Unspoken Tasks Of Independent Artists | CULTUR:ED

I think it might be a common thing, though. But I also know that I’ve got a long list of like, shit I do, that none of the people around me actually know about. It all seems like nothing. Then you start to tell people and suddenly it might start sounding like making music is now being an influencer who’s also a marketing genius with generational wealth.

Being an independent artist or producer often means wearing many hats at I can’t exactly imagine doing this whole thing again if I knew how I’d done it.

I was alone more than I should’ve been when it comes to figuring out my ideal way of working. I ignored tutorials to “find my sound”, I tried to never actually get the plug ins, I didn’t want to tell anyone to check my work, to give me critiques, nothing. I was genuinely shit for a while. I’m still shit compared to what I feel I can do.

So now that my works getting good I feel like a fool because all this time I took something that’s actually fun and turned it into a sacred holy nothing. Don’t be like me!

Beyond creating music, you’re also managing planning, communication, promotion, and personal growth.

If you’re not growing your audience, you’re managing something, you’re dealing with something. Always.

Without it’s 8 hour limit unless you force one & take care of yourself due to the consequences.

The following list gathers practical areas to focus on—ranging from industry outreach and release rollouts to organization, skill-building, and balance.

These examples aren’t rules, but reminders of where you can direct your energy as you move forward with your projects. When some of us started creating music we had no idea what it implied once you’re ready to do it for real.

Writing & Sending Distributor Offers

In case you’re ready to find your label or collaborators which aren’t other indie artists:

• Draft polite, concise emails introducing yourself, your project, and your vision.

• Include a press kit (bio, photos, music samples, achievements).

• Mention what makes your music/project unique (audience, story, style).

• Follow up respectfully after 1–2 weeks if no reply.

Then there’s no room for no work so you realise while you’re waiting you’re supposed to:

• Build your email list and update website/EPK.

  
  

EPK stands for Electronic Press Kit.

It’s basically a digital portfolio that independent artists, producers, and bands use to present themselves professionally to distributors, venues, labels, press, or collaborators.

An EPK usually includes:

• Artist bio (short + long version)

• Press photos

• Music samples (streaming links, MP3s, or videos)

• Discography & achievements

• Notable press coverage or reviews

• Contact information

• Upcoming projects or tour dates

It’s like your resume + portfolio + media kit all in one, designed to make it easy for industry people to learn who you are and what you do.

• Engage with fans through polls or Q&A.

• Research playlists, blogs, and curators.

• Sketch new concepts for visuals (cover art, reels, video ideas).

& of course there’s the implication you’re making sound packs, or anything which can portray your knowledge and skillsets which is sellable as your passive income stream.

Why? Because in theory you do need a marketing budget to assist your growthy

Estimating Marketing Expenses

• Ads (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube).

• Playlist pitching service fees.

• Graphic design, photography, video production.

• PR services or influencer collaborations.

All of those go to show you how you also need to stick to a specific schedule, often combined with your main job which funds the growing production career in the first place.

Time Management Planning:

• Use a project management tool (Trello, Notion, Asana).

• Block studio time vs admin work vs rest.

• Set realistic weekly goals (e.g., 3 posts, 1 networking email).

• Track deadlines for releases, distributor responses, and promo cycles.

We’re noting down names of programs available to you despite them not being obligatory*

Social Media Creating / Editing / Posting:

• Batch-create content in one sitting.

• Use tools like CapCut, Canva, or Adobe Express for edits.

• Schedule posts with tools (Later, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite).

• Alternate between promo posts, personal storytelling, and fun/informal content.

Networking:

• Attend local open mics, producer meetups, or online Twitter Spaces.

• Collaborate with other indie artists for remixes or features.

• Join Discord or Reddit music communities.

• Share others’ work to build goodwill before asking for support.

Decluttering & Organising Media:

• Back up all music files to cloud + external drive.

• Organize stems, project files, cover art, and press photos in labeled folders.

• Create a system for social media assets (shorts, posts, stories).

• Delete duplicate or unused drafts to save mental space.

Skill Investment:

• Take online courses on mixing/mastering, branding, or marketing.

• Study DAW tutorials to speed up workflow.

• Experiment with teaching by creating mini-workshops or YouTube tutorials.

• Learn basic photography or video editing to cut outsourcing costs.

Applying Session Learnings:

• After consultations, immediately list 3 actionable takeaways.

• Set deadlines to apply those changes (e.g., adjust mix settings, update bio).

• Track what worked vs what didn’t.

Scheduling Time Off:

• Block rest days after intense creation phases.

• Use off-days for passive inspiration (reading, films, nature walks).

• Protect mental health by separating “music time” from “life time.”

Reading & Inspiration:

• Biographies of musicians and producers.

• Marketing and entrepreneurship books.

• Creative inspiration (fiction, poetry, or art books).

Potential New Projects:

• Keep a running idea bank for song/album/visual concepts.

• Draft out collaborations you’d like to explore.

• Outline themes for a future EP/album even while promoting the current one.

• Experiment with small side projects (beats, remixes, covers).

Extra examples for indie artist workflow:

• Analytics Review: Study insights on Spotify, Instagram, TikTok to refine strategy.

• Fan Engagement: Personally reply to comments/DMs, thank fans for support.

• Press Prep: Write draft interview answers, brainstorm potential talking points.

• Live Prep: Rehearse performance set, design stage visuals, test gear.

• Funding Search: Research grants, sponsorships, or crowdfunding opportunities.

Remember, there’s no single path—progress comes from steady steps, consistent effort, and taking care of yourself along the way. Use these ideas as a guide, adapt them to your own rhythm, and keep building at your own pace.