Music Makin Cents Podcast

3 Ways Indie Labels Let Artists Down—Avoid These Traps

Are you an indie artist thinking about joining a label? Or maybe you’re already on one and questioning if it’s the right fit. This episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast dives deep into the complexities of indie labels and why so many fail their artists. Harkos explores how labels can either uplift or limit your career, emphasizing the importance of control, budgeting, and authenticity in artist-label relationships.
In this episode, Harkos uncovers three major pitfalls indie labels fall into: self-promotion over artist support, poor budgeting strategies, and the fear of artists outshining the label. He walks you through the critical steps to identify if a label has your best interests at heart or if it’s part of the “90%” that’s holding artists back. Whether you’re aiming for indie success or hoping to eventually break into a major label, this episode provides essential guidance for both artists and label heads.
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
⁠Crafting Your Unique Brand as an Independent Artist⁠
Resources:
Connect with Harkos:
In this episode, you will learn:
Why 90% of indie labels fail their artists by prioritizing self-promotion over genuine support.
How poor budgeting choices can waste resources, leaving artists without a proper promotional strategy.
The importance of artist branding and why control over your image is key to reaching fans.
Practical tips on building brand solidarity across social media for artists.
The value of budgeting smartly to allocate funds between creation and promotion effectively.
How to avoid labels that have a fear of losing artists to bigger platforms and focus on growth.
Key Moments:
00:00 - Why do indie labels often fail their artists?
03:12 - What’s the importance of maintaining creative control?
05:41 - How does label self-promotion affect an artist’s growth?
10:14 - Why should promotion happen on the artist’s platform?
15:46 - How does budgeting impact an artist’s reach?
20:25 - Why is an album release party a waste of resources?
30:15 - What should a label’s role be in an artist’s career growth?
#MusicIndustryTips #IndieLabel #ArtistMarketing #IndependentArtist #MusicPromotion #BrandingForMusicians #LabelManagement #DIYMusicCareer #ApexMusicSystem #MusicMakinCentsPodcast #MusicMarketing #SpotifyPromotion #AlbumReleaseTips #YouTubeMusicPromotion #SocialMediaForArtists #ContentStrategy #MusicBusiness101 #MusicAdvice #GrowingYourFanbase #BuildingYourBrand #IndieMusicSuccess #BudgetingForMusicians #ArtistFirst #RealFanEngagement #BoostYourMusic #MusicMarketingStrategy #MusicDistribution #ArtistBranding #LabelVsArtist #StreamingTips #MakingItInMusic #IndieMusicGrowth #CreativeControl #IndieArtistLife #MusicBusinessSuccess #IndependentMusicMarketing #SmartMusicBudgeting #MusicIndustryInsights #NextLevelMusic #MusicianGoals #DIYMusician #MusicNetwork #IndieArtistsUnite #RealSuccessInMusic

Why Topic Pages = 0 Growth

Are you promoting your music on YouTube the wrong way? Many artists unknowingly use their topic pages to promote their music, missing out on a powerful tool that could seriously amplify their reach. In this episode, Harkos breaks down why topic pages are holding you back and how switching to an official artist channel can elevate your music career. From activating YouTube’s algorithm to enhancing your branding, this episode is packed with insights on building an engaged, loyal fan base.
Harkos, the host of Music Makin Cents podcast, dives deep into the benefits of official artist channels, including the ability to interact with fans, control branding, and harness YouTube's recommendation engine. By sharing his journey from running a podcast to creating the Apex Music System, Harkos explains how artists can sidestep outdated strategies and embrace a system built for real growth.
 
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
Crafting Your Unique Brand as an Independent Artist - https://youtu.be/hXxjOR99D2U
Resources
Connect with Harkos
:Website: www.musicmakincentspod.com
Submit your music for WTF Wednesday music reviews at www.musicmakincentspod.com
Need hands-free marketing? Visit www.apexmusicsystem.com
 
In this episode, you will learn:
The major differences between topic pages and official artist channels on YouTube, and why the latter is crucial for growth.
How YouTube’s algorithm works, and how you can tap into it by uploading short and long-form videos.
Why building a brand through personalized banners, profile pictures, and interactive features is essential for attracting and retaining fans.
The importance of short-form video content in today’s social media landscape and how it can capture new listeners.
An introduction to the Apex Music System—a holistic approach for DIY musicians to find, connect with, and nurture real fans.
 
