An incredibly talented producer, songwriter, DJ, and all round creative rockstar - this week's guest is Daniel Allan.
So much to take from this episode - multiple epic stories on the importance of perseverance. Why you really have just gotta stay consistent on social media. How to build a world around your music that you love, and potential fans can love.
We'd argue this is one of the most inspiring episodes we've done, as there are so many parts of this show which show you that more than you think is within your control. x
DANIEL INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/danielallanmusic/
OUR INSTA - â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â
Episode Features:
- The three things DA would tell himself starting out in music.
- Building your own community, even when you're from a small town.
- How a 30-hour drive and couch-hopping in LA led to Danielâs first real network and career breakthroughs.
- The importance of showing up to sessions ready to bring value first, and why being fun to work with matters more than a perfect track.
- How to turn one great session into fifty - the power of word-of-mouth.
- Finding your sound through taste and habits - and why trusting your own instincts beats chasing trends.
- How DA 'found his musical identity'.
- An incredible story of how important consistent social media posting led to DA's first viral moments.
- Why followers are not alays fans - and how Daniel rebuilt his content strategy to turn reach into a real audience.
- The creative shift from iPhone clips to cinematic world building, and how visual direction deepened DA's musical identity.
- Danielâs 30-minute rule: the mindset and discipline that kept him consistent when nothing was working.
- How to think of yourself as the creative director of your artist brand.
- The difference between Daniel (the person) and Daniel Allan (the artist) - and why showing both builds true connection.
- Lessons on speaking to people, not algorithms, and the power of human storytelling online.
New episodes every Monday x
Without a doubt one of the main topics that musicians ask for help on is streaming. The whole world of playlisting, profiles, releasing - all feels very daunting and artists don't know where to start.
Well listener - we are gassed to share todays episode with Matt Allard and Ian Greaves from SOAP Music. Two legends who between them have worked on streaming strategies for some of the biggest artists and labels in the world - and now - whilst they continue to do that - also work on the new artist side of things as well.
This is essentially a masterclass in streaming for new artists - lock in. đ
SOAP MUSIC - https://soapmusic.co.uk/
OUR INSTA - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
Episode Features:
- The top three streaming strategies every new artist should master in 2025.
- Why your artist profiles on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube are as important as your socials.
- How to pitch to DSP editors effectively - what to include, what to avoid, and why context matters.
- The truth about playlists: why you shouldnât chase them too early and what to do instead.
- Why SoundCloud and YouTube as the secret weapons for early growth and fan connection.
- Case study: how KEO built a community on SoundCloud and landed in the global rock trending charts.
- Understanding âactiveâ vs âpassiveâ streaming - and why getting fans to choose your page matters.
- Algorithm hacks that actually work: building repeat listeners, curated artist playlists, and direct traffic.
- Why consistency beats virality - and how to sustain long-term streaming income.
- Real talk on TikTok: how to use social content to support your music, not distract from it.
- The importance of doing everything (live, socials, DSPs) in sync - thereâs no single silver bullet.
New episodes every Monday x
If your goal as musician is to sign to your favourite record label - then this episode is a masterclass for you.
Amy Jayne is Senior Label Services Manager at LabelWorx - one of the biggest independent distributors in the world - and has a ridiculously impressive CV when it comes to working with labels in the electronic music world.
In this 30 minutes she shares all the things you should be doing - and potentially even more importantly - things you shouldn't - to increase your chances of working with your dream record label/
LABELWORX - https://labelworx.com/
ADE INFO - https://www.instagram.com/p/DPED8E3jYje/?img_index=1
OUR IG - â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â
Episode Features:
- Amyâs top three tips for building relationships with your dream labels.
- How to find labels that fit your sound.
- The single biggest demo mistake artists make (and why WeTransfer is the enemy).
- What a perfect first email to a label actually looks like - and how not to get blacklisted.
- Social media myths - why follower count matters less than authenticity and consistent storytelling.
- Networking top tips - where to actually meet label managers and execs.
- Amyâs own journey from 12-year-old event promoter to Hospital Records to Labelworx.
- Must-know resources for new artists.
New episodes every Monday x
In a socials dominated 2025, the word PR can be a bit confusing.
Like, what does it actually mean for a musician right now? Why shouldn't you just make 74 Tik Toks a month?
Well, that's what we get onto in this show with Alfie Cattell, CEO of Decent Music PR - and it's a goodun. Full of helping you understand what actually matters for PR rn, plus plenty of practical ideas on how you can get your music in front of more people.
