Notes from the independent music industry.

The Spotify popularity index is a hidden 0 to 100 score that shapes your reach. Here's what it means, what score to aim for, and how to grow it for real.

To get your music on Spotify, you need a music distributor like Ditto Music — a service that sits between you and the platform, delivers your files, collects your royalties, and handles the metadata that determines how your music gets catalogued and surfaced.

Sell vinyl, CDs and merch as an independent artist with zero upfront cost. Compare elasticStage, Amazon Merch on Demand and Hootenanny.

How to promote a music video as an independent artist in 2026. Covers pre-release teasers, YouTube SEO, short-form clips, press outreach, and paid promotion.

A practical guide to getting your music on the radio in 2026. Covers BBC Introducing, community radio, internet stations, paid promotion, and performing royalties.

Learn how playlist pitching works, how to find the right curators, and why most pitches fail. The complete guide for independent artists releasing in 2026.

What happens when you get dropped by a record label, what it means for your masters and music, and why it's often the moment artists make their best work.

A step-by-step 8-week music release plan for independent artists. Covers Spotify pitching, ad creative, social content, and why September is worth targeting.

How to promote your music during summer and festival season. Covers fan engagement, playlist pitching timing, live shows, and paid ads for indie artists

Grants, crowdfunding, royalty advances, investors — here's every real way independent artists get funding in 2026, plus the top grants to apply for right now.

How independent artists can get their music recommended by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and AI search tools in 2026. Covers metadata, bios, press, databases, and more.

A practical guide to SEO for musicians in 2026. Covers Google, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and AI search optimisation for independent artists at any level.

Every genuinely free way to submit your music to Spotify playlists in 2026. Editorial pitching, free platforms, direct outreach, artist trades, and more.

What is an ISRC code and how do you get one? Our guide covers everything independent artists need to know about ISRCs, from structure to common mistakes.

Music managers cost 15-20% of your income. Learn when you're ready for one, how to find the right manager, and what to do instead if you're not there yet.

Learn how to monetise your passion for music with a realistic, milestone-driven guide for independent artists. From first merch sale to scaling back your day job

Learn where to get your music reviewed in 2026. Covers music blogs, feedback platforms like un:hurd, SubmitHub and Groover, plus tips to get accepted.

For the first two weeks of April, we’re running a promotion that changes the math for anyone serious about their growth. We are picking 25 artists who join the Pro community and doubling their credits.

we’re delighted to announce the full integration with Base for Music into the un:hurd dashboard, providing the best-in-class advertising builder, without the need for an ad account.

We’re changing how un:hurd works. We’re moving to a membership-only model. No more half-measures or "maybe next month." We want to work with the artists who are ready to move the needle.

Stop filming new content daily. Learn how to repurpose a single live performance video into a month’s worth of engaging Instagram and TikTok posts in minutes.

Stop filming new content daily. Learn how to repurpose a single live performance video into a month’s worth of engaging Instagram and TikTok posts in minutes.

Are you missing out on royalties? Learn how to claim your Neighbouring Rights, register with PPL/SoundExchange, and protect your master recording income.

Stop saying "stream my song." Learn the 60/40 rule for balancing personality and promotion to turn casual scrollers into dedicated fans.

Stop following trends. Learn how to mine your past, build an authentic mood board, and create a visual world that helps new fans get you instantly.

Professionalise your sound without the major label budget. Learn how to hire mixing engineers, designers, and marketers on Fiverr to level up your art.

Secure the funding you need. Explore the latest global music grants and learn expert tips for a winning application to take your career to the next level.

Expert tips from industry pros on writing the perfect playlist pitch. Learn how to stand out to Spotify and Apple Music editors and grow your streams.

Learn how to measure fan engagement, community building, and brand growth to build a music career that actually lasts.