but revealed an interesting AI detection deal that could impact rights management. Live Nation Accused of Financial Misrepresentation: A former executive vice president claims there is a “company-wide pattern of financial misrepresentation” at Live Nation. Stagecoach Wraps 2026 Festival: … Read more
This week’s digest covers a mix of hot topics for indie musicians: fan engagement, distribution strategy, AI vocals, and platform selection. The recurring theme is the need for a multi-channel, intentional approach rather than relying on any single tactic. Fan Account Method: Dead or Alive? Jesse Cannon’s video questions whether the fan account marketing method … Read more
Weather & Logistics Stagecoach Festival Chaos: High winds forced the cancellation of Journey and other sets at Stagecoach, highlighting the fragility of live events. (Source: original digest) Fan Access: A piece explores the tension between music, sports, and the fans who arrive first, questioning loyalty and privilege. (Source: original digest) Industry & Policy Streaming Mechanicals: … Read more
The Fan Account Method: Still Worth It? A recent video by Musformation questions whether the fan account method is already washed. While some saturation has occurred, it remains effective for building a micro-community when done authentically. Indie musicians should still leverage fan accounts but focus on genuine engagement rather than spammy tactics. Protect Your Creative … Read more
Artist Spotlight: Malia Rogers We interviewed indie-folk artist Malia Rogers, who blends Celtic and bluegrass influences. Her latest single ‘Sunlight (A Good Death)’ is out now. Read the full chat on our site. Industry News & Trends A major record label is cutting their roster by 15%, impacting dozens of artists. Industry analysts cite streaming … Read more