Independent artists Archives | Right Chord Music Blog https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/tag/independent-artists/ A Music Blog For Incredible Independent Artists Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:19:07 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.4 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cropped-favicon-16x16-1-32x32.png Independent artists Archives | Right Chord Music Blog https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/tag/independent-artists/ 32 32 Independent Artist? Free Promo & Music Industry Contacts https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/free-promo-independent-artist/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:54:13 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=188266 Are you an Independent Artist looking to break through the noise and get your music heard? New music service Beat ‘N Track have got a compelling opportunity for you and it won’t cost you a penny. Introducing Beat ‘N Track Imagine a platform that combines the connectivity of LinkedIn, the local discovery of Google Maps, and the […]

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Are you an Independent Artist looking to break through the noise and get your music heard? New music service Beat ‘N Track have got a compelling opportunity for you and it won’t cost you a penny.

Introducing Beat ‘N Track

Imagine a platform that combines the connectivity of LinkedIn, the local discovery of Google Maps, and the service marketplace of Fiverr all tailored for Independent Artists and music service providers. This is Beat ‘N Track.

Free Promo and Music Industry Contacts

Beat ‘N Track want to ensure every ad they run on social media features a real artist and real music. It’s refreshing not to see the same genric, stock music photos! 

They recently ran a paid ad featuring independent artist Anna Wolf, which reached over 16,000 views. Now, they are ready to spotlight their next featured musician, and it could be you.

How To Get Involved

To be considered, you have to be using the platform, so sign up here Beat ‘N Track and add yourself to the map.

You can choose to add either an Artist Pin (For released artists with music on Spotify) or a Service Pin for Musicians looking to network and find their next band or project. It’s free and takes under 5 minutes. The moment you add your Pin, the Beat ‘N Track team will listen to your music and consider you for inclusion in their next advertisement.

Free Music Industry Contacts 

What’s more, by adding your pin you automatically unlock full access to their Venues and Services map, where you’ll find contact details for key music services including Venues, Record Labels, Rehearsal Rooms, Producers, Radio Stations, Booking Agents and even other musicians looking to collaborate.

Why Beat ‘N Track Works

  • Free pins for venues, collaborators, and services
  • Free direct messaging for easy connections with other users
  • Save and share your favourite Pins – great for planning the venues for your next gig or tour
  • Connect directly with key players in the industry without gatekeepers

Discover more on Right Chord Music

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]]> What Is An Independent Artist? The Freedom, Challenge & Rising Stars https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/independent-artists-freedom-challenge/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:53:55 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=187622 The term “independent artist” conjures images of musicians forging their own path, free from the constraints of traditional record labels. But what does being an “independent artist” truly mean in today’s music industry? And is the autonomy worth the trade-offs? What is an Independent Artist? An independent artist, or “indie artist,” is a musician who […]

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]]> The term “independent artist” conjures images of musicians forging their own path, free from the constraints of traditional record labels. But what does being an “independent artist” truly mean in today’s music industry? And is the autonomy worth the trade-offs?

What is an Independent Artist?

An independent artist, or “indie artist,” is a musician who operates without the support of a major record label. (Sony, Univeral or Warner) As an independent artist, you can release music on your own or via an independent record label. 

What’s the difference between an Unsigned and an Independent Artist?

If you self-release, the answer is nothing. However, mainly unsigned artists prefer to be called independent artists, after all it sounds more empowering. For a few, it’s a conscious choice independent artists like Radiohead have chosen to leave the confines of major label structures. However, for the majority who are unable to attract label support, the only choice is to forge their own path.

Radiohead on Spotify

Thanks to digital distribution, indie artists can now have the opportunity to share their music globally, engage directly with fans, and even make substantial earnings through streaming, merchandise, and live performances. 

The Pros and Cons of Independence

Being independent comes with enviable freedoms and daunting challenges. Here’s a closer look:

Pros

  1. Creative Freedom: Indie artists maintain full artistic control, able to experiment with their sound, lyrics, and style without a corporate filter. They don’t have to tailor their music to market trends or follow restrictive label rules.
  2. Ownership: Unlike major label contracts, which can demand a hefty portion of revenue, indie artists typically own their masters and copyright. This can provide long-term financial security if their music gains value over time.
  3. Direct Fan Engagement: Independence allows artists to form closer connections with fans, which has become crucial in an era where authenticity is key. Platforms like Instagram, Patreon, and Bandcamp enable personal interaction and even financial support directly from fans.

