Ooooft listener we have got a banger for you. In this episode we chat w Nick Ruffalo - an incredibly talented human who’s worked closely with artists on building killer content, branding and overall strategies - but also understands the reality of being an artist. We get into what actually moves the needle (and what doesn’t), the metrics you should actually care about, why most artists get stuck pushing the wrong songs, and how to build a fanbase that genuinely converts, not just racks up views. We also talk about cringe, consistency, content systems, and the mindset shifts that separate the artists who break through from the ones who don’t.Plus we have potentially Sam's favourite social media insight from a guest ever. 👀Lock in. Plenty of sauce incoming.RUFF INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/ruffmusicofficial/OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- The social media patterns the biggest breakout artists all have in common- Why consistency still wins, even when the algorithm feels impossible- The mindset shift that stops artists giving up too early- The music industry trap that keeps artists pushing the wrong song- The only social metrics that actually matter in 2026- Why “superfans” might be the wrong thing to focus on- How to get fans to care enough to actually take action- Why cringe is secretly one of the most powerful tools in marketing- The content systems serious artists use instead of winging it every day- What it really takes to turn social media into a music career, not just attentionNew episodes every Monday x

An incredibly talented vocalist, songwriter, and all round human being. This weeks show is with Joe Keogh - whose voice you almost definitely recognise from the stunning songs of Amber Run.Joe is super honest on this episode - the ups and downs that come with big deals - the importance of sorting your contracts - and arguably most importantly focusing on enjoying the journey.AMBER RUN INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/amberrun/OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- What nobody tells you about “making it” too early- Why you need to separate your music from your identity- How to stay ambitious without letting music destroy your mental health- Why some of the biggest wins in your career can mess with your head- The truth about major label deals from someone who’s lived it- What artists really need to understand before signing anything- Why “success” on paper doesn’t always mean money in real life- How to think about long-term survival, not just short-term hype- What Joe wishes he understood about money, ownership and recoupment- The difference between building a career and chasing validation- Why artists need to celebrate the small wins before they burn outNew episodes every Monday x

An incredibly talented producer / DJ - and a human who also really cares about helping musicians make a living doing what they love.Badger - who you may know from his belters with everyone from Tempa T to Natasha Beddingfield - has been a pioneer in using social media as an incredible tool to get your ideas out there, and build a world-tour level brand. In this episode he breaks down incredibly actionable systems and ideas on how you can structure your socials and content - and asks the most important question - 'what's your kitchen'?BADGER INSTA - ⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/badger_music_maker/BADGER MUSIC ADVICE INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/uncool_badge/⁠OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- How to actually use social media to build a music career- The mindset shift that helps artists take content seriously- Why some songs should stay unreleased- The balance between making loads of music and making the right music- How to find a content format that people remember- Using content to test what listeners actually connect with- Building an artist identity without boxing yourself in- What it takes to turn momentum into something long-term- How to approach collaborations when you’re still coming up- Making the jump from edits and remixes into original musicNew episodes every Monday x

You may know todays guest as one half of Billen Ted - DJs, producers, writers, with their own number one record, as well as significant credits on tunes from the likes of Anne-Marie, KSI and Rudimental to name just a few. He's also a manager, runs a music marketing company, is a former music tutor, among many other v cool bits that make him arguably one of our most qualified guests we've ever had on the show.One line to get you ready - 'one song can buy you a house' - and Tom explains exactly what he means by that... TOM INSTA - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombillented/⁠OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- Tom’s “3 things I’d tell younger me” is basically a reality check for anyone spiralling because progress feels slow.- How to not lose your head when other people “win” first.- “Match fit” in music explained properly - the one concept that makes setbacks feel like training, not failure.- Why side jobs and weird gigs can build elite producer skills.- What to do if your song starts popping off on TikTok and you’re not ready - Tom gives a clear first move that can save you from getting rinsed.- “One song can buy you a house” (sort of) - he breaks down the actual money doors a hit opens (and the mistakes people make).- The Chrystal / MK story is insane - proof songs aren’t dead after 3 months and you might be sitting on gold without realising.- A real take on AI as a “co-producer” - useful, practical, and not just doom chat.- Some awesome case studies - Becky Hill, Anne-Marie, and the behind-the-scenes stuff you don’t see on socials.- The “Wellerman” moment - a meme idea he tried to shut down that turned into a global moment (proper lesson in seizing opportunities).- How marketing + TikTok understanding can build an artist project fast (without pretending it’s “overnight”).New episodes every Monday x

