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...

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,...

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 Ch...

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 Christia...

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 commun...

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 pro...

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...

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 fre...

Your fans don’t care about compression ratios — they care about how your song makes them feel. This episode breaks down why chasing producer-level approval can hold you back, and how mixing for listeners instead of peers can bring your music to life. 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...

Playlist campaigns promise exposure and streams, but do they deliver real fans? This episode unpacks how playlisting works, when it can be useful, and why some artists end up disappointed. We’ll help you decide if playlisting fits your strategy — or if your time and money are better spent elsewhere. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We speci...

Forget chasing fame. This episode dives into the power of building a core audience — the 1,000 fans who love your music, support your releases, and stick with you for the long haul. Learn why focusing on quality over quantity can transform your career and your creative freedom. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian fol...

You can’t pour from an empty cup. This episode explores why indie artists need balance just as much as hustle — how stepping back, setting boundaries, and making space for life can actually make your art stronger. 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)....

Spotify rewards artists who keep showing up. This episode breaks down the power of building a catalog — not just for the algorithm, but for your artistry. We’ll talk about how every release adds momentum, deepens your story, and creates opportunities you can’t see yet. Indie Roots is a small production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We specialize in Christian folk music (...

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 che...

Every indie artist wants to “get it right” — but the truth is, you won’t without getting it wrong first. In this episode, we talk about the beauty of trial and error: the messy demos, the failed releases, and the lessons that shape your sound. Whether you’re writing, recording, or promoting, this one’s all about learning by doing (and doing again). Indie Roots is a small production company started...

Should you write songs straight from your heart, or shape them for the people who will stream them? In this episode, we dive into the timeless songwriting debate—writing for yourself versus writing for your audience—and how platforms like Spotify influence the decision. We’ll explore the pros, cons, and hidden traps of both approaches, and share insights to help you find the balance between artist...

Spotify just rolled out a major update to its AI music policy, introducing track labeling and new measures to cut down on spam uploads. We talk about what does this mean for artists, independent musicians, and everyday listeners. Whether you’re a musician trying to navigate streaming platforms or a listener curious about AI’s role in music, this episode gives you the insights you need to understan...

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, enh...

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 rapidl...

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 aw...

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...

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...

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. Whet...