Key Moments:
00:00 - Why are artists using topic channels in the first place?
01:29 - What is a topic page, and how does it limit your growth?
02:25 - Why won’t a topic page activate YouTube’s algorithm?
09:53 - How can a community tab help you engage with fans?
15:42 - Why is short-form video key to activating YouTube’s algorithm?
25:34 - What’s the significance of brand identity on your artist page?
31:30 - What can official artist channels do that topic pages can’t?
34:27 - How does the Apex Music System build sustainable fan bases?

How To NOT Pitch For Spotify Playlists In 2025

Are you sinking time and money into Spotify playlist campaigns hoping for fan growth? It might be time to rethink that strategy. This episode of Music Makin Cents Podcast pulls back the curtain on the popular but often ineffective playlisting trend, showing independent artists why this approach rarely leads to lasting fan engagement. Discover why playlist streams may spike your numbers briefly but fail to build a loyal fanbase—and why strategic awareness campaigns might be the smarter, more sustainable route to real growth.
Harkos dives into the myths surrounding Spotify playlists, detailing three key reasons why these campaigns don’t deliver the long-term results you want. Learn why paid streams are a poor metric for fan growth, how bot-driven playlists damage credibility, and why even major label-backed playlists struggle to engage listeners genuinely. Tune in as we break down the strategies behind activating the Spotify algorithm the right way and give you the tools to convert passive listeners into true, lasting fans.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Why Spotify playlists provide only a temporary spike in streams but fail to create loyal listeners.
- The reality of bot-driven playlists and how they can damage your credibility and artist profile.
- The importance of real, meaningful interactions like saves and personal playlist additions for algorithmic growth.
- How strategic awareness campaigns connect you with the right audience, generating genuine engagement.
- An introduction to the Apex Music System, a program built to help artists grow a real fanbase without playlist gimmicks.
Resources Discover the Apex Music System for DIY and managed growth options: https://www.apexmusicsystem.com
Key Moments
00:00 - What makes playlist campaigns a waste of time?
02:01 - Why don’t playlists build true fans?
06:07 - How do bots affect playlist value?
12:17 - How did a personal experience expose playlisting flaws?
18:07 - Why do major labels get away with bot streams?
24:36 - What’s a strategic awareness campaign?
27:17 - Why ditch playlists for real growth?
30:18 - How can you get genuine engagement?

How to Sell Your Music Without Actually Selling

Tired of feeling like a pushy salesperson while trying to get your music out there? Ever wonder how you can live the musician lifestyle without compromising your authenticity or creativity? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos reveals the secrets to selling your music without actually selling it. It's not about high-pressure tactics or guilt trips—it’s about building genuine connections, creating value, and showcasing who you really are as an artist. Harkos walks you through the steps to cultivate superfans, monetize your work ethically, and live a life filled with music, passion, and freedom.
 
From understanding why “stream now” and “buy now” posts don’t work, to crafting a powerful personal brand that resonates with your audience, this episode is packed with insights on creating a sustainable income from your music. Harkos also breaks down how to start building a fanbase that is willing to support you, through email marketing, live streams, and creative insider programs. You don’t need millions of followers to make a living—just 10,000 hardcore fans willing to invest in your journey.
 
In this episode, you will learn:
- The importance of creating value for your fans beyond the price they pay.
- Why selling yourself is more effective than selling your music.
- How to build an authentic brand that reflects who you are and what your music stands for.
- Creative strategies for engaging your audience and turning followers into superfans.
- The three different ways to set up a website on a budget and use it to sell your music, merch, and experiences.
 
