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?
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.