Shows
Self-Signed ArtistEp. 52: Putting It All Together - Refocusing on the Biggest Needle-MoversOne full year of Self-Signed Artist! In this episode, we talk about picking and choosing from all of the information we've covered on this podcast, and refocusing your energy on one to three needle-movers.2021-05-0531 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 51: The Three Paths for Getting a Music Education and How to ChooseEducation is a hot topic. Some people will pressure you to go to college, other people will pressure you to NOT go to college. Some people are successful in educating themselves, and others are successful just by figuring things out through trial and error.
In this episode, we talk about the three different paths you can take in your music education. You'll hear our personal (and very different) experiences with education, how to choose what is right for you, how to make the most of whatever you choose, and how to continue with education through your career.2021-04-2839 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 50: Real Talk - Musicians, Burnout, and Mental HealthWe're switching things up for episode 50. In this unplanned, unscripted episode, we talk about burnout and mental health. You'll hear about our own personal experiences and some maybe surprising, maybe not-so-surprising statistics about mental health and independent musicians.2021-04-2124 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 49: Why Most Artists Are Missing Out on Merch RevenueDo you sell merch for your band or artist brand? Do merch sales make up a significant part of your income? In this episode, we talk about strategies you can use to maximize the power of your merch sales.
You'll hear what most people get wrong with their merch table, why high-school-Jake bought a shirt that was two sizes too small, why anybody buys merch in the first place, how merch can connect to your music/lyrics/videos/performances, the psychology of a tiered price structure, and how to drive up demand with limited supply.2021-04-1439 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 48: You Want to Know HOW to Be Successful? You're Asking the Wrong QuestionIf you're listening to a podcast like this one, you are probably obsessed with the question HOW. HOW do I reach more fans? HOW do I get more streams? HOW do I build a successful career with my music? But HOW is the wrong question.
In this episode, we talk about why WHO is a better question than HOW. We cover specific examples of when asking WHO leads to a better solution to a problem. You'll hear the two types of WHO to consider, the traps that HOW can lead you into, and why the question WHO...2021-04-0740 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 47: Your Mind Is Playing Tricks on You and Your Music CareerWe all like to think that we have perfect judgment and we know what the best option is in every situation. But the truth is, there's a lot going on behind the scenes in our minds that can trip us up. These are our cognitive biases.
In this episode, we talk about 6 common forms of cognitive bias and how they make the process of creating music and running your brand more difficult. You'll hear why it's so easy to make excuses for your failures, why some artists write the same thing over and over, why Jake forgets...2021-03-3149 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 46: What Are NFTs and What Do They Mean for Music?Have you been hearing about artists and bands making millions of dollars selling NFTs, but aren't really sure what it's all about? Well, we were (are) right there with you. Buckle up, because this is a confusing topic.
In this episode, we discuss what all the hype is about. What are NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)? Why they are so confusing? How are artists and bands are using them? What does it mean for the music industry? How might it affect you and your music career (or not)? And will NFTs change the way we and our audiences consume...2021-03-2430 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 45: Creative Slumps - Why They Happen and How to Get Out of ThemHave you ever felt like the things that normally come easily and naturally to you, are suddenly really difficult? Then maybe you've experienced the dreaded creative slump.
In this episode, we talk about three things that can cause a slump or a plateau in your music career, a three-step process for getting out of one, Steve Martin's secret for creative success, a strategy musicians can steal from aspiring chess-masters, and finally we work on a slump-smashing plan for Jake as an example.2021-03-1737 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp 44: Evolving Your Sound and Your Artist Brand - w/ Jack Riley (Niamh)As an artist, it can be scary to make a big change in your sound or your branding. How will your current fans react? However, evolution and growth over the course of your career are things you should embrace.
