Most artists wait for the industry to build their future — but here’s the truth: if good music was enough, you’d already be famous.
On The Musician Secrets Podcast, we flip the script.
Every episode features musicians who stopped hoping for a miracle and started building their own path. Artists who became experts. Indie musicians earning a full-time income. Creators who turned marketing, mindset, and musicpreneurship into a real business — without labels, gatekeepers, or permission.
You’ll learn how to think like a musicpreneur, not just an artist — so you can build a career the industry would’ve never handed you.
This podcast exists for the musicians who know they’re meant for more — the ones ready to take ownership, take action, and create a future on their own terms.
Because the truth is simple:
The musicians you see here didn’t wait to be chosen.
They chose themselves — and built careers that prove what’s possible.
Most artists wait for the industry to build their future — but here’s the truth: if good music was enough, you’d already be famous.
On The Musician Secrets Podcast, we flip the script.
Every episode features musicians who stopped hoping for a miracle and started building their own path. Artists who became experts. Indie musicians earning a full-time income. Creators who turned marketing, mindset, and musicpreneurship into a real business — without labels, gatekeepers, or permission.
You’ll learn how to think like a musicpreneur, not just an artist — so you can build a career the industry would’ve never handed you.
This podcast exists for the musicians who know they’re meant for more — the ones ready to take ownership, take action, and create a future on their own terms.
Because the truth is simple:
The musicians you see here didn’t wait to be chosen.
They chose themselves — and built careers that prove what’s possible.
What if your biggest music “investment” actually set you back years?
In this episode of the Musician Secrets Podcast, Alise Koa sits down with Patrick James Clark—full-time musician and author of Incremental Growth Theory—to unpack the $20,000 album mistake he made at 19 and how it completely changed the way he approaches his music career.
Patrick shares the hard truth most musicians don’t want to hear:
👉 Great music alone isn’t enough.
Instead of chasing virality, labels, or “getting discovered,” Patrick breaks down how indie artists can build a sustainable, middle-class music career using long-term thinking, content, and direct-to-fan strategies.
This conversation is for musicians who feel stuck, overwhelmed by the business side, or tired of pouring money into releases that go nowhere.
If you want to avoid the same expensive mistakes—and learn what actually works today—this episode is a must-watch.
📘 Incremental Growth Theory: get the book here
📸 Instagram: @patrickjamesclark
🎵 Spotify: Patrick James Clark
Join the Musicians Secrets Skool community here
The Musician Secrets Podcast breaks down the real strategies behind building a sustainable music career—without relying on labels, virality, or luck.
If you’re a musician who hates social media, feels overwhelmed by content creation, or believes you “need to go viral” to make money from music… this episode will change everything.
Today’s guest, Aurelie from PLV Music, went from zero production skills and a fear of being judged online to building a full-time music career from her bedroom. No label. No touring. No massive following.
In this raw and honest conversation, Aurelie reveals:
🎧 How she started with no musical training
📉 How a brutal comment on her first post almost made her quit
🔥 Why going viral is NOT the key to making a living from music
💰 The business models musicians can use without chasing streams
🧠 The mindset shifts that took her from burnout → purpose
🚀 How her students make $3K–$10K/month with tiny audiences
🎥 Why social media is NOT “being an influencer” — and how to reframe it
⚡ The simple habits, systems, and identity shifts creatives need to thrive
If you’re tired of the traditional music industry path… if you don’t want to tour… if you’re introverted… or if you’ve told yourself “I can’t be on camera” — this episode is for you.
DM Aurelie the word “14alise” on Instagram to get her free step-by-step email course that teaches you how to attract high-paying music clients from social media — without going viral.
Instagram → @plvmusic
YouTube → PLV Music
He built three music businesses from scratch — starting with writing $5 rap songs on Fiverr.
Today on the Musician Secrets Podcast, Hayden Balmain reveals the exact mindset shifts, frameworks, and systems he used to go from bored teenager in school… to running Moshpit Media, Moshpit Studios, and the rapidly growing SoundMind Network.
If you're an independent artist trying to build a real music career, this episode is PACKED with practical, repeatable steps you can model.