Cons

  1. Financial Risk: Without the backing of a major label, funding music production, touring, and promotion falls solely on the artist. From equipment to hiring professionals for mixing and mastering, costs can stack up quickly.
  2. Limited Resources: Labels bring professional networks and resources that make promotion easier. Independent artists must work tirelessly to gain traction and can struggle to achieve the same visibility without industry connections.
  3. Time Constraints: Indie artists are often managing every aspect of their careers—from social media to booking gigs—which can dilute the time and energy they can dedicate to the craft itself.

Independent Artists and Spotify

Spotify announced a record-breaking payout of $4.5 billion to independent artists and labels in 2023, marking the first time indies (including DIY artists) contributed roughly half of Spotify’s total music revenue, reaching $9 billion.

“This shows how streaming is levelling the playing field, giving independent artists access to the same global audience and tools as the superstars,” Spotify stated in an update on its Loud & Clear portal.

According to Spotify, this $4.5 billion payout is the highest ever earned by independents from a single retailer in a single year. It’s also greater than the total revenue of the recorded music industry in every country worldwide, apart from the United States (based on IFPI’s 2023 Global Music Report).

Key Independent Artists Leading the Way

Despite these challenges, a growing wave of independent artists are finding success and setting an example for others. Here are two standout names in the indie scene: Connor Price and The Daydream Club.

Connor Price is a testament to the power of social media for indie musicians. With collaborations that span international boundaries, he’s leveraged platforms like TikTok to reach millions of listeners globally. Price’s music combines clever wordplay and emotive themes, drawing fans not only for his artistry but for his down-to-earth presence online. His journey from actor to independent rapper shows how indie artists can diversify and redefine their careers without a label’s guidance. At the time of writing Connor Price has over 9,000,000 monthly listeners.

Connor Price on Spotify

The Daydream Club, founded by husband-and-wife duo Adam and Paula Pickering, have left an indelible mark on the indie-pop soundscape. Their music, blending rich boy, and girl harmonies and delicate instrumentation, evokes a dreamy quality that lives up to their name. The Daydream Club has developed a global following by embracing streaming and cultivating a community around their serene, reflective sound. At the time of writing, they have over 100,000,000 streams on Spotify. Their independent path reflects a dedication to authentic expression over commercial pressures, a hallmark of the indie ethos.

Independent Artists Outside Spotify

It’s important to recognise that Spotify is not the only distribution route. A small number of independent artists are making NFTS and the Blockchain work for them. The scramble to find a decentralised approach that is both sustainable and replicable for more artists is only set to continue in the coming years. You can read more about artists selling NFTs here.

In Summary

While the road is tough, the rise of independent artists like Connor Price and The Daydream Club illustrates how artists today can craft meaningful careers outside traditional frameworks. In an industry where the indie approach is more viable than ever, it’s clear that the future of music will continue to be shaped by artists willing to go their own way.

Discover more on Right Chord Music

Words Mark Knight

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]]> 3 Ways to Improve Spotify Wrapped For Independent Artists https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/3-ways-to-improve-spotify-wrapped-for-independent-musicians/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:01:38 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=186090 Spotify Wrapped is a brilliant piece of marketing. It’s brilliant for Spotify, it’s brilliant for the featured artists and it’s brilliant for music. But here are three ways it could be improved for independent artists. Good for Spotify Spotify Wrapped is a genius piece of earned marketing. Every year artists and fans voluntarily share the […]

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]]> Spotify Wrapped is a brilliant piece of marketing. It’s brilliant for Spotify, it’s brilliant for the featured artists and it’s brilliant for music. But here are three ways it could be improved for independent artists.

Good for Spotify

Spotify Wrapped is a genius piece of earned marketing. Every year artists and fans voluntarily share the Spotify name and content across their social media profiles. For any non-Spotify users, the FOMO (fear of missing out) is off the charts. While for any existing Spotify users, it’s a reminder to listen again.