In this episode, we talk to Jack Riley (Niamh, formerly Pleasuremad, Art School Girls, The Nimble and Quick) about evolving their sound, and by extension, artist/band name over time. We cover what artist/band names represent, when a name change makes sense, whether or not you should worry about how your audience will react, using creative boundaries...2021-03-1048 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 43: The Word "Free" Is Killing Your Career and Ruining Your LifeNobody likes spending money, but is an aversion to spending actually slowing down your career and making you miserable at the same time?
In this episode, we talk about investing in your artist career. Topics covered include: two ways you could be hurting yourself by avoiding spending money, investments we have made that paid off, how to assess whether an investment is worth it, a "pyramid test" to make assessing investments easy, why time is also an investment worth considering, and how to balance time investments vs. money investments.2021-03-0336 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 42: Should You Audition for a Music Competition TV Show?Aspiring artists everywhere flock to the open auditions for TV shows like The Voice, American Idol, Songland, or America's Got Talent. It seems like an easy enough decision, try your luck. There's a ton to gain, and not much to lose. But is that really true? In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of auditioning for music competition shows, like what you really stand to gain, and the catch that goes along with it. We also cover some ways to maximize the benefit of auditioning and minimize the potential downfalls.2021-02-2439 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 41: Leveraging TikTok for Music Promotion - w/ Brian HayesIf there's one social media platform with the most potential for artists and bands right now, it's TikTok. Whether you're creating original content or hopping on the trends, it's well worth having an active account.In this episode, we talk to Brian Hayes (Coach Hayes) about his work with TikTok for artists like Johnny 2 Phones and sports organizations. We talk about what types of content work best on the app, the unimportance of production value, how to be authentic and still strategic, repurposing your content for TikTok, and choosing TikTok influencers to work with.2021-02-1745 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 40: How to Get Attention-Grabbing Artist Photos - w/ Kiki VassilakisYour photography might be the first thing that a potential fan encounters, even before your music! It's important to make a good first impression and tell them how to feel when they see your photos.In this episode, we talk to talented music photographer Kiki Vassilakis about how she creates stunning artist portraits and captures epic moments at live shows. We cover her creative process, brainstorming concepts, choosing a feeling for an image, the power of eye contact, posed vs. candid shots, getting comfortable with your photographer, and the benefits of working with a professional music photographer...2021-02-101h 00Self-Signed ArtistEp. 39: Making High-Quality Music Videos - w/ Kamrin Pester & Wes EllisWhat's the first thing every artist pictures when they've just written their best song yet? The music video. Kamrin Pester and Wes Ellis are part of a team that takes artists' inspiration and brings it to life on the screen. Their most recent project with artist Malik is a unique and creative take on the whole concept of what a music video can be.In this episode, we talk about Malik's new video for his entire album "Spectrum," choosing a concept and aesthetic, challenges and compromises while making a video, budgeting for a project, finding a team...2021-02-031h 06Self-Signed ArtistEp. 38: Long-Distance Collabs: Two Perspectives - w/ 3dm. and ShiggyWhen the right artist finds the right producer, a 5-hour drive once a month (both ways) seems like nothing. 3dm (artist) and Shiggy (producer), manage to consistently make it work and come out with great music even though they only have very limited windows of time to do it.In this episode, we talk about the influence of home communities, finding and clearing samples, the pressure of limited session time, preparing for when creativity dries up, acknowledging but avoiding trends, and the future of completely remote collaboration.2021-01-2751 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 37: Finding YOUR Sound - w/ Richie Wicander (Fire From The Gods)Everybody wants to know the secret to making it big as an artist. Well here it is: it's a slow process of developing. Richie Wicander knows that process very well from his time in Fire From The Gods (Rise Records), working in A&R for BMG, and developing bands and pop artists.In this episode, we talk to Richie about where Fire From The Gods' unique sound comes from, what artist development looks like, how touring is really networking in disguise, how pop and hip hop influences lead to better rock music, and how the end of...2021-01-201h 03Self-Signed ArtistEp. 