Making and Marketing Music: Indie Artists, Advice, Tips, Music Production, Song Exploder, Tiny Desks
Indie Roots
- 15
- Episodes
- Daily
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Making and Marketing Music: Indie Artists, Advice, Tips, Music Production, Song Exploder, Tiny Desks
From creating powerful songs to getting them heard, Making and Marketing Music is your guide to the entire process. Discover how to produce, mix, and master tracks like a pro while also learning proven promotion strategies for Spotify, TikTok, and beyond. Hosted by three indie musicians with 500k+ monthly Spotify listeners, this podcast gives you real-world insights into music production, branding, and fan growth to help you succeed as an independent artist.
- Publisher
- Indie Roots
- Category
- music
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 22 Aug 2025
- Latest episode
- 24 Sept 2025
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.
24 Sept 2025
Should You Use AI in Your Music Career?
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that can help musicians create, produce, and promote their music. In this episode, we explore some of the best AI tools available today, from generating ideas and writing melodies to mastering tracks and managing promotion. Whether you’re an independent artist or a seasoned professional, you’ll learn how to use AI to save time, enhance your creativity, and take your music career to the next level. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
22 Sept 2025
How AI Will Impact Musicians and Artists
Artificial intelligence is changing the music world fast, but is it a threat or an opportunity for artists? In this episode, we explore how AI is being used in music creation, production, and promotion, and what it means for musicians, songwriters, and the industry as a whole. We discuss the challenges, the ethical questions, and the ways artists can adapt to stay creative and relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
19 Sept 2025
How the Music Marketing Funnel Will Grow Your Audience
What if you could take casual listeners and turn them into lifelong fans of your music? In this episode, we break down the music marketing funnel—a simple framework that shows how to attract new listeners, engage them, and guide them toward becoming true supporters of your career. We’ll explain each stage of the funnel, share real-world examples, and give you practical tips you can apply right away to promote your music more effectively. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
17 Sept 2025
Should You Learn Music Production or Hire Someone Else?
How much does it really cost to produce a song? Or is it better to just learn how to do it yourself? In this episode, we break down the different expenses that go into taking a track from idea to release—from recording and mixing to mastering, session musicians, and promotion. Whether you’re an indie artist on a budget or planning your first professional studio session, you’ll get a clear picture of what to expect, what you can DIY, and where it’s worth investing. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
15 Sept 2025
Did Getting 10K Social Media Followers Help His Music Blow Up?
What’s the connection between growing a social media following and catching Spotify’s algorithmic boost? In this episode, we dive into how one artist built 10,000 followers online—and how that momentum translated into more streams, algorithmic playlists, and new listeners on Spotify. We break down the specific strategies used to grow an audience, what actually matters to Spotify’s algorithm, and how social media can directly impact your music career. If you’re an independent artist looking to turn likes and follows into real streaming growth, this episode is for you. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
12 Sept 2025
How Our Song Broke Into 4 Spotify’s Editorial Playlists
Ever wondered what it actually takes to land a song on Spotify’s coveted editorial playlists? In this episode, we share the full story of how our track ended up on four different Spotify editorial playlists. From the strategy behind our release, to pitching through Spotify for Artists, to the unexpected moments along the way—we break down what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we learned. Whether you’re an indie artist looking to boost your streams or just curious about how the playlist system works, this episode gives you an inside look at the process. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
8 Sept 2025
How To Find The Right Genre For Your Music
In this episode, we talk about how independent artists can discover their unique sound and define a style that feels authentic while also connecting with listeners. We’ll cover why genre matters for marketing, playlists, and Spotify’s algorithm, plus how your influences and creative process can guide you toward the right fit. Whether you’re a new artist still experimenting or an established musician trying to refine your identity, this episode will give you practical steps to clarify your genre, stand out in a crowded music scene, and attract the right audience for your songs. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
5 Sept 2025
The Real Reason Most Artists Quit
Why do so many artists give up before they ever see success? In this episode, we dive into the real challenges musicians face—burnout, lack of growth, lack of community, and the frustration of building a music career in today’s industry. You’ll learn the most common reasons independent artists quit and, more importantly, how you can avoid falling into the same traps. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
3 Sept 2025
How You Can Get More Than 1,000 Streams On Your Songs
Did you know that statistically your song only has a 20% chance of getting more than 1,000 streams? In this episode, we dive into the reasons why independent artists struggle to grow on streaming platforms. From common mistakes in songwriting and production to the strategies artists overlook when promoting their music, you’ll learn exactly what’s holding your tracks back. We’ll cover how Spotify’s algorithm works, why playlists matter, and what you can do to make your music more discoverable. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
2 Sept 2025
Should You Make Playlist & Algorithm Friendly Music?
