How To Stand Out & Make Waves in the Indie Music Scene

Oct 26, 2024

By Mitch Rice

Breaking into today’s music scene is pretty much like shouting in a hurricane. Many indie artists might feel so when they’re starting out. And it’s sad that a lot of the talented ones never get the visibility they deserve.

With over 60,000 tracks uploaded to Spotify daily, millions of music-related content on the internet from various cultures, algorithm-based digital feeds diluted by misinformation and irrelevant promotions… catching anyone’s attention might seem impossible in such a scenario. But the truth is you don’t need everyone’s attention. You need only the right people’s attention.

Let’s discuss how you can make that happen and stand a better chance of making a name for yourself in the indie music scene.

Change Your Social Media Strategy

If you keep posting your Spotify link over and over again, your “content” eventually fades out in the saturated market. Instead you can focus on making your content engaging enough to highlight the music in it. Ideally, your work must go along with the memories you have while making it. You can share your experience making this song, film behind-the-scenes of production, post reels that breakdown the song, talk about failures etc. This adds to the value of your work. Instead of using every social media available to gain visibility, focus on two or three platforms.

Turn The Sound Into A Brand

Easier said than done. But it’s possible. Creating distinctive music alone may not cut it, unless it goes viral. And that’s not in your hands. What is in your hands is your capacity to create a sensory experience that viewers will find unique.

Conceive a signature visual style
Design a memorable logo
Establish a distinctive aesthetic

Once you work on the distinctive traits, promote them. Indie musicians may find guerilla marketing tactics effective in the beginning. You can share QR codes to your music at local hangout spots, host living room concerts or collaborate with local artists for a free show. Because you’re just starting out, investing in merchandise is not a great move. But you can still get some attention with a few customized promo apparel. Get a great blank crewneck sweatshirt customized with your logo, channel name and an impactful quote about your music for starters. Wear it wherever you go so you can get some viewers. Personally take the feedback from these viewers and leverage them for further guerilla marketing. These tactics won’t strain your wallet much either.

Go Live With Content Between Releases

Pre and post-release content is important to build a little hype and anticipation. You can share a few lyrics of the song or film a walkthrough of your workspace. Live stream sessions may or may not work depending on the visibility of your channel, and how you promote the stream. If you’re appearing in the content, make sure to use promo items to further emphasize the message. You can go for

Invest In Building A Community

A good portion of your time and energy should be invested in building a community. A few followers can only take you so far. One of the best digital platforms to do that is by creating a Discord server where you can host monthly hangouts, discuss ideas, gather feedback, and personally communicate with your first followers. You can share exclusive content with your biggest supporters through Discord as well. While building a community, you can also do a lot of networking. With luck, you may even get partnership offers from locally popular artists. Communities make cross-promotions easier.

Collaborative Promotions

Speaking of cross-promotions, collaboration is how you get a competitive edge in the market. Team up with other artists for split shows, to create mashup covers, and promote each other.

Use Data To Your Advantage

Data is how the digital economy is turned to your favor. You need to be tech savvy enough to gather and analyze data on your online promotions. For example, if you are aware that the skip rate for a track is too high, you may be able to rectify that on your next track. Data is how you know your music is reaching the right audience. You can analyze stream attendance patterns, donation rates, and even playlist add ratios.

Success rarely happens overnight. So you are going to have to play the long game.

Create systems, not just content
Develop multiple income streams
Plan long-term growth with the data you have
Keep networking to open up new opportunities

Focus on creating genuine connections and delivering value consistently. And it will really make things a lot easier, as long as you have passion and perseverance.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Video: Steven Spielberg’s Passion and Resilience Shine Through in 1976 Oscar Nomination Reaction

Oct 26, 2024

In this rare 1976 video, we see Steven Spielberg anxiously watching the Oscar nominations unfold. With Jaws becoming a cultural phenomenon, many expected a Best Director nod. When Spielberg’s name was left out, his visible disappointment spoke volumes, even though the film would receive a Best Picture nomination. This moment captures a young Spielberg’s passion and resilience, traits that would later make him one of the most celebrated directors of all time.

Snoop Dogg Partners with STEPN GO to Bring West Coast Vibes to Web3 Fitness

Oct 26, 2024

STEPN GO, the newly launched social-lifestyle app by FSL, is excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with cultural icon Snoop Dogg. Together, they’re launching a limited edition of co-branded Genesis Sneakers that merge Snoop’s legendary style with STEPN GO’s social fitness platform.