36: Forming a Cohesive Band Image - w/ Alex Magnan (Young Culture)A band is a sum of its parts. At the same time, it has to be both a single, cohesive unit, and also a collection of unique individuals with their own personalities. How do you tackle that from a branding perspective?In this episode, we talk to Alex Magnan of Young Culture about how each member of the band is both a part of the whole and also their own artist. We cover collecting influences, what K-pop is doing right, creating a cohesive look on social media, live video performances, and live-streamed gatherings for fans on twitch.2021-01-1348 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 35: How Being an Athlete Makes You a Better Artist - w/ Johnny 2 PhonesWhat does playing basketball have in common with releasing a hit song? In Johnny 2 Phones' mind, a lot. So much that he made "athletic background" a requirement in his search to hire an intern.In this episode we talk to Johnny about how a sports background has influenced his artist career, making music that is happy-sad, TikTok strategy for making your music viral, what to do when you feel like giving up, and the important distinction between being confident and being cocky.2021-01-0654 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 34: How to Achieve Your Goals and Make 2021 Your Best Year Yet2020 is over! Goodbye and good riddance! Now it's time to make your plan for the coming year, but don't fall into the age-old routine of making New Years resolutions and giving up by February 1st.When it comes to setting big goals for yourself, it can be all too easy to let things slip over the course of a whole year. In this episode, we give you tips to make sure that you achieve your goals for 2021. We cover the benefit of setting different tiers of goals, whether you should broadcast your goals publicly, how to keep...2020-12-3043 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 33: Beat Producer Business Models - w/ Hunter Galvin (Hunna G)As if being a great producer wasn't hard enough, turning it into a sustainable business comes with its own unique challenges. In this episode, we talk to Hunna G about building his producing career and different several business models that you can use to do the same thing for yourself. We also cover his work with Johnny 2 Phones, finding artists to work with, protecting your music, and always being prepared for when opportunities arrive.2020-12-2344 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 32: The Self-Signed Mentality as a Label-Signed Artist - w/ Souly HadLanding a record deal doesn't mean you can sit back, tune out, and ride the wave of success. If anything, it's a reason to dig in and apply more pressure.In this episode, we talk to Souly Had about his experience working with Island Records, keeping his independence on the label, using social media to tease future releases, the optimum release schedule, and more.2020-12-1638 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 31: The Session Musician of the Future - w/ Ethan GueldenzopfBeing an artist or in a band is one way to have a music career... but what if you could contribute to the recordings of MANY artists and bands. Becoming a remote session musician might be the way to do that, and in the 2020s, it's a great time to start.In this episode, we talk to Ethan about how he is developing his own business as a remote session drummer, writing and recording drum parts for other musicians' songs. We also cover how easy it is to get started (potentially), where to look for clients, how...2020-12-0948 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 30: Launching a Benefit Project - w/ Michael Steiner (John Airfield)A career in music doesn't have to be all about making money for yourself. It can also be about making a difference in the world.In this episode, we talk to Michael Steiner of John Airfield about releasing his debut EP as a benefit to raise funds for the Morris Home in Philadelphia. We also cover feedback networks, defining success, and creating something personal while also thinking about your audience.2020-12-0247 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 29: Blogs: The Water Coolers of the Music Community - w/ ct versesAt the center of any thriving music community is a vocal advocate who spreads the word and promotes the entire scene through blogs, podcasts, social media, or other music publications. In Connecticut, that's ct verses.In this episode, we talk with ct verses about how blogs should serve as the water coolers of the music community. We also discuss ways to make music communities stronger, how to go about connecting with a blog, and why Jake should move to Connecticut.2020-11-2538 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 