Making and Marketing Music: Indie Artists, Advice, Tips, Music Production, Song Exploder, Tiny Desks

Indie Roots
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

From creating powerful songs to getting them heard, Making and Marketing Music is your guide to the entire process. Discover how to produce, mix, and master tracks like a pro while also learning proven promotion strategies for Spotify, TikTok, and beyond. Hosted by three indie musicians with 500k+ monthly Spotify listeners, this podcast gives you real-world insights into music production, branding, and fan growth to help you succeed as an independent artist.

  1. 09/24/2025

    
Should You Use AI in Your Music Career?

    Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that can help musicians create, produce, and promote their music. In this episode, we explore some of the best AI tools available today, from generating ideas and writing melodies to mastering tracks and managing promotion. Whether you’re an independent artist or a seasoned professional, you’ll learn how to use AI to save time, enhance your creativity, and take your music career to the next level. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    16 min

  2. 09/22/2025

    How AI Will Impact Musicians and Artists

    Artificial intelligence is changing the music world fast, but is it a threat or an opportunity for artists? In this episode, we explore how AI is being used in music creation, production, and promotion, and what it means for musicians, songwriters, and the industry as a whole. We discuss the challenges, the ethical questions, and the ways artists can adapt to stay creative and relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    11 min

  3. 09/19/2025

    How the Music Marketing Funnel Will Grow Your Audience

    What if you could take casual listeners and turn them into lifelong fans of your music? In this episode, we break down the music marketing funnel—a simple framework that shows how to attract new listeners, engage them, and guide them toward becoming true supporters of your career. We’ll explain each stage of the funnel, share real-world examples, and give you practical tips you can apply right away to promote your music more effectively. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    13 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    Should You Learn Music Production or Hire Someone Else?

    How much does it really cost to produce a song? Or is it better to just learn how to do it yourself? In this episode, we break down the different expenses that go into taking a track from idea to release—from recording and mixing to mastering, session musicians, and promotion. Whether you’re an indie artist on a budget or planning your first professional studio session, you’ll get a clear picture of what to expect, what you can DIY, and where it’s worth investing. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    12 min

  5. 09/15/2025

    Did Getting 10K Social Media Followers Help His Music Blow Up?

    What’s the connection between growing a social media following and catching Spotify’s algorithmic boost? In this episode, we dive into how one artist built 10,000 followers online—and how that momentum translated into more streams, algorithmic playlists, and new listeners on Spotify. We break down the specific strategies used to grow an audience, what actually matters to Spotify’s algorithm, and how social media can directly impact your music career. If you’re an independent artist looking to turn likes and follows into real streaming growth, this episode is for you. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    17 min

  6. 09/12/2025

    How Our Song Broke Into 4 Spotify’s Editorial Playlists

    Ever wondered what it actually takes to land a song on Spotify’s coveted editorial playlists? In this episode, we share the full story of how our track ended up on four different Spotify editorial playlists. From the strategy behind our release, to pitching through Spotify for Artists, to the unexpected moments along the way—we break down what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we learned. Whether you’re an indie artist looking to boost your streams or just curious about how the playlist system works, this episode gives you an inside look at the process. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    18 min

  7. 09/08/2025

    How To Find The Right Genre For Your Music

    In this episode, we talk about how independent artists can discover their unique sound and define a style that feels authentic while also connecting with listeners. We’ll cover why genre matters for marketing, playlists, and Spotify’s algorithm, plus how your influences and creative process can guide you toward the right fit. Whether you’re a new artist still experimenting or an established musician trying to refine your identity, this episode will give you practical steps to clarify your genre, stand out in a crowded music scene, and attract the right audience for your songs. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    14 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    The Real Reason Most Artists Quit

    Why do so many artists give up before they ever see success? In this episode, we dive into the real challenges musicians face—burnout, lack of growth, lack of community, and the frustration of building a music career in today’s industry. You’ll learn the most common reasons independent artists quit and, more importantly, how you can avoid falling into the same traps. 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 artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com

    13 min
See All (15)

About

From creating powerful songs to getting them heard, Making and Marketing Music is your guide to the entire process. Discover how to produce, mix, and master tracks like a pro while also learning proven promotion strategies for Spotify, TikTok, and beyond. Hosted by three indie musicians with 500k+ monthly Spotify listeners, this podcast gives you real-world insights into music production, branding, and fan growth to help you succeed as an independent artist.

Information