#Independent Artist Tips

[trapangeles]

The West Coast Blueprint: 20 Essential Steps for Indie Artists to Build Their Own Brand

The West Coast has always been a breeding ground for independent hustlers. From Nipsey Hussle to Dom Kennedy, these legends didn’t wait for the industry to hand them opportunities. They created their own paths, built their own brands, and stayed true to their vision. For today’s indie artists, the message remains the same: independence is key to success.

In this guide, we’ll break down 20 actionable steps that indie artists can take to elevate their careers, take control of their brand, and thrive in the ever-changing music industry.

1. Perfect Your Craft

Before anything else, focus on making your music the best it can be. Invest time into mastering your sound, improving your songwriting, and staying ahead of trends. Great music is the foundation of everything.

2. Develop a Strong Brand Identity

Your brand is more than just your music—it's your image, style, and story. Make sure your social media, visuals, and overall vibe represent who you are as an artist. Consistency is key.

3. Be Active on Social Media

Social media is your direct link to your audience. Post regularly, engage with fans, and share behind-the-scenes content to build a stronger connection with your supporters.

4. Own Your Masters

Ownership is everything. Retain the rights to your music and make sure you’re profiting from your work. Don’t let labels or middlemen control your catalog.

5. Create High-Quality Visuals

In today’s music landscape, visuals are as important as the sound. Invest in professional music videos, creative cover art, and standout promotional graphics.

6. Build a Team

Surround yourself with a team that believes in your vision and can help you grow. Whether it's a manager, PR rep, or social media specialist, having the right people in your corner is crucial.

7. Stay Consistent with Releases

Fans want new content. Keep releasing music, videos, and other creative projects regularly to stay relevant and grow your following.

8. Collaborate with Other Artists

Networking with other artists, especially those in your local scene, can expand your reach and bring in new fans. Collaborations can help elevate both you and your peers.

9. Invest in Yourself

Whether it’s upgrading your studio equipment, hiring a professional photographer, or running targeted ads, investing in your career will pay off in the long run.

10. Engage with Your Audience

Take the time to respond to comments, DMs, and messages. Building a loyal fanbase is all about making genuine connections.

11. Own Your Merchandise

Don’t just stop at music—create and sell your own merch. Shirts, hats, stickers, and other products can bring in additional revenue and help promote your brand.

12. Perform Live Shows

Live performances are a great way to connect with fans and build your reputation. Look for local shows, open mics, and festivals to get your name out there.

13. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

While consistency is important, don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of speed. Take the time to craft your music and visuals with care.

14. Build a Website

A website is your online hub for everything related to your career. It’s a place where fans can find your music, merch, tour dates, and more. Make sure it’s SEO-optimized so people can easily find you.

15. Network with Industry Professionals

Attend events, reach out to DJs, and connect with media outlets. The more people you know in the industry, the more doors you can open for your career.

16. Learn the Business Side of Music

Understanding the business side of music is essential. Learn about royalties, publishing, and contracts to protect yourself and your music.

17. Utilize Streaming Platforms

Make sure your music is on all major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Use platforms like DistroKid or TuneCore to get your music distributed worldwide.

18. Engage in Paid Advertising

Leverage the power of paid advertising on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to promote your music and reach a broader audience.

19. Build an Email List

Social media is important, but you also need a direct way to reach your fans. Building an email list allows you to stay in touch with your audience and share exclusive content, news, and updates.

20. Stay Independent

At the end of the day, independence means control. Stay true to your vision, retain your ownership, and make moves on your terms. It’s a longer road, but the rewards are worth it.

Conclusion

Building a successful music career as an indie artist requires more than just talent—it demands hustle, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of your vision. By following these 20 steps, you can take control of your career and create opportunities on your own terms.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Subscribe to our email list for exclusive tips, industry insights, and updates from trapLA. Stay ahead of the game, and let’s keep building!

Have you been spending all your money and time on making music and shooting videos, but still not getting any exposure? Tired of just spinning your wheels? You know to get exposure you need to get featured on blogs, radio stations, playlist, and get your music e-mail blasted out to the masses. Need help getting all that done? Then check out the Package we’ve made available for you below!

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[filmcourage]

I Worked As A Production Assistant For 3 Years, Here's My Advice To Screenwriters - Zimran Jacob

Watch the video interview on Youtube here.

