I Am Independent - For Independent Music Artists

Largely inspired by last week's interview with Producer, Wyld, we thought wed talk a bit more about the power of collaboration and give some practical tips on who to approach and how in this mini episode.  Many of you have also told us that you find networking difficult so we've also offered some new ways of thinking about it that we hope will help you find it a little easier.  We always appreciate your feedback so do let us know if these tips help and work for you - or even if they don't! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We thought it was about time we heard about the life of an Independent artist from the perspective of a producer. Wyld (Paul Kirby) is from Guernsey but now based in Manchester in the North of England. He started out as a drummer, progressed to making tracks and doing remixes before making his big break collaborating with other independent artists from all over the World including New Zealand and the U.S. Paul speaks to us about his journey, the highs - getting to the point of earning a wage from his streaming income, to the lows - being broke and feeling like giving up while struggling with his mental health. It's an illuminating chat that we hope will inspire you to collaborate outside of your genre, keep on keeping on, and knowing your limits mentally and getting help when you need it. Paul also gives us some great practical tips for getting your tracks on Spotify playlists and how to approach other artists for collaborations. Check out Wyld's latest single, Carry Me, which is out now. --- Send in a voi

As we move to publishing weekly podcasts, we thought we'd record some shorter 'mini' episodes of bite sized information and tips to keep you encouraged, inspired and resourced each week.  In this first one we talk about the importance of staying consistent in order to be effective as an artist to build your following. We give some practical tips that may work for you to help you do that e.g. identifying your most productive time of the day (or night), planning ahead, and having a plan in the first place! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We hope that the I am Independent podcast is a good balance of inspiring and encouraging content with practical advice, tips and ideas to help you on your Independent journey.  This week's episode is very practical as Bianca Rose uses her recent experience to talk us through her process and journey to plan, release and promote her latest single.  Bianca tried some new things this time including Google Ads and boosted social media posts that really worked.  She shares her insight in this episode so feel free to try her tips with your own releases. Do get in touch and let us know what has worked (or not) for you and we can share it with the community. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard" - Jake Isaac, Independent artist. This week we have some great advice and wisdom for you on the topic of growth and longevity for Independent artists.  From encouragement to believe in yourself, to tips on discipline and making sure you're actually ready to take your career forward. We also have the immense privilege of gleaming some real pearls of wisdom from the amazing Jake Isaac who has forged an incredible career as an Independent artist - previously signed and now independent again. Jake has an incredible work ethic and combined with his talent has made a successful career in music.  If you're serious about your music plans and you're in it for the long-game, we hope this episode will really encourage you and spur you on. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

This episode exists, not just because it was mental health awareness week recently, but because our mental health is important everyday.  The challenges facing music artists are unique, and are often compounded when artists are journeying independently.  In recent years, those who have great visibility (predominantly signed artists), who have struggled in this area, have helped to bring this issue to the foreground.  This is helpful, but in this episode we would like to speak directly to the independent artist, and hopefully provide a little encouragement and a few tips on maintaining our wellbeing as we build our careers in this business. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

We're always surprised at how many artists have not registered their music with PRS, sometimes due to being unaware of the benefits, sometimes just not getting round to it.  Well the truth is it is imperative for any artist and songwriter if you want to get paid.  We chatted to Matthew Ojar from PRS who had some great insight, wisdom and tips on PRS for Independent artists. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Sharlene Hector is one of the UK's most successful and loved Backing vocalists. She has toured and sung with some of the biggest names in the music world and has released her own music. She has learned much along the way and shares her wisdom, stories and tips with us in this week's episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

When rapper and entrepreneur, Icie, contacted us to say he'd like to share with our listeners about his journey and the importance of evolving as an artist and finding your voice, we jumped at the chance. We're sure you'll enjoy the chat as much as we did! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

This week is part two of our series on PR and promotion, a topic that many Independent artists find difficult.  Without a label or team behind you, a lot of the PR work is also up to you so if you are doing things D-I-Y, this episode tells you how to write a press release, how to promote, but in your own 'authentic' way and we talk about whether there is any value in getting coverage in online blogs. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Promoting yourself can be an aspect of the Independent artists's career that many feel uncomfortable with. But, without a label or team behind you it is something you are going to have to do to an extent.  In the age of social media and Internet, it's easier than ever to have the tools to effectively promote yourself and you can learn to do it better.  In this episode we hear from content creator, presenter and photographer, CK Goldiing who feels very strongly about artists helping themselves as much as they can with self-promotion. Of course there are PR companies out there that can help you with a campaign and we offer some advice for finding a good one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Touring is part of being an artist. If you're serious about your career at some point you will tour. But, when is the right time to tour, where should you tour and how do you go about booking your own tour? In this episode we give some information and tips but we also hear from two independent artists, Abimaro and Alice Watts who teamed up to go on tour together and they have some great advice from their experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Part Two of our Top Tips for artists.  Much of what we do at IAIMA is to aid Independent artists on their journey and to support, equip and resource them on their way to success, whatever that may mean for them.  However, as we come towards the end of the year we thought we'd go right back to basics and cover our top and essential tips for Independent music artists. These will be invaluable for any artists just starting out but are also worth revisiting for the seasoned artist to make sure they're not missing (or have forgotten) the obvious factors which can make all the difference. This episode covers consistency, the importance of having a plan, building your team and finding ways to spark creativity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Much of what we do at IAIMA is to aid Independent artists on their journey and to support, equip and resource them on their way to success, whatever that may mean for them.  However, as we come towards the end of the year we thought we'd go right back to basics and cover our top and essential tips for Independent music artists. These will be invaluable for any artists just starting out but are also worth revisiting for the seasoned artist to make sure they're not missing (or have forgotten) the obvious factors which can make all the difference. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Femi Temowo is an extraordinarily talented musician, producer and Musical Director. During his career he's worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse and George Benson as well as his own musical projects. It was an amazing privilege and pleasure to sit down with him and ask him about his career as an Independent artist as well as some amazing pointers on whether to release an EP or an album, approaching songwriting sessions, the importance of practise and so much more. There is a wealth of wisdom and information in this episode which we know will be incredibly valuable to you as an independent artist. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

This week is part two of our conversation on artist management.  Loretta Andrews, co-founder of IAIMA, is a manager and manages fellow co-founder, Bianca Rose.  We talk about what it's like to have a friend manage you and the pros and cons of that as well as having a newbie mate as a manager verses an experienced so-called 'hot shot' one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Having a manager can sometimes feel like a badge of honour for an Independent artist and validation for your journey. But, when is it really necessary to get a manager, what do they do and how do you find a good one? Our Co-founder, Loretta Andrews runs Safe Music Management and manages fellow co-founder, Bianca Rose. This episode covers what a manager does and when you might need one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

Back in 2017 we chatted to double MOBO award-winning Rap and Grime artist, Guvna B.  We talked utilising social media, finding your USP, staying in your lane and working towards longevity as an independent artist. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message

IAIMA was started by Singer/Songwiter, Bianca Rose and Music Manager and Radio Presenter, Loretta Andrews. This first episode of the podcast tells how the idea of IAIMA came about and what it seeks to do in resourcing, advising and encouraging Independent Music Artists along their journey. Download your FREE 10 day guide: www.iaima.co.ukwww.Instagram.com/weareiaimawww.facebook.com/weareiaimawww.twitter.com/weareiaima --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/i-am-independent/message