DECENT MUSIC PR - https://www.decentmusicpr.com/
OUR IG - â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â
Episode Features:
- What PR really means in 2025 (far beyond press) and why results take time.
- Fans over followers: how to define a real fan and why engagement beats vanity metrics.
- Email lists!!!
- Practical ways to spark engagement on socials and how authenticity shows up.
- When and how to use paid ads on Meta to drive Spotify saves and playlist adds.
- Smart ad targets: promote your own curated playlist to lower the click barrier and nudge the algorithm.
- Creative assets that work for ÂŁ0âÂŁ250 budgets.
- If you only have ÂŁ250 for a single - what should you proiritise?
- A hustle case study: low-cost public performance/meetup ideas and repeatable on-the-go content concepts.
- How to vet PR companies, spot red flags, and when âpay on resultsâ makes sense (press/radio) vs not (streams).
- Quick wins to try right now.
New episodes every Monday x
Another human being who is very aligned with our mission of helping as many musicians as possible make a living doing what they love.
Manny Singh is a new music obsessive whoâs built a very cool world of superfans and v talented new artists thanks to his projects Fresh Press, Under The Radar.
On this episode we try and get the greatest hits of things Manny has seen in new artists that go on to have sustainable careers, dig into his âvibe boardâ exercise, plus get onto one of our favourite topics - why you should never be scared to fire out the DMs.
MANNY IG - https://www.instagram.com/mannyssingh/
OUR IG - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
Episode Features:
- The three traits Manny sees in artists who break through.
- Why building a small, dedicated fanbase beats chasing loads of followers.
- How to use storytelling and personal passions (like Mannyâs love of coffee) to connect with fans.
- Examples of creative fan engagement - from coffee shop meetups to DIY park shows.
- The âvibe boardâ exercise Manny uses with new artists to define visuals, keywords, and listener personas.
- The butterfly effects that shaped Mannyâs own journey.
- Behind the scenes of landing big interviews (including a chance Yungblud moment).
- Tips for DMing artists and reaching out that actually get a response.
- Why rejection still plants seeds and builds awareness of your project.
New episodes every Monday x
In 100+ episodes of the Helping Musicians Podcast - arguably the one piece of advice shared most is 'get a lawyer'. At the start. Asap.
So, we're gassed to say that today's guest - Ryan Schmidt Esq - is not just a lawyer (and a v good one at that) - but also a musician himself, so he has that empathy and understanding of what you'll be going thru yourself.
On this episode Ryan shares a greatest hits of all the things you need to watch out for so you don't get screwed - keep things fair and fun - plus a breakdown of all the big scary words that get thrown around that we don't really understand.
RYAN IG - â https://www.instagram.com/ryanschmidt.esq/
OUR IG - â â â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/ â â â â
Episode Features:
- Ryan's top three things a musician should watch out for so they don't get screwed.
- Top tips to spot music industry scams in 2025.
- Why you NEED to know your copyrights and who owns what.
- What actually counts as a contract? And why why generally speaking emails are bettet than Ms.
- How to lock in a 3AM
- How to keep the creative vibe and energy without losing the paperwork.
- Why you need to watch out for âperpetuity,â âexclusive,â and long terms - and why short terms generally protect your future value.
- Using AI smartly to translate legalese, not to replace legal advice - plus how to ask labels to cover your own lawyer.
- Social content basics for musicians: why using your own song in posts converts best.
- Covers vs samples vs interpolations - the simple definitions, what needs clearance, plus some sick music industry examples.
- âPro bonoâ in real life: when free/discounted help happens and where legal aid actually fits.
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New episodes every Monday x
One of the most joyful episodes we've had the pleasure of recording in 100+.
This week's show is with Lyra - a human being who can genuinely say she outsold BeyoncĂŠ (in Ireland), has done some incredible tours, and has build an incredibly dedicated fanbase / community.
LYRA IG - https://www.instagram.com/thisislyra/
OUR IG - â â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/ â â â
Episode Features:
⢠How Lyraâs debut album outsold BeyoncĂŠ in Ireland.
⢠The power of building a genuine community and letting fans inside.
⢠Why todayâs audiences value authenticity over âuntouchableâ stars.
⢠The sliding-doors moment that led her to her manager.
⢠Lyraâs honest take on whether support tours are worth it for new artists.
⢠The importance of being truly ready before stepping on a huge stage.
