There’s a temptation every artist faces at some point in their career:Do I make this safe so people will like it, or do I say what I actually mean? It sounds simple, but the pull to water yourself down is real. You start sanding off your edges, softening your lines, tweaking your lyrics until they…

Let’s be honest for a second. If there were a magical “opt out of social media” button, I’d be the first one sprinting to press it. I don’t naturally love editing reels or scrolling TikTok trends. But here’s the truth: Social media isn’t optional anymore. It’s a necessity. If you want to be an artist…

If I could hand every young artist one superpower, it wouldn’t be perfect pitch, a killer falsetto, or shredding guitar solos.It would be boldness. Yep. Good old-fashioned courage to ask for what you want. Because here’s the truth: you never know what might happen unless you ask. Why Boldness Matters More Than You Think Most…

Here’s the truth:If you’re an artist, you’re a leader. That might sound intense — especially when you’re just trying to write good songs, share your story, or make something meaningful. But the moment you release your art into the world, you’re shaping something. Whether it’s one person or one million, you’re influencing minds, hearts, and…

Let’s be real — one of the most important (and most ignored) parts of being an artist is this: how you’re going to make money. Not “I hope it works out.” Not “streaming will cover it.” No.If you want a sustainable career, you need to know exactly where the money is going to come from.…

Music isn’t just something we make — sometimes, it’s what makes us. It’s what carries us when we can’t carry ourselves. It speaks when we have no words. It sings when we’ve forgotten how. And for so many of us, it’s not just a calling — it’s a lifeline. There are moments in life when…

Let’s get real, artist-to-artist. You pour your heart into writing a song. You record it. Maybe you sing it live. Maybe it even gets a little traction. It’s your baby. So, naturally, you assume you own it, right? Not so fast. What most artists don’t realize is that there are three major legal exceptions that…

Whether you’re a bedroom pop genius or a globe-trotting genre-blender, there’s one battlefield every indie artist must face: the Spotify pitch form. If you’ve ever stared at that blank box thinking, “What do I even say?”—you’re not alone. But don’t worry. I’ve got your back, and today, we’re turning that guessing game into a power…

Today we are covering a topic that every single songwriter, producer, beatmaker, or bathroom-singer-turned-bedroom-studio-genius needs to hear. We’re talking about… COPYRIGHTS. It sounds complicated, but by the end of this, you’re going to understand: So let’s get into it What Is a Copyright? Let’s say you write a song. You record a melody. You scribble…

In music—and in life—we’re often told to “have a plan.” Set goals. Build a brand. Know your sound. Hustle, post, pitch, repeat. And while structure has its place, I’ve learned something deeper, something softer, something more powerful: You are the clay. Not the potter. That truth has reshaped how I think about art, calling, and…

You can have the voice of an angel, the soul of a poet, and a melody that could move mountains…But if no one hears it?It doesn’t go anywhere. That’s why in today’s post, I’m breaking down one of the most important, most misunderstood, and most game-changing parts of your music career: networking. Now don’t roll…

In a world that too often favors volume over substance and algorithms over artistry, it’s rare to meet a musician who chooses vulnerability over polish, community over ego, and light over spectacle. In this recent conversation on Off Key and On Pitch, I sat down with the soulful, ever-authentic Jordan Siwek—a New York-born pianist and…

Dalton Lewis didn’t go to film school. He didn’t have connections. What he had was a passion for music, a beat-up camera, and the boldness to sneak into concerts—just to get his foot in the door. Today, he’s a full-time content creator, cinematographer, and strategist working with both indie and label artists, directing music videos…

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to play live shows, but I have no clue where to start,” welcome. You’re in the right place. This guide is for every indie artist staring at their guitar wondering how to go from bedroom performances to real, paying gigs. I started with no manager, no label, and not…

Fifteen years. That’s longer than a lot of marriages, longer than most artists stay signed, and definitely longer than my patience when I’m hungry. But that’s how long Eva Rose and David Pippin have been making music together. Not just surviving—thriving, performing, writing, competing, laughing, living. Across stages big and small, through heartbreaks and swamps…

The music industry is an ever-changing landscape, and for independent artists, understanding the mechanics of streaming, playlisting, and audience engagement is crucial for success. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Warner, a leading expert in the streaming space, author of “Work Hard Playlist Hard”, and consultant to both major platforms and…

As musicians and artists, we put so much pressure on ourselves. The deadlines, the expectations, the late nights in the studio, the endless rewrites, and the feeling that no matter how much we practice, it’s never quite good enough. It’s exhausting. And sometimes, that pressure can suck the joy right out of what we love…

Making music is deeply personal. It’s an extension of who we are, shaped by our experiences, emotions, and the stories we want to tell. But no matter how talented, driven, or passionate an artist is, one truth remains: we can’t do this alone. Supporters—whether they’re friends, family, or fans—are the backbone of any creative career.…