The Indie Music Network Podcast

The Indie Music Network LIVE from Ki Smith Gallery on the Lower East Side of NYC! This is a special episode of a live roundtable discussion bringing together people from all aspects of the indie music scene in NYC: artists, labels, merchandisers, lawyers, managers, etc. We all came together because, as Not Dead Yet Media CEO Russ Rieger says: "Music is magic, citing Bruce Springsteen: "Give me thr...

Performing live is a chance to show your audience your best work–and capture long term fans! While there's been challenges about covering the cost of touring, even artists like Jack Antonoff are talking about being creative about finding places to play. In this episode of The Indie Music Network, we talk about touring–another of our "Three Pillars" concept–with creative solutions to finding venues...

We've got a timely podcast episode this week, with Russ Rieger on the power of music as a clarion call during these urgent times exemplified by Bruce Springsteen in concert.  Unlike anything we've seen in decades, this was not an ordinary concert but a bare bones, singular punch sounding the alarm as Bruce engages as the only way he can, to stand in the breach and shout that this will not stand, a...

What "hits you in the heart, the head and the hips"? A GREAT SONG. When you hear a great song, nothing else matters--and to champion that music, you look at others, and say to them: "You NEED to hear this. This is LIFE CHANGING." Blinded by passion? Perhaps. But in the beginning, middle and in the end, a great song can change the life of a listener and give an artist a career. Fun Fact: During COV...

What makes a song stay with you? Stop your scroll? Even make you pull over to the side of the road so you can give it your full attention? Our company focuses on three pillars to build careers—songs, live performance and die-hard fans. But the first one is always the song. The Indie Music Network Podcast is hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas. Breaking into music is harder...

Part 2 What can hip-hop culture and rap artists' approach to their craft and career teach indie artists of other genres? In this conversation with award-winning art directors Kim Biggs and Alli Truch, we touch on everything from why graphic design is still important, the differences between working with beauty brands and artists, and some of Alli and Kim's favorite cover art. From the beauty aisle...

Music--and art--shape culture and brands beyond the music industry itself--and these award-winning Creative Directors have stories to tell! From the beauty aisles to the Billboard charts, art directors Kim Biggs and Alli Truch have shaped some of pop culture's most recognizable visuals. Their work with brands like Bliss, eos, and Philosophy, creative partnerships with Millie Bobby Brown and Emma C...

Join us for this (sort of?) part 2 with Emily Mills of emily spins it podcast, where we discuss Teddy Roosevelt, taxidermy, we play a game, and more!  The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking into music is harder than ever. In every episode of the podcast, we dive into the real strategies, struggles, and spotlight independent artist succ...

Our special guest this week is Emily Mills, host of our newest podcast, emily spins it! Emily Mills has been an independent music journalist for several years, writing album and live show reviews for publications and her own blog, emily spins it. As her writing introduced her to new acts around the world, her love for the indie scene has continued to grow. Now, she wants to get to know the artists...

From the beauty aisles to the Billboard charts, art directors Kim Biggs and Alli Truch have shaped some of pop culture's most recognizable visuals. Their work with brands like Bliss, eos, and Philosophy, creative partnerships with Millie Bobby Brown and Emma Chamberlain, and legendary album covers for Alicia Keys, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Aerosmith and more is proof that in any era, great design endures...

From the beauty aisles to the Billboard charts, art directors Kim Biggs and Alli Truch have shaped some of pop culture's most recognizable visuals. Their work with brands like Bliss, eos, and Philosophy, creative partnerships with Millie Bobby Brown and Emma Chamberlain, and legendary album covers for Alicia Keys, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Aerosmith and more is proof that in any era, great design endures...

The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking into music is harder than ever. In every episode of the podcast, we dive into the real strategies, struggles, and spotlight independent artist success stories that are rewriting the rules. From surviving tours to building superfans, we show you how indie artists can thrive without the machine. Bec...

What do you get when you combine a CEO and serious Mom energy? ARTIST MANAGEMENT! In this (sort of) 2 part series, we get into what makes a good manager, what artists should look for, and ways to get into this line of work. The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking into music is harder than ever. In every episode of the podcast, we dive i...

Continuing our chat with sync expert, executive producer, and music supervisor Sydney Ferleger, we break down the ways artists can earn money through music placement in media. You don't have to be Kate Bush in Stranger Things, or Taylor Swift in every Amazon show ever, to earn a payday in sync.   The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking...

Every musician is looking for ways to make money, especially independent artists. We speak with synchronization expert–and our first guest–Sydney Ferleger on how to break in to sync licensing in this 2 part series. This podcast is for both creators and those looking to work in this career field. The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking i...

I've recorded my music, can't I just release it? In this 2-part series for indie artists, we give tips, tricks, & insider knowledge on distribution. Plus, WTF DSP means for DIY artists, and other options beyond Spotify. The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking into music is harder than ever. In every episode of the podcast, we dive into...

In this 2-part series for indie artists, we give tips, tricks, & insider knowledge on how to distribute your music. Plus, WTF DSP means for DIY artists, and why Spotify isn't the only player that matters in the game. The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecca Carroll, and Heather de Armas Breaking into music is harder than ever. In every episode of the podcast, we dive into the...

In part 2 of our episode on social media, we share how indie artists can develop a content strategy to build a fan base without feeling like an influencer. Think of Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts as marketing tools to speak to your fans and put the social back in social media. Independent artists CAN fight back against the algorithm! The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Reb...

In part 1 of our episode discussing social media, we explain how you can use socials to build a fan base as an indie artist; and as important as Instagram and TikTok are, don't forget YouTube Shorts. Put the social back in social media. Independent artists CAN fight back against the algorithm with a solid content strategy and marketing! The Indie Music Network Podcast hosted by Russ Rieger, Rebecc...

In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of playing live and building a fan base. 

The Indie Music Network: Cutting through the noise to give indie artists the tools, truth, and tribe they need to thrive.

Our guiding principle is "DIY doesn't mean do it alone". We invite you to join us as we launch our podcast series, "The Indie Music Network". The first episode is out on Oct. 21st wherever you get your podcasts!