Articles
Deep dives into indie music, unsigned artist profiles, and stories from the independent music scene.
SONG REVIEW: You're Done Breakin' My Heart
Mark Mulch’s Song on YouTube: You’re Done Breakin’ My Heart.Part of me hates reviewing an artist’s older material, because artists change. They find a new lane. Sometimes they leave the old one on purpose. That’s exactly what’s happening with Mark Mulch right now. He’s firmly planting his flag in...
The UnSigned Songs Substack
Dec 28, 2025You may not like the kind of music I like. I may not like your music. But hopefully, if you’re here, it’s because we both like music. This Substack is as much for me as it for all of you: A place where I can keep lists and links to bands, artists and songs I like. To give you a sense of...
The Indie Scene: A Year in Review
From bedroom pop to garage rock revival, 2025 was a landmark year for independent music. We break down the trends, the breakout artists, and the moments that mattered most.
Five Tracks Friday: January Picks
Every Friday we spotlight five tracks from unsigned artists that deserve your attention. This week features dreamy shoegaze from Bristol, lo-fi hip hop from Atlanta, and a folk ballad that will stop you in your tracks.
How to Release Music Independently in 2026
The landscape for independent musicians has never been more accessible — or more confusing. From distribution platforms to playlist pitching, here is everything you need to know about getting your music out there without a label.
Artist Spotlight: The Meadows
We sat down with The Meadows, a four-piece from Portland who have been making waves on Bandcamp with their unique blend of dream-pop textures and punk energy. They told us about recording in a literal meadow.
Streaming Royalties Explained: What Artists Actually Earn
We analyzed royalty statements from dozens of independent artists to bring you the real numbers. How much does a stream actually pay? The answer might surprise you — and it varies wildly between platforms.
The 15 Best Open Mic Nights Across the US
Open mic nights remain the proving ground for unsigned talent. We traveled the country to find the stages that actually nurture new artists, from a legendary Brooklyn basement to a converted church in Nashville.
How Bedroom Producers Are Changing Music Forever
With nothing more than a laptop and a $200 microphone, a new generation of producers is crafting hits from their bedrooms. We explore how affordable technology is reshaping the music industry from the ground up.
The Vinyl Revival and What It Means for Indie Labels
Vinyl sales hit a 30-year high last year, and independent labels are leading the charge. We talk to three small label owners about why they are betting big on physical media in a streaming world.
Songwriting Tips from 10 Working Musicians
We asked ten independent musicians who make their living from music to share their best songwriting advice. Their answers ranged from the deeply philosophical to the hilariously practical.
Why Unsigned Artists Matter More Than Ever
As major labels consolidate and algorithmic playlists dominate discovery, unsigned artists represent something vital: genuine artistic freedom. Here is why supporting independent music is not just noble — it is necessary.