Good for featured artists

The biggest challenge facing independent artists is being heard. If you are included on a fan’s Spotify Wrapped you are getting free, third-party endorsement and promotion. It’s essentially saying, your music is good and you should listen.

Good for music

Can you think of another day when music is so front and central in your newsfeed? And it’s not just about a couple of artists like The Brits or The Grammy’s when Spotify Wrapped is released thousands or even millions of artists get to share their name and be shared.  

Here are three ways Spotify Wrapped could be improved for independent artists:

1. Call out your most listened-to independent artists

Did you know that ¼ of all Spotify streams in 2022 came from independent artists? Wouldn’t it be great if Spotify created a specific card in their Story Reel specifically calling out your most listened-to independent artist? Imagine the sense of pride to be name-checked alongside a major-label star.

2. Allow fans to tip independent artists

Spotify currently allows fans to thank their most listened-to artists. The mechanic for thanking an artist is to share this achievement on your social media platforms. But, wouldn’t it be great if you could go one step further and leave a tip or financial reward to show your love, a simple Paypal or Apple / Android Pay donation could be massively beneficial. Even a small £1 or £5 donation would go a long way to boosting the notoriously low streaming royalties payouts.

Allow independent artists to thank their listeners

It wasn’t that long ago that Taylor Swift removed her music catalogue from Spotify, now she is the platform’s poster child with 26.1bn streams on Spotify in 2023 alone. Any fan that had Taylor Swift included in their Wrapped this year would have received a video thank you from Taylor herself. Why should this feature be limited to Taylor Swift? Wouldn’t it be great if every artist had the chance to upload a 10-second thank you video, that would be shared with any fans who featured them in their Spotify Wrapped? After all, fan loyalty is built on personal engagement, not faceless Streams. 

Discover Right Chord Music’s most listened-to independent artist

Do you have further ideas?

Do you have other suggestions about how Spotify Wrapped could be improved for independent artists? If so drop us a note on X (Twitter) or Instagram you can find us @Rightchordmusic

Discover more on RCM

Words Mark Knight

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]]> Best Vinyl Record Production https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/affordable-vinyl-record-production/ Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:27:27 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=186032 Independent artists save 10% on the best vinyl record production with Right Chord Music and Diggers Factory. As an independent artist navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, the quest for recognition and sustainability is a thrilling yet daunting journey. In today’s digital age, carving out a distinct presence demands creativity and innovation. However, […]

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]]> Independent artists save 10% on the best vinyl record production with Right Chord Music and Diggers Factory.

As an independent artist navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, the quest for recognition and sustainability is a thrilling yet daunting journey. In today’s digital age, carving out a distinct presence demands creativity and innovation. However, amidst the sea of digital releases, vinyl not only cultivates a devoted fanbase but also enriches your revenue stream while offering something tangible: the realm of physical music formats.

The Tangible Essence of Music

In a world where music often exists as digital files streamed or downloaded, the allure of physical formats like vinyl records offers a palpable and intimate connection between artists and their audience. Holding a vinyl record, admiring its artwork, and experiencing the analogue sound on a turntable crafts an intimate and tactile bond that transcends the digital realm, fostering a profound relationship between the artist’s creation and the listener’s experience.

The Challenge for Independent Artists

For independent musicians, the prospect of pressing vinyl records has historically been both financially daunting and logistically complex. The expenses associated with production, coupled with uncertainties about demand and distribution, have deterred many talented artists from exploring this enriching avenue for their music.

Introducing Diggers Factory

Diggers Factory Print vinyl records on demand and save 10% with Right Chord Music

Enter Diggers Factory, an innovative platform dedicated to empowering independent musicians to bring their music into physical formats effortlessly. This groundbreaking solution opens doors for artists who previously deemed vinyl production unattainable.

  • Revolutionising Vinyl Production:

Diggers Factory facilitates a paradigm shift by adopting a crowdfunding model, enabling artists to gauge demand before embarking on production. With pre-order goals as low as 100 copies, artists can fund their vinyl projects without upfront costs, mitigating financial risks associated with traditional production methods.

