In this episode we talk about the importance of taking a break from social media and doing a digital detox, as a musician. A few of the topics we discuss include:

• The pros and cons of social media
• Examples of reasons you might take a break from social media
• How to keep social media manageable
• Avoiding outrage culture

Sponsors:

• Social Surge
• Electric Kiwi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we ask the question - what matters more in today's music industry: quality or quantity? A few of the things we discuss include:

• The strategy of releasing singles rather than albums (especially when it comes to the Spotify algorithms)
• Whether focusing on quantity means that the quality suffers
• The benefits of releasing cover songs

Sponsors:

• Social Surge
• Electric Kiwi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, live streaming has grown in popularity as it allows artists to perform and connect with a worldwide audience. And with the current pandemic enforcing social distancing and quarantines all over the world, it's one of the few ways artists can currently perform for an audience.

In this episode we talk about the benefits of live streaming, how to get started, promote, and monetize your streams.

Sponsors:

• Social Surge
• Electric Kiwi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we're talking about album artwork, and whether it matters in the streaming age. We cover how album artwork plays a role when it comes to streaming; the resurgence of vinyl and the impact this has on the album artwork; and how to approach album artwork to cover all bases.

Sponsors:

• Social Surge
• Electric Kiwi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this B-SIDES episode we're talking about the fallout from the downfall of Pledge Music, and what musicians can do next. Our discussion includes:

• How this has affected artists
• How this has affected fans who have contributed to campaigns
• Ways that artists can help to rebuild trust with their audience
• Other crowdfunding options for the future

Sponsors:

• Social Surge
• Electric Kiwi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's hard to escape the fact that we're currently living in a pandemic. And we know that many musicians are unsure of what to do in these times. In this episode we discuss:

• How the coronavirus pandemic has affected musicians and everyone else who works in the music industry
• What musicians can do to stay productive
• Why self care is so important
• The role livestreaming can play in staying engaged with your audience
• The importance of entertainment at a time like this

Sponsors:

• Social Surge
• Electric Kiwi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back, baby! In this B-Sides episode, we talk about why we took a break, what burnout is, and how to avoid it, particularly when it comes to working in the music industry.

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this B-SIDES episode we're looking at the options available for selling music and merch online, and whether you should have a store on your website.

--

Sponsors:

Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have CDs finally had their day? We all know that vinyl has made a comeback but why is that?

In this episode, we weigh the pros the cons of pressing physical copies of your next release to help you decide which option is best for you.

--

Sponsors: Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an age where digital streaming and curated playlists are king, does your album’s song order even matter anymore?

In this episode we're talking about why tracklisting is important in a full album, what to consider when creating the track order, and the difference in approach for discovery vs listenability.

---

- Sponsor: Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's B-SIDES episode is all about collaboration!

We talk about the benefits of collaborating with other musicians, including reaching new audiences, learning from the experience, and how it can be a win/win situation for everyone involved.

Sponsors:

Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s B-SIDES episode, we’re talking about mastering: what IS audio mastering, and do you need to hire a professional to do it for you?

Highlights:

• We discuss what audio mastering is, and why it’s important that your music is properly mastered
• We talk about the pros of doing mastering yourself: with the main one being financial
• We talk about the cons of doing mastering yourself, and why you would want to hire a mastering engineer
• Marcio shares times where he masters tracks himself, and times where he would hire an engineer
• “Mastering engineers should take an already great product and make it even better” - Marcio Novelli
• We talk about DIY online mastering services, and the pros/cons of using services like these
• "Online mastering services are not a substitute for human ear, skill or experience” - Ross Barber-Smith

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of B-SIDES we are talking all about PR; the misconceptions artists have around PR, the real benefits of press, and whether you can do PR yourself. We cover quite a lot of ground in this one - enjoy!

Highlights:

• We talk about some misconceptions artists have around PR, and what press WON'T get you
• We talk about the real benefits of PR for musicians
• We discuss the pros and cons of doing your own PR

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's B-SIDES episode, we're looking at cover songs, and whether or not you should record them. We'd love to hear your thoughts too, so please leave us a comment on our YouTube channel and let us know what you think. Enjoy!