Hayden breaks down:
✨ How Fiverr unexpectedly launched his music career
✨ The simple blueprint he used to build 3 successful businesses
✨ How to release music in a way Spotify actually rewards
✨ The mindset every musician needs to succeed in 2024
✨ Why most artists stay stuck (and how to finally break through)
✨ When to consider labels, agencies, or doing it all independently
✨ How to turn your skills into income inside the music industry
✨ The Music Entrepreneur Blueprint that’s helping creators grow
This is one of the most actionable conversations you’ll hear all year if you’re an indie musician, producer, or music entrepreneur.
Hayden Balmain
Founder of Moshpit Media, Moshpit Studios & SoundMind Network
Music marketing expert + music business educator
Follow Hayden:
Instagram: @HaydenBalmain
SoundMind Network IG: @soundmindnetwork
SoundMind Network Community: SoundMind
Moshpit Agency IG: @moshpitagency
Are you an independent artist struggling to grow online, stuck posting content that never seems to move the needle?
In this powerful episode of the Musician Secrets Podcast, Alise Koa sits down with Anthony Urmetz, founder of Elite Artist Society — and the creator of the Picasso Method, a content strategy that has helped artists go from under 1,000 views… to 3,000 new followers in a week.
If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed, or unsure how to build real fans in today’s algorithm-driven world… this episode is your roadmap.
Instagram: @urmetzbeats
Anthony is on a mission to help independent artists escape the trap of low visibility, poor marketing, and stalled careers. His methods combine mindset, marketing, and proven systems that help artists build real fanbases — fast.
Want more episodes like this?
Subscribe or follow and turn on notifications so you never miss a deep-dive interview that helps you grow your music career with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Hi Ohana,
today I have Irish/Egyptian singer/songwriter Shaefri with me today. Shaefri told me how a low to no budget is sometimes a blessing that helped her get creative and get even better results. She loves to write about topics that are thought-provoking. Shaefri proves this in her single "girl" which is about the "me too" movement and now her new single "Joanne" where she touches on a tragic story of a streetworker. Her advice of what to look out for when getting a signed deal, is gold worth.
Have fun!
Listen to Shaefri's music on Spotify here:
Listen to Shaefri's music on iTunes here
Follow Shaefri on IG @shaefri
Check out her website here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have singer/songwriter Piper Madison with me today. She just brought out her new album "How Do I Love?" and shared what this album really means to her. Piper is a lyric and songwriting ninja and she spills some tea about her process and how she comes up with her writing concepts. She also talks about how crucial it is to overcome fear and how taking responsibility has changed her life.
Have fun!
Listen to Piper's new album "How Do I Love?" here on Spotify
Listen to Piper's new album "How Do I Love?" here on iTunes
Follow Piper on IG @pipermadison
Check out Piper's website here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free member's area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have singer/songwriter Eddie with me. We had a really good chat about what pop music really NEEDS in order to resonate with other listeners and fans. Eddie also opened up about what it means to keep going when doors keep closing and important opportunities fall through. In his album "Lowly Thrown" Eddie talks about the making of, how he writes his songs, and how a co-writer helps him enhance and brings his songs to the best level they can be.
Have fun!
Listen to Eddie's Album "Lowly Throne" on Spotify here
Listen to Eddie's Album "Lowly Throne" on Spotify here
Follow Eddie on Instagram @eddietamanini
Check out Eddie's website at www.eddieofficial.com
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have Canadian singer/songwriter Steven Sware with me. He talked about what it's like to write other songs for others and what special feeling it is to take a special event in someone's life and put it into a song. Steven also shared what he did to make 2020 hi's best year yet. How he thrived during COVID rather than giving up and saw opportunities to use music to connect with other people during this trying time.
Have fun!
Follow Steven Sware on IG @stevenswaremusic
Check out Steven's Music on YouTube
Check out Steven's Music on Spotify
Check out Steven's Music on iTunes
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free member's area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have alternative pop/rock singer/songwriter Jennings Couch with me today. We touched on a lot of topics but one of them being "should I release singles or albums?" When does what make sense and why it's important to pick the right one. We of course talked about some songwriting tricks and how the dream of his own recording studio of Hollywell finally came true.
Have fun!
P.S. sorry for the poor audio quality. Zoom was giving us a hard time so we made the best out of it. Hopefully, the message still comes across, because Jennings gave some really good advice!