28: One-of-a-kind Live Vinyl Recordings - w/ Julia Breen (Similar Kind)In an effort to come across as professional, sometimes artists forget the personal touches that help fans feel connected to them. Everything becomes too perfect and "put together." Instead, creating merch items that are one-of-a-kind, personalized, and imperfect can be just what your fans want.In this episode, we talk to Julia Breen of Similar Kind about finding your image as an artist, hand-made merch, and the band's upcoming session to create personalized, one-of-a-kind, live to vinyl recordings for their fans.2020-11-1843 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 27: Making the Leap: Going Full-time with Your Music Career - w/ Caity GallagherFor many artists, it's the dream: handing in their resignation at the 9-5 and going full-time as a musician. But at the same time, it is easy to hesitate. In this episode, we talk to Caity Gallagher about transitioning from being in a band to being a solo artist, and how she made music her full-time gig. She shows us that it's not always easy (thanks COVID), but with the right mindset, you can make anything into an opportunity. 2020-11-1140 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 26: Pulling Back the Curtain - Demystifying Mixing and MasteringIt's the end of the process. You've spent all this time writing your songs, rehearsing, arranging, recording, and now it's time for mixing and mastering. What exactly is the difference? Do you need both? Who should do it? In this episode, we pull back the curtain and make it simple by distilling each process down to its core. By the end, you'll know exactly what's possible, and what to expect at each stage.2020-11-0436 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 25: Stepping Out of the Background and Creating a Name as a Producer - w/ tomcbumpzBeing a producer no longer means working behind the scenes. Producers and beatmakers are now developing names for themselves as artists. That's exactly what tomcbumpz is doing right now.In this episode, we about the differences between producing music for your own name vs another artist, finding inspiration, and important skills outside of the craft of making music. Finally, we discuss the importance of getting your hours. Sleep hours, that is...2020-10-2840 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 24: NEXT LEVEL Social Media Marketing Strategy for MusiciansYou already know how powerful social media can be for marketing. You're probably already using it for your own artist business. Maybe you're even already working with social media influencers.In this episode, we walk you through a new twist on an old strategy that has many potential variations. How far can it go?2020-10-2133 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 23: Streaming and Recording Live Shows - w/ Riley Simone (Adam Ezra Group)There is no substitute for being at a live performance, but recording and streaming concerts can add a lot of value for audience members.In this episode, we talk to Riley Simone: the front-of-house engineer and tour manager for the Adam Ezra Group. She describes how she records each of her concerts for the "live sound project" and streams "gatherings" to an at-home audience.2020-10-1448 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 22: The Role of an Independent Record Label - w/ Dylan Healy of Funnybone RecordsOn Self-Signed Artist, we normally focus on all things non-label. However, that may be doing you a disservice. Working with an independent record label can be a great way to get some guidance with your next release.In this episode, we talk with the founder of Funnybone Records, Dylan Healy, about how hands-on (or hands-off) a record label should be, and how the artist-label relationship should be treated like a collaboration.2020-10-0746 minSelf-Signed ArtistEp. 21: You Are the Energy You Attract - w/ MostlyEverythingWe sat down for a conversation with MostlyEverything and talked about... pretty much everything.In this episode you'll hear about the benefit of working with engineers and producers, adding value to your community through collaboration, continuing to evolve through your career, and even a bit about navigating the landscape of record labels.2020-09-3000 minSelf-Signed ArtistLocation Location Location - Does it Matter if You Live in a Music Hub City?It's a question that comes up at some point for anybody in the music industry: should I move to LA? Nashville? Am I missing out if I stay where I am?In this episode, we talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a music hub city and talk about why we have chosen to live where we live.2020-09-2300 minSelf-Signed ArtistFind Your TEAM: Assessing Your Needs and Choosing the Right PeopleThe DIY attitude is an essential part of being an independent artist, but you don't have to go it alone. Building a team of people around your artist brand can is the key