Chance the Rapper has become the first independent SoundCloud Premier creator to hit a billion streams. The Chicago native’s upload of his "#10Day" mixtape 8 years ago introduced his music to the world. Chance recently returned to SoundCloud, as part of the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, “The…
Category archives: Indie Labels
Amazon, UMG, Paradigm Execs Join Troy Carter Startup Q&A
Troy Carter’s new music & technology company, Q&A has named industry veterans Clarissa Reformina as Vice President of Creator Services, Ray Kurzeka as Vice President of Digital Strategy and Austin Hurwitz as Vice President of Music Operations. In conjunction with founders Troy Carter (ex-Spotify, Atom Factory), J. Erving (Human Re…
5 Steps For Building A Music Marketing Plan
The idea of constructing a marketing plan can seem intimidating at first, particularly when it comes to the expense involved, but in reality a solid and effective marketing plan can be more about goals and careful planning than total dollars spent. Here we look at the five steps to putting…
Indie Label Rancho Humilde Inks with Cinq Music Worldwide
Indie distributor and publisher Cinq Music has inked independent record label Rancho Humilde to a worldwide distribution deal. The label targets 2nd and 3rd generation Mexican Americans in the US. Issue of daily living as children of immigrants, cannabis legalization and issues at the Mexican border highlight the genre, known…
Getting It Done: The Week In D.I.Y. & Indie Music
In our tips and advice section this week, we offer independent, DIY artists advice on how to promote themselves on social media when they have zero followers, why touring has become more important than ever for up and coming musicians, some of the best techniques for boosting merch sales, and…
Up To 25% Of CDs Sold On Aamzon, eBay Are Counterfeit, says RIAA Study
Amazon and eBay are facilitating the sales of thousands of counterfeit CDs each day, according to a new study by the RIAA. The rampant sale of counterfeit CD was first revealed in 2016 studies conducted by both the RIAA and A2IM. In 2016, The Association of Independent Music issued a…
Beatport Is Dropping Tracks That Don’t Sell
EDM, dance and DJ focused download store Beatport is pulling all tracks off the service that aren’t selling a part of a “yearly storage clean-up procedure." ____________________________ Guest post by Randi Zimmerman from the Symphonic Blog There’s always been way more electronic music being put out into the universe than…
4 Ways To Pick Up Endorsements As An Independent Artist
No aspect of being an independent artist is particularly easy, but getting endorsements and sponsorships is perhaps one of the hardest and most confusing of all. In this article we look at four techniques for successfully securing an endorsement as a do-it-yourself musician. ___________________________ Guest post by Alper Tuzcu of…
Shira Knishkowy Exits Matador To Join Spotify
Shira Knishkowy has been appointed Spotify’s communications manager, the streamer has confirmed. Knishkowy joins the streaming giant from Matador Records where she has worked since April of 2015, most recently as its director of publicity. During her tenure with the label, she worked closely with artists including Lucy Dacus, Kurt…
CIMS Executive Director Michael Bunnell To Retire
Michael Bunnell, Executive Director of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) has announced that he will retire at the end of the year. Andrea Paschal, CIMS’ longtime General Manager, will succeed him. Bunnell first assumed the Executive Director position in 2009. He was a founding member of CIMS in…