[millieduboisart]

Keep track of your day-to-day schedule in style with these adorable, printable planners! Includes a downloadable two page pdf download with a weekly and daily planner 🌈🌼 Digital downloads available to purchase in my Ko-fi shop!

[thexube]

10 Things You Should Know About How to Release Your Own Music

Have you been wondering what it could take to release your own music? So many people get confused about things to do when they are about embarking on this same musical journey. To make things easy for you, this article will explain ten important things you should know when you want to release your own music....LEARN MORE

[thisisgraeme]

Drum & Drummer - Exciting New Release from THISISGRAEME Music

Embark on a rhythmic journey with Drum & Drummer, the latest creation by THISISGRAEME. Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of African rhythms and pulsating beats, combined with a touch of something special. Get ready to groove and uncover the pun...

Drum & Drummer is out…! I’m excited to share with you one of my latest creations, Drum & Drummer! It’s another instrumental drum and bass track that I’ve poured my heart and soul into, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. If you’re a fan of my music, I’d love it if you could help me get more exposure by doing any of the following: FOLLOW my artist profile on Spotify,…

[mostlieghostlie]

Ko-fi shop! I've got stickers!

[mrjellybeanz]

Boost Your Music Career: Helping Independent Artists to Get Noticed | @TopHotHits @DjSmokeMixtapes

As an independent artist, standing out in today’s crowded music scene can be tough. We’ve all been there, right? You’ve got talent, you’ve got drive, but sometimes it feels like your music just isn’t reaching the right people. So, how do you get noticed? The answer lies in effective music promotion—and I’m here to share a few key tools that can help you make a real impact. 1. Playlist…

[stellawembley]

Musicians! Have a Strategy when releasing music. Watch now!

  Musicians! Have a Strategy when releasing music. Watch now! Musicians! Have a Strategy when releasing music. Watch now!   Make sure to leave a comment on YouTube if you like the video (and give me a thumbs up) Affiliate Links * PreSonus Studio Channel Amazon Uk https://amzn.to/3TrKIpd Amazon USA https://amzn.to/4dZHVfp Behringer Compressor XL Amazon Uk https://amzn.to/47vrDZi Amazon USA…

[cookiealchemieart]

Do you like my art? Consider supporting me monetarily on KO-FI please I'd like moneys

[insertdisc5]

📚 A List Of Useful Websites When Making An RPG 📚

My timeloop RPG In Stars and Time is done! Which means I can clear all my ISAT gamedev related bookmarks. But I figured I would show them here, in case they can be useful to someone. These range from "useful to write a story/characters/world" to "these are SUPER rpgmaker focused and will help with the terrible math that comes with making a game".

This is what I used to make my RPG game, but it could be useful for writers, game devs of all genres, DMs, artists, what have you. YIPPEE

Writing (Names)

Behind The Name - Why don't you have this bookmarked already. Search for names and their meanings from all over the world!

Medieval Names Archive - Medieval names. Useful. For ME

City and Town Name Generator - Create "fake" names for cities, generated from datasets from any country you desire! I used those for the couple city names in ISAT. I say "fake" in quotes because some of them do end up being actual city names, especially for french generated ones. Don't forget to double check you're not 1. just taking a real city name or 2. using a word that's like, Very Bad, especially if you don't know the country you're taking inspiration from! Don't want to end up with Poopaville, USA

Writing (Words)

Onym - A website full of websites that are full of words. And by that I mean dictionaries, thesauruses, translators, glossaries, ways to mix up words, and way more. HIGHLY recommend checking this website out!!!

Moby Thesaurus - My thesaurus of choice!

Rhyme Zone - Find words that rhyme with others. Perfect for poets, lyricists, punmasters.

In Different Languages - Search for a word, have it translated in MANY different languages in one page.

ASSETS

In general, I will say: just look up what you want on itch.io. There are SO MANY assets for you to buy on itch.io. You want a font? You want a background? You want a sound effect? You want a plugin? A pixel base? An attack animation? A cool UI?!?!?! JUST GO ON ITCH.IO!!!!!!

Visual Assets (General)

Creative Market - Shop for all kinds of assets, from fonts to mockups to templates to brushes to WHATEVER YOU WANT

Velvetyne - Cool and weird fonts

Chevy Ray's Pixel Fonts - They're good fonts.

Contrast Checker - Stop making your text white when your background is lime green no one can read that shit babe!!!!!!