to reaching your fullest potential. But where do you start? A manager? A booking agent? A lawyer?In this episode, we talk about how to figure out what roles you need a teammate to fill, and how to know if somebody is the right person for the job.2020-09-1600 minSelf-Signed ArtistUPDATE: Facebook's New Music Guidelines - What Do They Really Mean For Artists?Facebook recently announced new music guidelines going into effect on October 1st. When they mentioned cracking down on "listening experiences" everybody freaked out and assumed that facebook for musicians as we know it was ending. In this mini bonus episode, we talk about what the guidelines really mean (probably) and how they will affect your artist business on Facebook.2020-09-1400 minSelf-Signed ArtistBreaking the Rules and Serving Your Fans - w/ Sawyer AugerIn this episode, we talk with Sawyer Auger, a singer, songwriter, and performer based out of Los Angeles, who also happens to be one of Koby's childhood friends.Sawyer covers everything from living in a minivan, to faking (or even lying) your way into opportunities, to serving a core group of fans with everything you've got. You'll finish the episode wanting to get up and try something daring in your music career.2020-09-0900 minSelf-Signed ArtistDon't Make These Five Studio Mistakes!In this episode, we give you tips to avoid the five most common studio mistakes that almost every artist makes. With the right preparation, you can have your smoothest, most inspiring, and most fun experiences yet, at your next recording session. 2020-09-0200 minSelf-Signed ArtistWhy You Sometimes Feel Like A Fraud - Imposter SyndromeIt's one of the most universal feelings for professionals of all kinds, but especially for musicians and creatives. Imposter syndrome makes you feel like you aren't good enough, and any minute, everybody else will find out you're a fraud.In this episode, we talk you through the five different types of imposter syndrome, so you can figure out which ones you experience most. Then we give you strategies to get around each type.2020-08-2600 minSelf-Signed ArtistBuilding a TRUE Fan Base - Three Steps for Converting FansDo you actually have as many fans as you think? Fan "conversion" is more complex than just the flip of a switch. There are three steps that you need to guide potential fans through for them to become TRUE fans.In this episode, we give you multiple strategies for generating new fans including methods for initiating discovery, as well as ways to provide value to your audience.2020-08-1900 minSelf-Signed ArtistFive Daily Habits to Grow Your Artist CareerBuilding an artist career is a complex process. It can be overwhelming to try and figure out what you should be doing day in and day out to progress forward.In this episode, we give you five simple daily habits that you can develop to supercharge your career. Each one only takes a short amount of time, and if you do them all daily, you won't be able to help but grow.2020-08-1200 minSelf-Signed ArtistAlbums vs. EPs vs. Singles - What's the Best Release Strategy?It's the age-old debate: what is the best release strategy for you and your music? Some say that singles are the way of the future. Some say albums will always be king. Where do EPs fit into all of that? In this episode, we help you weigh the pros and cons of each strategy so you can choose the right one for you, right now. 2020-08-0500 minSelf-Signed ArtistCollaborate Your Way To Success - w/ Brandon Kapoor (Bvlcony)What goes into a successful collaboration? How do you find compatible collaborators? What role does your community play? In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Kapoor to discuss his and Jake's past collaborations (Bvlcony x MNNX) and their tips for building the same creative relationships in your own music career.2020-07-2900 minSelf-Signed ArtistYes, You Still Need To Have a Website in the 2020sAs an artist or band, of course, web presence is essential. You probably already have some. But while social media and streaming platforms are great and effective, we think you need a website as well. In this episode, we give you 5 reasons why you should have a website, and then we list 5 elements (and one bonus) that your website should include in order to be effective.2020-07-2200 minSelf-Signed ArtistMaking Your Live Shows More Engaging - The Role of Practice vs. RehearsalWhen you put on a live show as an artist or band, the number one goal should be to convert audience members who have never heard of you into dedicated fans. How do you do that?In this episode, we go over the common mistakes that artists make in their shows and the elements that make a show engaging. Then we walk you through the differences between practice and rehearsal and why you need to be doing both.2020-07-1500 minSelf-Signed ArtistAre Anybody's Tastes Really Their Own? - Social Proof in MusicWe all assume that our musical preferences are