Music Makin Cents Podcast (2025)

25/06/2025

Streaming isn’t just about numbers—it’s your gateway to real fans.
In this video, Harkos breaks down 5 essential steps that show you exactly how to turn total strangers into loyal superfans using streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

📌 This is a clip from a longer episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast with Harkos. Watch the full episode here 👉 https://youtu.be/YRtE3VrObgM

🔥 BONUS: LANDR even gives you Dolby Atmos, Shazam, Gracenote, Store Maximizer, and more—all included in the $44.99/year Distribution Pro package.

Oh yeah... and if you want 20% off that already crazy low price, I got you 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://glnk.io/5wllp/music-makin-cents⁠⁠

🎯 No hidden fees. No nickel-and-dime nonsense. Just real distribution built for real artists.

🎯 You’ll learn:
-Why streaming is basically free promotion when used correctly
-How to trigger the algorithm to recommend your music—without playlist scams or fake stream teams
-The full “fan journey”: Stranger → Listener → Fan → Superfan
-How to build traction on streaming without being overwhelmed or spending big

💡 Most indie artists get stuck because they don’t know how to guide people from discovery to fandom. This video gives you the exact process to start doing that right now.

The best part? When done right, streaming becomes one of the most cost-effective tools in your music marketing arsenal. Don’t sleep on this.

23/06/2025

If you’re sending people straight from your socials to your streaming links... you’re doing it wrong.

📌 This is a clip from a longer episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast with Harkos. Watch the full episode here 👉 https://youtu.be/YRtE3VrObgM

In this video, Harkos explains why the smartest way to build your fanbase in 2025 is to lead your audience from short-form content ➡️ to YouTube ➡️ and finally to your website—not directly to Spotify or other socials.

🎯 You’ll learn:
-Why your YouTube channel should be the only link you promote from your socials
-How short content (Reels, TikToks, Shorts) gives them the “taste”
-Why long-form YouTube content builds deeper fan investment
-How to turn passive viewers into engaged superfans
-Why your website is your home base (and how to use it as your conversion machine)

🔥 BONUS: LANDR even gives you Dolby Atmos, Shazam, Gracenote, Store Maximizer, and more—all included in the $44.99/year Distribution Pro package.

Oh yeah... and if you want 20% off that already crazy low price, I got you 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://glnk.io/5wllp/music-makin-cents⁠⁠

👇 Drop a comment if this helped — or even if it didn’t. Real feedback helps us all grow.

23/05/2025

Build a Fanbase of Superfans (A.K.A. Your Own “Laura Army”)

In this clip, I break down what a superfan truly looks like—using a real-life example of a next-level fan named Laura who reps her favorite artist (Ez Mil) like her life depends on it. She promotes him constantly, studies his lyrics, buys his merch, joins fan groups, and even competes for signed stickers. THIS is the level of fandom you should aim to create.

🎥 Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/FZiYaeDnSUE

Every independent artist needs their own army of Lauras—true fans who obsess over your music, share it non-stop, and bring their people into your world. In the era of short attention spans, superfans are the key to building a sustainable music career in 2025 and beyond.

💡 Here’s what Laura-style superfans do:
-Know your backstory, lyrics, and message by heart
-Buy your merch & flex it online
-Start discussions about your music
-Help convert strangers into new fans
-Engage deeply with you AND your community

🎯 Bottom line: If you want long-term success in music, you need more than casual listeners—you need emotional investment. This clip shows you why that matters, and the full video shows you how to create it step by step.

📞 Want help building YOUR Laura Army?
Book a FREE 1-on-1 Strategy Call with Harkos: musicmakincentspod.com/freecall

21/05/2025

Turn Fans Into a Street Team With This UGC Strategy (No Budget Needed)

🔥 Want your fans to promote your music for free? This is hands-down one of the most powerful and underused strategies independent artists can use to build hype, grow engagement, and go viral—all without spending a dime: User Generated Content (UGC).

