In the endless ecosystem of new art and creators it can be difficult for indie artists to find their place and reach their target audience. Indie musicians especially struggle to gain enough momentum for their careers to flourish no matter how talented they may be. The constantly evolving area of music is something that holds dear to many, and it’s an important thing for consumers to reach as a form of inspiration and entertainment. This list of books is intended to assist indie musicians to successfully reach an audience, grow as an artist, and learn how to effectively market themselves to consumers.

We hope you enjoy our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all have been independently selected by our editors. FYI: PR ON THE GO and its publishing partners may earn a commission and/or other compensation from links on this page.

Unleashing Your Sound: A Comprehensive Guide to Music Marketing by Christopher Chanda Mumba CCMII

Unleashing Your Sound: A Guide to Music Marketing provides a dynamic roadmap to the ever-changing landscape of music marketing. Whether it’s an aspiring artist looking to build their fanbase or an already established musician looking to reach even wider audiences, this book helps in supplying all the possible strategies and tools musicians can use to thrive in today's music industry. Christopher teaches readers practically how to create compelling branding, properly use social media, build a great online presence, and engage authentically with their audience. If you feel like their insights are the missing piece you've always needed to get you through the maze of music promotion, this would bring that to life in practical examples-case studies and tips.

Music Marketing for the DIY Musician: Creating and Executing a Plan of Attack on a Low Budget (Music Pro Guides) by Bobby Borg

This is a practical step-by-step guide for independent artists looking to create a career within an era where new technologies allow musicians to capture attention and build success on their own. Written by a professional musician with over 25 years of experience, this book contains an innovative, down-to-business way of creating a fully integrated marketing plan that follows a low-budget approach. The guide ultimately ties together innovative business strategies and artistic integrity that help save time and effort, as well as keeping artists true to their visions. It is full of real-world insights and research that empowers artists to leverage their music, build a career independently, and capture the serious attention of the pros.

Unleashing the Art and Science of Music Marketing by Corey Dixon

Unleashing the Art and Science of Music Marketing by Corey "Joka Beatz" Dixon is a detailed plan for aspiring music artists and producers trying to navigate the myriad of hurdles posed by the digital age. Drawing from over a decade of experience, Corey lays down a road to success covering key topics such as branding, audience targeting, social media, email marketing, live shows, merchandise, and networking in the industry. Each chapter is supplemented by applied exercises so artists can put into practice the strategies they learn in the book, alongside personal stories and insights that imitate a personal mentorship. If you're a brand-new artist trying to get with the program or an old hat trying to get a fresh start, this book will provide you with ample tools and knowledge to make the notes ring out and prepare a successful career.

Music Marketing Guide by Laszlo Tamasi

Music Marketing Guide offers input into the various stages of a musician's or band's life with reference to working with the music industry. Other subjects include branding, promotion, the fundamentals of a solid online presence, social media, email campaigns, and the importance of analytics within marketing. Tamasi highlights ways in which artists can leverage music streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music, booking and promoting gigs or performances and using them to one’s advantage, and how to develop and maintain engagement with fans.

It's All About the Marketing Stupid: A Practical Guide to Music Marketing by Anderson-Brindisi

If you’re an aspiring hip-hop artist, DJ, band member, or even just someone looking to get a foot in the music business, this book is aimed exactly at you. While not the complete be-all-and-end-all of the music industry, this guide feeds into the million marketing strategies drawn from various aspects artists can apply toward their music and its creative marketing side. In a revised and new second edition, this book covers the essential parts of the music industry, from copyright registration and demographic and psychographic segmentation, to social media, live performances, single release strategies, data analytics, and even taxation. It stresses not only that you should be your own best publicist but also on things such as using Google Search Console. The book fills a massive gap in the literature on music marketing and even gives you bits of knowledge and helpful strategies to build your very own brand.

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