⢠Why her fans are the real reason she makes music.
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New episodes every Monday x
A very open and honest episode - from an artist that has one billion + streams - tours the world on the reg - and just so happens to be one of the nicest humans we've spoken to.
You may know Martin Jensen from his mega hit 'Solo Dance', maybe from his humongous remixes for artists like Ed Sheeran and Jason Derulo, OR, you may have seen his incredibly infectious performances live.
Either way - on this ep Martin is very open about all the lessons learned along the way - including quite a few that could save you some serious headaches.
MARTIN IG - â â https://www.instagram.com/djmartinjensen/
OUR IG - â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/ â â
Episode Features:
- Why Martin believes failing is the best way to grow as an artist.
- The dangers of taking advances from record labels (and how it came back to bite him).
- How âSolo Danceâ changed Martinâs life- and why that mega success also brought new struggles.
- Learning to appreciate success after chasing massive streaming numbers.
- The importance of paying for a lawyer and not rushing into contracts.
- How collaboration fuels Martin creatively (and why sliding into DMs still works).
- Why first impressions matter when pitching songs - and the one thing you should never send.
- The story behind his new single Follow Me with Laurent and SACHA.
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New episodes every Monday x
You may know him from his ridiculously catchy mega-tunes âCheatingâ or âGirlfriendsâ. You may know him for playing sets to fans so dedicated youâre gonna be glad you brought your Loop earplugs. OR you might just know him from being a lovely, v charming human being.
This weekâs guest is Michael Aldag. An artist that in the past five years has experienced a lot of the things most musicians dream about. Touring. Songs going viral. Building a dedicated fanbase. And on this ep, Michael is v open and honest about all the lessons heâs learnt along that journey.
Plus we get our first John Pork mention on the show, so thereâs that.
MICHAEL IG - â https://www.instagram.com/michael.aldag/
OUR IG - â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/ â
Episode Features:
- The three things Michael wishes he could tell himself starting out in music.
- The importance of sticking to your guns.
- The challenges you face at the first signs of success.
- Michaelâs journey and lessons from Tik Tok.
- How to balance personal and professional life and not go insane.
- Some epic butterfly effects that changes Michaelâs life.
- The importance of being authentic when it comes to art.
- This new chapter of Michael Aldag.
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New episodes every Monday x
If you're a musician whose music even remotely comes under the Dance or Electronic music worlds - then this is your dream episode. đ
Lois Marshall - Head of Radio and Club Promotions at the legendary Defected. This show is full of all the gems, tips to increase your chance of getting listened to, plenty of examples of why ya need to shoot your show, PLUS overcoming the shyness of networking and getting out there in music.
LOIS IG - https://www.instagram.com/loismarshall__/
OUR IG - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
Episode Features:
- Lois' three tips to increase your chances of getting your song played on the radio and in the club.
- Overcoming that initial shyness when it comes to getting yourself out there.
- Send. That. DM!
- Lois' inspiring story of how she got her job.
- Some banging case studies of artists that have proper put the graft in and are now getting their flowers.
- The importance of radio in 2025.
New episodes every Monday x
A guest this week who cares about helping musicians just as much as us.
You might know Sean as the founder of Drowned in Sound - a legendary music blog which at its peak had 3 million readers. You may know him as an artist manager. A guest on all of the sick music industry panel events youâve been too.
Or you might just know him cos heâs very vocal about trying to make the world a better place - for musicians - and tbf, non musicians too.
SEAN IG - https://www.instagram.com/seaninsound/
DROWNED IN SOUND POD - https://pod.link/1037405920?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeZGjH2mDZAQ_4PrW6uMMd7DcHKJC2p0TifwQkWPWmplLdfdErMuAgRXYPIYw_aem_aqutVNv_vpb163cWGKHXaA
OUR IG - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
Episode Features:
- Seanâs top three things you can do to take steps towards a sustainable career.
- How do you define your artistic identity?
- The importance of world building - and how to start.
- Connecting with your audience.
- How tf do you navigate the âattention economyâ.
- Some great stories of ways artists caught Seanâs attention.
- The importance of having an âofflineâ strategy.
- Unique shows and environments to play shows in.
New episodes every Monday x
Today's guest is Ari Herstand, author of 'How To Make It In The New Music Business'.
Which, as you can tell from the title, means he is a human very aligned with us in trying to help you make a living from your music.
Not just that, Ari is a v talented musician himself too. He's been through the releasing music process, he's done those touring logistics. He has that empathy.
