Music Makin Cents Podcast
by 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. Have custom questions about your independent music marketing strategy? Reach out directly—it's absolutely free! -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicmakincentspod/-Email: [email protected]
Episodes
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How to Connect LANDR to Official Artist Channel on YouTube (Step-by-Step)
Are you an independent artist still letting your music sit on a useless YouTube "Topic Channel"? In this video, I break down exactly how to merge your LANDR distribution with your main YouTube channel to unlock your Official Artist Channel (OAC) in under three minutes. Even uploading music to...
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How to Connect TuneCore to Official Artist Channel on YouTube (Step-by-Step)
Are you an independent artist still leaving your music stranded on a useless YouTube "Topic Channel" in 2026? In this video, I break down exactly how to merge your distribution with your main YouTube channel to unlock your Official Artist Channel (OAC) in less than five minutes. Many independent...
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How to Connect DistroKid to Official Artist Channel on YouTube (Step-by-Step)
Are you still leaving your music stranded on a useless YouTube "Topic Channel"? In this video, I break down exactly how to merge your distribution with your main YouTube channel to unlock your Official Artist Channel (OAC) in just a few minutes. As an independent artist, you might not realize…
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How to Spot Fake Streams Before Spotify Bans You (2026 Alert)
Are you getting "ghost streams" that look good but feel wrong? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Pod, host Harkos deep-dives into the "Fake Stream Trap" that is currently causing a massive purge of independent artists in 2026. If you’ve seen videos like “The Spotify Fraud Penalty Exposed”…
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2026 Music Marketing Strategy: The Only 3 Steps to Grow a Real Fanbase
Are you tired of "magical" shortcuts and "cheat codes" that promise instant fame? In this 2026 edition of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, host Harkos exposes why the hashtag strategies and scam playlists of the past are complete bullst**. Harkos provides a deep-dive marketing strategy breakdown…
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The Importance of Human Support in Music Distribution (Stop Waiting 50 Days)
Have you ever had a crucial music release stalled because your distributor’s customer service was slow, unhelpful, or non-existent? As independent artists, a smooth music business is pivotal to real success, but technical issues and general questions require fast, proper handling. On this…
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Collect ALL Your Royalties (Streaming, Mechanicals, and the "Black Box") with Dae Bogan of The MLC
It’s true that streaming alone doesn't pay much. But for an independent artist to build a real career, you have to exploit all the different ways to make money from your music. On this episode, I’m sitting down with Dae Bogan from the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) to break down the…
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This Is The End of Reaction Channels: What Now?
On this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, I'm diving into why chasing a spot on a reaction channel is a waste of your time and money. I’ve seen independent artists spend countless hours sending their music to these live streams. The truth is, these channels are not watched by real music...
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Record Label vs. Marketing Agency: Which Is Better
On this episode of the Music Making Sense Podcast, I want to talk about chasing that big record deal and why it might actually be what's holding you back. The truth is, most independent artists don't actually need a record label anymore; what they really need is a marketing agency. I'll explain…
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Why Going Viral Isn't the Key to Success (And What to Do Instead)
On this episode of the Music Making Sense Podcast, I challenge the common belief that one viral moment or hit song is all it takes for real success as an independent artist. I argue that the "lottery mindset" is a complete trap and that real, sustainable success demands a solid business and...
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Cover Songs Won't Grow Your Music Career (Unless You Do This)
Are you an independent artist trying to grow your music career with cover songs? Stop wasting your time! Most artists use covers wrong and end up getting washed away instead of riding the wave. In today's hyper-competitive music industry, you need a solid strategy to turn covers into a powerful...
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Streaming Is Broken! Here’s How Indie Artists STILL Grow in 2025
Is music streaming a scam or a secret weapon? In this episode of the Music Makin’ Cents Podcast, Harkos breaks down the real truth about streaming for independent artists. Yeah, streaming platforms don’t pay much, are filled with bots, and don’t give you fan emails. But guess what? It’s still one...
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The Truth About Music Marketing on YouTube (Every Indie Artist Needs This)
If you're an independent artist trying to grow your fanbase in 2025, chances are you're stuck doing the same things everyone else is doing—and wondering why nothing’s working. On this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos breaks down the real reasons most indie artists fall flat when…
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DistroKid Charges You More Than You Think – Here’s a Smarter Alternative
🚨 "DistroKid Is Overcharging You—Here’s Why LANDR Is a Better Deal!" 🚨 If you're an independent artist using DistroKid in 2025, you might be paying way more than you need to. With additional fees for services like Content ID, Dolby Atmos, and more, the costs can quickly add up. But there’s a...