Visual Assets (Game Focused)

Interface In Game - Screenshots of UI (User Interfaces) from SO MANY GAMES. Shows you everything and you can just look at what every single menu in a game looks like. You can also sort them by game genre! GREAT reference!

Game UI Database - Same as above!

Sound Assets

Zapsplat, Freesound - There are many sound effect websites out there but those are the ones I saved. Royalty free!

Shapeforms - Paid packs for music and sounds and stuff.

Other

CloudConvert - Convert files into other files. MAKE THAT .AVI A .MOV

EZGifs - Make those gifs bigger. Smaller. Optimize them. Take a video and make it a gif. The Sky Is The Limit

Marketing

Press Kitty - Did not end up needing this- this will help with creating a press kit! Useful for ANY indie dev. Yes, even if you're making a tiny game, you should have a press kit. You never know!!!

presskit() - Same as above, but a different one.

Itch.io Page Image Guide and Templates - Make your project pages on itch.io look nice.

MOOMANiBE's IGF post - If you're making indie games, you might wanna try and submit your game to the Independent Game Festival at some point. Here are some tips on how, and why you should.

Game Design (General)

An insightful thread where game developers discuss hidden mechanics designed to make games feel more interesting - Title says it all. Check those comments too.

Game Design (RPGs)

Yanfly "Let's Make a Game" Comics - INCREDIBLY useful tips on how to make RPGs, going from dungeons to towns to enemy stats!!!!

Attack Patterns - A nice post on enemy attack patterns, and what attacks you should give your enemies to make them challenging (but not TOO challenging!) A very good starting point.

How To Balance An RPG - Twitter thread on how to balance player stats VS enemy stats.

Nobody Cares About It But It’s The Only Thing That Matters: Pacing And Level Design In JRPGs - a Good Post.

Game Design (Visual Novels)

Feniks Renpy Tutorials - They're good tutorials.

I played over 100 visual novels in one month and here’s my advice to devs. - General VN advice. Also highly recommend this whole blog for help on marketing your games.

I hope that was useful! If it was. Maybe. You'd like to buy me a coffee. Or maybe you could check out my comics and games. Or just my new critically acclaimed game In Stars and Time. If you want. Ok bye

[kurohe]

Things you can do to actively participate in the revolution

Here's the list !

I know some of those will look really silly, i promise they are not. And obviously, this is not a checklist, you don't have to do everything. But they're steps that you can absolutely take if you wish to, and they WILL help.

(i am continually correcting things when people point out mistakes. Thanks everyone for your help)

(under the cut !)

1) Let's start off with a very easy one you can do right now: stop using Chrome. It's a google owned browser, and it sents all of your data towards it. Mozilla is a very good replacement, but almost anything will do, really. We revolting against capitalism as a whole, and this is a good first step

Also, resign your amazon prime subscription.

2) Start stealing things from supermarkets and malls. I am not kidding. Little things, that aren't really monitored: a can of food, a lighter, a pair of socks. Condiments are particularly easy to hide in bags or pockets. Steal hygiene products, steal food.

Remember that you should have access to those for free, and you don't because a few rich guys don't want you to.

Additional tip: train station stores are very easy to steal from, because they're so busy. But don't put yourself in danger. Check beforehand if they check bags at checkout, look out for employees that might notice what you're doing. Don't be reckless.

(edit: this used to also say airports, but i've been told it's way too high risk as it's considered a federal crime. Thanks for letting me know)

3) In the same line, if you see someone stealing anything from a big store, no you didn't.

4) I know a lot of people are scared of disrespecting rules. By fear of being caught, or by guilt. My advice is: start disrespecting stupid, meaningless rules. I don't have specific exemples, but you'll encounter them and wonder why you're doing that. Stop doing it. This will train you to be able to disobey autority way easier.

5) Put stickers everywhere. If you already have them, go ham. Especially on public property (lamposts are amazing). If you don't, buy them from artists or independant stores, not big brands. If you cannot afford them, remember that you can simply write stuff on an A4 paper and plaster it to walls. Or even post its !

6) Carry a sharpie with you at all time, the big black ones. If you see propaganda, scribble it out. Keep a look out for terfs stickers, maga posters, etc. Also good for getting rid of transphobic and sexist stuff written on public restroom stalls !