🎤 Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/FZiYaeDnSUE

When you're just starting out, getting fans involved in your creative and promotional process can be a total game-changer. Ask them for feedback on unreleased tracks, get their help brainstorming music video ideas, and even invite them to submit footage for your videos—live show clips, lifestyle B-roll, reaction vids, or anything that matches your vibe.

This kind of fan engagement does three things:

Builds loyalty by making them feel like part of your movement

Generates UGC that gets tagged and shared across platforms

Triggers the algorithm to boost content using your music

⚠️ Pro Tip: Before sending out unreleased music, make sure it’s copyrighted and submitted through your distributor. This protects your work in case anything leaks early (yeah, even Eminem had an issue in 2025).

🎯 UGC isn’t just about virality—it’s about empowering your fans to share your music in a way that promotes them and you at the same time. The more people use your song in their content, the more the algorithm favors it. It’s free promo, trend potential, and relationship-building all in one.

📞 Want a custom growth plan for your music?
Book your FREE 1-on-1 strategy call: musicmakincentspod.com/freecall

16/05/2025

3 Proven Steps to Build a Loyal Fanbase as an Independent Artist in 2025

💥 Tired of chasing views and followers with no real fanbase to show for it? In this video, I break down the 3 core steps every independent artist needs to follow in 2025 to build a real, loyal, and monetizable fanbase—without wasting time on outdated tactics or fake engagement.

🎤 Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/FZiYaeDnSUE

Step one is all about creating consistent, engaging video content. No, you don’t need to post every day—but you should be producing 4 longform videos per month and chopping them into Shorts for daily or weekly content. This strategy feeds the algorithm while giving new fans multiple ways to connect with your brand.

Step two is genuine engagement. It’s not enough to reply with fire emojis or generic thank-yous. Ask questions, start conversations, and make people feel seen. Real talk builds real relationships—and the algorithm loves it too.

Step three: maximize your support funnels. From free actions like comments and shares to paid support via merch, exclusives, or even simple donations—this step is about giving your fans multiple ways to show love. Bonus tip? Involve them in your creative process to deepen the connection and increase buy-in.

🎯 These steps aren’t trends—they’re timeless strategies for independent musicians who want to turn strangers into superfans and build a sustainable music career.

📞 Need help building your fanbase the smart way?
Book your FREE 1-on-1 strategy call here: musicmakincentspod.com/freecall

14/05/2025

Introverts Can Build a Fanbase With This Easy Livestream Trick
💡 Want to grow your fanbase without leaving your house? This clip breaks down one of the easiest and most effective ways to build real engagement with your audience—even if you're introverted: going live on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

🎤 Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/Qcgzw1ovBDU

🎯 Whether you're an independent artist trying to build a fanbase in 2025, or just starting to take music seriously, livestreaming is a free and low-pressure way to create a direct connection with your fans. In this short clip, I explain:
-How to use free livestreams to increase engagement
-Why introverted artists should lean into livestreaming from home
-How to transition from free streams to exclusive paid content on platforms like Patreon
-The difference between casual followers and true super fans

📱 You don’t need to be outgoing or performative to go live—just hit record, talk with your audience, and show up consistently. The more you go live, the more trust and loyalty you build. Eventually, that turns into real money, real support, and a sustainable music career.

🔥 Artists who build relationships, not just metrics, are the ones who win in 2025 and beyond. Use this livestream strategy to separate yourself from the noise.

📞 Need help building a monetizable fanbase?
Book your FREE 1-on-1 call: musicmakincentspod.com/freecall

08/05/2025

Unlock Your Music Career With YouTube Content ID.
🎯 Real talk: If you're an independent artist, all you need is 10K–40K ACTIVE FANS to make a sustainable career in music. That’s it. Enough to quit the 9 to 5 or part-time gigs you hate, and finally spend your time doing what you love—creating music, connecting with fans, and living YOUR dream life.

Full Video: https://youtu.be/DevpiKRpoaA

💸 But here's why you're stuck: You’re not using YouTube the right way.