  • Comprehensive Support:

Beyond crowdfunding, Diggers Factory extends comprehensive support throughout the entire production and distribution journey. From access to production facilities, logistics, and distribution networks to services encompassing mastering, graphic design, and more, artists receive invaluable assistance at every step.

  • Crafting Exclusive Collectibles:

Diggers Factory specializes not only in standard vinyl production but also in crafting exclusive limited-edition releases. These unique editions boast distinctive designs and carefully curated tracks, offering fans and collectors an added allure and exclusivity.

Expanding Revenue Horizons

Beyond fostering emotional connections, vinyl records represent a substantial revenue stream for independent artists. With the resurgence in vinyl sales and fans’ willingness to invest in physical copies of cherished music, partnering with Diggers Factory empowers artists to tap into this market, diversifying their income streams and reinvesting in their musical endeavours.

Diggers Factory product range

Save 10% On Vinyl Record Production With Diggers Factory & RCM

For independent artists aspiring to grant their music a tangible presence and offer their supporters something extraordinary, Diggers Factory stands as the gateway to endless possibilities. Use the code RCM10 for a 10% discount on your Diggers Factory vinyl production costs, making this transformative step even more accessible.

 

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]]> 2 Ways Indie Musicians Can Improve Engagement On TikTok https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/improve-engagement-on-tiktok/ Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:00:39 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=185885 The biggest mistake made by independent musicians on TikTok is to assume that anyone cares about their music. In this article, we’ll show you two simple ways to improve TikTok viewability and engagement. Winning on TikTok starts with entertainment Let’s be clear TikTok is less of a social network and more an entertainment platform, its […]

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]]> The biggest mistake made by independent musicians on TikTok is to assume that anyone cares about their music. In this article, we’ll show you two simple ways to improve TikTok viewability and engagement.

Winning on TikTok starts with entertainment

Let’s be clear TikTok is less of a social network and more an entertainment platform, its closest competitors are Netflix and Disney Plus, not Facebook or Instagram. When you create a profile on TikTok it’s best to think of yourself as a TV channel or presenter. What kind of shows are you going to make?

Recent research by Major Labl identified successful content on TikTok falls under 11 different archetypes. Sadly there isn’t one called ‘Musician’. However, there is one called ‘The Entertainer’. This means everything you post must be entertaining! If all you do, is implore people to listen to your new single, you will fail.

The musicians winning on TikTok realise their music is unlikely to be the headline. It’s the soundtrack or the glue that helps the content hold together. Evoking emotion is always going to be more powerful, than rational or functional sales messages pushing your new release.

Here are two simple ways to improve TikTok engagement rates and viewability.

The Hook

The first words you say, and the first words that appear on your captions can be the difference between a view and a new follower and a swipe. So next time you post, try to incorporate a hook at the start to drive improved engagement.

  1. “Watch till the end!”
  2. “I need your help…”
  3. “I’ve got a secret”
  4. “This one is for ___”
  5. “Quick Reminder!”
  6. “ Did you know that…”
  7. “Hear me out…”
  8. “Stop scrolling!”
  9. I can’t believe what I just discovered!
  10. ___ type of people stop scrolling!
  11. Everything you knew about ___ is 100% WRONG! (+ a good example)
  12. Stop scrolling if you want to do ___
  13. Come with me to do ___
  14. Do you have problems with ___? Well, I just found the perfect solution!
  15. This is a reminder to do ___
  16. Follow this step-by-step process to successfully ___
  17. This is the story of ___
  18. Don’t make this mistake when doing ___
  19. Why does no one talk about this?
  20. You need to stop doing this!
  21. If you want to do ___, you need to do this!
  22. Red flags to look for in ___
  23. 5 mistakes you are probably making when you ___
  24. This free ___ is a game-changer!
  25. Here are 3 signs that you should ___
  26. I tried every ___ so you don’t have to!
  27. The BEST ___ I’ve ever used!
  28. Is it just me, or ___
  29. Stop everything you are doing___
  30. Can you believe____

The Thumbnail

YouTubers have spent years perfecting the video thumbnail and you should too. Take a moment to look back at your feed and ask yourself which video thumbnails most entice you to watch. Best practice elements include:

  1.  Your face in focus
  2.  Something intriguing or different
  3.  Words/title on screen

Look at a sample of images from Connor Price, an independent musician who is setting the benchmarks for success on social media.