8) Learn how to sew. I know, that sounds dumb ! But i promise you, not only will it be amazing to trade with other people ("i'll sew back ur shirt and in exchange, you give me a can of peaches !"), corporations also haaaate when you know how to fix your clothes. Because they want you to buy more. You'll spend a lot less money if you know how to fix em

7) Buy locally. This means going to the market or small stores, and thrifting your clothes. If you can't for money or accessibility reasons, try trading with your friends, family and neighbours. Get communication going in your circles, and you'll realise there are a lot of things that you can simply trade with or buy from people around you. Like a jar of jam against some eggs, or a pair of socks for a t-shirt you don't wear anymore !

9) If you have the space and the money, grow your own food, and share it or sell it around you. Be careful, some assholes will call the FDA on you. Do that with people you trust.

Additional tip: growing vegetables and fruits can be a real nightmare. You can absolutely start by just growing some basil or mint :)

10) Organise. Join leftist groups online, even if it's just to see what's being said, you don't even need to interact. Follow creators, repost and share their content. By doing that, you'll stay informed on group movements like strikes, protests and boycotts, which you can then participate in. It's very important you're connected to other ppl and the movements that are started !

11) Unionize. I'm very sorry I don't know the exact way unions work in the US, but if you can, join one. They will help you in times of needs, especially if you're a student or a worker. If you're not sure how to do that, absolutely ask around to people you know are very active politically, around you or online. People will help.

12) Stay. Informed. Follow independant papers and news outlet. If you can afford it, give them a dollar or two. They are fighting everyday for access to unbiased information for all, and sadly, their independance means that they rely almost entirely on donations and people simply engaging with what they put out.

If you can't access those: do not get your news from TV. Ever. Or anywhere else that has been bought by the far right. Sadly, the majority of TV channels are just the worst.

13) Share that information. Talk to those you trust and who are ready to listen to you, and tell them about what's happening. Get angry with them. Revolution stems from people coming together and realising that they're being used and profited off of. Share videos and posts relating to politics, especially informative videos.

And, most importantly: fact check. All of the time.

14) Go to protests ! If you've never been, i know it can be scary. But you can stay in the middle (don't go all the way to the front, that's where stuff can get heated) and scream and walk with everyone else. You'll meet people who, like you, want things to change. Capitalism wants you to stay as unconnected to others as possible, and that's a great way to fight that.

Sometimes, there are sites that have a planning for all protests happening in a city. Look up if one exists for yours

15) Create and strenghten community. I know i really struggled with this one, because it's so vague. But here's a few places you can start:

-Go and introduce yourself to your neighbours, if you deem it safe. Give them a little gift if you can afford it, like a pack of pasta.

-Make new friends, even if they aren't deep friendships. You need connections. Online or irl, both are fine- don't stay isolated.

-If you already have community, go check on them right now. Ask your friends how they're doing, and if they need anything- ask how they're being impacted by what's happening right now politically.

16) Look for ways to fuck over the institutions in easy ways. One example that went around tumblr a lot is letting dandelions grow in your backyard, because landlords fucking hate it. If you work in retail or fast food, cheat. Accidentally forget to scan the diapers. Put in 7 nuggets instead of 6.

17) Engage in art. MAKE art. Music, shitty paint drawings, craft, anything as long as you're being creative. Share it. If you feel like you can't do that, then support artists. Make a point to look up cool illustrations, and new music. Go to the cinema.

(edit: been told that it's very risky for walmart workers to not scan things, so beware.)

If you're an artist currently in an underpaid office job, please, by the love of god, be creative during office hours. You're underpaid, they do not deserve your full time and attention. Take 30 minutes to write that snippet you've been thinking about.

(and actually, if you're underpaid at all: do the minimum required. So that you can't be fired, but that's it. Any more effort is not worth it. Companies will never be thankful for what you do.)

18) Look up books that your state banned, and go read them. You can get them secondhand, or as pdfs online. (if anyone needs ressources, i will glady look for and share them.)

19) Seek education. There's a lot of youtube channels out there talking about educational subjects in a fun way. Some things the rich assholes who run the country specifically don't want you to learn more about are: biology, history and archeology, social and economic sciences. GO LEARN ABOUT THOSE.

And, actually, read books in general if you can. Yes, fanfics count !

The people in power don't want you to be educated. It's why they eviscerated the education system.

20) PIRATE. I cannot stress this enough, anything you can pirate (that isn't from small, indie creators, except if you absolutely can't afford it) do it. Download music illegally, torrent movies and games. If you want access to academical studies and papers, some writers will give them to you for free if you email them about it. There are also ways to go around paywalls.