completely our own, but how do we decide what to like? In this episode, we walk you through how social proof influences both our musical preferences and what toothpaste we buy.Then we give you a couple simple ways that you can get the social proof ball rolling for your own music to attract more fans.2020-07-0800 minSelf-Signed Artist"Sounds Good..." - How to Ask For, Take, and Give Good CriticismConstructive criticism and critiques are extremely useful to you as a musician or artist. They can also be extremely challenging to navigate and can sometimes lead to awkward interactions.In this episode, we give you tips for how to ask for criticism, accept criticism, and give criticism when it is asked of you to help take the sting out of the process.2020-07-0100 minSelf-Signed ArtistIncome-Stream Idea Extravaganza! - Part 2PART 2! Even MORE!So many artists pour tons of creativity into their craft, but NONE into monetizing their art. Making a living as an artist comes down to having multiple income streams that all add up to making a sustainable living.In this episode, we explain why the go-to money-makers for musicians may not be good enough, and start brainstorming some more creative ways to bring in money with your music.This is part two of a two-part series. 2020-06-2400 minSelf-Signed ArtistIncome-Stream Idea Extravaganza! - Part 1So many artists pour tons of creativity into their craft, but NONE into monetizing their art. Making a living as an artist comes down to having multiple income streams that all add up to making a sustainable living.In this episode, we explain why the go-to money-makers for musicians may not be good enough, and start brainstorming some more creative ways to bring in money with your music.This is part one of a two-part series. 2020-06-1700 minSelf-Signed ArtistPerfect is the Enemy of Done: How to Be a FinisherModern musicians are NOTORIOUS for having hard drives full of unfinished songs. Maybe you can relate. We all love to create, but we hate to let anything get out to the world unless it's perfect, and in doing so, we put a ceiling on our own potential.In this episode, we give you three tips to help you get more projects finished. Once they're done, you can leverage them to bring in more income for your business and your brand.2020-06-1000 minSelf-Signed ArtistPlanning is Procrastination: How to Be a StarterWhat are you waiting for??? As artists, we often put off working on our ideas because we feel like we don't have the knowledge, or the experience, or the equipment to do it yet.In this episode, we let you in on some of our past mistakes and try to light a fire under you to stop planning and JUST START. Take a cue from professional starters like Elon Musk and get going.For links to the books and articles mentioned in this episode, check out the full show notes at selfsignedartist.com2020-06-0300 minSelf-Signed ArtistHow to Be Different, Yet FamiliarThe idea of originality isn't as straightforward as it might seem. What makes something feel unique? How do influences play into the creation of something original?We explain the difference between influence and emulation, and give examples of artists and even movie directors who have created something unique by using these ideas correctly.For links to the books and articles mentioned in this episode, check out the full show notes at selfsignedartist.com2020-05-2800 minSelf-Signed ArtistFour Questions to Help You Start Building Your Image and Finding Your AudienceBuilding a brand for your artist project or band can seem like a daunting task. Where do you start? Social media? A website? uhhh a logo?We'll walk you through the fundamental purpose of branding and present you with four questions that you can use to start figuring out what your brand should be, and who it's for.By the end, you'll be able to concisely describe yourself as an artist and also describe your ideal audience member.2020-05-2200 minSelf-Signed ArtistThe BIGGEST Misconception Holding You Back In Your Music CareerSo you've written and recorded some great songs, but you haven't been able to find traction and get your artist career really up and running?In this episode, we walk you through the number one misconception that most artists start out with in their music careers.Hear about the series of events that most people think will lead to a successful career, and how waiting for them to happen will keep you doing just that... waiting.2020-05-2200 minSelf-Signed ArtistNew Podcast, Who Dis?The episode before the episodes. Get to know us a little bit as we talk briefly about who this podcast is for and what you can expect. Spoiler: It's for independent musicians who want to start thinking like entrepreneurs and treating their brands like businesses.If you want to hear about a specific topic in a future episode, email us at podcast@selfsignedartist.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @selfsignedartist2020-05-2200 min