Claim OwnershipMake Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist Tips, Advice, Music Industry, Song Exploder
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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.
69 Episodes
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Can you succeed in the music industry without being a household name? In this episode, we explore what it really takes to make it as a musician, from building a loyal fanbase and leveraging online platforms, streaming, and social media, to honing your craft and collaborating with the right mentors. We break down the myths around fame, share practical strategies for independent artists, and reveal how artists can thrive without ever topping the charts. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned creator, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your career on your own terms.
In this episode, we break down William Toll’s musical journey by comparing his very first song production with his latest release. We analyze changes in songwriting, production techniques, mixing, and overall sound, highlighting the growth and experimentation that have shaped his music. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, producer, or simply a fan, this episode offers valuable insights into how artists refine their craft, embrace new tools, and develop their unique style over time. Don’t miss this deep dive into the evolution of sound and artistry!
1Looking to take your artistic skills to the next level? In this episode, we dive into the most effective ways artists can grow and improve their craft. From coaching with the best mentors to leveraging online courses, video tutorials, and digital resources, we cover everything you need to accelerate your learning and boost your creative career. Discover practical tips for finding the right guidance, staying motivated, and mastering techniques that will make your art stand out. Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, or digital creator, this episode will help you unlock your full potential and take your art to new heights.
Want your music to sound more polished and professional? In this episode, we break down the power of reference tracks and how they can help you level up your production. Learn how to analyze tones, mixes, arrangements, and dynamics from songs you love—and apply those insights to your own tracks. Perfect for producers and songwriters looking to sharpen their ear and take their music to the next level.
Ever wondered how far a songwriter can come? In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane and share our very first songs alongside our most recent tracks. Hear the growth, the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and the moments that shaped our sound. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your songwriting journey, get inspired by our evolution and see what’s possible when you keep creating.
Unlock the power of collaboration in this episode as we dive into the art of co-writing. Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, learn how partnering with others can spark creativity, overcome writer’s block, and take your songs to the next level. We share practical tips, real-world examples, and strategies to make your co-writing sessions more productive and inspiring.
Before the mix, before the master, before the playlist pitch—there’s the song. In this episode, we dig into why songwriting is the foundation of every great record and how melody, lyrics, structure, and emotion shape everything that comes after. We talk about what production can enhance, what mixing can’t fix, and how focusing on the core of your song can transform your entire creative process.
Music publishing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the industry—and one of the most important if you want to get paid for your work. In this episode, we break down what publishing actually is, how royalties flow, and why having the right setup can make the difference between collecting some of your money and collecting all of it. If you’re a songwriter, producer, or independent artist, this is essential listening.
In this episode, we tackle one of the most debated questions in music: does a great mix make or break a song? While songwriting and production will always be the foundation, the final mix can be the difference between a track that feels unfinished and one that truly connects. We break down where mixing fits in the creative process, when it matters most, and how it can push a song to its tipping point.
Every genre has its own language—and production is a huge part of it. In this episode, How to Produce Your Song According to Your Genre, we talk about how production choices shape how a song is perceived and why genre awareness matters more than expensive plugins or complex techniques.We break down how to identify the core production elements of your genre, when to follow the “rules,” and when breaking them actually works. Whether you’re producing pop, indie, worship, folk, or something in between, this episode helps you make intentional decisions that support the song instead of fighting it.
Do you really need to sound treat your room to make great music? In this episode, Do You Need to Sound Treat Your Room?, we talk honestly about what acoustic treatment actually helps with—and what matters far more than foam on the walls.We break down when sound treatment can make a small difference, common misconceptions about home studios, and why a strong performance will almost always outweigh a “perfect” recording environment. If you’ve been putting off creating because your room isn’t ideal, this episode is a freeing reminder that great songs start with great performances—not perfect spaces.
Why do some songs take off while others—just as good—never seem to catch fire? In this episode, Why Some Songs Catch Fire and Others Don’t, we unpack the mix of timing, emotion, context, and momentum that turns certain songs into breakout moments.We talk about why quality alone isn’t enough, how audience connection and storytelling play a huge role, and the difference between forcing a moment and letting one grow naturally. From algorithms and playlists to human psychology and repeat listens, this episode reframes “success” and helps you focus on what you can control as an artist.
