Music Makin Cents Podcast

Why You Shouldn't Post Your Year Wrapped To Socials

What’s your streaming wrap-up post really doing for your career?
In this episode, Harkos dives into the trend of artists sharing their yearly streaming numbers and why it’s a marketing misstep in today’s digital age. He breaks down the psychology behind social proof, explains why streaming platforms and social media are promotional—not sales—tools, and delivers a roadmap for building a true fanbase. Spoiler: It all starts with ditching vanity metrics and focusing on direct email communication, authentic branding, and a solid website strategy.
From understanding algorithms to crafting an affordable website for just $25 a year, Harkos unpacks how independent artists can stop spinning their wheels and start making real connections that lead to sales, superfans, and sustainable income. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take control of your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed as a DIY artist.
Watch a Free Module From The Course:
https://apexmusicsystem.systeme.io/c1fbd4df
Resources Connect with Harkos:
Website: ⁠www.musicmakincentspod.com⁠
Submit music for WTF Wednesday reviews: ⁠www.musicmakincentspod.com⁠
Affordable website course: ⁠www.apexmusicsystem.com⁠
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why posting your streaming numbers won’t attract new fans—and what to do instead.
The importance of email communication and how to turn casual listeners into superfans.
How to create a website for just $25/year and leverage it for direct sales and fan engagement.
Why algorithms reward authentic content and how to use them to your advantage.
A practical guide to using ads and micro-content for organic growth and algorithm activation.
 
Key Questions / Moments: 00:00 – Why is sharing your year-end streaming numbers a mistake? 01:09 – What does “social proof” mean, and why doesn’t it work anymore? 03:08 – Why is social media for strangers and email for fans? 05:13 – How do social media algorithms actually work? 09:15 – What’s the difference between marketing and sales platforms? 13:48 – What’s the ultimate goal of a strong artist marketing strategy? 20:04 – Why do bots, stream teams, and fake playlists backfire? 27:11 – How can giving away free downloads boost your email list? 33:12 – How can you set up a fully functioning website for $25/year?
#IndieArtistTips #MusicMarketing #FanBuilding #StreamingTips #MusicBusiness101 #DIYMusician #IndependentArtist #EmailMarketingForArtists #SocialMediaStrategy #MusicPromotion2024 #SpotifyTips #AppleMusicPromotion #AffordableWebsites #BuildYourFanbase #RealFansRealIncome #MusicAlgorithms #StopFakeStreams #MusicBranding #SocialProofMyth #FanEngagement #IndieMusicPromotion #ArtistSuccess #StreamingStrategy #MakeMoneyWithMusic #MusicEntrepreneurship #MusicMarketingStrategies #SuperFans #WebsiteForArtists #EmailMarketingTips #FanJourney #StopPostingNumbers #RealConnections #MusicLifeHacks #MusicianAdvice #GrowYourMusic #DigitalMusicMarketing #RealArtistGrowth #StreamingRoyalties #AuthenticMusicPromotion #CreativeMarketingForMusicians #HowToDIYMusic

Debunking the Industry Myths: Holiday Music Releases for Indie Artists

Ever heard industry experts say, “Don’t release music during November and December”? On this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos is here to debunk that 90% nonsense and show you why the holiday season is actually the perfect time for indie artists to make their mark. People are always consuming music—whether they’re shopping, cooking, or traveling—so why not be the artist they discover during these moments?
Harkos dives into the strategy behind being a 10%-er, someone who stands out in the music industry by innovating and breaking the mold. With three powerful tactics—creating engaging content, running strategic ads, and mastering email communication—you’ll learn how to turn distracted holiday shoppers into dedicated superfans. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to maximize your efforts, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
 
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
https://youtu.be/H6Q8FDwgtcI
 
Resources:
Connect with Harkos:
Website: ⁠www.musicmakincentspod.com⁠
Free TikTok Style Music Videos Course: ⁠www.apexmusicsystem.com⁠
Join the Apex Music System: ⁠www.apexmusicsystem.com⁠
In this episode, you will learn:
Why November and December are prime opportunities for music releases.
How to use the "10% rule" to innovate and stand out as an indie artist.
The importance of non-salesy, engaging content on social media to attract new fans.
How to run ads that actually work (and don’t waste your budget).
Why email communication builds deeper connections than social media.
A detailed breakdown of the fan journey and how to move strangers into superfans.
 
