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PODCAST

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist Tips, Advice, Music Industry, Song Exploder

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing is the podcast for indie musicians, songwriters, and producers who want to create professional music and actually get it heard. Learn songwriting, recording, mixing, mastering, and DIY production tips alongside powerful strategies for promotion, Spotify growth, playlist pitching, and social media marketing. Hosted by three artists with a combined 550k+ monthly Spotify listeners, this show gives you proven tools to make better songs and grow your career.

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All Episodes

00:28:21

Three Pillars of an Independent Artist

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/29

If you want to grow as an independent artist, you can’t afford to focus on just one side of your career. In this episode, we break down the three pillars every independent artist needs: Message, Art, and Business—and why ignoring any one of them leads to stalled growth or burnout.We talk about how your message clarifies why you make music, your art delivers that message with excellence, and your business ensures your work reaches people and sustains your life. You’ll learn how these pillars work

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00:16:27

Why You Need and Artist Mastermind Group

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/26

Trying to build a music career alone is one of the slowest—and loneliest—ways to grow. In this episode, we break down why you need an artist mastermind group and how surrounding yourself with the right peers can radically accelerate your progress as an independent artist.We talk about the difference between casual networking and true masterminds, how accountability and shared experience sharpen your decision-making, and why isolation breeds stagnation. You’ll also learn what to look for in a healthy

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00:12:55

How to Avoid the December Dip For Spotify Streams

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/24

Every year, many artists notice their Spotify streams drop in December—and wonder what went wrong. In this episode, we break down the December dip for Spotify streams, why it happens, and how independent artists can avoid (or minimize) the slowdown.We explain the seasonal listener behavior behind the drop, how playlists and algorithms shift during the holidays, and what mistakes artists make that unintentionally worsen the decline. More importantly, we share practical strategies you can use before,

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00:23:22

The Key to Identifying Your Audience as an...

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/22

Trying to grow your music without understanding your audience is like throwing songs into the void and hoping they stick. In this episode, we break down the key to identifying your audience as an independent artist—and why clarity beats reach every time.We talk about how to move beyond “everyone” and clearly define who your music is actually for. You’ll learn practical ways to identify your ideal listener, understand their habits, and create music and content that connects more deeply. This episode

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00:13:07

Why Having a Growth Mindset is Crucial for...

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/19

Talent alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable music career. In this episode, we break down why having a growth mindset is essential for independent artists who want to keep improving, adapting, and moving forward—especially when progress feels slow or discouraging.We talk about how fixed thinking limits creative and career potential, and how a growth mindset helps you learn from setbacks, respond to feedback, and stay consistent through changing seasons of your journey. You’ll hear practical ways

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00:16:54

Grow Your Music Career With a Farmer's Mindset

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/17

What if growing your music career had more in common with farming than with going viral? In this episode, we explore how adopting a farmer’s mindset can lead to steady, sustainable growth as an independent artist—instead of chasing quick wins and burning out.We talk about planting seeds through consistent releases, nurturing your audience over time, and trusting the long game when results aren’t immediate. This episode reframes success away from overnight breakthroughs and toward patience,

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00:17:29

Why You Shouldn't Do Everything Yourself in Your...

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/15

Trying to do everything yourself in your music career might actually be the thing holding you back. In this episode, we break down why the DIY mindset—while powerful—has real limits, and how attempting to wear every hat can quietly stall your growth as an independent artist.We talk about the difference between being hands-on and being overextended, when it makes sense to delegate or collaborate, and how community accelerates progress in ways talent alone never can. You’ll hear practical examples of

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00:22:35

How to Finish Songs Faster and Stop Overthinking

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/12

Do you have dozens of half-finished songs sitting in your notes or DAW? You’re not lazy—you’re overthinking. In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest struggles for songwriters and independent artists: how to finish songs faster without sacrificing quality.We break down why perfectionism kills momentum, how to recognize when a song is done enough, and the simple frameworks that help you move from ideas to completed releases. You’ll learn practical ways to get unstuck, make confident creative

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00:31:57

William Toll Shares His Journey From Zero to 200k...

