Algorithm, the great hidden gatekeeper, has fundamentally shifted the music industry: think about how many artists are now releasing singles instead of albums because they think it favors discoverability, how many release covers on YouTube in hopes of catching more attention, and how we fall into trends when it comes to our careers instead of focusing on the people we're really needing to reach?

This week, I speak with Eddie Lam, a musician in Vancouver, BC who has been able to see huge growth in his social media metrics by leveraging the native attributes in TikTok. But more than that, I wanted him to highlight his big picture goals of building community and show how his different strategies, whether promoting shows or teach guitar on TikTok, all support this vision. Resources and Links: Eddie Lam's official website Eddie Lam on TikTok Vancouver is Awesome news: Burnaby...

There are new social media sites popping up all the time and some rise to the surface more than others. Most recently, people have been swarming over TikTok, Twitch, and Clubhouse. In today's episode, I talk about what it actually means, where you should be focusing your attention, and the benefits of having a refined strategy connected to your goals.

Welcome back to the Music Business Hacks podcast! We close out season 2 with final learnings from the DIY Musician Accelerator Program/Scaling Up series before launching a new series of content for you. In this episode, we'll talk with Aspen Jacobsen, Darro, and Maxximo, to hear in their own words what worked for them and what didn't work so well in terms of our mentorship program. You'll hear how all three artists doubled (or more) their following, increased engagement with fans, secured...

This year, CD Baby and The Slants Foundation launched a six month mentorship program for three lucky artists. Join me along with the selected artists Aspen Jacobsen, Darro, and Maxximo to see how they multiplied their social media following, secured endorsement deals from major companies, and increased their revenue - all during the middle of a pandemic! You'll also get a chance to ask your own questions to this music industry veteran and the artists mentored this year. And, you'll learn how...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I’m providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we’re assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This is the third call with Aspen Jacobsen. Check out her work here: Website,...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I’m providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we’re assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This is the third call with Maxximo. Check out his work...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I’m providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we’re assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This is the third call with Darro. Check out Darro...

This season, we’re partnering up with CD Baby to provide six months of mentoring and coaching to three artists in different genres and different stages of their career. You’ll get insights as to the kind of advice appropriate for building a scalable and sustainable career while getting to hear about their actual metrics. As the season unfolds, you’ll get to hear what works or what doesn’t work so well for these artists and learn how you can launch your own career as well. In the third...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I’m providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we’re assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This is the second call with Darro. Check out their work here:...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I’m providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we’re assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This is the second call with Maxximo. Check out his work here:...

This season, we’re partnering up with CD Baby to provide six months of mentoring and coaching to three artists in different genres and different stages of their career. You’ll get insights as to the kind of advice appropriate for building a scalable and sustainable career while getting to hear about their actual metrics. As the season unfolds, you’ll get to hear what works or what doesn’t work so well for these artists and learn how you can launch your own career as well. In the second...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I'm providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we're assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This is the first call with Darro. Check out his work at www.darrochea.com ...

As part of the D.I.Y Accelerator Program and Scaling Up series on this show, I'm providing the full recorded calls with the artists so that you can get complete transparency with our conversations (as well as hear more about the work we're assigning based on their goals). It also allows you to hear what a consultation/coaching call is like and to dive more deeply into the artists who are in this mentoring program. This first call is with Maxximo. Check out his work at www.maxximomusic.com ...

This season, we're partnering up with CD Baby to provide six months of mentoring and coaching to three artists in different genres and different stages of their career. You'll get insights as to the kind of advice appropriate for building a scalable and sustainable career while getting to hear about their actual metrics. As the season unfolds, you'll get to hear what works or what doesn't work so well for these artists and learn how you can launch your own career as well. Follow the...

Today, I wanted to address current concerns as touring performer with the current global pandemic. How do we respond to numerous event cancellations and uncertainty about the near future? Are there opportunities for us to pivot? Resources: Episode #24 - Why Every Musician Needs an Intraband Agreement Episode #171 - Musician Side Hustles Pt 1: How to Get Started Episode #172 - Musician Side Hustles Pt 2: Hustles in the Music Industry Episode #173 - Musician Side Hustles Pt 3: Using Your...

I'm proud to announce Season 2 of the Music Business Hacks podcast. This time, we're taking a slightly different approach. Instead of having a daily show, we'll be following the career of three very different artists. They're each receiving six months of coaching from me through the DIY Musician Accelerator program so every episode will focus on direct advice given to a musician in different stages of their career. We're providing complete transparency so you'll be able to hear in...

I'm so excited to announce this new joint venture between CD Baby and my new nonprofit, The Slants Foundation: The DIY Musician Accelerator Program. You'll have a chance to receive six months of music business mentoring in addition to a CD print and distribution package worth over $2,400 at no cost! We'll be able to tackle your music business goals, develop specific strategies that you can work on each week, and test the latest tactics to scale up your career. There's no cost to apply but...

It's our final episode! Today, I reflect on the lessons learned from our journey of one year of music business hacks together. Follow me on tour: www.theslants.com Stay in touch: @SimonTheTam

In today's episode, we talk about how you can learn best practices from other artists in a way that fits your own music business strategy. Do you have guidelines? SMARTER goals? These can provide guidelines for you when considering options that are sustainable and relevant for you. Recent Interviews: Episode #356 - Diving Into the World of K-pop with ESAE Episode #357 - How to be an Unstarving Musician with Robonzo Episode #360 - Using Memes and Humor with Blank Face Villain Episode...

Today's interview is with Ellisa Sun. “Ellisa Sun is a force of nature.” (KFOG) She cuts out her heart and leaves it on the stage—which is why she never wears white. Currently on her first national tour, Ellisa is showing she has what it takes to make it on her own. Just a guitar, a 30-foot RV, and an insatiable desire to perform. Raised in Los Angeles, Ellisa migrated north and found a home in San Francisco’s creative scene, where she wrangled a seven-piece band to play her music. Her...

Today's interview is with Camp Crush. Seeing Camp Crush live is like watching two people fall in love in front of you. And it’s true - the band was born when now-married Jen Deale and Chris Spicer discovered they were at the same summer camp together as children, and years later found each other in Portland, OR. With a late 80s mood-pop influence and driving indie rock rhythms, the duo has discovered new territory; a nuanced middle ground between Madonna and Brandon Flowers, Debbie Harry and...

This is Blank Face Villain's self-written bio: "Ay fam, it's cha main man Blank Face Villain AKA BFV AKA yung jimmy AKA 2Uncrustables. I play too many instruments. I've torrented a bunch of programs. I take pictures. I'm just here to make sure those around me have a good time. Invite me to your wedding(s)." When you hear today's conversation and his approach to music business, you'll understand what this all means... Check out Blank Face Villain: ...

Today's audio is from my session at the DIY Musician Con. We all understand that social media is an essential part of an artist’s career but there are very few resources on how to do it well. In this practical and inspirational session, you’ll learn how to build an audience online, make new fans, and create new excitement for your music in a way that defies trends. If you're interested in receiving a copy of the slides from this session, please hit that contact button. Thank you!

Today's episode is from my presentation at the 2019 DIY Musician Conference. The world’s most successful artists, brands, and companies have one thing in common: They understand their true fans. If you want to build a sustainable, thriving music career, you've got to understand how to work with target audiences. This session is a master class in marketing, funding, and developing your art so that it reaches your most enthusiastic fans. Mixing inspiration, information, and practical...