The DIY Artiste Podcast

In our 16th and final episode for season one, Paybac Iboro and I discuss how we think independent artistes can maximize the opportunities that big features and appearances presents. You know the usual, share with an indie musician in your corner and tweet us with hashtag @thediy_artiste #thediyartiste. See you in season two!

In hip-hop, rappers that use songwriters/ghostwriters are perceived as less "talented". But ego aside, should you hire a songwriter? What are the benefits of working with a professional songwriter? Feel free to share this with an independent musician in your corner. Also, I wanna hear your thoughts on the topic on Twitter/Instagram @TheDIY_Artiste, use the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste so I can see it. Have a beautiful weekend!

If you look at a standard work résumé (curriculum vitae) you’ll see employees break down their value proposition into hard/soft skills. What are the hard/soft skills a DIY musician needs to survive in this day? In this short fun episode, I break down what I think these essential skills are. Is there something I missed? Let me know on Twitter @TheDIY_Artiste with the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste You know the usual, be kind enough to share this with a musician in your corner. Direct all business enquiries to thediyartiste@gmail.com. Happy Eid! Have a swell week 

Everybody deals with stage fright. Musicians more than most yes, but if you’ve had to express your ideas in front of an audience, you can relate. In this episode I share my personal experience with stage fright and provide practical tips on how to develop as a performer. Stage performance is an art form in itself and as such it can be learned. I’ll end by saying that performing on stage is by far the most beautiful part of an artiste’s career. It’s the entire point of creating art therefore it should be enjoyed to the fullest. Don't forget to share this with an independent musician in your circle. Also, I wanna hear your stage fright stories and how you conquered it, tweet at me @iambarzini_ or @TheDIY_Artiste, enjoy your weekend.

In this episode, I sit with Ifenna Obidiegwu (Artiste Manager for hiphop/rap sensation, Hotyce) and we chop up the sequel to Episode 8, "At what point should you consider hiring a manager?". We go further to discuss the issue of splits between artistes and managers as requested by one of our listeners. You know the usual, share your thoughts and comments with us on Twitter/Instagram @TheDIY_artiste or send us an email via thediyartiste@gmail.com also follow Ifenna on Twitter @Mr_muchfun and feel free to reach out to him with any questions you may have, he's a cool guy.

Your friends and family are your first fan base. How do you go about recruiting them? What’s the best gift you can give them? At what point do you draw the line between getting them to promote your art and stressing them? On our 10th episode (slight congratulations yay! 😇) we look at growing your audience from the inside out while managing your expectations and building the strongest segment of supporters you can have in your career. Follow @thediy_artiste on Twitter and Instagram and don't forget to share this with a musician in your corner.

Have you ever heard a song by a not-so-popular artiste featuring an A-list(er) only to find little or no information about the host artiste afterwards, they basically just fade away into oblivion as the song's buzz diminishes? A famous Timaya line goes thus "collabo follow for promo...". What is the underlying idea behind collaborating with other artistes on a record? What should you expect? How can you ensure that the collaborations you do are in line with your goals and path for success in your career? All these and more in this laid back episode, enjoy. As usual, don't forget to share with your artiste friends and tweet us your thoughts and opinions @TheDIY_Artiste

"When the right manager teams up with the right artiste, it's like watching a well-oiled machine go into action" - Ann Harrison. Just like in every other business, knowing when to hire/partner with other people is key. At what point in your career as an artiste should you consider getting managerial assistance? What are the qualities to look out for in a manager? What are the different roles and categories of artiste management? What is the scope of an artiste/manager legal agreement? We discuss all these and more in this short fun episode. Don't forget to follow @TheDIY_Artiste on Twitter and Instagram, we appreciate the awesome comments from last week about our audio quality and content. Share this podcast with an independent artiste in your corner, you'll make them happy.

In the finale to this three-part series, I sit with Alpha Ojini and Elveektor as they chronicle their DIY journey. We've heard from the media and the labels, now it's time to listen to the creators themselves. Why is focusing on a record deal not the best play for artistes just starting out? Prepare to laugh very hard and learn at the same time. Follow @TheDIY_Artiste

Today we have a former label executive's take on the general topic of DIY independence, and why artistes need structure more than anything else. I'll suggest you listen very attentively to this one. Please don't forget to subscribe and share with an independent artiste you know. Follow us on social media @TheDIY_Artiste and use the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste to tweet your comments and thoughts at me. Enjoy this weekend and see you next Saturday!

Last week, twitter was agog with different perspectives on the Cynthia Morgan/Northside Inc. (Jude Okoye) conversation. For many artistes just starting out, getting a record deal is the only clear goal. In the face of the current music business structure, should this be your goal in the beginning? What kind of artistes are labels looking to sign? What kind of attitude ensures success as an artiste after you land a record deal? My guest and I discuss all this and more in this fun episode. Don't forget to follow @TheDIY_Artiste on Twitter and IG and tweet your comments at me with the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste. Have a beautiful weekend!

This episode is in honor of the ongoing #monsterverse challenge hosted by @100_crowns currently ongoing on social media and the Nigerian rap culture as a whole. In a few fun minutes, I break down what I think are the most important elements of creative rap and share DIY tips for getting better as a rapper. As usual, criticisms and alternate opinions are welcome. Feel free to share your thoughts with me using the hashtag #TheDIYArtiste on twitter. Our handle is @TheDIY_Artiste I hope this episode helps you pen down more creative raps. See you guys on the next part, enjoy!

In this episode, we discuss the next steps after producing an amazing song. From simple stuff like having a proper photo shoot that is in line with your brand image to more technical steps like claiming your artiste profile on digital music stores, we go into detail on all you need to do to ensure you have a well structured release to the best of your DIY ability. Don't forget, the aim is to learn from each other, connect better and grow together, therefore your honest feedback is welcome. Tweet your comments at me @iambarzini_ and also follow @thediy_artiste you can use the hashtag #thediyartiste so I don't miss anything. See you next Saturday, same time.

In this introductory episode, I explore the mentality of a DIY musician while defining the scope of this podcast. If you are a DIY artiste tuning in for the first time, you are welcome. The aim is to learn from each other, connect better and grow together, therefore your honest feedback is welcome. Tweet your comments at me @iambarzini_ and also follow @thediy_artiste you can use the hashtag #thediyartiste so I don't miss anything. I hope you're strapped for a fun ride, let's go!