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On this episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Bree Noble dives deep into the major misconceptions about music marketing, challenging the one-size-fits-all approaches musicians are often told to follow. This candid solo episode is filled with honest insights and practical advice for independent artists trying to build real connections with their audience.
Why Traditional Marketing Advice Doesn’t Work for Musicians
In the world of business, marketing is often presented as a formula: identify the customer’s problem and offer a solution. But as Bree Noble points out, music doesn’t fit neatly into this model.
“The problem is that music doesn’t really solve a problem,” Bree Noble explains at . “It does solve a problem, but it’s not a problem that’s very easily explained, seen, heard, you know, all those things that we need to.”
Unlike a product that fulfills a specific need, music provides value that is emotional, intangible, and different for everyone. Musicians might be tempted to borrow strategies from other businesses, but Bree Noble warns that this can lead to frustration and self-doubt when the results don’t come.
“A lot of musicians have been trying to follow regular marketing strategies and felt frustrated, felt like they were doing something wrong,” Bree Noble shares at . “And then they would be like, well, I’m just not a good marketer, and I would give up.”
The “Desire Dilemma” and Why Music Isn’t a Simple Solution
Even if music can help listeners through tough times, most aren’t actively searching for a specific song as a solution to their emotions. Bree Noble illustrates this with a scenario:
“Maybe you have a song that could really lift them up, make them feel so much better,” Bree Noble says at . “But they don’t know your song exists, so they can’t go out and seek it as a solution.”
Musicians face a unique challenge: their audience might benefit from their art but isn’t actively seeking it. Building awareness can be an uphill battle, and even once discovered, it takes repeated exposure to foster deep connection.
Why Music Isn’t “Just Another Product”
In traditional marketing, highlighting tangible benefits sets offers apart. But, as Bree Noble notes:
“The value of music is emotional, it’s spiritual, it’s intangible. And it’s also different for everyone, right?” Bree Noble asserts at .
Because people connect to music in such individual ways, you can’t assume that what moves you will move everyone else. Unlike gadgets or services, the impact of a song can’t be promised or measured the same way—a realization both frustrating and liberating for independent musicians.
Competition and Collaboration Aren’t Opposites
In most industries, you’re competing for a customer’s single purchase. Music doesn’t work that way. Bree Noble shares:
“With music, there’s definitely not an all or nothing kind of situation,” Bree Noble observes at . “You’re not competing against other artists. In fact, you can collaborate with other artists and get on the radar of new people without taking anything away from yourself.”
The abundance mindset in music means there’s always room for more favorites in a fan’s playlist—the challenge is simply in earning a place.
The Real Journey: From Touchpoints to Relationship
Forget linear funnels. The journey from casual listener to loyal fan is nonlinear, full of random discoveries, repeated exposures, and—most importantly—opportunities to stick and connect. Social media, live performances, email lists, podcasts, and YouTube channels all play roles in building these connections.
“The real journey for a fan is not a funnel, it’s relationship,” Bree Noble insists at . “It is building piece by piece in kind of this, this puzzle until it all comes together and then you’ve built this long term relationship with them.”
The goal, Bree Noble emphasizes, isn’t to force a quick sale but to create relationships. Those sticky, meaningful connection points—live shows, regular emails, authentic content—are what turn listeners into fans.
Key Takeaways for Music Marketers
If marketing music feels uncomfortable or unsuccessful, it’s not your fault. It’s because the rules you’re following weren’t made for you in the first place.
“All marketing is, is creating a relationship with people because people are who are going to become our fans and are going to become our buyers,” Bree Noble reminds listeners at .
Prioritize creating and nurturing genuine relationships, and make it easy for listeners to stick around for the long haul.
Important Links Mentioned In This Episode
- Profitable Musician Show YouTube Channel
- Join Bree Noble’s Email List
- Connect with Bree on Instagram
- Subscribe to the Profitable Musician Show Podcast
- Attend a Live Event or Weekly Livestream
Songtools helps independent artists get their music in front of real listeners through Spotify playlist promotion, digital ads, and simple marketing tools, no experience required. Try it for 50% off with code PM50 at https://profitablemusician.com/
