shesaid.so x DistroKid present: A Guide For Independent Artists

 
 
 

In 2022 we teamed up with DistroKid to bring our members a 4-part series called “A Guide For Independent Artists".

This series unpacked the secrets behind a successful release and touches on various topics including:

  • Top tips for the pre-release/production stage

  • How to ensure a smooth distribution process for release

  • How to make the most of marketing and promo opportunities.

This content is available to rewatch as part of our NINA membership tier.

 
 

Sessions 1: Maximize Production 

Tuesday May 17, 12-2pm PST

Session 1 kicks off with a focus on maximising your production - from a technical, creative and operational perspective.

Hosted by:

  • Lysee Webb, Founder of Van Pelt Management, (highlights include multiple GRAMMY award winner Shawn Everett working with the likes of Kacey Musgraves, War on Drugs, and most recently Adele, to up and coming talent like Jason Agel landing projects with serpentwithfeet, Prince and John Legend, and Jonathan Low working on Taylor Swift's Folklore.)

  • Ebonie Smith, award-winning Music Producer, Audio Engineer & Singer/Songwriter, plus Founder of Gender Amplified, an organisation that supports women and girls in music production.

In this first workshop we are honing in on the music production stage of a release and making the music sound as great as possible. Tune in to find out:

- What goes into making a deal with a producer / mixer / engineer?

- How to be prepared going into that arrangement eg. file prep, finances, scheduling, etc.

- What to expect from a session with a producer

- Pro Tools demo

There will also be time for Q&A to ask your questions, so get the date in your diaries and let us know what you're looking forward to learning.

Session 2: Distribution 101

Tuesday May 24th, 10-11am PT

Session #2 continues with DistroKid Marketing Manager, Mikaela Allen, as she takes us through best practices for preparing your music before, during, and after distribution.

Session 3: Platforms & Marketing 

Tuesday May 31st, 10-11am PT

Session #3 continues with a focus on DSPs and marketing your music on them, led by Ultra Music Records VP of Marketing, Bina Fronda.

Bina landed at famed NYC-based dance music label Ultra Music in 2014 and worked her way up to her current role as Director of Marketing. During her time at Ultra Music, Bina has overseen marketing campaigns for artists such as Steve Aoki, Kygo, Sofi Tukker including their recently Grammy nominated album “Treehouse,” Benny Benassi, Deorro, Axwell, Pitbull, Kaytranada & more. Prior to Ultra, Bina also has experience in the festival industry, namely large scale events including Governor’s Ball, EDC NY, Boston calling and The Meadows.

Session 4: Optimizing Promotional Tools

Tuesday June 7th, 10-11am PT

Session 4 wraps up our series with DistroKid’s Head of Creator Services, Mike Fink, who sits down with singer/songwriters and DistroKid artists, Neoni, to talk about their artist journey, putting together a promo strategy, tools that have helped them along the way, tips for other indie artists, and more.

Mike Fink - Mike heads up DistroKid’s Creator Services team engaging with artists and DSPs. Previously he headed up relationships with indie music rights holders, labels and management at Pandora. Prior to moving to California, he produced over a thousand shows at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and co-founded indie label The Kora Records. He also managed several artists in DC, including Anousheh Khalili who shared a grammy nomination for her work with Deep Dish.

Neoni - Combining alternative, pop and electronic music Neoni is carving a place for themselves. Sisters Caitlin and Sidney Powell cut their teeth young, writing and performing around the American west. They officially formed Neoni in May of 2019. Since then they have released a multitude of singles and collaborations leading up to the release of their EP, Wars in a Wonderland in 2021. They have been building a fan base across streaming platforms and have accumulated over 227 million streams on Spotify alone. Their music has been placed in US and international TV shows, promos and sporting events. Neoni’s music has accumulated over 200 million video views across Youtube and is quickly gaining popularity on Instagram and TikTok. With more music to come, Neoni is ready to turn up the heat.