Known for his global influence in music, culture, and business, Snoop Dogg has long been a pioneer in exploring new frontiers. Snoop has been a driving force in the intersection of culture and technology, and was an early adopter of blockchain and NFTs. This latest partnership with STEPN GO marks his continued foray into the Web3 universe, cementing his legacy as a trendsetter.

Snoop Dogg has previously been involved in several Web3 projects, including launching his own NFTs, partnering with metaverse platforms, and becoming an advocate for digital ownership. His collaboration with STEPN GO builds on this digital presence, offering fans a new way to connect with his brand and the rapidly evolving Web3 ecosystem.

The STEPN GO x Snoop Dogg collaboration will introduce 800 Genesis Sneakers, each with 4 unique designs that channel Snoop’s most iconic looks and moments. Dope, Lowrider, ‘G’ Sneaker and Doggystyle: these Sneakers aren’t just about fashion; they come with a nod to the bold, daring, and trendsetting vibes that Snoop represents.

The raffle for the 800 Genesis Sneakers will be hosted exclusively via the STEPN GO X account and on MOOAR, FSL’s in-house marketplace, from October 25 until November 8. Each raffle ticket will cost 15,000 GMT. GMT is the native token of the FSL Ecosystem, and is used across all FSL products to unlock various features and perks. Participants can enter on their preferred chain as the raffle is multi-chain. Ticket holders who do not win will have their raffle ticket cost refunded in GMT, ensuring a hassle-free and cost-neutral experience.

STEPN GO focuses on user-friendly features like The Haus System, in which users can lend Sneakers to friends and share both Energy and earnings. This unique lending system is perfect for onboarding new users, giving them the chance to experience Web3 fitness without needing prior crypto knowledge, the Haus System enables anyone to start their STEPN GO journey in just one click

“We wanted this collaboration to be more than just about Sneakers—it’s about pushing boundaries in both culture and technology. Snoop has always been at the forefront of trends, and together we’re blending the physical and digital worlds in a new way,” said Yawn Rong, Co-Founder of FSL.

Beyond the Haus System, STEPN GO’s Fitness Level feature ensures that staying active brings even more rewards. As users walk, jog, or run with their Sneakers, they can earn GO GAME TOKEN (GGT), which can be used for upgrading Sneakers or minting Shoeboxes. Snoop Dogg’s collaboration brings this to life in a way that resonates with both sneakerheads and Web3 enthusiasts alike.

“Snoop’s iconic journey and influence inspired the designs of the Sneakers, but more importantly, he’s joining us to create something revolutionary in fitness and digital ownership,” said Yawn. “The Web3 world is evolving fast, and we’re excited to bring users on this journey with us.”

The partnership between Snoop Dogg and STEPN GO goes beyond style. It’s about empowering users to participate in a larger digital fitness community, bringing the best of Web3 innovation, cultural relevance, and health-focused tech together. The STEPN GO x Snoop Dogg Genesis Sneakers is just the beginning.

LAUFEY’S A NIGHT AT THE SYMPHONY: HOLLYWOOD BOWL In Theaters Worldwide December 6

Oct 25, 2024

GRAMMY-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey announces the cinematic release of her debut concert film, Laufey’s A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl. Beginning December 6, the musical adventure will be available for limited screenings in cinemas and IMAX theaters and will captivate audiences worldwide with stunning visuals and Laufey’s mesmerizing vocals as she performs alongside the legendary Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Tickets for Laufey’s A Night At The Symphony are on sale from Wednesday, October 30 at 2 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT at www.anightatthesymphony.com. Visit the event website for more information and ticketing details for IMAX and standard format cinemas.

Laufey’s A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl was filmed in Laufey’s adopted hometown of Los Angeles. Directed by Sam Wrench (Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour), Laufey takes the audience on a spell-binding sonic journey under the stars, performing alongside the legendary Los Angeles Philharmonic. Playing the iconic venue that Ella Fitzgerald and so many of Laufey’s heroes played before her, the film gives a behind-the-scenes look at the monumental show. As Variety sums up “Laufey feels like she was born to play the Hollywood Bowl.”

Laufey said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to present my music with the LA Philharmonic. To be able to bring that concert to people way beyond LA and the Hollywood Bowl is so meaningful to me, especially as I come from so many different parts of the world, which have all played a part in inspiring my work and artistic journey.”

Wrench stated, “Capturing Laufey’s debut concert at the Hollywood Bowl was a dream; cinematically sublime with a scale and intimacy that is so evident in Laufey’s music. I can’t wait for everyone to experience this on the big screen.”

