Music Makin Cents Podcast

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 fa...

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...

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 sal...

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 ...

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...

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 authentici...

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 t...

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...

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 buildin...

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 campaign...

Feeling stuck in your music career? Are the words "marketing" and "content creation" making you cringe? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, host Harkos breaks down why so many independent artists, bands, and musicians struggle with one of the most essential parts of their success—content creation. Spoiler alert: it's not because the system is rigged, but because they’re standing in their own way.

H...

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.

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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 bui...

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. #In...

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 wi...

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 mo...

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 #AlbumSa...

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 p...

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...