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?