Highlights:

• We talk about some of the reasons why you should record covers, and how they can benefit or compliment your original material
• We talk about how covers have led to career opportunities for past guest Summer Swee-Singh
• Marcio talks about some of the covers he's recorded
• Marcio shares a story about how sharing a 30 Seconds To Mars cover impacted him
• We talk about artists we've discovered via their cover videos and how some covers end up more popular than the original

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of B-Sides, we're sharing some of the mistakes we see people making on social media, and how you can avoid making them.

Highlights:

• We talk about the pros and cons of using multiple platforms vs focusing your energies on just one or two
• So much of social media success comes down to trial and error and finding what works for you, as everyone is different
• "Focus on what you enjoy, and where your audience are, and you’ll be on the right track." -Ross
• "It’s called SOCIAL media for a reason!" - Ross
• "Too many people tend to just shout about upcoming releases and shows, rather than investing time in getting to know the people who follow them." -Marcio
• We talk about the importance of building two-way relationships over social media
• "If you can build connections with the people who follow you, then they’re more likely to want to support you because they like you and feel valued!" -Ross
• We talk about people not doing their research when it comes to contacting music industry professionals via social media
• "If you’re sending someone your music because you’re seeking management, it’s probably a good idea to find out if they’re involved in management FIRST!" -Ross
• "If you want to be featured on a podcast or magazine, check that they cover your genre of music, or that they accept submissions at all!" -Marcio
• "Make sure any communication you have is personal and you’re not just demanding someone does something for you" -Ross

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week out of LA is Tyler Smyth - lead singer of DangerKids, producer, topline songwriter, and co-founder of BandAcademy. In this interview, we hear more about why DangerKids waited before releasing their latest album, the importance of seizing opportunities, and Tyler's new venture with producer Joey Sturgis, BandAcademy.

Highlights:

• Tyler tells us about the process of releasing the latest DangerKids album and why they waited for the right time to put it out
• Tyler shares how as an artist you need to make the most of the opportunities that come your way
• We hear about how writing with other artists has impacted on the Tyler’s writing with DangerKids
• Tyler shares some of the opportunities and experiences that have come his way through writing with other artists
• “Be the person that adds value to people” - Tyler Smyth
• Tyler tells us about his new venture BandAcademy and how musicians can benefit from it
• “The music industry is a dark basement full of murky secrets and cobwebs and I hate that!” - Tyler Smyth
• “There is not a finite amount of success out there!” - Tyler Smyth

Guest Links:

• Website: tylersmyth.com / wearedangerkids.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/wearedangerkids
• Instagram: @tylersmyth
• Twitter: @tylersmyth
• BandAcademy: bandacademy.com

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's B-SIDES episode we're talking all about the experience you offer your fans, the importance of creating communities around your music and rewarding superfans for their support and loyalty.

Highlights:

• We talk about the importance of creating communities around your music and rewarding superfans for their support
• We break down the difference between a fan and a superfan
• “A superfan is not only dedicated to you, but they are an ambassador for you”
• We talk about why we might be annoyed when a band we love makes it big - and it’s because something has changed…
• We discuss ways artists can reward the loyalty of their superfans
• “If some people are willing to go the extra mile, then I’m willing to go the extra mile for them” - Marcio Novelli

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week is Allison Iraheta out of Los Angeles -- lead singer of Halo Circus, former American Idol contestant, and backup singer for Rickey Minor’s house band on various TV shows. We had a great time chatting with Allison and learned more about her journey, the new Halo Circus record, and why it's so important to be a good person in the music industry.

Highlights:

• Allison mentions enchiladas and then forgets everything else about herself
• We hear how American Idol did (or didn’t) prepare Allison for the real world of the music industry
• Allison talks about her gratitude for the opportunities she’s been offered throughout her career
• We talk about the importance of being a decent person in the music industry
• “Your job as a musician is to show up!” - Allison Iraheta
• Allison shares how the new Halo Circus sound was born
• We hear about the inspiration behind the latest Halo Circus album, Robots and Wranglers

Guest Links:

• Website: halocircus.com
• Twitter: @allisoniraheta
• Instagram: @halocircus

Sponsors:

• Social Surge

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.