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 mistakes killing your career and shows you how to actually build an engaged fanbase in 2025.

🔹 Why perfectionism is ruining your progress
🔹 The biggest trap artists fall into when trying to grow
🔹 Why outdated marketing strategies DON’T work anymore
🔹 The RIGHT way to promote your music (without getting scammed)
🔹 How to build a REAL audience and turn them into super fans

Too many great artists give up too soon because they don’t see results. Don’t be one of them! Watch this episode and learn how to stop struggling and start growing today!

💡 Need a REAL strategy for your music career?
🔗 Book a FREE call with Harkos: MusicMakinCentsPod.com/freecall

🎬 Watch next:https://youtu.be/s8QtYd7rh8w

🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes on music marketing, branding, and independent artist success.

Key Moments:

01:22 - Why Most Artists Get Jaded & Quit – The #1 reason musicians give up too soon.

05:20 - 3 Major Mistakes That Destroy Music Careers – What NOT to do if you want to grow.

06:54 - Why Perfectionism is Holding You Back – Stop overthinking and start releasing music!

10:46 - The Truth About Music Promotion – Why spending all your money on recording is a mistake.

14:16 - The "Easy Route" Trap – Why quick-fix marketing strategies will NEVER work.

19:08 - Why Outdated Tactics Are Ruining Your Growth – The real reason you’re not getting fans.

24:30 - The Right Way to Release Music in 2025 – How to keep fans engaged year-round.

34:27 - How to Actually Build a Fanbase (Step-by-Step) – What serious artists must do to succeed.

40:41 - Free Strategy Call with Harkos – Get a custom plan to grow your career today.

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 building areal music career, you need to hear this.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

-Why Most Music Marketing Advice is Garbage (And What Actually Works) - https://youtu.be/kyx-AknFgPU

- Why Pre-Promotion is Dead - https://youtu.be/-0Jy3W9byrg

What You’ll Learn:

• Why viral clips DON’T build lasting success for independent artists.
• Howshort-form videos should ACTUALLY be used to grow your fanbase.
• Thereal money breakdown—why Instagram & TikTok pay next to nothing.
• YouTube vs. Spotify vs. TikTok—where you should ACTUALLY promote your music.
• The#1 strategy for turning strangers into loyal superfans.

Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Going viraldoesn’t mean success—building a fanbase does.
2️⃣ Stop wasting time chasing trends andstart creating real engagement.
3️⃣YouTube is the #1 platform for music promotion & monetization.
4️⃣ UseGoogle & YouTube Ads to driveREAL growth & revenue.
5️⃣ Want afree strategy session? Scroll down and book a call with Harkos NOW!

To cut clips, I recommend using a software called Opus. It’s easy to use and helps you get clips faster. Use my link and they’ll give you a discount. https://www.opus.pro/?via=18aa66

Work With Harkos:
Want real growth? Book a FREE 1-on-1 call and get a custom strategy: https://www.musicmakincentspod.com/freecall

Get the Music Business System Course to build a fanbase that actually PAYS YOU: https://www.musicmakincentspod.com/fangrowt

Subscribe for weekly episodes and drop your questions below—Harkosresponds to EVERY comment!

Key Moments:

• 0:22 – "The biggest lie about ‘going viral’ in music marketing"
• 1:40 – "Why viral clips don’t equal real fan growth"
• 2:59 – "The shocking truth about how much TikTok & Instagram REALLY pay artists"
• 4:45 – "The best platform for real music promotion in 2025"
• 7:12 – "How to turn short-form videos into long-term fans"
• 10:08 – "The strategy I use with every artist I work with"
• 15:43 – "Why YouTube & Google Ads are the most effective marketing tools"
• 21:04 – "How to book a FREE 1-on-1 strategy call with Harkos"

🚨 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, you NEED to hear this.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

🌟 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Stop chasing empty Spotify streams—they don’t build real fans!
2️⃣ Use YouTube & YouTube Music to maximize earnings and visibility.
3️⃣ Create entertaining, engaging videos (not static images) to grow your audience.
4️⃣ Run smart ad campaigns on Google & YouTube for REAL results.
5️⃣ Want a free strategy session? Scroll down and book a call with Harkos NOW!

📣 Work With Harkos:
💰 Want real growth? Book a FREE 1-on-1 call with Harkos and get a custom strategy:

✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes and drop your questions below—Harkos responds to EVERY comment!

Timestamps

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 independent artists who want sustainable success without sacrificing integrity.

What You’ll Learn:

Key Takeaways:

Work With Harkos

Ready to stop wasting time on fake strategies and start building real connections? Click below for free resources and exclusive insights.

Links:

Subscribe for weekly episodes and leave your questions in the comments—Harkos responds to every comment!

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 saving money!

What You’ll Discover:

Proven Strategies for Independent Artists:

Work With Harkos:

Stop wasting money and start seeing results!

Book a FREE call with Harkos to discuss your strategy:

Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips on growing your music career.

Questions? Drop them below—Harkos replies to every comment!

Key Moments:

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.

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 industry.

Discover why fake strategies not only fail to create growth but can also destroy your credibility, making it impossible to gain genuine fans. Harkos explains how to stop faking it and start building a loyal fan base through consistent, engaging content, strategic ads, and a fully functioning music business system that works for you.

Episode on Fake Features:

https://youtu.be/ClCrpb22-kI

Free Merch Store Tutorial:

https://apexmusicsystem.systeme.io/c1fbd4df

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Key Moments:

Start Building Real Success Today!

