Building a successful music career takes more than releasing great songs. Today’s independent artists need to understand marketing, branding, audience engagement, touring, and the business of music just as much as songwriting and production.
Podcasts have become one of the easiest ways to learn directly from successful artists, managers, marketers, and industry professionals. Whether you’re looking to grow your audience, strengthen your brand, or build a sustainable career, these podcasts offer practical advice you can start applying today.
Here are 10 podcasts every independent artist should consider adding to their playlist in 2026.
My .4 Cents
Hosted by music marketing experts Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth, My .4 Cents explores the latest developments in the music industry, social media, and modern music marketing. Through weekly discussions, the hosts break down industry trends, challenge different perspectives, and share practical insights to help independent artists grow their careers and build stronger fanbases.
Best for: Music marketing, fan growth, social media strategy, and understanding the modern music industry.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyPoint4Cents
Super Duty Tough Work
Hosted by underground hip-hop artist Blueprint and co-host Illogic, Super Duty Tough Work explores the realities of building a career as an independent artist. Blending conversations about the music industry, hip-hop culture, personal development, and humour, the podcast offers honest, experience-driven insights that encourage artists to think critically about both their careers and creative growth.
Best for: Independent artists, music business insights, personal development, career longevity, and creative mindset.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuperDutyToughWork
The New Music Business with Ari Herstand
Hosted by best-selling author and music entrepreneur Ari Herstand, The New Music Business explores the strategies, tools, and industry insights that help independent artists build sustainable careers. Through in-depth conversations with artists, managers, executives, and other industry professionals, Ari breaks down complex topics into practical advice that musicians can apply to their own careers.
Best for: Music business education, independent artist strategy, career growth, marketing, and industry insights.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc1Fatf4celK3kYoJ6FUdN7qtYSCvAAMY
Creative Juice
Produced by Indepreneur, Creative Juice is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping independent artists grow sustainable music careers through effective marketing and fan engagement. Featuring interviews with successful musicians, industry professionals, and marketing experts, each episode delivers practical strategies for growing an audience, increasing revenue, and turning a creative passion into a thriving business.
Best for: Music marketing, fanbase growth, audience monetisation, digital advertising, and building a sustainable creative business.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpOAp_PK9GIVBG8J3xZ6WmD4EBc7rMX5N
Music Business Worldwide
Produced by one of the music industry’s leading news and insights platforms, Music Business Worldwide features two podcasts: The MBW Podcast, with interviews featuring influential artists, executives, and entrepreneurs, and Talking Trends, a weekly series exploring the biggest developments shaping the global music business. Together, they provide valuable insight into emerging technologies, streaming, music rights, and the trends influencing today’s independent artists.
Best for: Music industry news, streaming trends, artist development, AI in music, and understanding the business behind the industry.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JcupwhLzN6mvn4aGUgFCN
DIY Musician Podcast
Hosted by Kevin Breuner, Chris Robley, and The Bolt, the DIY Musician Podcast helps independent artists navigate the ever-changing music industry with practical advice on promotion, marketing, and career development. Through conversations with promoters, lawyers, publishers, journalists, record label owners, and musicians, the podcast offers valuable insights into the business of music and the tools artists need to grow their careers.
Best for: Music promotion, career development, industry insights, release strategies, navigating the modern music business.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DIYMusicianPodcast
The Modern Musician Podcast
Hosted by Michael Walker, The Modern Musician Podcast is an educational series that helps independent artists grow their audiences and build sustainable music careers. Featuring conversations with successful musicians, managers, songwriters, and digital marketing experts, the podcast shares practical advice on audience growth, monetisation, and navigating today’s music industry.
Best for: Audience growth, digital marketing, artist entrepreneurship, monetisation, and building a sustainable music career.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAzRpWFXOxrzEkglQB2SHw8Wi6UzT_i9s
The Profitable Musician Show
Hosted by musician and entrepreneur Bree Noble, The Profitable Musician Show helps independent artists build sustainable careers by treating music as a business. Through practical advice and interviews with industry experts, the podcast explores topics such as music marketing, fan engagement, recurring revenue, live performance, freelance opportunities, and creating multiple income streams.
Best for: Music monetisation, multiple income streams, fan support, music marketing, and building a sustainable music business.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVFb0AQC_G_6NlFYHoBvB2Qwn6uvk-emo
After Load Out
Co-hosted by booking agent Josh Green and touring musician Bryan, After Load Out offers an honest look behind the scenes of the live music industry. Through conversations with artists, tour managers, and industry professionals, the podcast explores the realities of touring, booking shows, and navigating life on the road, giving independent musicians valuable insight into the experiences that rarely make it into the spotlight.
Best for: Touring, live performance, booking shows, music industry insights, and behind-the-scenes career advice.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NyjF3jE2hC7hIiNb3f2UP
And The Writer Is…
Hosted by acclaimed songwriter Ross Golan, And The Writer Is… takes listeners behind the scenes of the songwriting process through in-depth conversations with the writers and producers behind some of the world’s biggest hits. Each episode explores the creative journey, industry experiences, and career lessons that have shaped today’s most successful songwriters.
Best for: Songwriting, creativity, music production, career inspiration, and learning from some of the industry’s most accomplished hitmakers.
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/andthewriteris
The music industry never stands still, and neither should your learning. Whether you’re trying to grow your audience, improve your marketing, write better songs, or understand the business behind the music, investing time in the right podcasts can provide valuable insights from people who’ve already walked the path.
Success as an independent artist isn’t just about creating great music, it’s about continuously developing the skills that help your music reach the right audience.
“The more you learn, the more opportunities you create.”