In this video, I break it all down:
🔑 How to properly set up YouTube Content ID at the distributor level
💰 Why Content ID is essential for monetizing UGC (user-generated content)
📈 How you’re losing MONEY when fans post your music & you don’t have this in place
🚫 Why DistroKid & others are out here extorting artists with ridiculous fees
✅ Why LANDR is the only distributor I recommend (YouTube Content ID INCLUDED — no add-on fees)
🔥 BONUS: LANDR even gives you Dolby Atmos, Shazam, Gracenote, Store Maximizer, and more—all included in the $44.99/year Distribution Pro package.

Oh yeah... and if you want 20% off that already crazy low price, I got you 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://glnk.io/5wllp/music-makin-cents⁠⁠

🎯 No hidden fees. No nickel-and-dime nonsense. Just real distribution built for real artists.

🎤 Harkos works with indie artists daily and is helping them ditch outdated tactics, grow a real audience, and keep 100% of their creative energy focused on what actually works.

📞 Need Personalized Help Growing Your Music Career?
Book a FREE 1-on-1 Strategy Call with Harkos at ⁠⁠musicmakincentspod.com/freecall⁠
Get:
✅ A Custom Growth Plan for your fanbase
✅ A Personalized Content Calendar
✅ 4 ChatGPT Scripts for high-performing titles & descriptions
Stop guessing. Start growing.

💬 COMMENT below—How many active fans do you think you need to go full-time? Let's talk.

05/05/2025

Maximize Your Content: Create 20 Videos in 2 Days.
Are you an independent artist struggling to grow your fanbase? Feel like you’re too busy to make content? Think again. In this clip, Harkos breaks down a brutally honest truth: the reason you're not growing isn’t your music—it’s your lack of consistent video content. And the fix? Way simpler than you think.

📌 This is a clip from a longer episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast with Harkos. Watch the full episode here 👉 https://youtu.be/DevpiKRpoaA

🎯 YouTube is the number one platform for independent musicians in 2025—and in this video, Harkos explains exactly how to use it to build a fanbase, increase engagement, and even make money from your content. You’ll learn the exact strategy to create 4 long-form videos and 20 shorts every month, even if you're working a full-time job, raising a family, and grinding on your music. No excuses.

📈 Stop wasting money on expensive cameras or single-shot music videos. Instead, learn how to take that budget and run YouTube ads, build your ecosystem, and actually see growth. This is your blueprint for consistent content that doesn’t take over your life—but WILL take your music career to the next level.

💡 Whether you’ve said, “I’m not a content creator, I’m an artist,” or “I don’t have time,” this episode is your wake-up call. The grind isn’t optional—but it IS manageable. Watch this now before your competition beats you to it.

👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://glnk.io/5wllp/music-makin-cents⁠⁠
Use this link for 20% OFF ANY plan—whether you're just distributing music or upgrading to Studio Pro for mastering tools, samples, and next-level resources.

📞 Need Personalized Help Growing Your Music Career?
Book a FREE 1-on-1 Strategy Call with Harkos at ⁠⁠musicmakincentspod.com/freecall⁠
Get:
✅ A Custom Growth Plan for your fanbase
✅ A Personalized Content Calendar
✅ 4 ChatGPT Scripts for high-performing titles & descriptions
Stop guessing. Start growing.

30/04/2025

Grow Your Fanbase for FREE: Video Strategy Tips
Still thinking you need fancy gear and big money to grow your music career online? Nah. In this video, Harkos breaks it all the way down: you don’t need a big budget—you just need a real strategy. And it starts with 4 videos a month.

📌 This is a clip from a longer episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast with Harkos. Watch the full episode here 👉 https://youtu.be/DevpiKRpoaA

You’ll learn how to create high-impact content using what you already have—your phone, free editing tools like CapCut, iMovie, or DaVinci Resolve, and a little hustle. Forget expensive cameras and overpriced video editors. You’ll discover how to make content for as close to zero dollars as possible, and still grow a sustainable, legit fanbase in 2025.

🎥 Post 4 long-form videos and chop each one into 5 shorts. Push those everywhere—especially YouTube Shorts (don't skip that step). And make sure your YouTube Content ID is set up (for FREE with Landr: https://glnk.io/5wllp/music-makin-cents7eq) so you’re collecting royalties across platforms. It’s simple, scalable, and it works. You just have to start.