Don’t let fake strategies ruin your music career. Learn how to set up your own music business system with the All-in-One Music Business System Course! Watch a free preview on how to build your merch store at Apex Music System—no credit card or email required.

#MusicMarketing #IndieArtistSuccess #GrowYourFanbase #StopFakeStreams #MusicBusinessSystem #ApexMusicSystem #IndependentArtists #DIYMusician #RealMusicFans #EngagingContent #SpotifyStreams #SocialMediaForMusicians #FakeFollowers #ArtistGrowth #MusicPromoTips #ContentCreation #IndieArtistLife #MusicBranding #BuildingSuperfans #MusicBusinessTips #StopFakingIt #CreateConsistentContent #RealStreams #RealFans #StrategicAds #IndependentMusicCareer #MusicMarketingStrategies #FanEngagement #MusicMakinCentsPodcast

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 music videos to recycled beats sold to thousands of unsuspecting artists, Harkos explains how these tactics damage your credibility, alienate fans, and waste your resources. Instead of faking it till you make it, he lays out three proven steps to grow a real audience, build lasting connections, and attract genuine collaborations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Key Moments:

Stop Faking It, Start Building Real Success!

Avoid the traps of fake strategies and take control of your music career. Head to Apex Music System to learn more about the All-in-One Music Business System Course. Watch a free preview module on setting up your merch store—no email or credit card required!

Get started today and unlock the tools to build a fanbase, sell your music, and grow your career—all for as little as $25 a year.

#IndieArtistSuccess #MusicMarketing #GrowYourFanbase #RealFeatures #MusicBusinessSystem #IndieMusicTips #FakeFeatures #StopScams #EngageYourFans #DIYMusician #ArtistMarketing #MusicPromotion #BuildYourBrand #StreamingTips #ApexMusicSystem #MusicMakingCentsPodcast #IndieArtistLife #MusicMarketingPlan #Superfans #RealArtistGrowth #EmailMarketingForMusicians #ContentCreationTips #MusicMerch #FanEngagement #NoFakeFeatures #ArtistCredibility #MusicianSuccess

Listen now and stop wasting time on shortcuts that only set you back—build real success with the Music Makin Cents Podcast!

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 platforms and social media are promotional—not sales—tools, and delivers a roadmap for building a true fanbase. Spoiler: It all starts with ditching vanity metrics and focusing on direct email communication, authentic branding, and a solid website strategy.

From understanding algorithms to crafting an affordable website for just $25 a year, Harkos unpacks how independent artists can stop spinning their wheels and start making real connections that lead to sales, superfans, and sustainable income. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take control of your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed as a DIY artist.

Resources
Connect with Harkos:

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Key Questions / Moments:
00:00 – Why is sharing your year-end streaming numbers a mistake?
01:09 – What does “social proof” mean, and why doesn’t it work anymore?
03:08 – Why is social media for strangers and email for fans?
05:13 – How do social media algorithms actually work?
09:15 – What’s the difference between marketing and sales platforms?
13:48 – What’s the ultimate goal of a strong artist marketing strategy?
20:04 – Why do bots, stream teams, and fake playlists backfire?
27:11 – How can giving away free downloads boost your email list?
33:12 – How can you set up a fully functioning website for $25/year?

#IndieArtistTips #MusicMarketing #FanBuilding #StreamingTips #MusicBusiness101 #DIYMusician #IndependentArtist #EmailMarketingForArtists #SocialMediaStrategy #MusicPromotion2024 #SpotifyTips #AppleMusicPromotion #AffordableWebsites #BuildYourFanbase #RealFansRealIncome #MusicAlgorithms #StopFakeStreams #MusicBranding #SocialProofMyth #FanEngagement #IndieMusicPromotion #ArtistSuccess #StreamingStrategy #MakeMoneyWithMusic #MusicEntrepreneurship #MusicMarketingStrategies #SuperFans #WebsiteForArtists #EmailMarketingTips #FanJourney #StopPostingNumbers #RealConnections #MusicLifeHacks #MusicianAdvice #GrowYourMusic #DigitalMusicMarketing #RealArtistGrowth #StreamingRoyalties #AuthenticMusicPromotion #CreativeMarketingForMusicians #HowToDIYMusic

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 always consuming music—whether they’re shopping, cooking, or traveling—so why not be the artist they discover during these moments?

Harkos dives into the strategy behind being a 10%-er, someone who stands out in the music industry by innovating and breaking the mold. With three powerful tactics—creating engaging content, running strategic ads, and mastering email communication—you’ll learn how to turn distracted holiday shoppers into dedicated superfans. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to maximize your efforts, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Resources:

In this episode, you will learn:

Key Moments:

#MusicMarketing #IndieArtists #GrowYourFanbase #HolidayMusicStrategy #IndependentMusician #FanEngagement #ApexMusicSystem #EmailMarketingForMusicians #SocialMediaTips #ContentStrategy #MusicIndustryTips #IndieMusicMarketing #MusicPromotion #Superfans #BrandBuilding #TikTokStyleVideos #IndependentArtistSuccess #BlackFridayForArtists #MarketingForMusicians #MusicMarketingPlan #StreamingStrategy #ArtistDevelopment #YouTubeForArtists #BuildYourBrand #EngageYourFans #ContentCreationForArtists #MusicBusinessTips #DigitalMarketingForMusicians #HolidayMusicReleases #FanLoyalty #ArtistBranding #IndieArtistGrowth #EmailCommunication #SocialMediaEngagement