Getting a song on a Spotify editorial playlist can feel mysterious—or completely out of reach. In this episode, How We Get Songs on Spotify Editorial Playlists, we break down what actually goes into landing editorial placements as independent artists and what doesn’t matter as much as people think.We talk through our real-world process: how we decide which songs to pitch, what Spotify editors look for, the importance of timing and data, and how consistency plays a bigger role than one “big” release. This isn’t a shortcut or a guarantee—but it is a clear, honest look at how editorial playlists really work and how indie artists can give themselves the best possible chance.
Being an independent artist can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, How to Find a Community as an Independent Artist, we talk about why community matters so much for creatives and how to actually find (and build) it when you’re doing things on your own.We explore the difference between chasing growth and cultivating genuine relationships, where independent artists can find like-minded people both online and in real life, and how to show up in a way that leads to real connection—not just networking. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling isolated after years of doing this solo, this episode offers practical, honest encouragement to help you stop feeling alone and start moving forward together.
In this episode, we discuss the role that musical craft—songwriting, production, performance, and mixing—plays in building a career, while acknowledging that artists often have different experiences and philosophies. Some believe that deep focus on craft is the foundation of long-term success, while others argue that visibility, strategy, and consistency are just as critical.Rather than offering a single answer, this conversation presents multiple viewpoints on how artists balance improving their skills with growing an audience and navigating the realities of today’s music landscape. If you’re trying to decide where to invest your time and energy, this episode offers perspective without prescriptions.
In this episode, we explore why reverb is often overused and how subtle, purposeful choices can dramatically improve clarity and impact. You’ll learn how to place instruments in a space, support the lead vocal, and create depth without sacrificing punch or intimacy.If you’ve ever added reverb and felt like your mix suddenly lost focus, this episode will help you understand when reverb serves the song—and when it hurts it. Designed for independent artists and producers who want professional-sounding mixes without overprocessing.
In this episode, we break down how contrast keeps listeners engaged and why many songs feel flat when everything stays the same. You’ll learn how to create stronger emotional impact by using dynamics, arrangement shifts, texture changes, and energy variation without overcomplicating your songs.Whether you’re writing, producing, or arranging music, this episode will help you make intentional choices that highlight your best moments and keep your listeners locked in from start to finish. If your songs feel like they’re missing something but you can’t quite name it, contrast may be the missing piece.
In this episode, we break down a simple, effective approach to mixing that focuses on clarity, balance, and emotion—without getting lost in technical rabbit holes. You’ll learn how to stop overprocessing, make confident decisions, and create mixes that translate well across speakers, headphones, and streaming platforms.If you’ve ever felt stuck tweaking the same song for hours, unsure if you’re improving it or making it worse, this episode will help you simplify your mixing workflow and focus on what actually matters. Perfect for independent artists who want better mixes without turning mixing into a science experiment.
In this episode, Ian Austin explains how simplifying decisions, building repeatable systems, and trusting the creative process can dramatically speed up your music production while still delivering high-quality results. If you find yourself stuck overthinking, endlessly tweaking, or struggling to finish songs, this conversation offers practical strategies to help you move faster and finish more music.You’ll learn how professional artists streamline their workflow, balance speed with craftsmanship, and avoid burnout by focusing on what actually moves a song forward. Whether you’re an independent musician, producer, or songwriter, this episode will help you create more consistently without sacrificing the sound you’re proud of.
In this episode, we talk about why the start-up phase is often the most discouraging part of being an independent artist, musician, or creator—and why nothing feels easy at first. You’ll learn how to push through low confidence, slow growth, and the frustration of creating without feedback, while building the habits and consistency that lead to real momentum.If you’re an independent artist trying to grow your career, improve your craft, and stay motivated when progress feels invisible, this episode will help you reframe the struggle and keep moving forward—one step at a time.
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