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/10

What does it really take to go from zero listeners to 200,000 monthly listeners as an independent artist? In this episode, we sit down with William Toll to break down his real-world journey of building momentum from scratch—no label, no shortcuts, just strategy, consistency, and faith in the process.William shares how he got his first listeners, what actually moved the needle on Spotify, and the key mistakes he made along the way. We talk about algorithm triggers, playlist strategy, release

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00:21:52

How to Overcome Analysis Paralysis as a Musician

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/08

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest silent killers of an indie artist’s growth: analysis paralysis. If you constantly overthink your next move, second-guess your releases, or get stuck waiting for the “perfect” idea, this is your reset. Learn how to simplify decisions, build momentum, and create a system that keeps you moving forward even when fear or doubt tries to shut you down.Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in

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00:25:36

How Ian Austin Went From Zero to 190k Monthly Listeners

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/05

In this episode, Ian Austin tells the story of how he went from zero to over 190k monthly listeners on Spotify. He talks about his creative process and the marketing strategies the helped him grow the most. If you're stuck trying to grow your audience, this episode will give you a roadmap. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify).If you're on your

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00:25:36

How to Get Your First 20k Monthly Listeners and...

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/12/03

Hitting 20k monthly listeners isn’t luck — it’s strategy. Today we walk through the systems indie artists use to cross that first major milestone and start activating Discovery Mode with confidence. We’ll cover release cadence, conversion benchmarks, listener-lift signals, and how to position your catalog so Spotify knows exactly who to push it to. Whether you’re at 500 listeners or 15k, these tactics will get you over the hump.

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00:22:51

How to Build a Brand by Being Yourself

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/24

Your music is unique—but is your brand? In this episode, we dive into how to find your artist identity and build a brand that truly represents you. From defining your story and aesthetic to connecting with the right audience, we break down practical steps to help you stand out without losing authenticity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your image, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to make your mark as an artist.Indie Roots is a small production company

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00:19:07

How to Succeed as a DIY Artist

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/22

The DIY path is longer, harder, and often lonelier—but it also offers the kind of freedom most artists never experience. In this episode, we break down why confidence isn’t just helpful for a DIY artist… it’s essential. From trusting your vision to making decisions without industry approval, we explore how belief in yourself becomes the fuel that keeps you moving when the road gets steep. If you’re building your career independently, this conversation will remind you why the long way can lead to the

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00:17:45

Why Your Music Career Will Fail Without Community

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/20

Too many artists are trying to build a music career in isolation—and it’s quietly killing their progress. In this episode, we break down why going solo isn’t just harder… it’s a path to burnout, discouragement, and stalled growth. From creative collaboration to emotional support to the doors that only relationships can open, we’ll explore the real reasons community isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you’ve ever felt stuck, alone, or unsure how to move forward in your music journey, this conversation

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00:18:26

How to Write Songs and Stay Inspired

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/17

In this episode, we talk about our songwriting processes. It can look different for everything and sometimes you won't always feel inspired to create something. We discuss how creativity is muscle and the best way to grow is through repetition and consistency. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify).If you're on your own journey as an independent

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00:18:51

Why Artists Shouldn't be Scared of AI

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/13

AI can crank out songs faster than ever — but that’s not what’s holding most artists back. In this episode, we break down why indie artists shouldn’t be afraid of AI “taking over” the music industry. The real challenge has never been making music — it’s getting people to care about it. We’ll talk about what AI can and can’t replace, why your story and connection still matter more than algorithms, and how to use AI as a creative and marketing tool instead of seeing it as competition.

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00:21:15

Do You Need a Label to Make It

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/10

Labels used to be the only way to make it. Not anymore. In this episode, we dive into what record labels actually do, what they don’t do, and why independent artists are winning in 2025. You’ll learn how to build momentum, find your audience, and keep ownership of your music from day one.Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify).If you're on your own

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00:17:45

How to Get Inspired as an Artist

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/07

Inspiration isn’t random — it’s something you can cultivate. In this episode, we explore how artists can stay inspired long-term, even when motivation runs low. Learn how to build creative habits, fuel your imagination, and turn real-life moments into songs that connect with peopleIndie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify).If you're on your own journey as

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00:11:38

Using Comparison the Right Way in Music

Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist... ·

2025/11/05

Comparison can destroy your confidence as an artist — but it can also push you toward your best work if you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode, we break down the psychology of comparison in the music industry, how to recognize when it’s toxic vs. productive, and how to use others’ progress as a mirror for your next creative breakthrough.Behind every great indie record is a community that believed in it first. This episode explores how fundraising can be more than just raising money

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