Connor Price. 2 ways independent musicians can win on TikTok

If you combine entertaining content with great music a hook and a strong video thumbnail your content viewability will increase. So get posting!

Discover more on RCM

Words Mark Knight

 

 

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]]> Musicians Win Cash & Keys With Casio Sessions https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/casio-sessions-loop-music/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:23:47 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=185176 Casio launches ‘Casio Sessions’ – a singer-songwriter competition for aspiring piano-playing musicians. About Casio Sessions Casio Music UK, one of the world’s most renowned producers of electronic keyboards and digital pianos, has announced a brand new competition – in partnership with Loop Music – aimed at piano-playing artists called ‘Casio Sessions.’ Win Cash & Casio […]

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]]> Casio launches ‘Casio Sessions’ – a singer-songwriter competition for aspiring piano-playing musicians.

About Casio Sessions

Casio Music UK, one of the world’s most renowned producers of electronic keyboards and digital pianos, has announced a brand new competition – in partnership with Loop Music – aimed at piano-playing artists called ‘Casio Sessions.’

Win Cash & Casio

The competition will take place on Thursday 21st September 2023 at Casio’s G-SHOCK store in Carnaby Street, London, with one lucky musician chosen to win one of Casio’s multiple award-winning PX-S7000 digital pianos worth £2,249 and £500 cash.

Singer-songwriters who play piano across the UK are invited by Casio and Loop Music to enter online by submitting a video audition of themselves playing an original composition – covers will not be considered.

Twelve musicians will be selected to take part in the live final of the competition that will take place in London. Finalists will perform on Casio’s flagship model from its Privia Series – the PX-S7000.

The Casio PX-S7000

The multiple award-winning PX-S7000 sets a new standard in digital pianos. It includes a newly developed hybrid wooden hammer keyboard and a contemporary look. The ability to directly plug in a microphone and make use of the onboard vocal effects makes this the ideal performance instrument for up-and-coming singer-songwriters.

Meet The Judges

The finalists will be judged by Neil Evans and Dan Henry of Casio Music UK and Mohamed A Sawyer and Emmanuel Tchombe of Loop Music. Musicians will be scored on various criteria including stage performance and presence. The lucky winner will take home a PX-S7000 as well as £500 cash. All twelve live finalists will receive content captured from the Casio Sessions event, including professional photography and videography of their performances.

Neil Evans, Head of Casio Music UK, said…

“We’re excited to kick off Casio Sessions – a competition dedicated to aspiring piano-playing songwriters across the country. Alongside Loop Music and its community of musicians and creatives, we hope to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming UK-based talent. Casio has always been proud to support music making and its benefits across all genres and ages. We can’t wait to discover new talent and see how the competition unfolds.”

Entries Open

Entries are open now until midnight 30th of August, with twelve finalists selected on 4th of September. To enter submit a video audition and complete a simple form via the Casio website. All ages and musical styles are welcome. The full terms and conditions, including full scoring criteria, can be found here.

Discover more on RCM

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]]> New Research Confirms More Than 4 Musicians Exist https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/more-than-4-musicians-exist-rcm-blog/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 10:15:10 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=180771 If you watch the MTV Awards, Brits, Grammy’s or listen to commercial radio and you’d be forgiven for thinking there were only four musicians in the world. After ten years of extensive research, we can confirm there are not. Looking for something else? You’ve come to the right place. Right Chord Music has been championing […]

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]]> If you watch the MTV Awards, Brits, Grammy’s or listen to commercial radio and you’d be forgiven for thinking there were only four musicians in the world. After ten years of extensive research, we can confirm there are not. Looking for something else? You’ve come to the right place. Right Chord Music has been championing incredible unsigned and independent artists since 2010. Click the menu tabs, look around and discover your new favourite artist.