Resources:
- Website: www.musicmakincentspod.com
- Submit your music for WTF Wednesday music reviews: www.musicmakincentspod.com
- Want a REAL interview? Email Harkos at musicmakincentspod@gmail.com (stipulations apply).
- Hands-free marketing system: www.apexmusicsystem.com
 
Episodes Mentioned In This Episode: -Crafting Your Unique Brand as an Independent Artist- https://youtu.be/hXxjOR99D2U
- Stop Getting in Your Own Way with Content Creation- https://youtu.be/i94EuPJDnZs
- Why Pre-Promotion is Dead - https://youtu.be/-0Jy3W9byrg
Key Moments:
00:00 - What does selling your music without feeling like a salesperson really mean?
02:12 - How can you create value without ripping off your fans?
07:05 - How many superfans do you really need to make a living as a musician?
12:24 - What does it mean to “sell yourself” as an artist?
18:05 - Why email marketing is gold and how to do it right.
24:48 - What are the three affordable ways to set up a website and make money?
30:05 - What are the pitfalls of high-pressure sales tactics like “stream now” and “buy now”?
36:25 - How can creating engaging content help you build a fanbase without selling out?

Why Pre-Promotion is Dead

Are you still wasting time on pre-promotion? It’s time to stop chasing outdated strategies that simply don’t work anymore. In today’s on-demand society, fans want your music now, not weeks or months from today. Harkos dives deep into why pre-promotion is dead, how it’s killing your chances of success, and what you should be doing instead. Forget pre-save links and long buildup campaigns; they’re leaving your music lost in the noise of 150,000 daily song uploads. Harkos breaks down the exact post-release strategies you need to turn strangers into Superfans and finally build a brand that makes dollars, not just cents.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
-Why pre-promotion is a dead-end in today’s hyper on-demand world.
-The fan journey: how to move listeners from strangers to superfans.
-How to stop wasting time on Spotify and focus on platforms that actually pay.
- Why content creators won’t use your music if it’s not available immediately.
- The real strategy behind post-release promotion and how to build a marketing plan that works.
 
Don’t forget to join Harkos on Takeover Tuesday for live, actionable marketing advice to help you dominate your next release. Get off the hamster wheel of broken tactics and start growing your music business for real! Join Takeover Tuesday: apexmusicsystem.com
 
Resources:
Connect with Harkos:
Website: www.musicmakincentspod.com
Submit your music for WTF Wednesday music reviews at www.musicmakincentspod.com
Want a REAL interview? Send me an email at musicmakincentspod@gmail.com to get one set up. Stipulations apply.
If you want a "Hands-free" marketing system, work with me at www.apexmusicsystem.com
Join Takeover Tuesday: apexmusicsystem.com
 
Key Moments:
00:00 – Why is pre-promotion dead?
02:21 – What is hyper on-demand society and how does it affect music marketing?
07:07 – Why are pre-save links killing your fanbase growth?
09:29 – What is the fan journey from stranger to superfan?
11:11 – How to fix your paid promotion strategy and stop wasting money.
13:22 – Are you targeting the wrong audience with your ads?
18:01 – Why you’re losing superfans with weak content.
21:48 – How do streaming platforms promote music, and why aren’t you on top?
26:05 – Why you need a post-release promotional strategy.
28:09 – How user-generated content can boost your streams.
32:17 – What’s the real difference between you and a superstar artist?
34:24 – How ego is blocking your success in music marketing.
37:20 – What should you focus on for post-release promotion?
40:30 – Why consistency is key to staying relevant in the music industry.
45:18 – What is Takeover Tuesday and how can it help you?
50:09 – Why $50 a month on marketing strategy will change your career.

Stop Getting in Your Own Way with Content Creation

Feeling stuck in your music career? Are the words "marketing" and "content creation" making you cringe? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, host Harkos breaks down why so many independent artists, bands, and musicians struggle with one of the most essential parts of their success—content creation. Spoiler alert: it's not because the system is rigged, but because they’re standing in their own way.
 
Harkos dives into the reality that creating engaging, entertaining content is the cornerstone of building a sustainable music career. From debunking myths about expensive production to showing how easy it is to use just a smartphone, he emphasizes how artists can—and must—produce content consistently. Whether it’s music videos or hobby-based content that shows off your personality, content is king, and it's the key to building a loyal fan base.
 
