Independent musicians often juggle writing, recording, promotion, and the business side of things all at once. The amount of time and money invested in all of these can get overwhelming. However, there are plenty of free resources designed to make the process easier. From platforms and tools to communities and education, here are some of the most valuable resources to explore.
Platforms & Analytics
Spotify for Artists
Claim your profile for free, customize it, pitch songs to playlists, and see detailed listener data.
Bandcamp
Set up a page at no cost and sell music or merch directly to fans. Bandcamp takes a small cut of sales, but there are no upfront fees.
SoundCloud (Free Tier)
Upload up to three hours of music, share your tracks, and connect with an active community of artists and listeners.
YouTube Studio
Upload videos, manage your channel, and use analytics to track how people discover and engage with your content.
Creative & Marketing Tools
Canva (Free Plan)
Ready-made templates for promotional materials like posters, cover art, and EPKs.
Mailchimp (Free Tier)
Build an email list of up to 500 contacts and send 1,000 messages each month for free.
LANDR Free Tools
Create smart links for releases and try out occasional free mastering credits.
ToneDen (Free Features)
Make fan links and run basic automated campaigns. The free tier is limited, but it’s still useful for simple promotions.
Learning Resources
YouTube Channels Worth Following
- Ari’s Take — music business strategy explained clearly.
- Full Stack Creative — digital marketing and fan growth tips for artists of all kinds.
- Produce Like a Pro — tutorials on recording and mixing.
- Mary Spender — advice on career building and staying creative.
- Curtiss King TV — motivational and business insights for independent artists.
- Top Music Attorney — legal and business breakdowns covering contracts, copyright, and protecting your rights.
Berklee Online Free Resources
Articles, webinars, and sample lessons from one of the top names in music education.
Podcasts To Listen To
- Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond — deep-dive artist interviews, great for inspiration.
- The New Music Business with Ari Herstand — interviews with some of the brightest minds across the music industry, from artists to industry experts.
- The Manager’s Playbook — insights on how the music business works from top artist managers, entertainment lawyers, and execs.
- Made It In Music — interviews with artists and songwriters who have found success in music.
- Song Exploder — artists break down the creation of their songs step by step.
Communities & Networking
- r/WeAreTheMusicMakers — broad conversations about creating music.
- r/IndieMusicFeedback — share songs and get constructive feedback.
- r/MusicIndustry — industry news and business advice.
Facebook Groups
- DIY Tour Postings — musicians helping each other book shows.
- Music Industry Career Networking Group (MICNG) — referral-only community for networking and advice.
- Location or Genre-specific Groups — relevant groups for your location or genre will connect you with your community.
Other Communities
- American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) — an organization for independent artists and labels. Entry-level memberships are free and include access to events, panels, and educational resources.
- 24/7 Artists — a collective offering free resources, mentorship, and a community platform built to support independent artists at every stage of their careers, including a free membership tier.
- Girls Behind the Rock Show (GBTRS) — a nonprofit supporting marginalized voices in music through mentorship, networking, and advocacy.
- The Digilogue — a community built around industry panels, meetups, and digital events that connect artists and professionals, including a free membership tier.
- Women in Music — a global organization with panels, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women, including a free membership tier.
Wrapping Up
These free platforms, tools, and communities can help you share your music, grow your audience, and connect with others in the industry. Take advantage of these free resources available to you now, and as your career develops, you’ll be in a better position to decide which paid tools or services are worth investing in.