Shows
NexaTunes InsightsHow Independent Musicians Win in the Age of AI-Generated Music and Shrinking RoyaltiesThe numbers are wild: AI now accounts for a massive share of new tracks landing on major streaming platforms, and most listeners can’t tell machine-made songs from human ones. We dive straight into what that means for independent artists, why average payouts are dropping, and how a smarter, human-first approach can flip the script. Rather than fighting the tide, we explore how to turn the same data that powers AI into an edge—pinpointing the right release windows, zeroing in on real engagement playlists, and using predictive insights to back the songs that truly connect.We walk...
2025-12-0105 minNexaTunes InsightsSpotify Pays in Pennies, Bandcamp Pays Your RentMost indie artists feel the pressure to be everywhere at once—only to end up stretched thin, underpaid, and overwhelmed. We unpack a better way forward: a platform portfolio that favors focus over frenzy, using the strengths of each service to work together instead of compete for your time. From algorithmic discovery to direct-to-fan revenue, we map the modern release strategy with clear steps you can act on today.We get candid about the Spotify paradox—massive reach, minimal payouts—and why it still matters for discovery when optimized for saves, completion, and Release Radar. We contrast that w...
2025-11-2404 minNexaTunes InsightsThe $25 “Deal” That Eats Your MastersYour catalog shouldn’t disappear because of a missed $25 renewal. We unpack the real economics behind music distribution and show why the cheapest sticker price can become the most expensive decision an artist or small label makes. Chris and the team break down the two dominant models—flat fee vs. royalty share—and map where each one helps or hurts as your catalog and audience grow.We get practical with concrete numbers, like how a small label can jump from a handful of artists to 150 and suddenly face thousands in annual fees just to keep songs online. Then w...
2025-11-1704 minNexaTunes InsightsFrom 300% More Releases to 1% Breakthroughs: Why Strategy Beats LuckMost artists don’t have a stream problem—they have a launch problem. We break down why fewer than 1% of indie tracks cross 1,000 streams and how a simple, structured release strategy flips the odds. From choosing a clear objective to building a three–four week rollout, we map the process that turns a one-day drop into a momentum machine.We start by resetting expectations in a crowded ecosystem where distribution is easy but discovery is earned. Then we dig into the practical playbook: define your primary goal (testing a sound, building momentum, priming a bigger project), assemble the ri...
2025-11-1005 minNexaTunes InsightsInside the Digital Maze of Music DistributionThe path from a finished track to your listener’s headphones isn’t a straight upload—it’s a digital border crossing with passports, checkpoints, and rules that decide whether your music gets through and gets paid. We pull back the curtain on the infrastructure running modern music: metadata, ISRCs, platform standards, territorial rights, and the unseen systems that make or break a release. Along the way, we separate distributors from aggregators, unpack the reality behind “keep 100% of your royalties,” and lay out a practical release timeline that puts artists in control.We start with scale—streaming revenue in the...
2025-11-0304 minNexaTunes InsightsInside Spotify’s Crackdown: Surviving Artificial Streams and Protecting Your ReleaseImagine waking up to find half your catalog’s momentum gone—plays wiped, playlists wobbling, payouts in question. That shock hit thousands of artists during Spotify’s artificial streaming crackdown, and we’re breaking down exactly how to avoid the trap, what to do if you’re flagged, and how to keep your release on track without getting burned by bad promo.We walk through the signals that trigger platform scrutiny—sudden spikes from unusual countries, improbable completion rates, and traffic patterns that look too clean to be human. Then we share a clear, calm protocol for the first 48...
2025-10-2705 minNexaTunes InsightsAlgorithmic Prison Break: A DIY Survival GuideWhat would you do if you woke up to find thousands of Spotify streams gone and a penalty notice waiting in your inbox? We take you straight into the high-stakes reality of artificial streaming flags—how they’re triggered, why the penalties stack up, and what steps actually help when your tracks land in “algorithmic prison.” Drawing from real artist scenarios, we break down the signals Spotify watches for—suspicious geographies, robotic completion rates, odd playlist dynamics—and explain why even polished, “professional” promo services can quietly push you into the danger zone.We walk through a practical plan f...