Follow Jennings on IG @jenningscouch
Follow the Holywell Studio on IG @holywellstudio
Follow Jennings at his website here
Listen to Jennings Couch awesome music here on Spotify
Listen to Jennings Couch awesome music here on iTunes
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free member's area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have the Danish singer/songwriter Ida just with me today. She currently lives in London and has been writing and producing songs for herself and others for almost a decade now. In her episode, we touched upon reactions we get as musicians from either our family members, friends, or other people around us and how to deal with it. We also had a deep conversation about her song "When I'm Gone" which speaks up about mental health issues like depression. We also had a chat about her upcoming EP and why it's titled "If I'm Being Honest".
Have fun!
Follow Ida Just on IG @idajust
Listen to her music on Spotify here
Listen to her music on iTunes here
Check out Ida's website at www.idajust.com
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free member's area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have producer Cian with me today. Most people will know him from his project 1000 Beasts, where he produces all the tracks and has the top liners (Beasts) sing on his tracks. Cian talked about the difference between being an artist and an entertainer and how crucial it is to know in what category you as a musician fall. He also talked about how important it is to have good communications skills as a producer and not to take things too personally. He also pointed out how the music business is a numbers game and as musicians, we sometimes have to trust our gut to make the right decision to get our music out there.
Have fun!
Listen to his tracks on Spotify here
Listen to his tracks on iTunes here
Follow the 1000 Beasts project here on IG at @1000beasts
Follow Cian on IG at @producedbycian
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Grow as a musician at www.alisekoa.com/MSB
Get access to the free member's area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have singer/songwriter Emma Kelly with me today. I love her songs "Drunk" and "Lifeboats" so we had a chat about the writing and production process behind them. We also talked about how why we need music, what the difference is between collaborating on a song vs writing it alone, and much much more.
Have fun!
Listen to Emma's songs here on Spotify
Listen to Emma's songs here on iTunes
Follow Emma Kelly on her Instagram @emmakellymusic_
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Grow as a musician and person by learning more about the Musicians Secrets Bundle here
Get access to the free member's area here
Hi Ohana,
today I have DJ and producer OGK with me today and oh my word did he drop some value bombs! Get your pen and paper ready because you'll need them!
OGK and I had a deep conversation about consistency and how time magnifies your efforts. Good strategy & focus is essential but only time will tell how all your little habits have really been collecting together to achieve your music goal. We both shared our best exercises and experiences on how we delegate and manage time. Here's a quote that changed my life by Kierra Asnanskas:
"When you tell time where to go rather than wondering where it went, you actually create freedom within your life."
OGK also answered some burning questions like:
• How can I teach myself how to DJ?
• What skills do you need to be a DJ?
We also had a chat about how important it is to embrace the suck and to fail to get where you want to go as a musician, singer/songwriter, producer, DJ, or anyone really that wants to achieve big things within the music business.
Have fun!
Here are the two books OGK recommended if you're struggling or want to overcome writer's block:
1) The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
2) The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Here's the Producer Dojo OGK mentioned: https://www.producerdojo.com/
Follow OGK on IG @musicbyogk here
Follow OGK on Soundcloud here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Test the members area for free here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have the honor of introducing another singer/songwriter & producer from Germany, Berlin. Leona Berlin will be releasing her next album soon and so we got to talk about her current singles "feminine energy" and "high life". Leona opened up about the difference between releasing her self-titled debut album with Warner Music Group Germany and now her second album independently. We also had a chat about what it means to be rooted and what huge impact it has on her music. How slowing down is actually more beneficial to your art and how to take negativity and turn it into positivity.
Have fun!
Follow Leona Berlin on IG @leonaberlin
Find Leona's website here: www.leonaberlin.com
Listen to her music on Spotify at Leona Berlin
Listen to her music on iTunes at Leona Berlin
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have a very interesting episode for you. Jodie B (sound engineer and producer of Frequency) is back talking about what makes the Frequency Winery so special. Yes, today is mostly about wine. But wait a minute... Isn't this a music podcast? Yes! Today we'll focus on how Frequency Winery uses music to settle their wine. I found them through a Netflix show called "Restaurants on the edge" and was emidietly hooked by how they used music. Now if that isn't some serious out-of-the-box thinking then I don't know what!
The more Jodie B and I got talking about how sound affects wine, we couldn't help but think about how it affects us human beings.
Jodie explained how powerful words and therefore lyrics are and how certain sound frequencies impact us. Very cool stuff. Definitely not your typical singer/songwriter, producer conversation.
I hope by listening to this episode you'll understand the power, value, and importance you hold as a musician.
