The internet is a blizzard of unfiltered content. How can an artist or author build an audience in the face of it? You hear it every day: the internet helps you reach more people than ever. And it makes sense. The affordable, powerful tools available to artists and authors now eclipse the ones available...

Artists and authors are talking about creative branding. But what exactly is a brand? And do you have to have one? As a label and publisher, we get a lot of questions about artist branding. After marketing nearly 100 releases, we understand the importance of branding to an artist’s success. The differences between good and...

Are you a perfectionist? As you navigate life as an artist, nobody you meet — in collaboration or in competition — is perfect. You know this, yet still set impossibly high standards for your own creative work. You expect to transcend your flaws and shortcomings. Every time. Why? Are you afraid you won’t “measure up”?...

There has never been a better time than now to be an independent artist. More easily and efficiently than ever, you can build a digital recording studio in your home, connect directly with fans through social media, and distribute your wares around the world through artist-friendly companies like CD Baby and Tunecore. It’s a DIY...

As a recording or performing artist, you find yourself answering a familiar question: “What kind of music do you play?” How do you answer? Maybe you have a stock reply — “rock,” “folk,” or “pop.” Or maybe you try to be a little more descriptive — “modern rock,” “folk rock,” or “indie pop.” Or...