🎤 Harkos works with indie artists daily and is helping them ditch outdated tactics, grow a real audience, and keep 100% of their creative energy focused on what actually works.

📞 Need Personalized Help Growing Your Music Career?
Book a FREE 1-on-1 Strategy Call with Harkos at ⁠⁠musicmakincentspod.com/freecall⁠
Get:
✅ A Custom Growth Plan for your fanbase
✅ A Personalized Content Calendar
✅ 4 ChatGPT Scripts for high-performing titles & descriptions
Stop guessing. Start growing.

🚀 2025 is your year—but only if you move like it. Watch now, then book your free strategy call using the link below and start making your music make sense.

🎯 Problems Solved / Topics Covered:
-How to grow your music career with no money
-Best free tools for video editing (mobile & desktop)
-How to turn 4 videos into 20+ content pieces monthly
-Getting paid through YouTube Content ID
-Building a real content strategy without stress
-Free marketing help for independent artists

28/04/2025

Boost Your Music Career with YouTube Shorts
📢 If you’re only posting music videos or short clips of your songs and expecting to build a fanbase in 2025—you’re already losing. That era is DONE.

Full Video: https://youtu.be/DevpiKRpoaA

In this video, I break down how independent artists are building rabid fanbases FAST by doing one key thing: diversifying their content on YouTube.
We’re talkin’ 👇
🎥 Long-form BTS, lyric breakdowns, writing process, gear setups
📱 YouTube Shorts to trigger algorithm growth
🏠 Lifestyle content that connects who you are with what your music speaks to

💡 Here’s the trick: Your lifestyle content should be tied directly to what you already express in your music.
Into sports and use sports metaphors in your bars? Start reacting to games.
Spit about social issues or politics? Then talk about current events.
Religious themes in your music? Speak on your faith.
🎯 It’s all about authenticity. People don’t just connect with music—they connect with YOU.

And when your lifestyle and your music line up? You create multiple connection points for fans to discover and ride with you. That’s how you grow an audience that actually gives a damn.

👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://glnk.io/5wllp/music-makin-cents⁠⁠
Use this link for 20% OFF ANY plan—whether you're just distributing music or upgrading to Studio Pro for mastering tools, samples, and next-level resources.

📞 Need Personalized Help Growing Your Music Career?
Book a FREE 1-on-1 Strategy Call with Harkos at ⁠⁠musicmakincentspod.com/freecall⁠
Get:
✅ A Custom Growth Plan for your fanbase
✅ A Personalized Content Calendar
✅ 4 ChatGPT Scripts for high-performing titles & descriptions
Stop guessing. Start growing.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s your lifestyle content? What themes in your music should you be creating videos about outside the studio?

28/12/2024

Tired of submitting your music to live stream review shows that feel like a scam? Welcome to Music Makin Cents Podcast’s new series: WTF Wednesdays! 🎶 This isn’t your average music review. Hosted by Harkos, an expert in music marketing and branding, who is all about helping independent artists grow their fanbases and achieve REAL success.

In this video, Harkos dives into live music critiques, providing honest and constructive feedback to help independent musicians like YOU level up your artistry. Whether it’s tightening your lyrics, improving your mix, or sharpening your vocals, he tells it like it is—because he cares. Plus, as a bonus, first-time guests get a free social media marketing review packed with tips to boost your online presence!

Join our live stream every Wednesday to:
✅ Get your music heard.
✅ Receive actionable advice to improve your craft.
✅ Network with a supportive community of artists and fans.

Stop wasting time with shallow reviews and start growing your career with real, impactful feedback. Submit your music now at MusicMakinCentsPod.com and tune in to WTF Wednesdays—your breakthrough starts here!

www.musicmakincentspod.com

22/10/2024

Where's all the new music at?

Need more music for my all genre live stream Wednesday!

Music Makin Cents Podcast

25/06/2025

23/06/2025

23/05/2025

21/05/2025

16/05/2025

14/05/2025

08/05/2025

05/05/2025

30/04/2025

28/04/2025

28/12/2024

22/10/2024

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