This article is written by Caleb J. Murphy, a songwriter-producer based in Austin, Tx., who also runs the blog Musician With A Day Job. His blog focuses on how to be a successful musician even with a day job. When he’s not making music or writing, he’s hanging out with his family or the few […]
Author: Anitra Jay
Artist Feature of the Month: Stolie, A Solo Artist Who Doubles as a Children’s Entertainer
Juggling between two active acts, two home bases, and a full gigging calendar, our Artist Feature of the Month has a lot to share about managing a full-time independent artist career. I’d like to introduce you to Stolie, a pop-rock singer-songwriter catering to adults who also happens to be a bilingual genius showcasing a combo […]
Do Not Take This Pay-to-Play Gig or Any Others Like It
I received this in my inbox today and I was infuriated!!! This is a classic example of a Pay-To-Play gig that independent artists should run far away from. Under some circumstances, this scenario might be acceptable such as if the headliner is a mainstream act, and the show will be at a BIG venue in […]
A GDPR Guide for Musicians in Plain English
Disclaimer. I’m no lawyer or by any means the end all source for what’s legal and right for you. These are just my thoughts on the GDPR situation based on what I’ve read and understood up to this point. This is not legal advice. Proceed at your own comfort level. I’m sure by now you’ve […]
The Musician’s Guide to Creating a Meaningful Mission Statement
Popup Form Example Before we get started, we have a free Mission Statement Worksheet for musicians. Use our Worksheet to build you musical mission statement from scratch. Click here to get our Free Mission Statement Worksheet. × What is your musical mission as an independent artist? Why do you do what you do? What keeps […]
How to Avoid Being a Victim of the Switcharoo
Have you ever lost a recurring gig due to someone new taking over the position of the person who was responsible for booking you? I have a few times and it is the worst. I spend a lot of time cultivating relationships with my venue booking people but unfortunately that all becomes a waste when […]
8 Steps to Become a Successful Full-Time Singer-Songwriter
Before we get started, you can download this guide in a checklist format for easy reference. Click here to download our FREE 8 Steps to Become a Full-Time Singer/Songwriter Checklist. Becoming a singer/songwriter is quite the fulfilling journey. You get to work a job that’s inspiring to yourself and to others. You get to fulfill […]
Artist Feature: Jon Magnusson Swedish Singer/Songwriter
We love independent artists and we love to feature them here on TheCraftyMusician.com! Today we’re featuring Jon Magnusson a Swedish singer-songwriting who not only does his own music, but supports other artists with their music as well – a theme we here at The Crafty Musician know all about. Read on to find out more […]
Musicians, This is the Best Free Trick To Get More Subscribers
Your artist website is your online artist hub. It hosts all of your newest information regarding shows, videos, photos, promo materials, reviews, blog posts, and more. It is where people go online to learn more about you and your music. Your website is a benefit for fans and potential fans in that it provides the […]
Artist Feature: Todd and Jingyu – Boy/Girl Pop/Rock Duo
We love independent artists and we love to feature them here on TheCraftyMusician.com! Today we’re featuring Todd and Jingyu, a boy/girl singer-songwriting team based in Detroit, USA and their music has reached worldwide status without ever leaving their home base. Todd Lerner has worked for Rolling Stone and Spin magazines, and his previous album of […]
Advice I Would Give My Younger Artist Self
As an independent artist, your career in music is one where you take others alongside you and sometimes, many times, you walk alone. You must walk alone many times because your career is your own responsibility. If you don’t invest in yourself, take necessary risks, and make bold moves, you’ll just be stuck. Your fans […]

