Make Music: Song Production, Marketing, Indie Artist Tips, Advice, Music Industry, Song Exploder

In this episode, we get honest about our biggest regrets as independent music artists—and how you can avoid them.Looking back, a lot of it comes down to lack of confidence and waiting too long to fully commit. We talk about how hesitation, second-guessing, and playing it safe can quietly hold you back and what happens when you finally decide to go all in on your music.If you’re an indie artist trying to build momentum, this episode is a reminder to trust yourself, take action, and stop delaying the path you know you want.Indie Roots is a production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We're all independent artists and have approximately 700k combined monthly listeners on Spotify. If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the road, we would love to help guide you in our coaching program. For a free intro call, send us an email at ⁠⁠indierootsllc@gmail.com⁠⁠

If we were starting over as independent artists in 2026, what would we do differently? In this episode, we break down the moves we’d make to grow faster in today’s music landscape.We’d focus heavily on great songwriting, because no strategy beats a song that truly connects. We'd also focus on building a deep, engaged fan base—not just chasing streams, but creating real listeners who stick around. We also talk about why we’d collaborate more and actively seek feedback, instead of trying to do everything alone.If you're an indie artist trying to figure out what actually matters right now, this episode cuts through the noise and gives you a clear direction.Indie Roots is a production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We're all independent artists and have approximately 700k combined monthly listeners on Spotify. If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the road, we would love to help guide you in our coaching program. For a free intro call, send us an email at ⁠indierootsllc@gmail.com⁠

How do you grow your music career when algorithms keep changing? In this episode, we break down exactly how to adapt to changing algorithms on platforms like Spotify, TikTok, and beyond—without chasing every trend.As streaming and social platforms evolve (especially with the rise of AI-generated content), one thing is becoming clear: great songs and real fan engagement matter more than ever. The artists who win aren’t just posting more—they’re building deeper connections.We dive into:Why focusing on song quality is your biggest competitive advantageHow to build a loyal, engaged fan base instead of chasing passive listenersThe shift from quantity-based growth to connection-driven growthWhat changing algorithms are actually rewarding right nowSimple, practical ways to future-proof your music careerIf you're an independent artist, producer, or songwriter trying to grow in today’s unpredictable music landscape, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually works.Indie Roots is a production company started by Haddon, William Toll, and Ian Austin. We're all independent artists and have approximately 700k combined monthly listeners on Spotify. If you're on your own journey as an independent artist but struggling to navigate the road, we would love to help guide you in our coaching program. For a free intro call, send us an email at ⁠indierootsllc@gmail.com⁠

In this episode, we explore the concept of digital touring—a strategy where artists grow fanbases in specific locations online before ever stepping on stage. We talk about how some artists collaborate with musicians who already have strong followings in certain cities, releasing songs together to tap into those local audiences. Then, when it’s time to tour, they’re not playing to strangers—they’re performing for listeners who already know their music.

In this episode, Will shares his recent experience participating in a writer's round and how he was able to both network and earn some income.

In this episode, we discuss if streaming will die and whether or not we're worried about this. Thanks for listening!

AI is changing music fast—and our thoughts on it are changing too. In this episode, we unpack our evolving philosophies on AI-generated music, from early skepticism to more nuanced perspectives. We discuss the creative possibilities, ethical concerns, and practical realities of using AI tools in songwriting and production, especially for independent artists. Is AI a threat to artistry, a powerful creative assistant, or something in between? Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI music tools, this conversation will help you think critically about how AI fits into the future of music and your own creative process.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Bailey Gillen from The Figs and talked about his artist journey that led to a massive collaboration with Forest Frank on the song "Lemonade".

In this episode, we break down William Toll’s musical journey by comparing his very first song production with his latest release. We analyze changes in songwriting, production techniques, mixing, and overall sound, highlighting the growth and experimentation that have shaped his music. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, producer, or simply a fan, this episode offers valuable insights into how artists refine their craft, embrace new tools, and develop their unique style over time. Don’t miss this deep dive into the evolution of sound and artistry!

Want your music to sound more polished and professional? In this episode, we break down the power of reference tracks and how they can help you level up your production. Learn how to analyze tones, mixes, arrangements, and dynamics from songs you love—and apply those insights to your own tracks. Perfect for producers and songwriters looking to sharpen their ear and take their music to the next level.

Unlock the power of collaboration in this episode as we dive into the art of co-writing. Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, learn how partnering with others can spark creativity, overcome writer’s block, and take your songs to the next level. We share practical tips, real-world examples, and strategies to make your co-writing sessions more productive and inspiring.

Music publishing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the industry—and one of the most important if you want to get paid for your work. In this episode, we break down what publishing actually is, how royalties flow, and why having the right setup can make the difference between collecting some of your money and collecting all of it. If you’re a songwriter, producer, or independent artist, this is essential listening.

Every genre has its own language—and production is a huge part of it. In this episode, How to Produce Your Song According to Your Genre, we talk about how production choices shape how a song is perceived and why genre awareness matters more than expensive plugins or complex techniques.We break down how to identify the core production elements of your genre, when to follow the “rules,” and when breaking them actually works. Whether you’re producing pop, indie, worship, folk, or something in between, this episode helps you make intentional decisions that support the song instead of fighting it.