BLOG FOR INDEPENDENT MUSICIANS

How Much Does It Cost to Press Vinyl?
How much does vinyl pressing actually cost? Most independent artists spend between $1,200 and $3,500 for a first run. Learn what affects pricing, see real cost examples, and calculate whether... Read more...
How to Plan Your First Vinyl Release
Planning your first vinyl release? This practical guide covers quantities, packaging, artwork, mastering, timing, and what to think through before you press your record. Read more...
What Happens After You Press Your CDs or Vinyl?
What happens after your CDs or vinyl arrive? In this interview with Rob Bach from Spinney Media, we talk about fulfillment, online sales, and how artists can get physical music... Read more...
How to Turn One Album Into a Year’s Worth of Content
Learn how to turn one record into 12 months of engaging content — keeping fans excited and your music in motion all year long. A practical guide for independent musicians... Read more...
How to Stop Chasing Hype and Building a Lasting Music Career
Ariel Hyatt is a powerhouse in marketing and PR for independent musicians. She’s written several books on the subject and is a sought-after speaker at events like SXSW, Grammy Camp,... Read more...
Merch, Music, and the Magic of Social Media
Utilize social media to build a community of superfans eager to buy your CDs, vinyl, and merch. Read more...
Sell CDs, Vinyl, and Merch on Bandcamp: A Guide for Independent Musicians
As an independent musician, finding the right platform to sell your music and merchandise can be a game-changer for your career. In this article, we’ll explore why selling your CDs,... Read more...
Selling Merch, CDs and Vinyl on Spotify
We all know that streaming pays artists next to nothing, but did you know that you can sell your CDs, vinyl records, and merch via Spotify? Read more...
The Art of Selling CDs, Vinyl, and Merch via Email
Email marketing is by far a the most effective tool in your music career toolbox. No other forms of marketing gives you better return on your investment. And the best thing is that... Read more...
VIDEO: Q&A with Artist Coach Wendy Parr
In this video interview with artist coach Wendy Parr we discuss how to fine-tune your artist persona and focus on your strengths, unique skill set and personality traits to take your... Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to Selling CDs, Vinyl and Merch on Your Own Website
Your band's website is the headquarters of your online presence. Set it up to sell CDs, vinyl and merch that your fans will love! Read more...
Selling CDs and merch at your shows
Whether you’re a rising local artist or an international touring musician, selling merchandise at shows can be a significant revenue stream and perfect opportunity to engage directly with your fans.... Read more...
7 Effective Ways to Sell CDs, Vinyl, and Merch
As an independent musician, you know that tangible CDs and vinyl carry with it a sense of authenticity, a connection to your artistry that digital formats can't fully capture. It's... Read more...
Shine on Promo
Hearing your song on the radio is something that most artists dream of at some point. Shine on Promo is a radio promotion company that helps independent artists promote their singles,... Read more...
Featured Artist: Basic Printer
Basic Printer features driving synth runs, whimsical hooks, and quirky samples - a sound that is anything but basic. We chatted with Jesse from Basic Printer about synthesizers, authenticity, social media... Read more...
Q & A With Our Mastering Engineer
Interview with Tom - our chief mastering engineer about what mastering really is, mastering by a human vs. computerized algorithms, how to communicate clearly with your mastering engineer and much... Read more...
14 ways to advance your music career from the comforts of your home
A lot of what it takes to have a successful music career can be accomplished from the comforts of your own couch, wearing your pajamas. This article outlines 14 things... Read more...
Why are You a Musician?
Why are you a musician? What kind of musician are you? Who do you sound like? Who are your fans? These are all questions you should answer before quitting your day... Read more...
Music Publishing 101
In this Atomic Disc Podcast episode, we are talking to Jana Cleland, from Red Brick Songs, about music publishing. What exactly is music publishing and what does a music publisher... Read more...
5 Types of Emails to Send Your Fans
Email marketing is kind of like dating. It might take a few interactions before you can expect someone to... buy your album. And just like dating, or any human relation for... Read more...
Featured Artist: THIRD SEVEN
What do you get when you combine a talented songwriter, cellist, singer, percussionist, a plethora of electronics and a loop station? A one man enigma named Billy Mickelson also known... Read more...
4 Foolproof Ways to Sell More Merch at Your Shows
We recently conducted a small survey asking two simple questions. Quite a few people kindly filled out the survey and what we found was rather interesting... Spoiler alert: It inspired us... Read more...