And now, tries his best to help musicians with the skills and information needed to live a fulfilling life from your music.
An incredibly valuable show. Whack open your Apple Notes and get involved.
ARI'S SHOW - https://aristake.com/new-music-business-podcast/
ARI'S BOOK - https://book.aristake.com
ARI'S IG - https://www.instagram.com/aristake_/
OUR IG - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
Episode Features:
- Why you need to set 'SMART Goals'.
- And how you can do that.
- Knowing your 'why' as a musician.
- The key challenges you face as an artist at the start of your career.
- New platforms which are great for helping you connect with your fans.
- How you can use that fan data.
- Why you want fans, not followers.
- Low hanging fruit - easy wins to help you take the next step.
- Some important music industry terms you may not be familiar with.
New episodes every Monday x
Something a bit different this week - no guest - so instead we dig into the new Spotify Loud & Clear Report - and try our best (pinky promise) to pull the data from it that is inspiring for you as a musician at the start of your career.
We get a bit number heavy on this one - but the good news is there are genuinely quite a few stats in here that are positive for you if you're dreaming of making a living from your music.
OUR IG - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
LOUD & CLEAR - https://loudandclear.byspotify.com/
Episode Features:
- How many artists on Spotify are making a living from their music?
- Some positive stats on the diversity of artists making a living from their music.
- How many artists are uploading to Spotify in 2025?
- Wtf was Snoop Dogg on about in that viral clip of getting basically no money from a song that has a billion streams?
- The differences in streaming revenue splits.
- How many songs are now in the million streams club?
New episodes every Monday x
Frontman of Nightly, songwriter for a bunch of your favs (like Kane Brown, Valley), and arguably most importantly - a very lovely human being who clearly loves making music.
Fresh from the launch of Nightlyâs new album âSongs to Drive Toâ - we chat w Jonny about how quickly industry peeps can change their opinion. Some beaut ways to nurture your fanbase. The importance of collaboration. And so much more, all with the goal of helping you as much as possible with your own musical goals and dreams.
Oh, and Sam tried his best to not be a massive fanboy too.
âTriedâ being the key word there.
NIGHTLY IG - https://www.instagram.com/nightly/?hl=en
JONNY IG - https://www.instagram.com/jonathancapeci/
OUR IG - https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/
Episode Features:
- The three things Jonny wishes he could tell himself starting out.
- Why you gotta back yourself.
- A crazy story on how industry people can change their mind when they see success.
- How to nurture your fanbase / community.
- Collaboration and the benefits of it.
- Songwriting, for yourself, and for others.
- The magic of social media - and how a song can connect overnight.
New episodes every Monday x
Founder of Different Sauce - a company who basically specialise in helping musicians get their music in front of people. Not just PR. Influencers. Creators. And also the old-skool blogs etc. Working with artists like Milky Chance, Caribou, Gabrielle Aplin, LP Giobbi and more.
He's also a v talented musician himself (FNP) - an artist so talented - he actually had a massive Tik Tok moment himself. He just didn't find out til a year later. Oops.
AIDAN'S IG - â https://www.instagram.com/fnp_aidan/â
DIFFERENT SAUCE - â https://www.differentsauce.co.uk/â
OUR IG - â â â www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod â â â
Episode Features:
- The top three things a musician can do to get your music in front of people in 2025.
- Are platforms like SubmitHub worth it in 2025.
- Why you should be taking inspo from artists that aren't mega-famous.
- You've got ÂŁ500 - what do you do as a musician to get your music in front of as many people as poss.
- What blogs / similar are still relevant in 2025?
- If you're going to put the money into influencers - what do you need to be putting out yourself?
- Are there any non-cringe 'music influencers'?
- Influencer vs tastemaker?
- Why it might be worth 'paying for a blue tick' on Instagram?
- How Aidan's own tune ended up being used by Sony, Bolt, UGG and more.
- Make sure you have an artist account on Tik Tok.
New episodes every Monday x
19 Billion streams. Has written 3 Grammy winning songs (!!). Host of his own banging podcast (Songs You Know), where he talks to some of the greatest songwriters of all time.
A man behind songs pretty much everyone you've ever met will know (John Legend's 'All Of Me', Fergie's 'Big Girls Don't Cry).
This is a special episode. Toby shares all sorts of actionable tips on how you can stay inspired as a songwriter and get what you're feeling across. As well as sharing a bunch of stories about those iconic songs mentioned above.