2025-10-2006 minNexaTunes InsightsWhy Apple Music’s Model Rewards Artists More (And Listeners, Too)Forget the growth-at-any-cost mindset—this conversation digs into why Apple Music’s editor-led, artist-first model is quietly winning for independent creators. We explore how higher per-stream payouts, intentional listening habits, and curated discovery can beat algorithmic churn and build real careers. From the absence of pay-to-play tactics to the strength of Apple’s device ecosystem, we map out how a platform focused on quality is changing the incentives of streaming.We unpack the numbers and the philosophy: Apple Music pays more per stream without a free tier, prioritizes human editorial curation by region and genre, and designs playli...
2025-10-1304 minNexaTunes InsightsUnlocking Royalties: Why Your IPI Number Pays You BackImagine a winning lottery ticket with no name on it. That’s how unclaimed music royalties pile up when artists skip one small step: getting an IPI number. We unpack how identity powers the royalty ecosystem—and why millions of dollars never reach the people who earned them.We start with the core problem: without an IPI (Interested Party Information), the global network that tracks performances and publishing can’t “see” you. Plays from streaming, radio, cafés, and viral videos generate money, but incomplete data pushes those earnings into black boxes or, worse, into the wallet of someone...
2025-10-0605 minNexaTunes InsightsHow YouTube Became Music’s Quiet Superpower for IndiesThe biggest music audience on earth might not be where you think. We break down how YouTube quietly became the most powerful engine for independent artists—combining YouTube Music, official artist channels, and Shorts into a single system that pays in three ways and keeps your catalog discoverable for years.We unpack the mechanics behind real growth: how art tracks turn every release into an always-on asset, why watch time and retention matter more than any vanity metric, and how AI-driven recommendations resurface older songs at the perfect moment. From indie case studies to niche label playbooks in...
2025-10-0205 minNexaTunes InsightsSpotify Metrics Explained: What’s the difference between listeners and streams?Spotify shows you a lot of data – but not all of it leads to good decisions. This podcast breaks down the difference between visibility and real audience.https://blog.nexatunes.com
2025-08-2405 minNexaTunes InsightsWhy I founded NexaTunesIn this episode of NexaTunes Insights, Tanja Ramseger, founder of NexaTunes, shares the personal story behind creating a curated distribution service that puts labels first.From her early days running a label to navigating the chaotic world of digital distribution, Tanja explains why trust, transparency, and real support matter more than ever in today’s music industry. She talks about why distribution is not optional, why curated partnerships create long-term value, and how NexaTunes is building tools that simplify administration while respecting the creative work of labels.If you’ve ever wondered what’s broken in dis...
2025-08-1905 minNexaTunes InsightsWhen Streams Disappear: What Artists Should Know About Spotify’s Artificial Stream RemovalsWhen Spotify removes streams for suspected manipulation, the consequences for artists can be confusing and financially damaging. In this episode, we break down how artificial stream detection works, why even legitimate plays can vanish, and what artists and labels should do to protect their catalogs. From understanding Spotify’s policies to preparing for audits, you’ll gain practical insights to safeguard your royalties and avoid unnecessary setbacks in the digital music economy.https://blog.nexatunes.com
2025-08-1905 minNexaTunes InsightsWhy Artists Are Quitting Spotify – And What It Reveals About the System“Many independent artists are leaving Spotify, but the real story is deeper than royalties. In this episode, we explore what their decisions reveal about the streaming economy, the hidden costs for creators, and the strategies labels and musicians are using to take back control. Listen in for a clear breakdown of how today’s system really works – and what it means for your career.”https://blog.nexatunes.com
2025-08-1805 min