Making and Marketing Music: Indie Artists, Advice, Tips, Music Production, Song Exploder, Tiny Desks

Should You Use AI in Your Music Career?

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, enhance your creativity, and take your music career to the next level. 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 indierootsllc@gmail.com

How AI Will Impact Musicians and Artists

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 rapidly evolving landscape. 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 indierootsllc@gmail.com

How the Music Marketing Funnel Will Grow Your Audience

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 away to promote your music more effectively. 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 indierootsllc@gmail.com

Should You Learn Music Production or Hire Someone Else?

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 of what to expect, what you can DIY, and where it’s worth investing. 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 indierootsllc@gmail.com

Did Getting 10K Social Media Followers Help His Music Blow Up?

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 how social media can directly impact your music career. If you’re an independent artist looking to turn likes and follows into real streaming growth, this episode is for you. 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 indierootsllc@gmail.com