Releasing music can be a time-consuming (and sometimes stressful) part of being an independent artist / songwriter. As the clock ticks down to release day, I find myself thinking “now what else do I need to do?" Sometimes I totally…
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Jan 21, 2025
Tasks, Tips and Timelines for Releasing Your Music
Jan 7, 2018
Artist Booking Behind the Scenes with Craig Grossman
L to R: Craig, Green Room Artist Gaelynn Lea, and Alicia Lees, Green Room Publicist
During the 2017 CD Baby DIY Music Conference, one of the most informative sessions was with Craig Grossman, Founder/Agent of Green…
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Oct 10, 2017
Style Matters: Elevate Your Look
Amanda Sears Putting Together Looks for a Photo Shoot
In 2014, I played my first ever CMA fest as an artist in Nashville on the same stages as artists like American Young and Nelson (yes, the band…
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Sep 2, 2017
3 Tips for Tour Packing When Traveling Abroad
Ah, touring abroad. There are so many things I love about traveling and playing music makes it just that much sweeter.
The first time I used a U.S. curling iron abroad and singed my hair off, I learned…
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Aug 27, 2017
Dear Mary, I Heard You...
It's always refreshing to hear the truth about the music business from someone you admire as an artist. And Mary Gauthier is one of those rare artists who is as honest about her career as she is in her songwriting…
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Nov 8, 2016
Radio Promotion for Indie Artists: Be Uncommon
Radio and Audience Growth Farmer D. Grant Smith
Recently I had the opportunity to discuss radio promotions with D. Grant Smith. He's a radio host, promotions expert and he specializes in helping musicians and creative businesses build audience tribes he…Read more
Recently I had the opportunity to discuss radio promotions with D. Grant Smith. He's a radio host, promotions expert and he specializes in helping musicians and creative businesses build audience tribes he…Read more
Sep 27, 2016
AmericanaFest Round-Up for Artists
Berklee Americana Showcase at The Family Wash with my Band
Michael Boris, Me, Bill D, and Nick Arbuckle
Nashville is now officially in recovery mode from the 17th Annual AmericanaFest extravaganza. The event brings thousands of fans and artists to…Read more
Michael Boris, Me, Bill D, and Nick Arbuckle
Nashville is now officially in recovery mode from the 17th Annual AmericanaFest extravaganza. The event brings thousands of fans and artists to…Read more
Aug 30, 2016
Shantell Ogden Partners with Lime Tree Music PR
Luke Roberts and Shantell Ogden on site at Buckle and Boots Festival
Award-wining artist/songwriter Shantell Ogden signed an agreement today with Luke Roberts and Lime Tree Music PR to promote her upcoming release The Road That Drives Me to media…Read more
Award-wining artist/songwriter Shantell Ogden signed an agreement today with Luke Roberts and Lime Tree Music PR to promote her upcoming release The Road That Drives Me to media…Read more
Jul 25, 2016
How To Prepare Your Music for Global Distribution
The CD or single is recorded and mixing has begun---and you're already starting to think about 'getting it out there'!
To help prepare you for the release, Ed Gertler, an independent music distributor, explains three important things to consider in…Read more
Jul 24, 2016
How to Make a Budget for Your Indie Music Project
WOOOHOOO! Let's make a budget.
Ok, before you go running from the blog, let me say that budgets can be your friend. And believe me I've made friends with a lot of budgets in my time as an indie…Read more
Jul 24, 2016
Music Licensing: A Resource Round-Up
Music licensing in general is a big topic, and below are a few articles to help you learn more about the common types of licenses out there. Remember you still need take responsibility for learning licensing personally and consult a…Read more
Jul 24, 2016
How To Choose the Best Team to Record With
Me with Vocal Producer Judy Rodman
How exciting- you're getting ready to record new music!!!
Recording on any level means you need to make some decisions about where you'll record, how you'll record and who you'll record with. All these…Read more
Feb 17, 2016
Dreams are Free: Hustle is Sold Separately
Recently I was giggling with a good friend and fellow songwriter about what a typical day looks like as an indie artist. This particular day, in addition to my eight hour day job, I...
- Reviewed and completed a music license…
Jan 3, 2016
5 Resolutions Singer/Songwriters Can Stick To
A few years ago I saw a bumper sticker that said "Increased Happiness by Lowered Expectations."
In my opinion, this little gem of wisdom can be applied to so many areas of life--including our independent music careers. Now, I'm not…Read more
Nov 12, 2015
Should Music Be Free?
There is a question that we as artists and musicians have to face eventually: Should Music be Free?
Most people who are creators will say 'no' right off the bat, because we value our work and know that there…Read more
Oct 6, 2015
What You Wanna Know: Top 5 Questions About Nashville
I seem to do a lot of mentoring and coaching of other artists. This isn’t because I feel like I have this all figured out in building a music career, not even close. It’s mostly because I know how hard…Read more
Aug 14, 2015
Backstage with Eddie Bayers: Part 2
A 40 year veteran in the music industry in Nashville, Eddie Bayers is Nashville royalty. Beyond playing in the Grand Ole Opry as the house drummer, Bayers has played on hundreds of hit records (300 Gold and…Read more
Feb 6, 2015
The Possum Posse Rides Through Nashville
Possum Posse Rocking the House
Austin-based musical sensation The Possum Posse stopped in Nashville, TN to play some shows, visit studios and tour the town on their way to Nashville, IN to play a fundraiser for the Morel Mushroom Festival…Read more
Feb 5, 2015
The Truth about 'Releasing a Single'
We see it everywhere in the music biz: [Insert Artist Name here] has a new single! But, what does that really mean?
Well, to break it down, there are SINGLES, Singles and singles...
The SINGLE- Major Label Release or the…Read more
Jan 15, 2015
6 Tips for Media Success for Indie Artists
You have a new album. Now What?
It’s awesome! Your CDs have finally arrived, and you’re like a giddy teenager! All the months of work are finished…or are they?
Having an album ready to release is just the…Read more
Nov 24, 2014
Hard Work and Heart: Randall Foster
Meeting with Randall on Music Row
Surrounded by stacks of music in a busy Nashville office, Randall Foster is a music industry insider, creative mastermind and community builder.
For Foster, success has come one step at a time, and currently…Read more
Nov 10, 2014
Indie Artists Beware: 4 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off
I feel a burning need to blog about ways you can get ripped off as an indie artist.
Yes, it's an unsavory topic. And let's face it, no one wants to admit that they have been swindled. But, I would…Read more
Aug 11, 2014
Want your songs in film and TV? Get Started with 3 Easy Steps!
Film and TV placements are a great way to find a home for your original music- but how do you get started??? Here are three easy steps to get started!
1- Get the Right Songs- I love country music…Read more
1- Get the Right Songs- I love country music…Read more
Apr 28, 2014
Lyric Videos to the Rescue: Low Cost, Big Results
"Love Shouldn't Hurt" Lyric Video
If you don't have big money to make a big budget video (like me and most other indie artists), consider lyric videos to bring your song to life!
There are essentially a couple low-cost ways…Read more