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The Indie Formula
Going independent, one small win at a time. 15 steps, a free tool for each, progress saved as you go. No account, no jargon, no pressure. Start anywhere.
Every independent career starts here.
Own your rights
Every song registered, every royalty stream switched on.
Find out in 2 minutes which royalty streams you're not collecting.
ASCAP or BMI collect money every time your song plays on radio, in venues, and on streams. No PRO, no check.
The MLC pays songwriters for US streams ("mechanicals"). If you're not registered, your money sits unclaimed in the black box.
Distributors usually register only the recording owner. The featured-artist share is yours to claim.
Settle the percentages the day you write, not the day it blows up.
Release it right
Music live everywhere, masters in your name.
Keep your masters and ~100% of royalties. Compare the six big ones.
Work back from release day, distributor lead time, pitch window, pre-save.
Spotify for Artists + Apple Music for Artists: your data, your pitch button.
Know your money
You can price any deal and read any statement.
Your streams: independent vs 50/50 vs label deal, side by side.
Why an advance isn't free money, the formula that traps platinum acts.
Handle the labels
You can evaluate any offer without fear.
Four questions → your path: independent, hold leverage, or sign safely.
The clauses that decide everything, and the questions to ask out loud.
Paste a clause, get plain English, and which red flag it matches.
Grow what you own
An audience nobody can take away from you.
Owned audience over borrowed reach: the weekly loop.
Add your releases, build your profile, and start appearing on real listeners' tier lists, takes about 10 minutes, and a person's recommendation outlasts any playlist slot.
How this works
- Check off steps as you go, each one links to a free tool that does the work with you.
- Progress stays on your device. No account, no email, nothing leaves your browser.
- Curious why each step matters? The case files have the receipts.