If you’re sick of excuses and ready to turn your artistry into a sustainable, full-time career, this episode lays out the roadmap. Harkos introduces the Apex Music System, a complete strategy for growing your social media, streaming numbers, and sales to live the musician lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
-Why content creation doesn’t have to be a dirty word (and why it’s essential for your music career)
-How to create high-quality video content using just your phone and free editing tools
-Why pre-promotion on social media can actually hurt your chances of success
-The three main pillars of the Apex Music System: social media, streaming platforms, and sales
-How consistent content creation is crucial to identifying and growing your fan base
Resources: Join the Apex Music System: apexmusicsystem.com
Submit your music for review on WTF Wednesdays: musicmakincentspod.com
Follow Music Makin' Cents Podcast: www.musicmakincentspod.com
Key Moments:
00:00 – Why do artists hate the word “content”?
09:53 – How can you use free tools to create high-quality content?
15:17 – What makes pre-promotion harmful?
21:11 – How does content help you build real connections with your audience?
27:17 – What is the Apex Music System, and why is it the ultimate strategy for indie artists?
35:04 – What’s the real value of consistent content creation?
46:59 – Why excuses are killing your growth as an artist
52:22 – How the Apex Music System can help you get serious about your music career
 
Ready to stop making excuses and start building a real music career? Get weekly marketing help for just $50 per month with Takeover Tuesdays at www.apexmusicsystem.com

Crafting Your Unique Brand as an Independent Artist - Ep. 59

Are you struggling to build a fan base that genuinely connects with you and your music?
In this episode of Music Makin' Cents Podcast, Harkos gets real about what it takes to stand out in the saturated music industry. Spoiler: it’s all about your brand! If you're thinking branding is just a buzzword, you’re wrong—Harkos breaks down the "3 Pillars" every indie artist needs: Who you are, What you stand for, and What your story is.
From mastering these key elements to making sure your name is as unique as your sound, Harkos shares practical strategies to help you gain loyal fans. He dives into why artists need to adapt with the times, utilizing social media to express their ever-evolving identity, and why simply adding “music” to your name won’t cut it. He also emphasizes the importance of having your own website—it’s not optional if you’re serious about a long-lasting career.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to rebrand, this episode is packed with advice on how to grow as an independent artist while staying true to yourself.
 
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to solidify your brand using the three essential pillars.
- The importance of having a unique name and making it consistent across platforms.
- Why having a personal website is non-negotiable.
- Real-world examples of artists who changed their name and still achieved massive success.
- The benefits of adapting your content strategy and engaging directly with your audience.
Key Resources: - Website: https://www.musicmakincentspod.com
 
Key Moments/Questions:
00:00 - Why is branding crucial for every independent artist?
02:23 - What are the three pillars of a solid brand?
04:24 - How much do artists change in a year, and how should your brand evolve?
09:14 - Can a dramatic shift in style alienate fans?
16:20 - How can you create a content strategy that connects with your brand?
23:18 - Why should you change your artist name if it’s not unique?
27:43 - What happened when Young Jeezy changed his name?
30:07 - How did 2 Chainz transition from Tity Boi and rise to fame?
39:35 - Why is having a website non-negotiable for serious artists?
48:46 - How can you make your content engaging and relatable to your fans?
 
#MusicMarketing #Branding #IndependentArtists #FanBase #ContentCreation #UniqueName #OnlinePresence #Website #SocialMedia #ArtistGrowth

Episode 58: What REAL Success in Music Looks Like

In this episode of the Music Making Sense Podcast, Harkos lays down the truth about what it really means to succeed as an indie artist. It’s not about high follower counts or chasing empty streams, but about building genuine connections with fans and creating sustainable growth. He introduces the Apex Music System, a game-changing approach that focuses on social media engagement, streaming success, and smart sales strategies to build a real career. Ready to ditch the fake hype and focus on what matters? Tune in now!
For all Links MMC Pod click here https://podlink.to/MMCPod
Apex Music System - www.apexmusicsystem.com
 
Music Makin Cents Podcast is a podcast for artists, by artists. Harkos is a Marketing Manager and HipHop Artist, who helps give musicians of all genres and success levels the knowledge and help that they need to grow. He has helped many artists achieve real growth in their careers through brand development, social media presence and marketing as well as content creation strategy. To work with Harkos, Head to www.apexmusicsystem.com and get the ONLY system to help you grow your fan base and music career.
 
#MusicBusiness #IndependentArtists #SocialMediaStrategy #StreamingSuccess #MusicMarketing #AudienceEngagement #ApexMusicSystem #RealSuccess #MusicCareer #ArtistBranding