An incredible frontwoman. A very honest, open conversation about making a living doing what you love. This week we speak to Yonaka's Theresa.She shares a lot of direct big sister energy about what it takes to turn this whole music thing into a career, touching on some of the big questions. Do you have to leave your hometown? How do you stop other people ruining your songs? How do you build a world for your fans.YONAKA INSTA - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weareyonaka/OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- Theresa drops the one “gut rule” she lives by when writing and it’ll either free you up instantly… or make you realise you’ve been letting other people ruin your songs.- The most honest “enjoy the journey” reality check you’ll hear.- A simple mindset shift that makes you play harder in a room of 10 than most people do in a room of 1,000.- The wild early Yonaka graft stories (proper chaos) that’ll make you feel way better about where you’re at right now.- She explains why they don’t write to briefs and how that approach keeps the music feeling real in 2026.- How the “world” of Yonaka actually forms and why most artists accidentally confuse new fans without realising it.- The Brighton “scene” conversation: what was organic, what was luck, and what you can copy even if you’re not in a cool city.- A sneaky real-life networking hack Theresa used through normal jobs that literally changed the band’s path.- The personal vs band socials balance: why she keeps hers normal, and what that does for fans without overthinking it.- The straight-talking hometown show advice that every new band needs but nobody wants to hear.- The “move away or stay put?” big sister answer for anyone stuck in a dead town trying to make music work.- How she learned to be a proper frontperson and the exact moment touring with huge bands flipped a switch for her.New episodes every Monday x

Like it or not - if you're planning 2026 as your year to smash the whole 'making a living from your music thing' - you gotta be thinking about your content and social media strategy.So we are delighted to share a masterclass from one of the best in the biz - Liam James Ward - CEO of Something Something who have worked with (and this is just a snippet) - Alex Warren, Jennifer Lopez, Lewis Capaldi, Marshmello, Yungblud and more.This episode is full of ways to get your music - your passion - your art - in front of as many people as possible.Lock in baby! LIAM INSTA - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/liamjameswrd/⁠OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- Liam’s top 3 social priorities for musicians in 2026 - why you need to nurture the fans you already have, stop copying everyone else, and spend money on making better content (not just boosting meh posts).- A simple mindset shift: community works whether you’ve got 10 fans or 10 million, if you build a system that connects people properly.- The “don’t copy and paste” warning: what worked for another artist won’t automatically work for you, so learn the principles, then adapt.- Identity first, tactics second: if you don’t know who you are yet, you’re not ready for “growth hacks” or ad spend.- Liam’s practical exercise: pay attention to what you naturally love online (not just other musicians) and use that to map your taste and your vibe.- “Consume consciously”: notice what makes you scroll away, what makes you stay, and what actually grabs your attention.- Platform strategy made simple: you can focus on one platform if that’s your bandwidth, but you should still exist on Instagram + TikTok as a minimum so people can find you.- Nurturing fans in real life: examples of IRL moments that deepen community and create content at the same time (meetups, small fan experiences, travel-together ideas).- Relatable case studies to watch: Glass Beams, Father Of Peace, South Arcade, and why their content feels like you’re “in on the lore.”- The truth about “fan pages / burner accounts”: learn about it all, but do it in a genuine way (no fake accounts, no phone farms), and think multi-channel when it makes sense.- January planning advice: start with the big peak of your year (single, tour, headline show), then work backwards into monthly and weekly moves.- Tools and music picks: why direct-to-fan platforms and analytics matter (Substack, Chartmetric, Cobrand).New episodes every Monday x

Right then - regardless of if we like it or not - sorting out your money and finances if key to being able to make a living as a musician - and being a happy human overall.Today's guest Sarah Anderson - is basically a queen of money advice for musicians. Working with both huge superstars, plus new artists towards the start of their career. Smashing it on the serious badass corporate side, but also the real world music and culture side too. We love her one liner 'helping musicians maximise their money' - cos that's what this show does. We cover everything you need to know to help get your ££ $$ (and yen) sorted for the year ahead.SARAH INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/sarah_rose_anderson/OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- The real difference between being PAYE and self-employed, explained without confusing jargon.- Why the way you’re paid matters just as much as how much you’re paid.- What PAYE actually means for musicians working bar jobs, venues, or casual side gigs.- How self-employed income lets you offset music expenses like gear, travel, software, and promo.- Why PAYE income usually can’t be “mixed in” with your freelance music income for tax purposes.- A common trap: thinking all income just gets lumped together (it doesn’t).- How choosing the wrong setup can mean paying more tax than you need to.- What to check before taking a side job so it doesn’t mess up your tax situation.- The difference between being a freelancer at a venue vs an employee of that venue.- Why musicians juggling multiple income streams need to be extra clear on this stuff.- How small decisions early in the year can have big effects at tax time.- Sarah’s big takeaway: understanding your setup = keeping more of your money.New episodes every Monday x

