More Than Streams w/ Finch Bergling

A month ago, I met Jon from The Racket House in Vietnam, and while we were there, we recorded my first-ever live, in-person interview, with me as the guest on his show. We got into my whole story, from making music on a cracked copy of FL Studio at twelve to realizing I was a better marketer than musician, why I gave up on so many dreams to grow, and how getting scammed by a botted playlist is what led me to start More Than Streams. We also talked about the digital nomad life, how I use playlists to trigger the Spotify algorithm, why hyper specific ad targeting beats generic campaigns, and what it really takes to turn listeners into fans.Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTube

Spotify's Verified badge has three requirements, and Part 1 covered the hardest one. In Part 2, I walk through what your profile needs to pass the authenticity check, including linked social accounts, concert dates, and why most artist bios give people no reason to follow. I also get into a release strategy GAYLE used to turn one song into seven separate releases and how to turn one video into a full week of content.Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

Spotify rolled out a Verified badge this year, and it quietly sorted every artist into three groups whether they liked it or not. In Part 1, I break down the first thing the badge requires, ten thousand monthly active listeners, and why that number is completely different from the monthly listeners most musicians keep staring at. I also get into how saves and follows move you toward it, why playlists alone won't get you there, and how to build followers automatically with Action Pages.Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

AI can generate a song in minutes. What it cannot do is give you the experience of making one. This episode is for every musician who has been building something for years and is still waiting for the numbers to catch up 💗Resources and links:🧩 Turning Playlists Into Fans Free Training🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTube

In this episode, I walk you through the full system for turning Spotify listeners into long-term fans, including where most musicians lose people and how to fix every step. The stream count is not the number that matters. This episode shows you which one does.Resources and links:🧩 Turning Playlists Into Fans $1 Training🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

In today's episode, I'm sharing my entire playlist masterclass that I usually charge for - completely free. I talk about how I cut my playlist ad costs from 20 cents to 5 cents per conversion and built a $4,000/month curation business while spending less on ads. I discuss the hidden audience method that dropped my costs by 50%, the stop-scroll ad formula that makes people forget they're watching an ad, the 60-80-5-1 playlist formula that maximizes engagement, why saves don't equal listeners (and how to fix that), and the direct submissions blueprint that brought me an extra $3,000 without relying on any platform. If you're running playlist ads and burning money with bad conversions, this one will change everything.👉 Join The Curator Scale SystemResources and links:🧩 Turning Playlists Into Fans $1 Training🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

Let's talk about... Money 💸. I spent years figuring out how to make money in the music business, and nobody warned me how wrong my assumptions were. In this episode, I go through 8 income streams independent musicians are using right now, and why streaming is not one of them. Resources and links:🧩 Turning Playlists Into Fans $1 Training🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Jon Gilman, artist development strategist and founder of The Racket House. Jon has 15 years in the music industry across management, A&R, marketing, and event production, and he's still an active DJ and producer himself.We talked about:→ Why most musicians skip branding and why that's a career-limiting mistake→ The difference between visual identity and internal brand (and why you need both)→ How to find your "North Star" and use it to make every creative and marketing decision→ Why your personality is your most powerful tool in a world full of AI music→ How to find content ideas without burning out by scrolling TikTok with intention→ How to figure out your target audience without a marketing degreeResources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeConnect with Jon Gilman:🧩 The Racket House Website🧩 The Racket House on InstagramI hope you enjoyed this episode. Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening.

We made it to episode 10! When I started this podcast, I had no idea if anyone would listen - and honestly, over 90% of podcasters never make it this far. So today, I'm doing something different. I'm going back through all nine episodes and pulling out the one lesson from each that changed how I think about music marketing. I talk about the save rate discovery that shifted everything for my students, the playlist ecosystem strategy that helped Grayson build 15,000 followers in six weeks, why my worst release ever taught me more than any success, and the brutal truth Jason from SubmitHub shared about why playlists alone will never work. I discuss why Stella's vulnerability became her superpower, what Ashwin taught me about creating ads that don't feel like ads, and why I almost quit music entirely before figuring any of this out.If you've been here since episode one, thank you. If you're new, this is the perfect place to start.Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song Program🧩 Turning Playlists Into Fans TrainingConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTube

DM me 'PROGRAM26' on Instagram [@finchbergling] to get my program 'Your First Hit Song 2026' with a special discount.In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Jason Grishkoff, the founder of SubmitHub. We talked about:→ The biggest mistake artists make when submitting to playlists (hint: it's not bad music)→ Why combining playlists with Meta ads is the only strategy that triggers Spotify's algorithm in 2026→ Why 60% of musicians lie about using AI (and how SubmitHub's detector scans 100,000 songs daily)→ What save rates actually mean and why they matter more than streams→ Jason's plans for 2026 and how SubmitHub is making playlist submissions easier than everResources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeJoin SubmitHub:🧩 Get 10% off with my coupon code🧩SubmitHub on InstagramI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with global DJ Grayson Repp – the official DJ and music director for FIFA events, now heading to the Olympics, with over 2 million streams and performances in front of millions worldwide. We break down how he went from broke in Berlin during COVID to becoming FIFA’s head DJ – without industry connections, just relentless networking and saying yes to opportunities. Grayson shares why relationships matter more than talent, how bringing donuts to promoters landed him major gigs, and why being “in the room” changes everything. We also talk about the role of social media in 2026, why one video can change your career, and the mindset shift that helped him finally start producing after 10 years of DJing. In the second half, we dive into how he turned playlist curation into a new income stream - doubling his Spotify followers, building a 10,000-person email list, and earning €800 in the first month – all while focusing on building assets, not just streams. This episode is about longevity: networking, health, discipline, ownership, and building a real music career that goes far beyond numbers.Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeConnect with Grayson Repp:🧩 Grayson on Instagram🧩 Grayson on Spotify

What if your worst release ever was actually your most valuable one? In today's episode, I'm sharing the story of "Allosaurus" - my biggest flop - and the five painful lessons it taught me about releasing music the wrong way. I talk about why releasing with zero budget is setting yourself up to fail, why even a great song won't promote itself, and the brutal reality of holding onto a song for too long until it sounds outdated. I discuss why listeners will never love your song as much as you do, and why most musicians quit way too early before they ever find their audience.Resources and links:🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song Program🧩 Free 100-page marketing guideConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTube

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Stella Sky (formerly Cheese n Crackers), one of the first artists I ever discovered on TikTok. We talked about how she figured out her authentic brand through vulnerability, why her viral videos with millions of views didn't actually convert to streams, and the harsh truth about what content actually builds a loyal fanbase. We discuss the difference between going viral and building an audience, why she's starting fresh with a new project in 2026, and how the music industry has shifted from chasing numbers to valuing real connection with fans. Plus, Stella flips the script and interviews me about AI in music, distribution services, and why ads might be the best investment you'll ever make.Resources and links: [Also available on my IG link in bio @finchbergling]🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeConnect with Stella Sky:🧩 Stella on Instagram🧩 Stella on TikTok

I haven't made music in two years - and honestly, I'm terrified to start again. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ashwin from Daily Dosa Music to talk about why we both feel like we're losing the battle against AI. We talked about the fear of coming back to music production and feeling like a dinosaur, why 25% of our playlist submissions are now AI-generated, what happens when kids grow up listening only to algorithm-curated AI music, and whether we'll even recognize the music industry in five years.Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Ashwin:🧩 Daily Dosa Music on InstagramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTube

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ashwin from Daily Dosa Music. We talked about advanced strategies for growing your career with Spotify playlists, how to monetize through playlist curation, and the importance of effective ad campaigns that don't look like traditional ads. We discuss building connections with fans through email marketing, creating passive income through digital downloads and sample packs, and why musicians need to start thinking of their careers as businesses with multiple revenue streams beyond streaming.Resources and links:🧩 Your First Hit Song Program🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Free 100-page marketing guideConnect with Ashwin:🧩 Daily Dosa Music on InstagramConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTube

In today's episode, I'm walking you through exactly how to release music when you have zero fans, zero budget, and zero idea where to start. We're covering the mistakes I made when I was 19 (and lost years of my life to), the release strategy that actually works, and why momentum matters more than going viral. If you're about to release your first song or you've been stuck at 100 monthly listeners for months, this one's for you.Resources and links:🧩 Your First Hit Song Program🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Free guide: 5 ways to get on spotify playlists today🧩 Free 100-page marketing guideConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeAlso mentioned:SubmitHubPlaylist PushDistrokid

In today's episode, I'm excited to have Zach from Magic Nothing. We talked about his journey into music marketing, the rapid growth of his platform, and the importance of understanding goals in music marketing. We discuss the effectiveness of meta ads, the role of playlists, and the impact of AI on the music industry. Resources and links:🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide🧩 Join Magic Nothing - Pitch to legit playlists🧩 500 Content & Hook Ideas For Musicians🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course🧩 Your First Hit Song ProgramConnect with Magic Nothing:🧩 Magic Nothing on Instagram🧩 Join Magic Nothing - Pitch to legit playlistsConnect with Finch:🧩 Finch on Instagram🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter🧩 Also on YouTubeI hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏

Streams won't save your career in 2026 - but real fans will. In this episode, I'm breaking down three strategies to turn casual listeners into a loyal fanbase of 10,000+ people who actually care about your music. We're talking playlist ecosystems, pre-release viral content with strategic ads, and the Seasons Strategy that converts viewers into streams. If you're tired of chasing numbers, this one's for you.Links mentioned:🧩 Free 100-page music marketing guide - DM me "100" on Instagram @finchbergling🧩 Join Become a Successful Playlist Curator🧩 Join 'Your First Hit Song'🧩 Listen to Grayson Repp's remix Days Like This