Kymberli Frueh, SVP Programming and Content Acquisitions at Trafalgar Releasing, said “Laufey’s distinctive fusion of jazz, pop, and classical influences resonates across generations of fans, exploring timeless themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the iconic Hollywood Bowl, Laufey’s artistry shines through as only concert film maestro and director, Sam Wrench, can orchestrate. Her authenticity has quickly garnered millions of fans across the world, captivated by her vocal range and emotional depth.”

Laufey’s A Night At The Symphony: Hollywood Bowl is produced by VEEPS Studios with Max Gredinger, Bianca Bhagat, Devin Dehaven, Kyle Heller, Michael Schneider, and Jessica Roulston, and is presented in cinemas by Trafalgar Releasing.

Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) is a 25-year-old Icelandic-Chinese composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who writes songs inspired by jazz greats and classical masters while possessing a point of view that could only be conveyed by a 21st-century twentysomething. “My goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road,” she explains.

Raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C. with annual visits to Beijing, Laufey grew up playing cello as well as piano and became hooked on the jazz standards of Ella Fitzgerald after digging through her father’s record collection. In 2020, while still a student at Berklee College of Music, she released her debut single “Street by Street,” which caught the attention of young audiences worldwide and quickly garnered Laufey a dedicated fanbase online. In 2022, she released her debut full-length Everything I Know About Love, which reached #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart while lead single “Valentine” reached #1 on the Spotify Jazz Chart.

Her 2023 sophomore album Bewitched saw wild success around the world, winning the GRAMMY® Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, debuting #2 globally on Spotify and setting the record for the biggest Jazz debut in history on Spotify. The album received widespread critical acclaim with the Los Angeles Times calling her a “musical tour de force.” Off the back of the album’s massive success, Laufey’s tours immediately sold-out worldwide, including dates at the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall, Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House. Festival headline sets, editorial features in Vogue, appearances on late night TV and at the 2024 Met Gala cemented her status as a “Gen Z It Girl” (The New York Times). Today, she has over 3 billion streams across all platforms and is the biggest streaming artist from Iceland in the world

You Can Now Buy A Nixon Nirvana Sentry Wobble Smiley Watch

Oct 25, 2024

If you’re a Nirvana fan, or just a lover of bold, unique design, the new Nirvana Sentry Wobble from Nixon is a piece to behold. This limited-edition watch is a tribute to Kurt Cobain’s iconic hand-drawn smiley face, warped and molded to match his art in every detail. From its stainless steel case to the signature “wobble” effect on the dial and crown, this watch not only celebrates Nirvana’s influence but also redefines style and wearability in Nixon’s classic Sentry design.

The Nirvana Sentry Wobble brings Cobain’s smiley face graphic to life with an all-black, contoured face that seems to “pop” with depth. The stainless steel case and hardened mineral crystal give this watch durability suited for daily use, while the “wobble” design aligns perfectly with the natural curvature of the hand-drawn smiley, adding a unique twist. This isn’t just an aesthetic nod to Nirvana; it’s a bold reinterpretation that makes Cobain’s art part of the watch’s physical shape.

Precision and durability are essential to the Nirvana Sentry Wobble. Powered by Miyota Japanese quartz movement, this watch provides reliable accuracy, complementing its edgy design with functionality. And with a water resistance of up to 50 meters (5 ATM), the watch stands up to daily activities, offering both form and function for those who want a watch as adventurous as their own style.

Only 152 of these all-black limited editions are available worldwide, each individually numbered on the caseback, adding to the exclusivity and collectability of the Nirvana Sentry Wobble. This piece isn’t just about keeping time—it’s a wearable tribute to Nirvana’s legacy and a must-have for fans who want to carry a piece of rock history on their wrist.

Photo Gallery: Protest The Hero with ’68 and Kaonashi at Toronto’s History

Oct 25, 2024

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Facebook.

Prince Meets the Gayageum As Luna Lee’s “Purple Rain” Will Give You Chills

Oct 25, 2024

Have you heard Luna Lee play Prince’s “Purple Rain” on the gayageum? It’s one of those rare moments when you feel like you’ve discovered something new and ancient all at once! Luna doesn’t just cover the song—she brings it to life with each delicate, thrilling note, layering rich vibrato with a dash of distortion that takes this 1984 classic to places Prince himself would’ve applauded.