21) Don't fall for the traps of "progressive brands". Lately, i've seen a lot of praise for Ben and Jerry's for openly supporting lgbtq rights and being globally anti-trump. They are still a brand. Avoid buying from any big names when you can. That being said, if you have to, check beforehand which ones and what their history is. Some are more evil than others.

Additional tip: a lot of brands you see in stores are actually owned by bigger brands. One prime example of this is Nestle, who are fucking evil, but they own a shitload of other big names. Be careful what you buy.

22) I hate to say this, but be prepared to defend yourself. Revolutions are never peaceful. You will get in danger. If you can, get in ok physical shape. If you can't, buy a gun. (Remember Alabama has a 99% acceptation rate, you can get one in 10 minutes.) I hate firearms, but the enemy will have them too. Arm yourself.

If none of those are available options to you, please, make sure you have someone around you that will be able to protect you, or a place where you can be safe. Whether you are disabled, a minor, or anything else. Don't put yourself in more danger than is necessary.

23) Last but not least, be kind. When someone cuts off a woman speaking, interrupt and give her the floor back. Shame those who think it's right to say bigoted shit in public. Listen to those around you. If you can't act, then remember to always have empathy for the homeless, for drug users, for immigrants. Understand they are people just like you. You are not immune to propaganda and prejudice, no matter who you are. Always question yourself and your biases.

(if you've read this far, please repost. We need this to reach as many people as possible)

I want to remind you that you're not alone. I know things seem hopeless, but the simple fact that you're reading this is proof it's not. I don't live in the US, but i'm supporting you as best i can from where i am, and sending you strenght.

If you have any questions, do ask away. I'll end on this image that's very dear to me:

[trapangeles]

L.A. Music Scene Mistakes: Skipping Local DJs & Platforms – How to Properly Network as an Artist

The Power of Local Connections in the L.A. Music Scene

In the hustle of the L.A. music scene, many up-and-coming artists make a crucial mistake: they skip over local DJs and platforms, reaching straight for big-name connections. Unfortunately, this often leads to being ignored or lost in the noise. The truth is, real growth comes from building relationships with those on your level—your peers who are also grinding and pushing to make a name for themselves.

When you collaborate with other artists, DJs, and platforms that are in the same stage of their careers, you create a network of support. These are the people who understand your struggles and victories and are more likely to give you the time and attention you need to thrive. Together, you can build a community that lifts everyone up, making it possible to rise together.

Why Local Networking Matters

Accessibility: Local DJs and platforms are more accessible and relatable. They are actively looking for fresh talent to showcase and help elevate.

Mutual Growth: By working with peers, you contribute to each other’s growth. When one person wins, the entire group benefits.

Community Building: The connections you build within your local scene can lead to long-lasting relationships that support your career long-term.

Organic Reach: Local platforms have an audience that trusts them. When you get support from these platforms, you gain the trust of their audience as well, leading to more genuine engagement.

Action Steps for Proper Networking

Attend Local Events: Go to open mics, showcases, and listening parties. Meet people face-to-face and start building connections.

Support Your Peers: Engage with other artists and DJs on social media. Share their content, attend their shows, and genuinely support their hustle.

Collaborate: Work with local producers, DJs, and other artists. Whether it’s a feature, remix, or even a co-hosted event, collaboration strengthens relationships.

Follow Up: After meeting someone, make sure to follow up. Whether it’s a message thanking them for their time or sending them a link to your latest project, keeping in touch is key.

Be Genuine: Don’t just network for the sake of it. Be genuine in your approach and build relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.

Leverage Local Media: Reach out to local blogs, radio stations, and platforms that focus on your city’s scene. They are often eager to promote local talent.

By focusing on building strong, local connections, you set the foundation for long-term success in the industry. Remember, it’s not always about who you know at the top; it’s about who you grow with on the way there.

Have you been spending all your money and time on making music and shooting videos, but still not getting any exposure? Tired of just spinning your wheels? You know to get exposure you need to get featured on blogs, radio stations, playlist, and get your music e-mail blasted out to the masses. Need help getting all that done? Then check out the Package we’ve made available for you below!

Like & Listen To Our Spotify Playlist

trapLAXradio On The Air Now!

The Latest Music, Videos, News, Entertainment……

[filmcourage]

This Is How I Started A Production Company And Made It A Career - Antoine Allen [FULL INTERVIEW]

Watch the video interview on Youtube here.