All Episodes

December 9, 2024 46 mins

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!

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
I Do, Part 2

I Do, Part 2

From Executive Producers Jennie Garth, Jana Kramer, Amy Robach, and T.J. Holmes. Did you think you met the love of your life and marry him, only to realize it was actually “thank you, next?" Did this jerk cheat on you and leave you feeling alone and hopeless? Don’t make the same mistake twice... Get it right THIS time! Is it time to find true love…again?! If you loved the Golden Bachelor, SILVER just might be your color. Older and wiser, 50 and Fabulous, and ready for a little sex in the city. Everyone has baggage, but you’re not bringing it on this trip. Second Times The Charm. I Do, Part Two. An iHeartRadio podcast...where finding love is the main objective.

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.