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3 Fatal Mistakes That Are Killing Your Music Career (Fix These NOW!)
Independent artists, STOP wasting your time on strategies that are holding you back! Most musicians struggle to grow because they focus on the WRONG things—and it’s keeping them broke, frustrated, and invisible. In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos exposes the 3 biggest…
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From Strangers to Superfans: How to Build a Strong Music Fan Base Online
STOP Chasing Viral Fame! Independent artists are being LIED TO about what it takes to succeed in the music industry. In this episode of theMusic Makin Cents Podcast, hostHarkos exposes why going viral on TikTok or Instagramdoes NOT guarantee a fanbase—or a paycheck. If you’re serious about…
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The Truth About Music Promotion They Don't Want You to Know
🚨 STOP Wasting Money on Spotify Promotion! 🚨 In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, host Harkos exposes the biggest lies independent artists believe about Spotify and why it's sabotaging your music career. If you're serious about growing real fans and making money from your music…
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How To Get 1000 Fans In 30 Days
Tired of falling for “get 1,000 fans in 30 days” schemes that leave you disappointed? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, host Harkos exposes the myths behind quick-fix fan-building strategies and shows you the REAL path to building a loyal fan base. This is the guide for…
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Stop Wasting Money on Music Videos! The $700 Mistake That’s Killing Independent Artists
Are you hustling backwards as an independent artist? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, hosted by Harkos, he uncovers why spending $700+ on music video production without a solid marketing plan is sabotaging your career. Learn how to flip the script and grow your fan base while...
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How To Stop Being A Local Artist | Independent Artist Survival Guide
Are you always telling people to "Support Local Music"? Are you trying to figure out how to stop being just another local artist? The way to stop being local is very simple. This episode exposes the harsh truth behind the "support local music" mindset and why it’s holding you back as an artist in...
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3 Proven Steps to Break Through as an Independent Artist
Are you sabotaging your music career with fake features, fake streams, or fake social media followers? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos exposes the biggest mistakes holding indie artists back and shares a proven three-step strategy to build real success in the music...
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Why Fake Features Are Killing Your Music Career
Think buying a feature from a big-name artist is the shortcut to success? Think again. In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos pulls back the curtain on the shady world of fake features, exposing why these “opportunities” are nothing but scams hurting indie artists. From fake…
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Why You Shouldn't Post Your Year Wrapped To Socials
What’s your streaming wrap-up post really doing for your career? In this episode, Harkos dives into the trend of artists sharing their yearly streaming numbers and why it’s a marketing misstep in today’s digital age. He breaks down the psychology behind social proof, explains why streaming...
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Debunking the Industry Myths: Holiday Music Releases for Indie Artists
Ever heard industry experts say, “Don’t release music during November and December”? On this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos is here to debunk that 90% nonsense and show you why the holiday season is actually the perfect time for indie artists to make their mark. People are…
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Planning Your Black Friday Music Marketing Strategy
Are Black Friday sales really worth it for indie artists? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos tackles the popular holiday sales season, revealing why typical sales tactics might not be right for musicians. While other marketers suggest running discounts to boost sales, Harkos...
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3 Ways Indie Labels Let Artists Down—Avoid These Traps
Are you an indie artist thinking about joining a label? Or maybe you’re already on one and questioning if it’s the right fit. This episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast dives deep into the complexities of indie labels and why so many fail their artists. Harkos explores how labels can either...
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Why Topic Pages = 0 Growth
Are you promoting your music on YouTube the wrong way? Many artists unknowingly use their topic pages to promote their music, missing out on a powerful tool that could seriously amplify their reach. In this episode, Harkos breaks down why topic pages are holding you back and how switching to an...
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How To Pitch For Spotify Playlists In 2025
Are you sinking time and money into Spotify playlist campaigns hoping for fan growth? It might be time to rethink that strategy. This episode of Music Makin Cents Podcast pulls back the curtain on the popular but often ineffective playlisting trend, showing independent artists why this approach...
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How to Sell Your Music Without Actually Selling
Tired of feeling like a pushy salesperson while trying to get your music out there? Ever wonder how you can live the musician lifestyle without compromising your authenticity or creativity? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos reveals the secrets to selling your music without...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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Episode 58: What REAL Success in Music Looks Like
In this episode of the Music Making Sense Podcast, Harkos lays down the truth about what it really means to succeed as an indie artist. It’s not about high follower counts or chasing empty streams, but about building genuine connections with fans and creating sustainable growth. He introduces the...
