How Do Music Artists Get Paid: An Industry Guide (2025)
You’ve been grinding: writing songs, recording demos, and playing shows, but the money’s not showing up. You start asking yourself: how do music artists get paid? Because it feels like…
News
10 Great Recording Studios in Chicago, IL: A Music Artist’s Guide
You’ve outgrown your basement studio setup. The mix is muddy, the vocals don’t hit, and you’re tired of pretending it’s “good enough.” You’ve got real songs now—tracks that deserve real…
Aliens: A Transcendent Review of The Transference
Come with us for this one. It’s March, and you’ve just moved to Chicago. You head out to one of your new favorite spots—let’s say The Burlington. You grab a…
How To Get Signed to a Record Label: An Artist’s Guide (2025)
You’re staring at your laptop at 1 a.m., Googling how to get signed to a record label—again. Your tracks are solid, your friends swear you’re next up, but nothing’s moving.…
How Much Does It Cost to Record an Album: A Comprehensive Guide
You’ve written the songs, tightened the band, and now you’re staring down the big question: how much does it cost to record an album? Every artist hits this point. You’ve…
What is the Difference Between a Record and an Album
You’re talking to a label rep and they say, “We loved your record.” You nod and smile, but then immediately wonder—wait, do they mean my album? Or the single? If…
What to Expect at a Recording Studio: The Ultimate Guide
You’ve played your song a hundred times—alone in your room, at shows, maybe even in front of a mirror with a hairbrush. Now it’s time to make your sound real.…
10 Alternative Rock Music Albums We Loved from 2024
2024 was another year for the books, in all ways good and bad. But let’s focus on the good—some seriously awesome artists found footholds, and a few albums dropped that…
The Transference Joins HardStop Records
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL –1/29/25– HardStop Records is proud to announce the signing of The Transference, the Chicago-based alternative and indie rock band known for their evocative lyrics, soul-stirring…
How to Book a Recording Studio: An Artist’s Complete Guide
You’ve poured your heart into your music, writing lyrics, crafting melodies, and nailing every riff. But when you hit record at home, the sound falls flat, the mix doesn’t shine,…
Selling Merch at Concerts—The Ultimate Artist Guide
As an artist, you’re always looking for ways to increase the ways your work earns you money. While streaming your music and performing at gigs is the main source of…
6kitty Unveils Sophomore Album “Under Pins”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL – December 13, 2024 Chicago’s indie rock trio 6kitty proudly announces the release of their second album, Under Pins, now available on all major streaming…
How to Plan a Kick-Ass Music Tour: A Band’s Must-Have Guide
You started your band with the dream that one day, you’d be touring. Now the time has come to hit the road, connect with your fans, and show off the…
6kitty Releases Single “June”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL – November 14, 2024 – The wait is over: Chicago-based indie rock powerhouse 6kitty has released their latest single, “June” on Spotify and Bandcamp for…
How to Make Money on YouTube: A Musicians Guide
Looking for a platform that can get your music reach and help you monetize? YouTube reached 2.5 billion viewers in October of 2023. It’s the second most popular social network…
6kitty Joins HardStop Records
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL – 6/27/24 – HardStop Records is thrilled to announce the signing of 6kitty, the female-fronted trio from Chicago known for their blend of 90s alt-rock…
The Top 10 Best Record Labels In Chicago
Are you looking for the best record labels in Chicago to help launch your music career? You’ve hit the jackpot–from blues legends to indie innovators, these Windy City record labels are…
17 Must-See Chicago Music Venues: A Music Lover’s Guide
Chicago has long been a crucible for musical innovation. There are plenty of musicians here looking to make their mark, and the music scene is as diverse as the city…
Music Royalties: The Ultimate Guide For Artists (2024)
Learning the ins and outs of music royalties can feel like learning another language—especially for artists just starting out. But it’s something you just have to understand if you hope…
7 Best Chicago College Radio Stations
Chicago College radio stations have been the heart of dorm rooms for a long, long time. They provide unique music and free speech brought to life by music-obsessed and artsy…