It’s no secret that the mainstream music press loves to shower attention on a select few artists, with names like Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Harry Styles dominating headlines and radio airplay alike. While these artists are undoubtedly talented in their own right, it’s frustrating to see the same names plastered across every publication, as if there are no other musicians worth mentioning.

Independent musicians, in particular, have long been relegated to the margins of the music industry, struggling to gain recognition and exposure in a landscape that prioritizes commercial success over creative innovation. While the internet has made it easier than ever to discover new music, the mainstream media continues to perpetuate the myth that only a handful of artists truly matter.

What about the countless musicians who toil away in relative obscurity, creating music that is no less worthy of attention and acclaim? From the folk singers playing in tiny venues to the experimental electronica producers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a laptop, there are so many incredible artists out there who deserve a wider audience.

It’s not just a matter of fairness or artistic integrity, either. By fixating on a small group of artists, the mainstream media is doing a disservice to music lovers everywhere. There’s a whole world of music out there waiting to be discovered, and by ignoring it in favour of the same old names, we’re limiting ourselves in ways that we can’t even imagine.

Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are still plenty of publications and websites out there that champion independent music, shining a light on artists who might otherwise be overlooked. But until the mainstream media is willing to broaden its horizons and recognize the diversity and depth of talent that exists in the music world, we’ll be stuck with a narrow and uninspiring vision of what music can be.

So the next time you hear someone talking about the latest chart-topping hit from one of the big four, take a moment to consider all the amazing artists who are out there creating music that’s just as worthy of your attention. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just someone who enjoys a good tune, there’s a whole world of sound waiting for you to discover it. All you have to do is listen.

Discover more on RCM

Words Chat GPT with prompts from Mark Knight

Image created in DALL-E 2 Ed Sheeran listening to music in oils

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]]> Unseen Plays Joins RCM Indie Collective To Get Music Heard https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/unseen-plays-joins-rcm-indie-collective/ Sat, 11 Mar 2023 10:33:40 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=180417 We are delighted to announce Unseen Plays is the latest new music blog to join the RCM Indie Collective to help get more incredible independent artists heard and discovered. Introducing Unseen Plays Unseen Plays began with a dream to build an online space where emerging artists and bands could get ahead with valuable organic press. It’s a […]

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]]> We are delighted to announce Unseen Plays is the latest new music blog to join the RCM Indie Collective to help get more incredible independent artists heard and discovered.

Introducing Unseen Plays

Unseen Plays began with a dream to build an online space where emerging artists and bands could get ahead with valuable organic press. It’s a blog built by artists for artists. They want to help bring the best unheard music to music lovers to help good music get ahead.

In addition to a tastemaker music blog they recently launched the Unseen Plays Podcast where they showcase the best artists featured on the Unseen Plays Blog. The Podcast is only available on Spotify which means every play of the Podcast contributes a Spotify stream to the featured artists.

About The RCM Indie Collective

The RCM Indie Collective was created by the Right Chord Music Blog to help promote incredible independent artists. The RCM Indie Collective gets more new music heard

We allow unsigned and independent artists to pick up promotional support from our network of partner Music Blogs, Podcasts, Playlists and even Radio stations all from one free submission to Right Chord Music.

Music blog aggregation services are nothing new, but with SubmitHub and now Musosoup charging musicians just to submit their music, costs are spiralling.

We wanted to create a service that gets back to the music, which is fairer and more accessible for everyone says founder Mark Knight. With our service, the submission is free and you only pay for a guaranteed review or feature, there is no obligation to accept.

Mark Knight still continues to write reviews for free, but there are only so many reviews one person can write! To support more artists, we employ a team of 20+ freelance writers this allows us to dramatically increase the number of reviews we can publish. A review on Right Chord Music with a freelance writer costs £6 with 100% going to the writer.

All members of the RCM Indie Collective are free to set their own prices which you agree with them before agreeing to a review.

