Musicians Secrets Podcast

Alise Koa

Most artists wait for the industry to build their future — but here’s the truth: if good music was enough, you’d already be famous. On The Musician Secrets Podcast, we flip the script. Every episode features musicians who stopped hoping for a miracle and started building their own path. Artists who became experts. Indie musicians earning a full-time income. Creators who turned marketing, mindset, and musicpreneurship into a real business — without labels, gatekeepers, or permission. You’ll learn how to think like a musicpreneur, not just an artist — so you can build a career the industry would’ve never handed you. This podcast exists for the musicians who know they’re meant for more — the ones ready to take ownership, take action, and create a future on their own terms. Because the truth is simple: The musicians you see here didn’t wait to be chosen. They chose themselves — and built careers that prove what’s possible.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Most Musicians Get Music Marketing Wrong

    Most musicians don't have a marketing problem—they have a definition problem. If you've ever wondered how to promote your music without spending thousands on ads, posting all day on social media, or constantly chasing the algorithm, this video is for you. In this episode, I explain why most musicians misunderstand music marketing, why marketing is not the same as advertising, and why that one mindset shift can completely change how you grow your audience and build a sustainable music business. You'll learn: 🎵 Why most musicians get music marketing wrong 🎵 The difference between marketing, advertising, and selling 🎵 Why marketing isn't about posting more content 🎵 How to create desire instead of chasing attention 🎵 The best music marketing strategy costs $0 and requires almost no extra time 🎵 Why your marketing should start the moment you hit record—not after your song is finished 🎵 How "Anyway Content" helps you promote your music naturally while you're already creating it If you're an independent artist, musician, producer, singer-songwriter, or music entrepreneur, this video will help you stop thinking like the traditional music industry and start thinking like a Musicpreneur. Because the goal isn't to market your music harder. The goal is to market it smarter. 👇 Join the FREE Musician Secrets Campus and learn the exact systems, templates, and step-by-step strategies I use to build a profitable music business. 👉 https://www.alisekoa.com/campus If this video helped you rethink music marketing, subscribe for weekly videos on music business, music marketing, artist branding, audience building, and how to build a profitable music career without relying on record labels, Spotify streams, or social media hacks. #MusicMarketing #MusicBusiness #IndependentArtist #MusicPromotion #MusicEntrepreneur #MusicBusinessTips #Musician #MusicMarketingStrategy #IndieArtist #Musicpreneur

  2. Jul 4

    How to Build a Profitable Music Business in 3 Steps (Without a Record Label)

    Are you trying to build a profitable music career without relying on record labels, viral TikToks, or millions of Spotify streams? In this video, I break down the Musicpreneur Blueprint—the simple 3-step framework that completely changed how I approach the music business after more than seven years of trial, error, and studying how the music industry works. If you're an indie artist, independent musician, singer-songwriter, producer, or creative entrepreneur, this video will help you stop relying on outdated music industry advice and start thinking like a true music entrepreneur. You'll learn: 🎵 Why the traditional music industry model keeps so many artists stuck 🎵 Why relying on Spotify streams alone is one of the hardest ways to earn a living 🎵 When record labels actually make sense—and when they don't 🎵 The difference between being an indie artist and becoming a Musicpreneur 🎵 The FBI Method: Fan Attraction, Business Model & Artist Identity 🎵 How to build a sustainable music business with recurring income 🎵 Why music marketing is different from advertising 🎵 How to create a profitable career with your music while keeping creative control Whether you're learning about music entrepreneurship, artist development, music publishing, music royalties, or you're simply trying to understand how successful independent artists actually make money, this video gives you an evergreen framework you can apply at any stage of your career. If you've ever searched for: • How the music industry works • How to make money with music • How to start a music business • How musicians make money • Music business tips • Music industry secrets • Independent artist business model • Music marketing for artists • Record labels vs independent artists …then this video is for you. 👇 Join the Musician Secrets Campus: https://www.alisekoa.com/campus If this video helped you, subscribe for practical strategies on building a profitable music career through systems, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship—not algorithms, hacks, or luck. #MusicBusiness #MusicEntrepreneurship #MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #MusicMarketing #RecordLabels #ArtistDevelopment #MusicRoyalties #MusicPublishing #Musicpreneur