A v v cool, vv talented human being. Who is open and honest about his journey through music, and how it can help you as an artist dreaming of making a living from your music.Kyle Dion has smashed it in a number of ways - huge songs - playing the VMAs - collabs with your favourite artists like Kali Uchis, DUCKWRTH and Ja Rule. And on this episode he reflects on that crazy journey - and shares why the most important person is you.Oh, and the moon.KYLE INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/kyledion/OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- Kyle on why he wouldn’t speed up his journey, and trusting the pace you’re meant to grow at.- Protecting your focus early on, and how letting too many people in can make things feel cloudy.- Kyle’s 2026 word: “surrender” and what that looks like when you’re building a music career.- His favourite reflection ritual: solo movie night, late-night park walk, and literally sliding down a slide under the moon. ☾- The pressure of “it has to happen fast” and how to stay grounded when the industry feels obsessed with quick wins.- How fans helped spread Kyle’s music in the early days, and why community-led discovery used to feel more “free.”- Chat on today’s algorithms: even established artists have to fight to reach the people who already love them.- Using TikTok + IG in a way that feels authentic (and messy, in the best way), plus going live to build real connection.- Kyle’s creative direction breakdown: learning Photoshop + editing early, staying hands-on with visuals, and why perception matters.- Collaboration without ego: how writing with others leveled him up, plus proud 2025 moments (US tour, festivals, VMAs) .New episodes every Monday x

A two-fold banger of a guest today. Cos not only is our episode today with a rockstar who tours the world playing to thousands of adoring fans. BUT he's also a wizard with marketing background so he can teach ya the real world results of sorting your social shizz out. Ande Hunter from As December Falls is todays guest - and this episode is the ultimate definition of why putting the work in on the boring stuff is what allows you to do the rockstar stuff.He's open about merch stratgies, Facebook ad techniques, how to self-promote your gigs and so much more.Thank you Ande for your openness. And being cool as f. Obvs.AS DECEMBER FALLS - https://www.instagram.com/asdecemberfalls/?hl=enTHE POD ANDE MENTIONS - https://youtube.com/@musicmarketing?si=irx0rv6YGl6WwHBQTHE MARKETING TRAINING ANDE MENTIONS - https://indepreneur.io/OUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Features:- Why bands need to learn digital marketing, not just “post more.”- How to show your music online to people who have never heard of you, and make them care.- The value of writing “bad songs” early, and why that phase is necessary, not embarrassing.- The gym analogy for songwriting, plus why “overnight success” is usually a myth.- How long it took As December Falls to write the first song they’d still proudly play now.- The power of testing instead of guessing which song is “the single.”- Their release strategy shift: thinking more like hip hop (more singles, more frequency) vs the classic band album cycle.- The content system that changed everything.- Practical breakdown: filming 30–40 takes per track, trimming to 15–30 seconds, and posting daily.- Why low-budget performance content can outperform expensive music videos.- Their streaming results from organic short-form.- The surprise platform: Facebook Reels. Why they bothered and why it paid off.- Real talk on demographics: Facebook skewing older, but still pulling lots of under-35 fans for them.- Career “needle movers”: why it’s rarely one moment, and more like 10 things stacking together.- Charting as a storytelling tool: how “we’re battling huge artists” can motivate physical sales fast.- Catalog explained properly: why owning your back-catalog is long-term financial stability.- Label deals in plain English: advances, recoupment, and why “free support” often becomes your bill.- Merch as the real engine: how they built a sustainable business from merch.- Email list growth: building direct fan contact (and why that’s the real asset).- Live touring economics: how they progressed from 100-cap rooms to sold-out Rock City.- The shift from promoters to self-promoting, and how risk changes as venues scale.- Running ads for shows: why they’d rather spend to create new fans than play empty rooms.New episodes every Monday x

The Stream Queen returns! Beth Cherry is a streaming expert who has worked on songs from Coldplay to PinkPantheress - thru to one of the most streamed songs of all time - Tones & I - Dance Monkey.This is Beth's second time on the show - and we try our best to ask all the questions you want to know about streaming platforms, and how you can use them to help you make a living from your music.Lock in - it's time to get celestial. xOUR INSTA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THE TEAM AROUND YOU - https://www.theteamaroundyou.com/Episode Features:- Beth’s top three priorities for artists trying to make a living from streaming in 2026.- Why world-building matters more than obsessing over individual playlists or numbers.- Thinking of DSPs and socials as connected “planets” - and how to make it effortless for fans to move between them.- Reframing vague goals like “I want a million streams” into practical, achievable strategies.- How asking better questions leads to clearer campaigns, collaborations, and growth.- Why artists should give themselves permission to be artists again - not full-time marketers.- The platforms Beth believes are most impactful right now.- Simple, actionable ways to use each platform without overcomplicating your strategy.- Why YouTube is still massively underrated for discovery, community, and ads.- How Bandcamp creates deeper fan intention through physicals, downloads, and direct support.- Using Substack as a modern direct-to-fan channel that artists actually control.- Organic social strategy in 2026: making the journey from Reel or TikTok to streaming easy.- Collaboration as a growth tool - on socials, playlists, live shows, and beyond the studio.- Quality vs quantity in content: why one thoughtful post beats 200 rushed ones.- What consistency actually looks like without burning yourself out.- The real role of playlists in 2026 - why editorial and algorithmic discovery should work together.- Why pitching your music still matters, even when it feels like shouting into the void.- How pitching helps algorithms as much as it helps editors.- Planning your year backwards: starting with how you want to feel and building the strategy from there.New episodes every Monday x