In our 16th and final episode for season one, Paybac Iboro and I discuss how we think independent artistes can maximize the opportunities that big features and appearances presents. You know the usual, share with an indie musician in your corner and tweet us with hashtag @thediy_artiste #thediyartiste. See you in season two!

In hip-hop, rappers that use songwriters/ghostwriters are perceived as less "talented". But ego aside, should you hire a songwriter? What are the benefits of working with a professional songwriter? Feel free to share this with an independent musician in your corner. Also, I wanna hear your thoughts on the topic on Twitter/Instagram @TheDIY_Artiste, use the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste so I can see it. Have a beautiful weekend!

If you look at a standard work résumé (curriculum vitae) you’ll see employees break down their value proposition into hard/soft skills. What are the hard/soft skills a DIY musician needs to survive in this day? In this short fun episode, I break down what I think these essential skills are. Is there something I missed? Let me know on Twitter @TheDIY_Artiste with the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste You know the usual, be kind enough to share this with a musician in your corner. Direct all business enquiries to [email protected]. Happy Eid! Have a swell week 

Everybody deals with stage fright. Musicians more than most yes, but if you’ve had to express your ideas in front of an audience, you can relate. In this episode I share my personal experience with stage fright and provide practical tips on how to develop as a performer. Stage performance is an art form in itself and as such it can be learned. I’ll end by saying that performing on stage is by far the most beautiful part of an artiste’s career. It’s the entire point of creating art therefore it should be enjoyed to the fullest. Don't forget to share this with an independent musician in your circle. Also, I wanna hear your stage fright stories and how you conquered it, tweet at me @iambarzini_ or @TheDIY_Artiste, enjoy your weekend.

In this episode, I sit with Ifenna Obidiegwu (Artiste Manager for hiphop/rap sensation, Hotyce) and we chop up the sequel to Episode 8, "At what point should you consider hiring a manager?". We go further to discuss the issue of splits between artistes and managers as requested by one of our listeners. You know the usual, share your thoughts and comments with us on Twitter/Instagram @TheDIY_artiste or send us an email via [email protected] also follow Ifenna on Twitter @Mr_muchfun and feel free to reach out to him with any questions you may have, he's a cool guy.

Your friends and family are your first fan base. How do you go about recruiting them? What’s the best gift you can give them? At what point do you draw the line between getting them to promote your art and stressing them? On our 10th episode (slight congratulations yay! 😇) we look at growing your audience from the inside out while managing your expectations and building the strongest segment of supporters you can have in your career. Follow @thediy_artiste on Twitter and Instagram and don't forget to share this with a musician in your corner.

Have you ever heard a song by a not-so-popular artiste featuring an A-list(er) only to find little or no information about the host artiste afterwards, they basically just fade away into oblivion as the song's buzz diminishes? A famous Timaya line goes thus "collabo follow for promo...". What is the underlying idea behind collaborating with other artistes on a record? What should you expect? How can you ensure that the collaborations you do are in line with your goals and path for success in your career? All these and more in this laid back episode, enjoy. As usual, don't forget to share with your artiste friends and tweet us your thoughts and opinions @TheDIY_Artiste

"When the right manager teams up with the right artiste, it's like watching a well-oiled machine go into action" - Ann Harrison. Just like in every other business, knowing when to hire/partner with other people is key. At what point in your career as an artiste should you consider getting managerial assistance? What are the qualities to look out for in a manager? What are the different roles and categories of artiste management? What is the scope of an artiste/manager legal agreement? We discuss all these and more in this short fun episode. Don't forget to follow @TheDIY_Artiste on Twitter and Instagram, we appreciate the awesome comments from last week about our audio quality and content. Share this podcast with an independent artiste in your corner, you'll make them happy.

In the finale to this three-part series, I sit with Alpha Ojini and Elveektor as they chronicle their DIY journey. We've heard from the media and the labels, now it's time to listen to the creators themselves. Why is focusing on a record deal not the best play for artistes just starting out? Prepare to laugh very hard and learn at the same time. Follow @TheDIY_Artiste