  3. Jun 27

    How to start a music business in 2026 (with only $9)

    👉 Join the Musician Secrets Campus: https://www.alisekoa.com/campus Can you really start a music business in 2026 with only $9? In this episode, I break down exactly how I would start a music business from scratch if I were starting over today—with just $9 a month. If you're an independent artist, musician, singer-songwriter, producer, or musicpreneur who's tired of chasing Spotify streams and wondering why you're still struggling to make money from your music, this episode is for you. The truth is that most musicians don't have a talent problem. They have a business model problem. In this video, I show you the two things every music business needs, why Spotify is NOT a business model, and how you can build recurring income with as little as 1,000 true fans. You'll learn: 🎵 How to start a music business in 2026 🎵 The 2 elements every successful music business needs 🎵 Why Spotify streams won't make most musicians full-time income 🎵 How to make money from your music without a record label 🎵 The 1000 True Fans business model explained 🎵 How to create recurring revenue as an independent artist 🎵 Why musicians struggle to sell their music (and how to overcome it) 🎵 How to build a sustainable music career without relying on viral success 🎵 The exact platform I use to run my music business for only $9/month 🎵 How to grow a fanbase that actually supports your music financially If you've been searching for ways to make money as a musician, build a music business, grow your fanbase, or create a predictable income stream from your music, this episode will give you a completely different perspective on what's possible. Most musicians are playing the game on hard mode. My goal is to show you a smarter way. 👉 Join the Musician Secrets Campus: https://www.alisekoa.com/campus 👉Start your own Skool community: https://www.skool.com/signup 👉 Watch Next: How to Promote Your Music (even if you hate social media) https://youtu.be/YCvnsn1sSS0?si=bf8SUrLmTCNd0H2C #MusicBusiness #Musicpreneur #IndependentArtist #MusicMarketing #MakeMoneyWithMusic #MusicBusiness2026 #MusicianSecrets #IndieArtist #MusicCareer #1000TrueFans #MusicIndustry #MusicianLife #MusicBusinessTips

  4. Jun 20

    How to promote your music (even if you hate social media)

    Learn more at the Musicians Secrets Campus: www.alisekoa.com/campus Are you tired of trying to promote your music on Instagram, TikTok, and every other social media platform? In this episode, I share why I stopped believing that social media was the only way to grow as an independent artist and why I believe YouTube is one of the most powerful tools for music promotion today. If you've been wondering how to promote your music without social media, how to get more listeners for your music, or how to grow a fanbase as an indie artist, this episode is for you. I break down the mindset shift that changed everything for me: instead of blaming myself for not succeeding on social media, I started questioning the system I was using. That's when I discovered the power of YouTube as a long-term music marketing strategy. In this episode, you'll learn: 🎵 How to promote your music using YouTube 🎵 Why YouTube can outperform social media for musicians 🎵 The biggest advantage YouTube has over Instagram and TikTok 🎵 How YouTube helps indie artists attract fans 24/7 🎵 Why long-form content builds trust faster than short-form content 🎵 How musicians can grow an audience without chasing trends 🎵 Why YouTube videos continue working long after they're published 🎵 The real reason many musicians abandoned YouTube—and why that's an opportunity for you Whether you're an independent musician, singer-songwriter, cover artist, music producer, or musicpreneur, my goal is to help you build a sustainable music career without feeling trapped on the social media content hamster wheel. If you're looking for music marketing tips, artist development strategies, YouTube growth advice for musicians, and practical ways to promote your music online, make sure to subscribe and join me for future episodes. #MusicPromotion #HowToPromoteYourMusic #IndieArtist #MusicMarketing #YouTubeForMusicians #MusicBusiness #IndependentArtist #GrowYourFanbase #MusicianLife #Musicpreneur #ArtistMarketing #YouTubeGrowth Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Social Media * 05:41 The Advantages of YouTube Over Social Media * 45:01 Content Repurposing and Peace of Mind * 54:28 Advantages of Long-Form Content on YouTube * 01:02:34 The YouTube Flywheel and Fan Flow Journey * 01:20:03 Content Ideas for YouTube * 01:36:00 Authenticity and Monetization Opportunities Here are the example channels or indie artists: cover bands: Boyce Avenue & Our Last Night Mixed channel: Karra

  5. Jan 10

    The Musicpreneur Path Most Artists Never Find (stop waisting your time)

    In this podcast episode, I discuss the essential elements for musicians to succeed in their careers. I emphasize the importance of clarity over advice, outlining three pillars: fans, business, and nurturing relationships. The discussion covers the artist's journey, the significance of understanding one's audience, and the balance between creating music for personal passion and audience expectations. I introduce the concept of musicpreneurship, encouraging artists to build a sustainable business model around their music. Main Takeaways: • You don't need more music advice; you need clarity on the 5W's. • The first pillar of success is having fans. • A business requires a product or service and a way to monetize it. • Nurturing relationships with fans is crucial for long-term success. • Email marketing remains a relevant tool for musicians. • Clarity helps illuminate the path to success in music. • You can't please everyone; focus on your true fans. • Making music you love is essential, but consider your audience. • Understanding your audience's needs can guide your music creation. • Musicpreneurship is about blending artistry with business. Chapters: 00:00 Finding Clarity in Your Music Career 02:49 The Three Pillars of Music Success 05:47 Understanding the Artist and Fan Journey 09:08 The Importance of the Five W's 11:57 Defining Your Goals as a Musician 15:12 Rethinking the Music Industry Mindset 26:31 Breaking Free from Industry Norms 29:30 The Spotify Dilemma 34:45 Rethinking the Music Business Model 36:59 The Musicpreneur Mindset 42:58 Understanding Your Artistic Journey 53:54 Connecting with Your Audience 01:00:47 Connecting Through Music: The Artist's Journey 01:08:03 The Five Clarity W's for Musicians 01:21:22 Framing Your Music: The Importance of Perception 01:25:13 Clarity as the Light Switch: Finding Your Path Want to learn more about the MUSICPRENEUR Framework? Join the Musicians Secrets Campus here Up for a challenge? Take the Fans To Freedom 4-day tiny (1-on-1) challenge here Let's connect on Instagram here

  6. Jan 2

    Breakdown: Are Playlists Hurting Or Growing Your Music Career?

    🎧 Are Playlists Hurting Or Growing Your Music Career?Big playlists feel like the shortcut every indie artist is chasing. More streams. More exposure. More “proof” that it’s working. But what if those massive playlists are actually holding your music career back? In this episode of the Musician Secrets Podcast, Alise Koa sits down with Noah to break down the uncomfortable truth about playlist marketing. Why huge playlists often deliver vanity metrics instead of real fans, and why smaller, niche playlists are where real career momentum actually starts. Noah explains how desperate artists get sold the dream of “blowing up,” why retention drops after most playlist campaigns, and how passive listeners don’t turn into supporters. More importantly, he shares what does work and how artists can use playlists strategically instead of emotionally. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why chasing big playlists rarely leads to sustainable growthHow vanity metrics trap artists in a cycle of false progressWhy passive playlist listeners don’t convert into real fansThe hidden advantage of small, niche playlistsHow mood and emotion outperform genre in playlist placementWhat retention actually tells you about your musicWhy most artists feel stuck after a playlist campaign endsThis episode is for independent musicians who are tired of: Paying for placements that don’t move their career forwardWatching streams spike and disappearConfusing exposure with progress If you want to stop chasing numbers and start building real momentum, this conversation will completely change how you think about playlists. 🥳 Follow Noah:Ready to work with Noah? GPM Music Group Company IG: @gpmmusicgroup Personal IG: @notoriousnoah19 🤘🏽 Follow Alise Koa:Join The Fans To Freedom Tiny Challenge here Join The Musicians Secrets Campus here Build Your First Landing Page & Funnel with the 24/7 Fan Magnet Online Course here IG: @alise.koa

  7. 12/27/2025

    Doctors Gave Him 2 Weeks To Live... Then He Hit Over 1,000,000 Streams On Spotify. Here Is How...

    Doctors told him he had two weeks to live. Months later, one of his songs crossed over 1,000,000 streams on Spotify. In this episode of the Musician Secrets Podcast, Alise Koa sits down with Jordan Baywood to break down one of the most powerful (and practical) indie artist stories you’ll hear this year. Jordan shares how being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer completely rewired how he approached music, legacy, and business — and how that led him to build a repeatable system for releasing songs, running ads, and letting the audience decide the hits. Instead of guessing, chasing virality, or burning money on marketing companies, Jordan explains the $150 ad test he uses on every release to see which songs are worth scaling — and how that process helped him as an unknown artist generate 1.4M+ Spotify streams. In this episode, you’ll learn:The mindset shift that came from being told he had weeks to liveWhy “if you build it, they will come” is a lie for musiciansHow the $150 ad test actually works (step by step)What metrics matter before you scale a songHow to trigger the Spotify algorithm without social mediaWhy consistency beats virality every timeHow to think like a label — without signing to oneHow systems protect your creativity instead of killing itThis episode is for indie artists who: Feel stuck guessing which songs to promoteHate social media but still want real growthWant proof-based strategies, not hypeCare about building something that lastsIf you want a music career built on data, systems, and long-term thinking — not luck — this conversation will change how you release music. 🔗 Connect with Jordan Baywood📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@baywood 📸 Instagram: @baywoodmusic 🎵 Music: Search “Baywood” on Spotify & all platforms 🔗 Connect with Alise Koa📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@alisekoa6529 📸 Instagram: @alise.koa 🎵 Join The Fans To Freedom Tiny Challenge HERE https://www.alisekoa.com/baywood 🎙️ About the PodcastThe Musician Secrets Podcast helps independent artists build sustainable music careers without labels, burnout, or fake marketing advice. 👍 If this episode helped you, like the video, subscribe, and comment which part hit hardest — it helps more indie artists find this conversation.

  8. 12/19/2025

    He Followed Every Indie Music Rule and Lost $20,000

    🎸 He Spent $20,000 on an Album… and It Sold 30 CopiesWhat if your biggest music “investment” actually set you back years? In this episode of the Musician Secrets Podcast, Alise Koa sits down with Patrick James Clark—full-time musician and author of Incremental Growth Theory—to unpack the $20,000 album mistake he made at 19 and how it completely changed the way he approaches his music career. Patrick shares the hard truth most musicians don’t want to hear: 👉 Great music alone isn’t enough. Instead of chasing virality, labels, or “getting discovered,” Patrick breaks down how indie artists can build a sustainable, middle-class music career using long-term thinking, content, and direct-to-fan strategies. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the “if you build it, they will come” mindset fails most musiciansHow Patrick went from a $20K loss to a profitable music careerWhat long-tail thinking actually looks like for artistsWhy streams don’t equal income (and what does)How indie musicians can stop bleeding money and start building leverage This conversation is for musicians who feel stuck, overwhelmed by the business side, or tired of pouring money into releases that go nowhere. If you want to avoid the same expensive mistakes—and learn what actually works today—this episode is a must-watch. 🎧 Listen to Patrick James Clark📘 Incremental Growth Theory: get the book here 📸 Instagram: @patrickjamesclark 🎵 Spotify: Patrick James Clark 🎧 Connect with the Host Alise Koa📸 Instagram: @alise.koaJoin the Musicians Secrets Skool community here 🎙️ About the PodcastThe Musician Secrets Podcast breaks down the real strategies behind building a sustainable music career—without relying on labels, virality, or luck.

About

Most artists wait for the industry to build their future — but here’s the truth: if good music was enough, you’d already be famous. On The Musician Secrets Podcast, we flip the script. Every episode features musicians who stopped hoping for a miracle and started building their own path. Artists who became experts. Indie musicians earning a full-time income. Creators who turned marketing, mindset, and musicpreneurship into a real business — without labels, gatekeepers, or permission. You’ll learn how to think like a musicpreneur, not just an artist — so you can build a career the industry would’ve never handed you. This podcast exists for the musicians who know they’re meant for more — the ones ready to take ownership, take action, and create a future on their own terms. Because the truth is simple: The musicians you see here didn’t wait to be chosen. They chose themselves — and built careers that prove what’s possible.