Music Makin Cents Podcast

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

The Only Way For REAL Success As An Independent Musician

There’s only one way to make it as an independent artist, and that’s by treating your music like a business. The trifecta of success? Social media, streaming platforms, and sales. Get practical tips on how to market your music, build a real fanbase, and create a sustainable income. From leveraging streaming to engaging your audience and creating insider programs, this guide gives you the roadmap to thrive in the music industry. #IndependentArtist #MusicMarketing #SocialMedia #StreamingPlatforms #MusicianLifestyle #Sales #MusicBusiness #Trifecta #Success #RevenueStreams

Being Different is Your Superpower – Build a Loyal Fan Base by Embracing Your Unique Vibe

In a world full of sameness, being different is the best way to stand out! By embracing your individuality and creating communities online, you can connect with like-minded fans who truly vibe with your music. Forget trying to appeal to everyone – focus on showcasing your oddball side and watch as a loyal fan base grows around your uniqueness. With billions of people online, there’s an audience out there just waiting to resonate with your sound! #Music #Unique #FanBase #Community #ArtistLife

Episode 57: Does Your Location Define Your Success?

Think you need to pack up and move to a big city to make it in the music industry? Harkos and KP are here to tell you to pump the brakes. In this episode, they break down how online promotion, a killer EPK, and a strong fan base can make waves, no matter where you are. Learn why professionalism, consistency, and being about your business are the keys to making your music pay off. It's time to stop making excuses and start making moves.
 
For all Links MMC Pod click here https://podlink.to/MMCPod
Apex Music System (Harkos' Company) - www.apexmusicsystem.com
Horrible Designs Link - https://invi.tt/L3DA
TNHotSauceCO - https://tnhotsauceco.com/
Maddkstudio - https://maddkstudio.com/
HipHop Radar Underground - https://www.youtube.com/@UCrLtjSdXXBZO7-8iE_MB84Q
Riverside - https://www.riverside.fm/?via=mmcpod
 
Music Makin Cents Podcast is a podcast for artists, by artists. Metal/Jazz/Rock Artist K.P. and HipHop Artist Harkos come together to help give musicians of all genres and success levels the knowledge and help that they need to grow. Both Harkos and K.P. are Marketing Managers who have helped many artists achieve real growth in their careers through; brand development, social media presence and marketing as well as content creation strategy.
 
Follow Music Makin Cents Podcast on all streaming and social media platforms. All info and links are available at MusicMakinCentsPod.com.
To Support the show, head to the Discount page on MusicMakinCentsPod.com
#MusicIndustry #OnlinePromotion #ArtistAuthenticity #StagePresence #Location #FanBase #BookingShows #EPK #Professionalism #ArtistAuthenticity #OnlinePresence #SocialMedia #Promotion #GenuineFans #LivePerformances #Networking #Connections

Why Streaming Trumps Album Sales in Today’s Music World

In today's music industry, selling physical albums is outdated—everyone's listening on their phones! Stop wasting time on USB thumb drives and focus on digital sales where the real money is. Think abstractly about how your fans consume music and tap into the financial potential of streaming. It’s not just about getting heard; it’s about getting paid. #streaming #digitalmusic #albumsales #phones #financialsuccess #Streaming #AlbumSales #DigitalMusic #PhysicalCopies #USBThumbDrives #Phone #AbstractThinking #DigitalSales #FinancialAspects

Episode 56: Are Industry Plants Watering Down The Music Industry?

In a world flooded with noise, standing out as an independent artist demands more than just talent—it's about consistent content creation, authentic branding, and leveraging online platforms to your advantage. Embracing your unique identity and promoting real value can set you apart from the crowd. Whether you're navigating the digital landscape alone or with a strong team, remember: your individuality is your superpower. Use the power of podcasts, find your niche, and never underestimate the impact of being unapologetically you.
 
For all Links MMC Pod click here https://podlink.to/MMCPod
Apex Music System (Harkos' Company) - www.apexmusicsystem.com
Horrible Designs Link - https://invi.tt/L3DA
TNHotSauceCO - https://tnhotsauceco.com/
Maddkstudio - https://maddkstudio.com/
HipHop Radar Underground - https://www.youtube.com/@UCrLtjSdXXBZO7-8iE_MB84Q
Riverside - https://www.riverside.fm/?via=mmcpod
 
Music Makin Cents Podcast is a podcast for artists, by artists. Metal/Jazz/Rock Artist K.P. and HipHop Artist Harkos come together to help give musicians of all genres and success levels the knowledge and help that they need to grow. Both Harkos and K.P. are Marketing Managers who have helped many artists achieve real growth in their careers through; brand development, social media presence and marketing as well as content creation strategy.
Follow Music Makin Cents Podcast on all streaming and social media platforms.
All info and links are available at MusicMakinCentsPod.com.
To Support the show, head to the Discount page on MusicMakinCentsPod.com
 
#ContentCreation #Branding #Authenticity #MusicIndustry #Promotion #promotion #branding #industryplants #contentcreation #onlineplatforms #team #uniqueidentity #value #musicindustry #uniqueness #authenticity #podcasts #niche #individuality #marketing

Live Show Success: It's Not Where You're At, It's How You Act!

Struggling to find opportunities to perform in your area? Moving to a new city won’t magically boost your music career. It’s all about grinding in your local scene and building a loyal fan base first. Don't just hope for success—bring your A-game to every live performance, even in a small town. Engage with your audience, bring merch, and make those connections. Your real power lies in your online presence and the fans who’ll follow you anywhere. That's how you unlock paid gigs and real opportunities. #LivePerformances #SmallTownHustle #ArtistLife #FanBaseBuilding #OnlinePresence