In this episode, we break down the key factors that help independent artists grow their streams and reach new listeners. You’ll learn what Spotify looks for when recommending songs, how to write and produce tracks that connect with your audience, and the best strategies for getting noticed by the algorithm. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your music career, this episode will give you practical steps to create songs that not only sound great but also thrive on Spotify. Perfect for indie artists, songwriters, and producers who want to grow their audience, increase streams, and build real momentum on Spotify. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
29 Aug 2025
The Best Release Schedule for Building a Fanbase
As an independent artist, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: how often should you release music? In today’s music industry, consistency is key — but so is quality. With streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube rewarding regular releases, many indie musicians wonder if they should be dropping new singles every few weeks, putting out an EP every few months, or saving up for a full album once a year. In this episode, we break down how to find the right release schedule for your career. We talk about how the Spotify algorithm responds to consistent releases, how often fans expect to hear new songs, and why your personal goals as an artist should guide your music release strategy. Whether you’re trying to grow your audience, keep fans engaged, or build momentum for a bigger project, this conversation will help you strike the right balance between quantity and quality. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
27 Aug 2025
How to Plan Your Music Release Strategy as an Independent Artist
One of the biggest decisions every independent artist faces is whether to release singles or put out a full album. In today’s music industry, streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have completely changed the way fans discover new music — which means your release strategy matters more than ever. In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of releasing singles versus albums, and how each approach can impact your growth as an indie musician. We’ll talk about how singles can help you stay consistent, reach new listeners, and work with the algorithm, while albums allow you to tell a bigger story and deepen your connection with fans. Whether you’re an emerging artist building your first audience or an experienced indie musician planning your next project, this conversation will give you the tools to choose the best release strategy for your career. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
26 Aug 2025
Avoiding the Creative Drain of Social Media
As an independent artist, it’s easy to get caught in the endless cycle of posting, scrolling, and chasing engagement on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. Before long, social media starts to feel like an addiction, leaving you drained, distracted, and wondering if all that effort is just a waste of time. In this episode, we talk about how indie artists can avoid social media burnout and create a healthier relationship with online promotion. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, stop comparing yourself to other musicians, and use social media with intention instead of letting it take over your creative energy. This conversation is all about helping you reclaim your focus, protect your mental health, and grow your fanbase without feeling like you have to live on your phone. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind of content creation, this episode will show you how to turn social media into a tool that supports your music career instead of draining it. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
23 Aug 2025
How Paid Ads Exploded His Spotify Growth
In this episode, Indie Roots will explore how Haddon, independent artist, used Facebook and Instagram ads to grow from a small fanbase to over 230,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Learn the ad strategies that turned casual listeners into loyal fans. This podcast breaks down the process of using paid ads for Spotify growth—covering playlist promotion, conversion-focused funnels, and how to make every dollar count. Whether you’re a Christian artist, indie musician, or producer trying to reach new listeners, this episode gives you proven insights into scaling your streams and building a sustainable music career. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
22 Aug 2025
How He Built 40K Monthly Listeners From Scratch
In this episode, Indie Roots dive into the journey of Haddon, an independent artist who built his fanbase from scratch. Discover the exact strategies, mistakes, and breakthroughs that took him from having no audience to reaching 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. This podcast unpacks practical tips on music production, playlisting, marketing, and fan engagement so you can apply the same methods to grow your own music career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your streams, you’ll find proven insights and inspiration to help you reach the next level. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (feel free to check out our artist projects on Spotify). If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the production process, we would love to help. Send us an email at indierootsllc@gmail.com
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