This week’s music marketing landscape highlights the growing tools for artist independence alongside significant industry debates. From new distribution features to ongoing streaming reform discussions, professionals must navigate a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Before You Hit ‘Upload’: Smart Rapper’s Indispensable Guide for Musicians
Source: Smart Rapper
For independent artists navigating the digital music landscape, the act of uploading a track might seem like the finish line. However, industry insights from prominent voices like Smart Rapper suggest that what happens before the upload button is pressed can define a release’s trajectory. A recent advisory from Smart Rapper underscores a fundamental truth: “Every Artist Should Know This Before Uploading Music.” While the specific ‘this’ is expansive, the overarching message is clear – preparation is paramount.
In a competitive environment where millions of songs are uploaded daily, simply creating great music is often not enough. Strategic foresight and diligent execution prior to release are non-negotiable for artists aiming for impact and longevity. This post curates the critical areas every musician should master, echoing the spirit of Smart Rapper’s important reminder.
Amazon Music Adds TikTok Sharing Feature
Amazon Music has integrated a ‘Share to TikTok’ button into its iOS and Android apps, joining Spotify and Apple Music in enabling direct sharing to the short-form video platform. The feature is built into the app’s ‘Insights’ section, streamlining music discovery through social media. Source: Music Ally
TuneCore Artists Reach $5 Billion in Earnings
Independent distribution platform TuneCore announced its artists have collectively earned $5 billion since the company’s 2006 launch. Artist Millie Go Lightly emphasized the power of maintaining independence while accessing global digital stores and social platforms. Source: TuneCore
Music Industry Protests AI With Silent Track
Paul McCartney, Sam Fender, Kate Bush, and Hans Zimmer have released a silent track titled “Is This What We Want” as part of an industry protest against AI’s impact on music creation. The nearly three-minute silent recording symbolizes artistic concerns about artificial intelligence in creative fields. Source: musicindustry
Spotify’s Audiovisual Deal Raises Questions
Spotify’s “opt-in” audiovisual agreement with the National Music Publishers’ Association offers undisclosed “higher royalties” for U.S. music-video uses, but major publishers maintain separate direct deals. With the opt-in window closing December 2025, many details about royalty structures and participation terms remain unclear. Source: thetrichordist
Musicians’ Union Highlights Streaming Revenue Concerns
The Musicians’ Union shared reactions from Labour Conference attendees describing artist streaming payouts as “horrifying” and “rotten,” amplifying the ongoing #FixStreaming campaign. The union is petitioning for improved revenue distribution models from streaming services. Source: WeAreTheMU
Email Marketing Guide for Musicians
A comprehensive guide to email marketing positions direct fan communication as central to artist growth strategies, emphasizing its role in building sustainable revenue streams outside algorithmic platforms. The approach focuses on converting listeners into dedicated supporters. Source: Hypebot
K-Pop Production Secrets Shared
Producer Alina Smith shared industry insights into K-Pop songwriting and production techniques, highlighting the genre’s specific compositional approaches and production values that contribute to its global commercial success. Source: LANDR
Pre-Release Music Promotion Strategies
Music promotion experts emphasize the importance of starting marketing campaigns well before music releases, suggesting that building anticipation through strategic pre-release activities significantly impacts launch performance. Source: Music Business Advice
The convergence of artist tools and industry reform will continue shaping music marketing strategies through 2024.