Here is the full list of our RCM Indie Collective partners
  • Right Chord Music Blog
  • Right Chord Music Playlists
  • Blackmarket Playlists
  • Bored City
  • Eclectic Ear Candy
  • Euphonixx
  • Heresiarch Music Reviews
  • Indie Music Women
  • Iraina Mancini (Soho Radio)
  • Lost In The Nordics
  • Lost On Radio Playlist
  • Pop Passion Blog
  • Pretty White Blog
  • Rats On The Run Blog
  • The Daydream Club Presents Podcast
  • Tonitruale Blog
  • Unseen Plays Blog
  • Unseen Plays Podcast
  • Up & Coming Blog Blog
  • We Make Music Playlists
You can read case studies and success stories here. If you are a music blogger, playlister, DJ or live promoter interested in joining The RCM Indie Collective please get in touch here

Submit music for consideration here

Discover more on RCM

Words Mark Knight

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]]> Independent Artists. Get On Blackmarket Spotify Playlists For Free https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/independent-artists-blackmarket-spotify/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:45:10 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=179843 We are delighted to announce Blackmarket Spotify Playlists have joined the RCM Indie Collective to help champion more incredible independent artists. Introducing Blackmarket Based in Germany, Backmarket hand curate over 10 different playlists. No bots, no payments or fees, Backmarket champion the music they love, for the love and that’s why we’re delighted to have them […]

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]]> We are delighted to announce Blackmarket Spotify Playlists have joined the RCM Indie Collective to help champion more incredible independent artists.

Introducing Blackmarket

Based in Germany, Backmarket hand curate over 10 different playlists. No bots, no payments or fees, Backmarket champion the music they love, for the love and that’s why we’re delighted to have them as part of our RCM Indie Collective.

About the RCM Indie Collective

RCM Indie Collective

The RCM Indie Collective was created by the Right Chord Music Blog to help promote incredible independent artists.

We allow unsigned and independent artists to pick up promotional support from our network of partner Music Blogs, Podcasts, Playlists and even Radio stations all from one free submission to Right Chord Music.

Music blog aggregation services are nothing new, but with SubmitHub and now Musosoup charging musicians just to submit their music, costs are spiralling.

We wanted to create a service that gets back to the music, which is fairer and more accessible for everyone says founder Mark Knight. With our service, you only pay for a guaranteed review or feature, and there is no obligation.

All members of the RCM Indie Collective are free to set their own prices which you agree with them before agreeing to a review. A review on RCM costs £6 with 100% going to the writer who does the work. We currently employ a team of 20+ freelance writers which allows us to feature more incredible new music than ever before.

Here is a full list of our RCM Indie Collective partners

  • Right Chord Music Blog
  • Right Chord Music Playlists
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]]> In Response To Chris Moyles ‘Most Unsigned Bands Are Crap’ https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/in-response-chris-moyles-unsigned-crap/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:09:17 +0000 https://www.rightchordmusic.co.uk/?p=179552 Last week Radio X breakfast show DJ Chris Moyles was asked by a listener why he doesn’t play any new music on his show. He responded by saying… that “most unsigned bands are crap” As a music blog that champions incredible unsigned and independent music, we want to set the record straight. Chris Moyles – […]

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]]> Last week Radio X breakfast show DJ Chris Moyles was asked by a listener why he doesn’t play any new music on his show. He responded by saying… that “most unsigned bands are crap” As a music blog that champions incredible unsigned and independent music, we want to set the record straight.

Chris Moyles – DJ

I must confess I grew up listening to Chris Moyles, first on the early breakfast show, then Saturday mornings, and drive time before ultimately the breakfast show on BBC Radio 1. Back in 1998, he was a blast of fresh air, he made radio exciting, unpredictable and occasionally dangerous. But it was evident from the start that he wasn’t a music DJ and to be fair he never pretended he was. His remit was entertainment, he left the serious music chat to Jo Wiley and Steve Lamacq.

When he joined Radio X in 2015 it felt like a predictable and safe choice. You see in its previous incarnation, Radio X was XFM a radio station that purposely set out to play new and exciting indie and alternative music. For a few years, it was utterly wonderful with the likes of Eddy Temple-Morris and John Kennedy ruling the airwaves. Where else could you hear the likes of Fugazzi and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs during the daytime schedule?

Sadly the halcyon days didn’t last, and when ‘niche’ stopped paying the bills. XFM’s spirit and purpose were gutted and sold to the kings of banal, mainstream radio ‘Global.’ Cutting-edge new and alternative music was replaced with safe indie fodder on repeat and Chris Moyles was the new king. True indie fans switched off, and while Global grew the business, the new Radio X became little more than a ‘bit of rough’ for bored Capital FM listeners on their Greater London school run.

