It can be tempting for musicians to believe that simply creating music is enough to find success: make a track, put it online, and wait for the fans—and money—to roll in. But if there’s one resounding message from the latest episode of the Profitable Musician Show featuring Bree Noble and Tara Brueske, it’s that this approach rarely works in today’s world.

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Why Releasing Music Online Isn’t Enough: Strategies for Musicians to Grow Income and Fans with Bree Noble & Tara Brueske

The Shift in the Music Industry

As Bree Noble shares, “When I first started working with artists in 2015, I remember there was this rise of, like, the idea that you could be entirely online as an artist and you could just put your music out there and, like, build this fan base entirely online. But…2015…was such a different world.” Social media algorithms have changed, organic reach is throttled, and the landscape for musicians is now more competitive than ever.

So what’s the new reality? According to Tara Brueske, “In the reality of today’s world, where, honestly, there’s just so much vying for our attention… I just don’t know that you can put all your cards in [online] and think that you’re gonna make all your money there.”

The Power of Live Performance and Connection

One of the top takeaways from this episode is that connection is everything. Bree Noble highlights, “We need to go where we’re needed… especially after the pandemic, where we’re needed is in person. People want community, they want connection.”

Live music—whether face-to-face or streamed online—provides the opportunity to build real relationships. Tara Brueske shares her own experience, saying, “What I experienced again with people was just this. They loved having something they could connect with, something they could sing with, somebody that would be interacting with them. Familiarity and just that chance to be together, experiencing something.”

Before You Release Your Music: Build Fans First

It’s easy to see why releasing music online seems like a logical first step. But Bree Noble advises, “If you build up a fan base before you put that music online, you’ll have more of an opportunity for them to push your music out as far as, like, sharing it and more people going to the music and streaming it when you release it.”

Similarly, Tara Brueske notes the importance of fan continuity, “Trying to establish, create, you know, find ways of getting fans first is going to help you.” Create anticipation before your release with regular updates, sneak peeks into your creative process, and behind-the-scenes content. As Bree Noble puts it, “If you put something out there and no one even knows it’s coming, then you’ve done it entirely wrong.”

Creative Strategies for Releases

Don’t just rush to Spotify or Apple Music. Consider a phased release. Bree Noble describes how some artists sell their music first on Bandcamp or their own website, “Then a year later, they put it on YouTube… and finally they put it on Spotify. I think that’s really smart if you can ride the promotional wave like that.”

Physical products are making a comeback too: “Vinyl is suddenly vogue again,” says Tara Brueske, and limited edition runs or crowdfunded pre-orders can create excitement and exclusivity.

Diversifying Your Income Streams

Selling music alone rarely pays the bills. Merchandise, special-edition drops, tours, and live events all serve as additional sources of revenue. Bree Noble suggests, “You can definitely do a tour or a mini tour or whatever around your release… you may as well ride the wave of that hype.”

Additionally, collaborations, teaching, and online session work (like Air Gigs) are solid ways to supplement your income as you build your fan base.

Quality and Connection Matter

Never underestimate the power of a quality live performance. As Bree Noble states: “If we’re going to take the trouble to perform, we’ve got to have thought this through. We need to have a set list… creating moments, figuring out… things that allow the audience to participate.”

And remember, live shows aren’t just performances—they’re marketing opportunities. They’re where you build stories, connect with fans, and plant seeds for future releases.

Crowdfunding: Not a Shortcut to Fans

Crowdfunding works—but only if you already have a fan base. Bree Noble is direct: “Crowdfunding itself is not going to make you fans… your crowdfunding is not going to be successful if you don’t already have a group of fans willing to support you.”

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Community

In conclusion, don’t put the cart (your music release, merch, or crowdfunding campaign) before the horse (your fan base and real connections). Nurture your early fans—they’re the ones who will spread the word for you and build momentum.

As Tara Brueske puts it, “When you are nurturing few, but you gain their loyalty…it does spread and they start promoting. I’ve had this happen… with some, I’ll call them super fans. And every time I share something, they’re sharing it. I didn’t even ask them to.”

Important Links Mentioned In This Episode

For more tips and resources, listen to the full episode on the Profitable Musician Show!

FREE GUIDE: 39 LITTLE-KNOWN INCOME STREAMS

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