Smack The Indie Plug Has a Message for Indie Artist: Get Your Act Together
There are about 6 to 7 million independent / self-releasing artists globally. Only about 5% of that number are signed by a label!
It’s time to get your act together as an artist. Too many of y’all think you’re already stars, but don’t even know the business. Music is more than talent! It’s structure, discipline, and understanding the industry you’re stepping into. In so many words 20% your craft and 80% the music business.
Let me Drop some Jewels:
Step 1: Register Yourself as an Artist
If you aren’t registered, you aren’t official.
Action Steps:
• Register with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) – ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC (in the U.S.) to collect royalties.
• Sign up with a digital distributor (Sony Orchard via Edmonds Music Record Label, TuneCore, UnitedMasters, CD Baby) to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and more.
• Trademark your name and logo to secure your brand identity.
• Copyright your songs with the U.S. Copyright Office (or your country’s office) to protect your work.
Step 2: Marketing & Promotion
Talent without promotion is wasted potential.
Keys to Winning:
Build a Brand Identity – logo, color scheme, consistent image.
Dominate Social Media – Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are your stages. Post daily. Engage with fans. Push your story.
Create Strong Visuals – music videos, graphics, and behind-the-scenes content sell your vision.
Network Relentlessly – DJs, podcasts, blogs, playlists, and influencers should know your name.
Use Email Lists – collect fan emails and send updates about shows, drops, and merch.
Tap Into Showcases – Unsigned Hype music showcases are powerful opportunities. Don’t just think locally! Get out there and travel, invest, and perform in other states and even other countries. Exposure to new crowds, promoters, and industry insiders can put your career on a whole new level.
Step 3: Financial Discipline
Your craft won’t grow if your pockets are empty.
Money Moves You Must Make:
Budget every dollar – break down recording, mixing, mastering, promo, and visuals.
Invest in yourself first – studio time vs chains, weed, alcohol and flexing.
Save for promo campaigns – ads on IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube can reach thousands. Diversify income – shows, features, merch, sync licensing, and streaming royalties.
Keep records – treat your music like a business.
Final Word from Smack The Indie Plug
This is bigger than music. This is business.
Don’t just rap, sing, or produce….OWN your lane.
Learn contracts before you sign them.
Learn marketing before you pay somebody else to do it.
Learn finances so your career doesn’t collapse before it takes off.
Chase real exposure – don’t sit back waiting to be discovered. Get in the mix at showcases, festivals, and events beyond your zip code.
The streets don’t respect artists who only think they’re lit! The industry respects artists who run their music like a business.
So ask yourself: Are you ready to stay local forever, or are you ready to level up and be global? The choice is yours.
Now send ya me your digital Press Kit and let’s work… [email protected] Subject: Attn. Smack
