• Music Promotion

    Dos and Don’ts for Writing Your Band’s Bio

    Here are a few dos and don’ts for writing the always-important band bio to include in your press kit. Don’t underestimate the value of a well-written bio. I’ve seen unsigned bands write brilliant bios, and label bands who make themselves look like a bunch of morons. Your bio is your chance at a good first impression when someone receives your…

  • Music Promotion

    Planning Your Own Radio Campaign: Part 4

    Working with the Media In this series of articles, I’m going to walk you through the basic procedure for planning your own radio campaign. We’ll cover topics such as choosing your target radio stations, creating a radio-friendly press kit, how to find media contacts, how to write a press kit cover letter for your radio campaign, how to handle follow-up…

  • Music Promotion

    Planning Your Own Radio Campaign: Part 3

    The Budget In this series of articles, I’m going to walk you through the basic procedure for planning your own radio campaign. We’ll cover topics such as choosing your target radio stations, creating a radio-friendly press kit, how to find media contacts, how to write a press kit cover letter for your radio campaign, how to handle follow-up calls, and…

  • Music Promotion

    Planning Your Own Radio Campaign: Part 2

    Finding Media Contacts In this series of articles, I’m going to walk you through the basic procedure for planning your own radio campaign. We’ll cover topics such as choosing your target radio stations, creating a radio-friendly press kit, how to find media contacts, how to write a press kit cover letter for your radio campaign, how to handle follow-up calls,…

  • Music Promotion

    Planning Your Own Radio Campaign: Part 1

    Choosing Your Stations In this series of articles, I’m going to walk you through the basic procedure for planning your own radio campaign. We’ll cover topics such as choosing your target radio stations, creating a radio-friendly press kit, how to find media contacts, how to write a press kit cover letter for your radio campaign, how to handle follow-up calls,…

  • Band Business

    Let Your Old Music Make Money for You

    Most indie bands would love to be able to add a passive revenue stream to their work. Why not do that with your old music? As a fan of indie music, I occasionally get frustrated when I come across an accomplished indie band, and I can’t find anything but their current material available. I always try to get a feel…

  • Band Business

    Tax and Legal Issues for Musicians

    Here are a few sample tax and legal issues that indie bands in the US will have to worry about, and where you can find more information: Taxes – If you make any money at all from your music (payments for gigs, CD sales, merch sales, etc.), you’re required to report the income to the IRS, no matter how small…

  • Band Business

    Tax Deductions for Musicians

    In this week’s article, I’d like to continue discussing taxes as they apply to indie musicians. Last week I talked about the US self-employment tax. This week, it’s tax deductions. You should review the following list of possible tax deductions for musicians (in the US), and decide if itemizing your deductions and including them will save you more money than…

  • Band Business

    The Self-Employment Tax for Musicians

    If you’ve read any of the past music industry articles on The Indie Files, you’ve likely heard me say time and time again that if you’re trying to make money as an indie musician or band, you’re most likely legally in business (whether you intend to be or not). Being in business has its benefits (like bigger tax deductions for…

  • Band Business

    Is Your Music a Business or a Hobby?

    When you work as a solo musician, or in a band, and you’re trying to make money, you’re essentially working as a freelancer. So, is that freelance work (your music) a business or a hobby in the eyes of the IRS? Either way, your income is still supposed to be reported to the IRS, but having your music classified as…