Are you hustling backwards as an independent artist? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, hosted by Harkos, he uncovers why spending $700+ on music video production without a solid marketing plan is sabotaging your career. Learn how to flip the script and grow your fan base while saving money!

What You’ll Discover:

Why blowing your budget on “industry-quality” music videos doesn’t guarantee success. The simple formula: Keep production costs low and redirect funds into strategic advertising campaigns. Game-changing DIY tips to create quality videos for less than $300. How to use YouTube, Google, and social media ads to exponentially grow your audience. Why video content is the currency of the modern music industry and how to maximize its potential.

Proven Strategies for Independent Artists:

Leveraging low-budget video production for massive ROI. Building an authentic fan base with lifestyle-focused content. Monetizing your music through streaming, merchandise, and insider programs. Avoiding common traps like spammy DMs and overpriced productions.

Work With Harkos:

Full Marketing Strategy + Ads: Get expert help managing ads and creating a growth plan for just $100/month (plus your ad budget). DIY Coaching: Learn to run your own campaigns in 2-3 sessions for $300.

Stop wasting money and start seeing results!

Book a FREE call with Harkos to discuss your strategy: harkos@musicmakincentspod.com

Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips on growing your music career.

Questions? Drop them below—Harkos replies to every comment!

This episode exposes the harsh truth behind the "support local music" mindset and why it’s holding you back as an artist in 2025. If you're an indie musician searching for actionable strategies to grow your fan base and take your career global, you're in the right place.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why guilting people into supporting local music is a dead-end tactic.
• The secret to growing a genuine fan base through real connections and killer content.
• How to leverage social media, AI, and music business systems to thrive in the modern industry.
• The difference between being a musical artist and a scam artist—and how to avoid the pitfalls.
• Proven steps to monetize your music and live the artist lifestyle without breaking the bank.

🌐 Key Takeaways for 2025:

• The power of video content and why "shorts" are the future.
• Why platforms like YouTube Music and Apple Music are your best allies.
• How to build a complete music business system for less than $25/year.

Don’t just survive—thrive! Stop relying on outdated strategies and start creating the life you’ve always dreamed of as a musician. 🎸 Ready to level up? Watch now and take the first step towards building your music empire!

🛠 Resources Mentioned:

• All-In-One Music Business System Course: Learn how to set up your own business system for as low as $25/year! Click here: Get A Music Business System
• Live Music & Marketing Reviews: Join us every Wednesday at 10 PM ET on YouTube.

Subscribe for more music marketing wisdom, and leave your questions below—Harkos always replies (no fire emojis here)! 👇

Are you sabotaging your music career with fake features, fake streams, or fake social media followers? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos exposes the biggest mistakes holding indie artists back and shares a proven three-step strategy to build real success in the music industry.

Discover why fake strategies not only fail to create growth but can also destroy your credibility, making it impossible to gain genuine fans. Harkos explains how to stop faking it and start building a loyal fan base through consistent, engaging content, strategic ads, and a fully functioning music business system that works for you.

Episode on Fake Features:

https://youtu.be/ClCrpb22-kI

Free Merch Store Tutorial:

https://apexmusicsystem.systeme.io/c1fbd4df

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fake features, streams, and followers harm your career.
• How to create entertaining and engaging content that builds your brand.
• The power of using strategic ads to grow your reach and gain real fans.
• Why a music business system is critical for turning listeners into superfans.
• A step-by-step guide to setting up your music business system for as little as $25 a year.

Key Moments:

• 00:01 - What are the biggest mistakes indie artists make in their music careers?
• 06:30 - Why are fake features more harmful than helpful?
• 11:45 - How do fake streams damage your credibility on Spotify?
• 17:20 - What are "stream teams," and why should you avoid them?
• 24:00 - How does fake engagement hurt your social media growth?
• 28:35 - What’s the three-step formula for building real success in the music industry?
• 36:15 - How can you create a music business system for just $25 a year?
• 45:10 - Why does consistency matter more than perfection in content creation?

Start Building Real Success Today!

Don’t let fake strategies ruin your music career. Learn how to set up your own music business system with the All-in-One Music Business System Course! Watch a free preview on how to build your merch store at ⁠Apex Music System⁠—no credit card or email required.

https://apexmusicsystem.systeme.io/c1fbd4df

#MusicMarketing #IndieArtistSuccess #GrowYourFanbase #StopFakeStreams #MusicBusinessSystem #ApexMusicSystem #IndependentArtists #DIYMusician #RealMusicFans #EngagingContent #SpotifyStreams #SocialMediaForMusicians #FakeFollowers #ArtistGrowth #MusicPromoTips #ContentCreation #IndieArtistLife #MusicBranding #BuildingSuperfans #MusicBusinessTips #StopFakingIt #CreateConsistentContent #RealStreams #RealFans #StrategicAds #IndependentMusicCareer #MusicMarketingStrategies #FanEngagement #MusicMakinCentsPodcast

Think buying a feature from a big-name artist is the shortcut to success? Think again. In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos pulls back the curtain on the shady world of fake features, exposing why these “opportunities” are nothing but scams hurting indie artists.

From fake music videos to recycled beats sold to thousands of unsuspecting artists, Harkos explains how these tactics damage your credibility, alienate fans, and waste your resources. Instead of faking it till you make it, he lays out three proven steps to grow a real audience, build lasting connections, and attract genuine collaborations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fake features fail to deliver the growth or cosign you’re hoping for.
• How to recognize and avoid scams from producers and big-name artists.
• The three essential steps to building a real audience: engaging content, targeted ads, and a music business system.
• Why a music business system (not just a website) is critical for turning followers into superfans.
• How to create a low-cost, fully functional system to sell your music, merch, and more.

Key Moments:

• 00:01 - Why are fake features becoming so common in the indie music scene?
• 02:25 - What makes a real feature different from a fake one?
• 06:50 - How do big-name artists and producers profit from this scam?
• 12:15 - Why are real music videos a sign of legitimacy?
• 18:30 - What should artists focus on instead of fake features?
• 21:10 - How can consistent, engaging content help you grow a genuine fanbase?
• 27:40 - Why is a music business system essential for indie success?

Stop Faking It, Start Building Real Success!

Avoid the traps of fake strategies and take control of your music career. Head to Apex Music System to learn more about the All-in-One Music Business System Course. Watch a free preview module on setting up your merch store—no email or credit card required!

Get started today and unlock the tools to build a fanbase, sell your music, and grow your career—all for as little as $25 a year.

#IndieArtistSuccess #MusicMarketing #GrowYourFanbase #RealFeatures #MusicBusinessSystem #IndieMusicTips #FakeFeatures #StopScams #EngageYourFans #DIYMusician #ArtistMarketing #MusicPromotion #BuildYourBrand #StreamingTips #ApexMusicSystem #MusicMakingCentsPodcast #IndieArtistLife #MusicMarketingPlan #Superfans #RealArtistGrowth #EmailMarketingForMusicians #ContentCreationTips #MusicMerch #FanEngagement #NoFakeFeatures #ArtistCredibility #MusicianSuccess

Listen now and stop wasting time on shortcuts that only set you back—build real success with the Music Makin Cents Podcast!

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

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

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

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