MOONDROP Unveils VENUS Planar Headphones

Oct 25, 2024

The new MOONDROP VENUS Planar Headphone brings a high-quality audio experience to users, merging advanced technology with an emphasis on comfort and precision. Featuring a 100mm sub-nanometer diaphragm, VENUS is engineered for those who value accurate sound reproduction. This diaphragm technology ensures clarity and sharpness across a wide frequency range, giving users an incredibly immersive listening experience. MOONDROP has also integrated their aluminum alloy CNC cavity structure into VENUS, which offers durability while enhancing acoustic performance, allowing listeners to enjoy crisp, balanced sound.

One standout feature of the VENUS headphones is its high-frequency waveguide phase equalization. This advanced technology ensures that sound waves are balanced, reducing distortion even at high volumes. MOONDROP has designed the frequency response curve to align with Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF), meaning the audio experience closely mirrors how we naturally perceive sounds. This focus on realistic sound representation makes VENUS ideal for audiophiles who want every detail to feel authentic, whether it’s for music, movies, or gaming.

MOONDROP has also prioritized user comfort with a self-adjusting leather headband, providing a customized fit for long listening sessions. The VENUS headphone’s design is made to accommodate different head shapes and sizes, minimizing pressure on the head while delivering an exceptional audio experience. With options for both single-end and balanced plug connections, VENUS offers compatibility with various audio devices, making it versatile for users who might want to switch between different setups.

Included in the VENUS package are the headphones, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, a 3.5mm stock cable, and a 4.4mm balanced cable, ensuring users have the necessary tools to maximize their audio experience. MOONDROP’s commitment to quality extends to every detail in the package, from the cables to the included manual and QC certificate, underscoring their dedication to delivering a premium product. With its high-end features, VENUS stands as an impressive option in MOONDROP’s lineup, merging cutting-edge audio technology with elegant design and comfort.

My Next Read: “Cosmic Scholar: The Life and Times of Harry Smith” by John Szwed

Oct 25, 2024

Grammy Award–winning music scholar and celebrated biographer John Szwed presents the first biography of Harry Smith, the brilliant eccentric who transformed twentieth century art and culture.

He was an anthropologist, filmmaker, painter, folklorist, mystic, and walking encyclopedia. He taught Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe about the occult, swapped drugs with Timothy Leary, had a front-row seat to a young Thelonious Monk, lived with (and tortured) Allen Ginsberg, was admired by Susan Sontag, and was one of the first artists funded by Guggenheim Foundation. He was always broke, generally intoxicated, compulsively irascible, and unimpeachably authentic. Harry Smith was, in the words of Robert Frank, “the only person I met in my life that transcended everything.”

In Cosmic Scholar, the Grammy Award-winning music scholar and celebrated biographer John Szwed patches together, for the first time, the life of one of the twentieth century’s most overlooked cultural figures. From his time recording the customs of Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest and Florida to his life in Greenwich Village in its heyday, Smith was consumed by an unceasing desire to create a unified theory of culture. He was an insatiable creator and collector, responsible for the influential Anthology of American Folk Music and several pioneering experimental films, but was also an insufferable and destructive eccentric who was unable to survive in regular society, or keep himself healthy or sober.

Exhaustively researched, energetically told, and complete with a trove of images, Cosmic Scholar is a feat of biographical restoration and the long overdue canonization of an American icon.

IRON MAIDEN: ‘Powerslave’ 40th Anniversary Zoetrope Vinyl Limited Edition To Be Released On November 15

Oct 25, 2024

BMG will be releasing IRON MAIDEN Powerslave on November 15^th as a limited-edition vinyl pressings to mark this historic album and is true collector’s item. Powerslave is available to pre-order https://lnk.to/pwsl40PR

In celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of IRON MAIDEN’s landmark album Powerslave, a brand-new edition will be released as the band’s first-ever zoetrope picture disc, featuring unique zoetrope artwork and the 2015 remastered audio of the album. The original sleeve has been expanded and contains new artwork and exclusive ‘Powerslave at 40’ liner notes from band founder Steve Harris. In addition, there is a Walmart Exclusive version that included a Lenticular 3D Album Art sized print.

Originally released in September 1984, Iron Maiden’s fifth studio album Powerslave was another massive success for the band, charting all around the world including: U.K. #2, Switzerland #3, Norway #4, Germany #5, Sweden #5, New Zealand #11, Austria #15 Canada #21, US #21 and Australia #26, achieving multiple Gold and Platinum discs. It features the iconic singles ‘2 Minutes To Midnight’ and ‘Aces High’ alongside fan favourites “Powerslave” and the epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”

Powerslave is beloved by fans and showcased the rapidly evolving ambition, sound and songwriting might of IRON MAIDEN as they were on the fast track to becoming one of the biggest metal bands on the planet; a position they have maintained to this day.