Have fun!
Here's the Chladni Plate Jodie has been talking about
Here's Jodie B's and Jacob's interview.
Watch the entire episode on YouTube for visuals here.
Follow Frequency Winery on IG @frequencywineandsound
Check them out on their website at www.frequencywinery.com
Follow Jodie B on IG @jodiebmusic
Follow Jodie B on Spotify here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have singer/songwriter & producer Mary Mi with me today. Mary spilled some tea about how you become a songwriter, you're not born with it. It's a skill you need to develop just like anything in life. She says that it's easier to hate your own ideas/songs than someone else. We also got talking about her song "Mountain King Hall". The writing process behind it and of course the production. Mary Mi also gave advice on three things she wishes she would have known when she first started.
Have fun!
Follow Mary Mi on IG @marymiofficial
Follow Mary Mi on FB @MaryMiMusic
Listen to Mary Mi's music on Spotify here
Listen to Mary Mi's music on iTunes here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have an amazing guest with me today. She's from Canada and can play almost every instrument. She's a singer/songwriter, producer, and live loop performer. Please welcome Jodie B!
Jodie B reveals how her dad played a big part in her getting started in music at a very young age. Her older sister and her dad would go busking with her when Jodie was only 3 years old! Over time she became the badass independent musician she is now. She can do everything on her own. Jodie talks about finding the balance between constantly learning and improving as a musician and also knowing when to stop to finish an album.
Of course, we also got talking about the changes within the music industry and why it's so important to come together as musicians. It's never been a better time to be a musician. It's all possible. She also explained why being signed can also be more harmful than useful and why being independent can help you have more freedom.
Follow Jodie B on her website: www.jodiebmusic.com/
Follow Jodie B on IG
Follow Jodie B on YouTube
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have an amazing guest with me that's not only a musician but a sound healer as well. Jacob Pasterfield shared some juicy secrets about how music affects our bodies and why. He showed me simple tricks on how to deal with stress and focus my attention within a few minutes! Sounds crazy right? Jacob also says that most of us already use sound healing without us even knowing it by putting together playlists.
You'll get a deeper understanding of WHY music is so powerful and WHY we as musicians have a unique opportunity to impact other people!
Have fun!
Follow Jacob Pasterfield on IG @moonlightbanshee
Follow Jacob Pasterfield on FB at Koomba-Ya @KoombaYaSoundHealing
Follow Jacob Pasterfield on YouTube at Jacob Pasterfield
Follow Jacob's Podcast "rainbows, dreams & the space in between" here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa
Get access to the free members area here: www.alisekoa.com/free
Hi Ohana,
today I have a really amazing & special guest for you. She's someone I look up to and admire!
Kris Bradley is a songwriter/producer with credits including Sony BMG, Warner Chappell, Rolling Stone Magazine, Fox, Lincoln, and Miramax. She heads Boomfox Productions, producing for various sync projects, artists, and songwriters.
She is also the founder of Produce Like a Boss, which is an online coaching program geared towards the songwriter/producer, rather than the engineer. Her ‘non techy’ and simplified style of teaching is helping artists all over the world learn how to produce their own music.
Follow Kris Bradley on all platforms down below:
Produce Like a Boss Podcast:
YouTube: Produce Like a Boss
Instagram: Produce Like a Boss
Facebook: Produce Like a Boss
Produce like a boss Website:
Free Training here: "Start Producing Your Song Today in 3 S.I.M.P.L.E. Steps"
More training by Kris Bradely:
“How to Make Money from your Home Studio” here
Coming Soon in August here
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa here
Get access to the free members area here
Hi Ohana,
today we're going to learn how to fall in love with your voice even if you think you can't sing. Lauren Haber is an opera singer and definitely knows a thing or two about vocals, health, and how to take care of them. She also busted some myths about "can you make yourself have a good singing voice?", "is singing a talent or a skill?" or "can a terrible singer become good?" and much more.
Lauren also explained how important breath is and that technique is what you use when you take the wrong breath. She took a deep dive into belief and how it influences you as a singer.
If you've loved what Lauren shared in this podcast and you want to learn more you can check out her live training on Saturday, July 17th from 11am to 2pm (LA time) Link coming soon...
Follow Lauren on Facebook and Instagram here.
Follow me on Instagram @alise.koa here
Get access to the free members area here: