Music Makin Cents Podcast

Music Makin Cents Podcast
Music Makin Cents Podcast

Music Makin Cents Podcast is a podcast for artists, by artists. Harkos is a Marketing Manager and HipHop Artist, who helps give musicians of all genres and success levels the knowledge and help that they need to grow. He has helped many artists achieve real growth in their careers through; brand development, social media presence and marketing as well as content creation strategy. Follow Music Makin Cents Podcast on all streaming and social media platforms. All info and links are available at MusicMakinCentsPod.com. To Support the show, head to the Discount page on MusicMakinCentsPod.com

  1. 20 HR. AGO

    Why Pre-Promotion is Dead

    Are you still wasting time on pre-promotion? It’s time to stop chasing outdated strategies that simply don’t work anymore. In today’s on-demand society, fans want your music now, not weeks or months from today. Harkos dives deep into why pre-promotion is dead, how it’s killing your chances of success, and what you should be doing instead. Forget pre-save links and long buildup campaigns; they’re leaving your music lost in the noise of 150,000 daily song uploads. Harkos breaks down the exact post-release strategies you need to turn strangers into Superfans and finally build a brand that makes dollars, not just cents.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why pre-promotion is a dead-end in today’s hyper on-demand world. -The fan journey: how to move listeners from strangers to superfans. -How to stop wasting time on Spotify and focus on platforms that actually pay. - Why content creators won’t use your music if it’s not available immediately. - The real strategy behind post-release promotion and how to build a marketing plan that works.   Don’t forget to join Harkos on Takeover Tuesday for live, actionable marketing advice to help you dominate your next release. Get off the hamster wheel of broken tactics and start growing your music business for real! Join Takeover Tuesday: apexmusicsystem.com   Resources: Connect with Harkos: Website: www.musicmakincentspod.com Submit your music for WTF Wednesday music reviews at www.musicmakincentspod.com Want a REAL interview? Send me an email at musicmakincentspod@gmail.com to get one set up. Stipulations apply. If you want a "Hands-free" marketing system, work with me at www.apexmusicsystem.com Join Takeover Tuesday: apexmusicsystem.com   Key Moments: 00:00 – Why is pre-promotion dead? 02:21 – What is hyper on-demand society and how does it affect music marketing? 07:07 – Why are pre-save links killing your fanbase growth? 09:29 – What is the fan journey from stranger to superfan? 11:11 – How to fix your paid promotion strategy and stop wasting money. 13:22 – Are you targeting the wrong audience with your ads? 18:01 – Why you’re losing superfans with weak content. 21:48 – How do streaming platforms promote music, and why aren’t you on top? 26:05 – Why you need a post-release promotional strategy. 28:09 – How user-generated content can boost your streams. 32:17 – What’s the real difference between you and a superstar artist? 34:24 – How ego is blocking your success in music marketing. 37:20 – What should you focus on for post-release promotion? 40:30 – Why consistency is key to staying relevant in the music industry. 45:18 – What is Takeover Tuesday and how can it help you? 50:09 – Why $50 a month on marketing strategy will change your career.

    53 min
  2. Stop Getting in Your Own Way with Content Creation

    OCT 7

    Stop Getting in Your Own Way with Content Creation

    Feeling stuck in your music career? Are the words "marketing" and "content creation" making you cringe? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, host Harkos breaks down why so many independent artists, bands, and musicians struggle with one of the most essential parts of their success—content creation. Spoiler alert: it's not because the system is rigged, but because they’re standing in their own way.   Harkos dives into the reality that creating engaging, entertaining content is the cornerstone of building a sustainable music career. From debunking myths about expensive production to showing how easy it is to use just a smartphone, he emphasizes how artists can—and must—produce content consistently. Whether it’s music videos or hobby-based content that shows off your personality, content is king, and it's the key to building a loyal fan base.   If you’re sick of excuses and ready to turn your artistry into a sustainable, full-time career, this episode lays out the roadmap. Harkos introduces the Apex Music System, a complete strategy for growing your social media, streaming numbers, and sales to live the musician lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why content creation doesn’t have to be a dirty word (and why it’s essential for your music career) -How to create high-quality video content using just your phone and free editing tools -Why pre-promotion on social media can actually hurt your chances of success -The three main pillars of the Apex Music System: social media, streaming platforms, and sales -How consistent content creation is crucial to identifying and growing your fan base Resources: Join the Apex Music System: apexmusicsystem.com Submit your music for review on WTF Wednesdays: musicmakincentspod.com Follow Music Makin' Cents Podcast: www.musicmakincentspod.com Key Moments: 00:00 – Why do artists hate the word “content”? 09:53 – How can you use free tools to create high-quality content? 15:17 – What makes pre-promotion harmful? 21:11 – How does content help you build real connections with your audience? 27:17 – What is the Apex Music System, and why is it the ultimate strategy for indie artists? 35:04 – What’s the real value of consistent content creation? 46:59 – Why excuses are killing your growth as an artist 52:22 – How the Apex Music System can help you get serious about your music career   Ready to stop making excuses and start building a real music career? Get weekly marketing help for just $50 per month with Takeover Tuesdays at www.apexmusicsystem.com

