Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist Tips, Advice, Music Industry, Song Exploder

In this episode, we talk about our songwriting processes. It can look different for everything and sometimes you won't always feel inspired to create something. We discuss how creativity is muscle and the best way to grow is through repetition and consistency.

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 [email protected] 

AI can crank out songs faster than ever — but that’s not what’s holding most artists back. In this episode, we break down why indie artists shouldn’t be afraid of AI “taking over” the music industry. The real challenge has never been making music — it’s getting people to care about it. We’ll talk about what AI can and can’t replace, why your story and connection still matter more than algorithms, and how to use AI as a creative and marketing tool instead of seeing it as competition.

Labels used to be the only way to make it. Not anymore. In this episode, we dive into what record labels actually do, what they don’t do, and why independent artists are winning in 2025. You’ll learn how to build momentum, find your audience, and keep ownership of your music from day one.

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 [email protected] 

Inspiration isn’t random — it’s something you can cultivate. In this episode, we explore how artists can stay inspired long-term, even when motivation runs low. Learn how to build creative habits, fuel your imagination, and turn real-life moments into songs that connect with people

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 [email protected] 

Comparison can destroy your confidence as an artist — but it can also push you toward your best work if you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode, we break down the psychology of comparison in the music industry, how to recognize when it’s toxic vs. productive, and how to use others’ progress as a mirror for your next creative breakthrough.

Behind every great indie record is a community that believed in it first. This episode explores how fundraising can be more than just raising money — it’s about inviting people into your story, building trust, and turning listeners into true supporters.

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 [email protected] 

When Haddon dropped his latest song, he never expected what came next — over 300,000 streams in the first month, countless new fans, and multiple videos going viral across social media. In this episode, we dive into how it all happened: the story behind the song, the moment things started taking off, and what it’s really like when your music suddenly catches fire online.

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 [email protected] 

ToneDen used to be the go-to landing page for music ads—but lately things have changed. In this episode, we dig into why clickthrough rates on ToneDen have dropped, what’s causing the decline, and where artists should send their traffic instead. If you’re still relying on ToneDen for your ad campaigns, this episode might save you from wasting both clicks and cash.

In this episode, we dive into the story of how one independent artist went from zero streams to over 400,000 monthly listeners—without a label or big budget. We break down the strategies that actually worked, the mindset shifts that made the difference, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your fanbase, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right now.

Everyone says “run Meta ads to grow your music,” but is that really enough? In this episode, we dive into why Meta ads often fail to create real connection or depth in your audience. You’ll learn where they fit in a bigger strategy, what they can’t do for you, and how to build a loyal fanbase that actually cares about your music—not just your content.

Spotify’s new policy changes have indie artists asking a big question: should you stay or move on? In this episode, we break down what’s actually changing, how it affects your streams and royalties, and whether it’s time to rethink where you release your music.

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 [email protected]