So you see, while I applaud the listener for challenging Chris Moyles to play new music, he was never going to win with a DJ that prefers his own voice to music and a station that stopped playing new music in 1998.

“Most unsigned bands are crap”

There is a lot of music in the world and a lot of musicians making it. A staggering 57,000,000 people agree with the statement “I consider myself a musician or audio creator.” across just five countries (US, UK, Canada, Germany & France) according to Global Web Index.

It’s also never been easier to make and distribute music to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. So it’s no surprise when the barriers to entry drop, so can the quality. For every great artist and musician, there are a ton more that don’t sound as good. Chris Moyles‘ assertion that most‘ unsigned bands are crap was lazy. The counter argument is that there are millions of incredible artists that just get overlooked and that’s the biggest crime. After all every artist starts unsigned and stays unsigned until they are discovered.

Radio has failed new music discovery

While it would be foolish and inaccurate to blame Chris Moyles for the lack of new music on the radio, he is just a DJ after all. It’s clear commercial radio stations bosses and their respective heads of music have utterly failed new music discovery in this country for decades.

At least the BBC try although tokenistic gestures like BBC Introducing don’t do enough. Let’s be clear no new artist has ever broken through on the radio with one or two plays at midnight on a Tuesday on a regional radio station.

The ‘unsigned’ perception problem

One of the biggest challenges facing ‘unsigned music’ is the word ‘unsigned’ itself. That’s because years of low quality production (music, video and imagery) have resulted in negative associations.

For lots of people, including Chris Moyles ‘unsigned’ means grubby, crap and unprofessional. Sadly there is still a lot of evidence to support this assumption, but hopefully that is changing slowly.

When I started Right Chord Music in 2010 one of my biggest motivations was to prove that unsigned didn’t mean unprofessional. That meant every artist we shared on our blog had to look and sound professional.

When we received lazy submissions with missing biographies or photos they are immediately deleted. Sadly when it comes to music, you can judge a book by it’s cover. When music looks bad, it inevitably sounds bad too.

When unsigned music lets itself down

Here are some examples of the worst images that have accompanied submissions to the Right Chord Music Blog. These images only perpetuate the idea that ‘unsigned music is crap’.

Unsigned Bands & Chris Moyles. Worst RCM Music Blog Submissions Examples

But back in 2010 looking and sounding professional was definitely harder. Back then we would also get our fair share of dodgy demo CDs in the post. They would have the names of the tracks scrawled on the front in marker pen, and if you listened carefully you could normally hear their dog barking in the background.

Incredible independent artists

Fast forward to 2023 and now we have smartphones that shoot HD video and take professional-grade images. We have online design tools like Canva that have levelled the playing field. Now there is literally no excuse to submit music that doesn’t at least look and sound professional.

There is no doubt during this time we’ve seen the rise of the Independent artist. Indie has gone on to become much more than just a genre. Indie now represents a spirit, a work ethic and a style. While ‘Unsigned’ bands sit around waiting to be signed. ‘Independent’ artists are out there making it happen for themselves. They write the music, produce the music, design the artwork, shoot and edit the video, produce the social content and promote themselves.

In the last 12 years, the Right Chord Music Blog has discovered so many incredible independent artists and it’s validated our theory that you don’t need to be signed to a record label to make incredible music and art.

But if you’re Chris Moyles a non-music-centric DJ that has never explored this scene or played great indie music it’s easy to see why the old grubby stereotype of ‘unsigned’ is perpetuated.

We would dearly love to change this perception and would urge Chris Moyles to spend some time flicking through the pages of this blog, our Explorer playlist or even our Instagram feed.

But in the meantime, the onus remains on you the artists. I would continue to urge every ‘unsigned’ artist to become the best ‘independent’ version of themselves. Give yourself the chance to cut through by ensuring every piece of content you put into the world looks and sounds professional. Remember you are not only representing yourself but every other new musician out there.

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Words Mark Knight

 

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