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The Only Way For REAL Success As An Independent Musician
There’s only one way to make it as an independent artist, and that’s by treating your music like a business. The trifecta of success? Social media, streaming platforms, and sales. Get practical tips on how to market your music, build a real fanbase, and create a sustainable income. From…
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Being Different is Your Superpower – Build a Loyal Fan Base by Embracing Your Unique Vibe
In a world full of sameness, being different is the best way to stand out! By embracing your individuality and creating communities online, you can connect with like-minded fans who truly vibe with your music. Forget trying to appeal to everyone – focus on showcasing your oddball side and watch…
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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,...
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Why Streaming Trumps Album Sales in Today’s Music World
In today's music industry, selling physical albums is outdated—everyone's listening on their phones! Stop wasting time on USB thumb drives and focus on digital sales where the real money is. Think abstractly about how your fans consume music and tap into the financial potential of streaming. It’s...
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Episode 56: Are Industry Plants Watering Down The Music Industry?
In a world flooded with noise, standing out as an independent artist demands more than just talent—it's about consistent content creation, authentic branding, and leveraging online platforms to your advantage. Embracing your unique identity and promoting real value can set you apart from the…
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Live Show Success: It's Not Where You're At, It's How You Act!
Struggling to find opportunities to perform in your area? Moving to a new city won’t magically boost your music career. It’s all about grinding in your local scene and building a loyal fan base first. Don't just hope for success—bring your A-game to every live performance, even in a small town....
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Episode 55: Breakdancing Is Intellectual Property, Protect It!
In this episode, we talk about: breakdancing's inclusion in the Olympics, the critical need for dancers to protect their intellectual property through copyright and trademarking, the power of visual identity and authenticity in the dance industry, the impact of the internet on global culture,...
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Don't Compete With Other Artists, Compete With Yourself
Competition in music is healthy, but in reality, the only person you should compete with is yourself. Instead of wasting energy worrying about what other artists are doing, focus on engaging with your fans and creating music that resonates with them. Building a deeper connection through...
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Episode 54: The Downside of Trend and News Hijacking
In this episode, we talk about: Trend jacking and news jacking in the music industry, staying consistent, avoiding the temptation to follow trends, copyrighting and registering music before releasing it, streaming platforms as a promotional tool, leveraging current events and trends in music...
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The Hard Road Of The Musician Life
Being an independent artist is challenging, but nothing good ever comes easy. To change your life for the better, you have to do something difficult. Many people join the military to improve their situation, taking on the risks and sacrifices involved. As an independent artist, you have to take…
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Episode 53: How To Sell Your Music To Fans
In this episode, we talk about: merchandise and memorabilia as revenue streams, strategic planning and preparation before releasing music, crafting a robust marketing plan and setting up a strong back-end infrastructure to maximize revenue, how to build brand awareness and sell an unforgettable...
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Stop Wasting Time on Spotify Editorial Playlists—Here's How to Reach Millions!
Are you tired of spending time and energy trying to get on Spotify's editorial playlists, only to find out they're filled with bots? It's time to rethink your strategy and focus on what really works. The best way to reach a massive audience is through targeted paid advertising, not outdated...
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Episode 52: Is The Music Business Closed for Independent Artists?
In this episode, we break down a video by @wordplaytjay called 'Why the Music Business is Closed for Independent Artists.' In the video we go over: virality and how it can lead to success in the music industry, being prepared to capitalize on virality by having their music available on streaming...
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Spotify Is No Longer The Main Place To Promote
Apple Music and Youtube Music Pay Almost 3 Times What Spotify Does. Apple Music pays one penny per stream and has 92 million paid subscribers. It is growing rapidly and is expected to continue growing, especially with the increasing number of people using Apple products. Streaming revenue is an...
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Episode 51: The Non-Stop Battle Between Old And New HipHop
In this episode, we talk about: The concept of creating an 'adult hip hop' category to bridge the generational divide in rap music. How this could benefit both older and younger artists by allowing them to cater to their respective audiences, and the ongoing debate between traditional and modern...
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How To Get From Streams To Sales
Capturing and holding audience attention as an artist is the most important thing. If people don't know who you are then they can't support you. Having a website is crucial for building a fan base and monetizing your art, and getting people to your site from streaming platforms is so simple, most...
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Episode 50: From Viral Hits to Consistent Success: Mastering the Music Industry's Marketing Game
In this episode, we talk about: How to learn the importance of consistent releases, targeted content creation, and savvy marketing strategies. The benefits of diversifying your streaming presence beyond Spotify to platforms like YouTube Music and TikTok. Practical tips for DIY music videos and...
About this show
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. Have custom questions about your independent music marketing strategy? Reach out directly—it's absolutely free! -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicmakincentspod/-Email: [email protected]
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Music Makin Cents Podcast