TOBY IG - â â https://www.instagram.com/tobygadmusic/â â
TOBY'S POD - â https://www.instagram.com/songsyouknowpodcast â
OUR IG - â www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod â
Episode Features:
- Toby's top three tips for staying inspired as a songwriter.
- The importance of keeping a notebook with you at all times.
- And how that notepad could lead to songs like Fergie's 'Big Girls Don't Cry'.
- The importance of authenticity in songwriting.
- Why you have to âshow upâ as much as possible.
- The role of social media. And why Toby thinks Tik Tok is an incredible opportunity.
- What does AI mean for songwriters in 2025.
New episodes every Monday x
VĂRITĂ is a badass independent artist who has racked up 350+ million streams, built an incredible community, plus hosts her own podcast w fellow artists (Anatomy of an Artist).
This show has it all. How to build community and a network as an artist. How to be strategic with which dayjob you get. Plus an unreal story of how one response out of 500+ reach outs led to a Hollywood movie-esque few months.
VĂRITĂ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/verite
OUR IG -Â â â â â â â â â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â â â â â â â â â
Episode Features:
- How to build a network + community for your music when you don't know anybody.
- If you're gonna do a dayjob, could you do one which benefits your music career?
- And why community is so important.
- An absolutely unreal butterfly effect story.
- The story of 1000+ VĂRITĂ postcards.
- "The sea of chance and madness."
- Reaching out to 500+ blogs in one year. And how just one response changed everything.
- Why owning your masters is so important.
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A human who boasts loads of impressive one liners, but hereâs just twoâŚ
Sheâs been on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Sheâs worked with David Guetta, Disciples, Cat Burns, Alfa Mist, James Vickery and more.
Defo fair to say that todayâs guest - Nikki Camilleri knows what sheâs talking about when it comes to working with musicians. And considering one of her main missions is to âadvance sustainable careers in the music industryâ - sheâs very aligned with what we want to help you with. Making a good living from your music.
So we basically interrogate Nikki for all the top tips to help you do just that. Soz Nikki. Youâre welcome listener. x
NIKII INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/nikkicamilleri/
OUR IG -Â â â â â â â â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â â â â â â â â
Episode Features:
- Nikkiâs top three tips to helping
- What does resilience mean as a musician in 2025?
- How do you build it as a musician?
- And how do you analyse your performance without getting too in your own head.
- How do you increase the chance of your music being discovered?
- How to build community and super fans.
- Are any of the paid for music discovery options (
- Creative marketing examples from musicians?
- Nikkiâs favourite memories of her music career / journey.
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BBC Introducing Queen - repping both the local angle onIntroducing Leeds & Sheffield, plus the National on the legendaryBBC Radio 6Music Mixtape,Emily Pilbeam is about as new music obsessed as you can be.
And that's bloody ace for you as a musician at the start of your career - cos she can share all sorts of tips to help you with making a living from your music.
EMILY INSTAGRAM -https://www.instagram.com/empilbeam/?hl=en
OUR IG -Â â â â â â â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â â â â â â â
Episode Features:
- Em's top three tips to increase your chances of being played on the radio.
- What is the dream email to improve your chances of being played?
- The importance of relationships in music.
- What are the classic mistakes people make that stop their music being played?
- Examples of artists that have smashed the reach out.
- Having follow-up singles ready to go.
- Opportunities for artists outside London.
- Em's own personal music industry journey.
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A v interesting episode for a number of reasons. On this weekâs show, our guest has moved from one genre world to another, took advantage of her love for Twilight to help push her own tunes, plus knows how to proper take advantage of a cold DM.
Sheâs also responsible for one of Samâs favourite songs of 2023 ('Get Off Myâ iykyk), so this is basically just 30 minutes of Nahirny fanboying on behalf of you as a musician at the start of your career. Sorry Julia.
Youâre welcome listener. xo
JULIA INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/juliawolfnyc/Â
OUR IG -Â â â â â â â https://www.instagram.com/helpingmusicianspod/â â â â â â
Episode Features:
- Engaging with the people that come to your gigs!Â
- How to nurture a fan base in 2025.
- How Julia took advantage of her love for Twilight to push her own music.
- How do you navigate a genre shift / change, and bring as much of your fanbase as possible with you?
- The importance of collaboration.
- Building a supportive team.
- The power of cold DMâs / emails.
- Juliaâs key butterfly effects.
- Finding your aesthetic.
- What to watch out for in contracts.Â
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