Key Moments:
00:01 - Why does the industry discourage holiday music releases?
02:30 - How do you become a 10%-er in the music business?
05:50 - What kind of content should artists create to stand out?
11:45 - Why is engaging with comments crucial for building your fanbase?
18:00 - How do strategic ads amplify your reach?
24:10 - What is email direct communication, and how can it grow your fanbase?
33:30 - How can polls and engagement deepen fan loyalty?
40:00 - Why holiday distractions are actually opportunities for indie artists.
#MusicMarketing #IndieArtists #GrowYourFanbase #HolidayMusicStrategy #IndependentMusician #FanEngagement #ApexMusicSystem #EmailMarketingForMusicians #SocialMediaTips #ContentStrategy #MusicIndustryTips #IndieMusicMarketing #MusicPromotion #Superfans #BrandBuilding #TikTokStyleVideos #IndependentArtistSuccess #BlackFridayForArtists #MarketingForMusicians #MusicMarketingPlan #StreamingStrategy #ArtistDevelopment #YouTubeForArtists #BuildYourBrand #EngageYourFans #ContentCreationForArtists #MusicBusinessTips #DigitalMarketingForMusicians #HolidayMusicReleases #FanLoyalty #ArtistBranding #IndieArtistGrowth #EmailCommunication #SocialMediaEngagement

Planning Your Black Friday Music Marketing Strategy

Are Black Friday sales really worth it for indie artists? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos tackles the popular holiday sales season, revealing why typical sales tactics might not be right for musicians. While other marketers suggest running discounts to boost sales, Harkos shares a smarter approach—one that doesn’t rely on fans buying music directly, but instead helps build a loyal fan base primed for future engagement.
Harkos breaks down his three-step holiday strategy for independent artists, focusing on effective ways to draw in new listeners, convert them to loyal fans, and maximize holiday sales without getting lost in the seasonal noise. Discover how to engage potential fans on social media, utilize email lists for true connection, and strategically plan sales that resonate with your most dedicated listeners.
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
https://youtu.be/M6hrPtVI_PY
Resources:
Connect with Harkos:
www.apexmusicsystem.com
In this episode, you will learn:
Why traditional Black Friday sales might not be effective for musicians and how to build holiday sales around true fans.
How social media engagement can bring in new listeners and lead them to your inner circle.
The importance of email marketing to foster a deeper connection and increase sales potential.
Ways to turn casual listeners into superfans who support your music long-term.
A unique three-step holiday sales strategy that includes free music downloads and merchandise deals for loyal fans.
Key Moments:
00:01 - Why don’t Black Friday sales work for selling music?
01:10 - How can indie artists stand out during holiday sales?
05:25 - What’s the role of email marketing for musicians?
10:16 - How do you convert strangers into superfans through content?
15:32 - Why is giving away free downloads valuable for fan engagement?
21:50 - What should you avoid when promoting on social media?
25:15 - How can email strategy improve your holiday sales?
31:00 - When should you introduce exclusive holiday merchandise?
#IndieArtistMarketing #MusicMarketing #IndependentMusician #FanEngagement #HolidaySales #BlackFridayForArtists #MusicPromotion #BuildYourBrand #ApexMusicSystem #GrowYourFanbase #EmailMarketingForMusicians #HolidayMerchandise #ConvertListenersToFans #StreamingStrategy #YouTubeForMusicians #MarketingTips #SpotifyPromotion #ArtistMerchandise #MusicBranding #FanGrowth #EngagementStrategy #DIYMusician #ArtistMarketingTips #SocialMediaForMusicians #MarketingForIndieArtists #MusicBusiness #IncreaseMusicSales #DigitalMarketing #EmailStrategy #BuildingLoyalFans #MusicIndustryInsights #SmartHolidaySales #MaximizeMusicSales #BoostYourBrand #FanConnection #HolidaySalesTips #MusicPromotionTips #MusicMarketingPlan #GrowAsAMusician

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.