    57 min
  3. SEP 30

    Crafting Your Unique Brand as an Independent Artist - Ep. 59

    Are you struggling to build a fan base that genuinely connects with you and your music? In this episode of Music Makin' Cents Podcast, Harkos gets real about what it takes to stand out in the saturated music industry. Spoiler: it’s all about your brand! If you're thinking branding is just a buzzword, you’re wrong—Harkos breaks down the "3 Pillars" every indie artist needs: Who you are, What you stand for, and What your story is. From mastering these key elements to making sure your name is as unique as your sound, Harkos shares practical strategies to help you gain loyal fans. He dives into why artists need to adapt with the times, utilizing social media to express their ever-evolving identity, and why simply adding “music” to your name won’t cut it. He also emphasizes the importance of having your own website—it’s not optional if you’re serious about a long-lasting career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to rebrand, this episode is packed with advice on how to grow as an independent artist while staying true to yourself.   In this episode, you'll learn: - How to solidify your brand using the three essential pillars. - The importance of having a unique name and making it consistent across platforms. - Why having a personal website is non-negotiable. - Real-world examples of artists who changed their name and still achieved massive success. - The benefits of adapting your content strategy and engaging directly with your audience. Key Resources: - Website: https://www.musicmakincentspod.com   Key Moments/Questions: 00:00 - Why is branding crucial for every independent artist? 02:23 - What are the three pillars of a solid brand? 04:24 - How much do artists change in a year, and how should your brand evolve? 09:14 - Can a dramatic shift in style alienate fans? 16:20 - How can you create a content strategy that connects with your brand? 23:18 - Why should you change your artist name if it’s not unique? 27:43 - What happened when Young Jeezy changed his name? 30:07 - How did 2 Chainz transition from Tity Boi and rise to fame? 39:35 - Why is having a website non-negotiable for serious artists? 48:46 - How can you make your content engaging and relatable to your fans?   #MusicMarketing #Branding #IndependentArtists #FanBase #ContentCreation #UniqueName #OnlinePresence #Website #SocialMedia #ArtistGrowth

    55 min
  4. SEP 4

    Episode 57: Does Your Location Define Your Success?

    Think you need to pack up and move to a big city to make it in the music industry? Harkos and KP are here to tell you to pump the brakes. In this episode, they break down how online promotion, a killer EPK, and a strong fan base can make waves, no matter where you are. Learn why professionalism, consistency, and being about your business are the keys to making your music pay off. It's time to stop making excuses and start making moves.   For all Links MMC Pod click here https://podlink.to/MMCPod Apex Music System (Harkos' Company) - www.apexmusicsystem.com Horrible Designs Link - https://invi.tt/L3DA TNHotSauceCO - https://tnhotsauceco.com/ Maddkstudio - https://maddkstudio.com/ HipHop Radar Underground - https://www.youtube.com/@UCrLtjSdXXBZO7-8iE_MB84Q Riverside - https://www.riverside.fm/?via=mmcpod   Music Makin Cents Podcast is a podcast for artists, by artists. Metal/Jazz/Rock Artist K.P. and HipHop Artist Harkos come together to help give musicians of all genres and success levels the knowledge and help that they need to grow. Both Harkos and K.P. are Marketing Managers who have helped many artists achieve real growth in their careers through; brand development, social media presence and marketing as well as content creation strategy.   Follow Music Makin Cents Podcast on all streaming and social media platforms. All info and links are available at MusicMakinCentsPod.com. To Support the show, head to the Discount page on MusicMakinCentsPod.com #MusicIndustry #OnlinePromotion #ArtistAuthenticity #StagePresence #Location #FanBase #BookingShows #EPK #Professionalism #ArtistAuthenticity #OnlinePresence #SocialMedia #Promotion #GenuineFans #LivePerformances #Networking #Connections

    1h 5m

About

Music Makin Cents Podcast is a podcast for artists, by artists. Harkos is a Marketing Manager and HipHop Artist, who helps give musicians of all genres and success levels the knowledge and help that they need to grow. He has helped many artists achieve real growth in their careers through; brand development, social media presence and marketing as well as content creation strategy. Follow Music Makin Cents Podcast on all streaming and social media platforms. All info and links are available at MusicMakinCentsPod.com. To Support the show, head to the Discount page on MusicMakinCentsPod.com

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