What Independent Artists Can Learn from Lil Dicky’s Humble Beginnings
Lil Dicky’s “$ave Dat Money” should have incurred $30,000 in expenses. Instead, the only major expenses were what it took to feed his two-man camera crew during production. Comedy-rapper Lil Dicky is no stranger to that feeling. His risk-taking approach to garnering attention without breaking the bank is a perfect template for ways to maximize your brand with resources on-hand.
What Independent Artists Can Learn from March Madness
This year’s March Madness Sweet 16 has produced its highest viewership in the last 3 decades (12.9 million viewers). Year after year, the NCAA keeps the world interested in college basketball & they increase revenue, and engage fans all over with compelling stories.
So how can independent artists apply the NCAA’s ability to create hype around college basketball each year to their own brand? Swipe to find out.
The Producer's Blueprint w/ Murda Beatz' Manager, Cory Litwin
Producers are a key player in the music industry. Until recently, it seemed like they consistently received the short end of the stick when they produced a song that gains mainstream attention. We spoke with Cory Litwin, the manager behind the rise of multi-platinum producer Murda Beatz about how they built Murda's business and brand. Learn how independent producers can construct a profitable business of their own.
Music business glossary: the Industry defined
Being an independent artist is hard enough without getting lost in the jargon around the music biz. Understanding the language of the industry is key to a viable career as you create and protect your art. In this ongoing series were empowering artists by breaking down some key terms and concepts artists should know.
The Underrated Significance of Syncs
Syncs provide artists an opportunity for visibility on top of the obvious potential for increased social engagement and streaming numbers.
The TikTok Playbook for independent artists
Have you been trying to figure out how to make your song go viral on TikTok? We sat down with TikTok expert Adi Azran from Flighthouse as he shared his secrets on how to build a campaign to help your music go viral.
Flawless Digital Presences: The Saweetie Case Study
Saweetie kept feeding into the college-girl-next-door image until it manifested organically, making her a viral sensation.
What Independent Artists Can Learn From Dave Chappelle’s “Unforgiven”
Dave Chappelle recently asked Netflix and HBO Max to remove Chappelle’s Show from its services. “If you ever liked me, if you ever thought there was anything worthwhile about me, I’m begging you, please don’t watch that show,” Chappelle requested from his attendees during a stand-up act last month.
The recent performance featured little punchlines as the comedy legend shared his pain from his experiences in the comedy world. It’s an instructive lesson for independent artists contemplating signing on a dotted line.
Steve Stoute and Swizz Beatz Discuss Ownership, Entrepreneurship and more at SelectCon 2
During UnitedMasters SelectCon, Steve Stoute and Swizz Beatz sat down to discuss ownership, entrepreneurship, publishing checks, art and the “Launching New Ventures” course at Harvard.
How You Can Monetize Your Virtual Shows As An Independent Artist
UnitedMasters hosted their second virtual SelectCon conference, featuring a panel with Tariq Cherif (Co-founder, Rolling Loud), Ben Gross (Chief Strategy Officer, Genius), and Brandon Pankey (VP of Business Development, Live Nation Urban) where the discussion behind how independent artists and concert promoters can monetize virtual shows took the forefront.
4 THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR NEXT ROLLOUT - INSPIRED BY DJ KHALED’S ‘POPSTAR’
We broke down DJ Khaled’s rollout for "Popstar" and put together 4 things you should include in your next rollout.
WHY VIDEO GAMES ARE VALUABLE MARKETING TOOLS FOR ARTISTS
It’s important to know the inner-workings of this intersection between video games and marketing to maximize your avenues of building a fan base.
HOW TO BRAND YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND OPTIMIZE IT FOR DISCOVERY (WITH NBA YOUNGBOY)
Learn how to make your YouTube channel an authentic reflection of your brand and make your content more discoverable to new fans.
HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR SPOTIFY FOR ARTISTS PROFILE
Learn how to make a great first impression on Spotify by making your profile stand out with these simple tips.
STEVE STOUTE & MASTER P TALK POWER OF THE BLACK DOLLAR AND BEING OWNERS AT REVOLT SUMMIT
Steve Stoute and Master P sit down for a one on one to talk the importance of economic empowerment, circulating Black dollars and shifting from consumers to owners at the 2020 REVOLT Summit.
HOW TO GET READY FOR YOUR NEXT RELEASE
Preparing to release music can be an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out our release checklist for tips on how to make the most out of your next release.
FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR ARTISTS WITH EARN YOUR LEISURE, TOBE NWIGWE & JP MORGAN CHASE
Tobe Nwigwe connects with Troy Billings and Rashad Bilal (Earn Your Leisure) and Sekou Kaalund (JP Morgan Chase, Advancing Black Pathways) on how artists can manage their finances, the importance of financial literacy and more.
A CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL JUSTICE WITH ROYCE DA 5’9” AND VIBE’S DATWON THOMAS
Royce Da 5'9" and Datwon Thomas discuss social justice, mental health, & more at SELECTCon.
REEL GOATS ON WORKING WITH DABABY AND ADVICE TO ASPIRING VIDEO CREATORS
James Rico of Reel Goats (the production team behind videos from DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Deniro Farrar, Chance The Rapper & more) breaks down how he made a career out of video making, his advice to video creators, and more.