For 2025, Saigon and D.I.T.C. producer Buckwild return strong where they left off after collaborating on Sai's debut album. The pairing of the two vets results in an energy that Hip Hop is known for: aggressive beats and rhymes. 

Step inside Alchemist's studio as he offers a sample video from his Aulart Masterclass series. ALC reminisces on discovering and using the ASR-10 to make Hip Hop gems while explaining this renowned keyboard's functionality. 

Take off the blues with a band who utilize their outstanding perspective of music to remind us about the greatness of life. On "Now Imagine" by Papik & The Soultrend Orchestra, the ability to imagine bliss is just a click away. Through 13 tracks of joy, the band demonstrate their ability to convey the spice of life across numerous styles of R&B/Soul. From upbeat Disco built for the dancefloor, to laid-back tunes, Papik & The Soultrend Orchestra provide a soul injection.

How To Make Money With Music With Yaahn Hunter Jr

Imagine turning a single TikTok video into a catalyst for a thriving music career. For many indie musicians, this might sound like a fantasy, but for Yaahn Hunter Jr., it’s his reality. In a world where countless artists struggle to break through the noise, Yaahn leveraged the power of social media, turning viral moments into tangible success. Not to mention he's one of thee most soulful artists I've discovered in my decade-plus of music blogging. What if you could do the same?

Yaahn Hunter Jr.'s Success Story

Yaahn’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From a heartfelt TikTok cover of "Can't Hide Love" to earning over $130,000 in revenue, his story demonstrates how creativity, strategy, and timing can redefine what’s possible for independent artists. His music’s virality drove millions of streams, skyrocketed his social media following, and positioned him as a creator to watch. Beyond the fame, his revenue streams—spanning sound packs, master classes, and mixing templates—show how artists can turn their passion into profit. As an indie artist myself and supporter of indie artists, this type of story always inspires me. I love when artists I support who create soulful music in the vein of Yaahn eventually find their niche.

Purpose of This Blog Post

Yaahn’s story is more than inspiring; it’s a blueprint. This post dives deep into his journey, offering actionable insights from the perspective of an indie musician. By analyzing his strategies and breaking them down into replicable steps, it empowers you to chart your path to success. I’ve been supporting indie musicians like Yaahn for many years here at cratesofjr, and it’s great to see a member of the indie Soul scene succeed in this way. Whether you're a DJ, producer, instrumentalist or general music lover who has a product to sell, I think you can all benefit from this case study.

Friendly Encouragement to Indie Musicians

Success isn’t reserved for the lucky few—it’s within your grasp. With the right strategies, tools, and a sprinkle of grit, you can carve out a career that thrives both creatively and financially. Let’s take the first step together. Your breakthrough moment might just be one strategy away.

TikTok as a Game-Changer for Indie Musicians

Yaahn’s Approach

Yaahn Hunter Jr. saw TikTok for what it truly is: a digital stage with an audience eager to discover. When he posted his cover of “Can’t Hide Love” by Earth, Wind & Fire, he wasn’t just uploading a video—he was creating an invitation for connection. The simplicity of his performance resonated deeply, and the algorithm did the rest. Over 43,000 TikTok videos were created using his sound, amplifying his reach and driving streams to his catalog. This wasn’t luck; it was strategy. By consistently releasing music and engaging with his growing audience, Yaahn capitalized on the platform’s organic reach.

My Commentary and Techniques

TikTok is the great equalizer for indie musicians. It doesn’t demand pristine production or a massive following to go viral—it rewards authenticity and creativity. Like Yaahn, focus on creating content that showcases your talent while being shareable and relatable. Covering beloved classics can be a goldmine because they tap into nostalgia while showcasing your unique spin. The TikTok logo even resembles a musical note!

Consistency is another cornerstone of success. Posting regularly doesn’t just keep you visible—it helps the algorithm recognize your value. And don’t stop at music. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal anecdotes, or even your creative process. Build a story around your artistry that fans can follow.

Tools to Use

• InVideo: A user-friendly video editing app to polish your TikTok videos with captions, transitions, and effects.
• TikTok Analytics: Dive into your account’s insights to see what’s working and optimize your strategy.
• SoundOn by TikTok: TikTok’s music distribution platform lets you monetize your tracks directly on the app.
• Beehiiv: Collect email subscribers from your TikTok followers and market your releases with automated email campaigns.

TikTok is more than just a platform; it’s a launching pad for artists who want to learn how to make money with music. With a mix of creativity, consistency, and the right tools, it can be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

Turning Viral Traffic Into Streaming Success

Yaahn’s Approach

Yaahn Hunter Jr. didn’t just let his TikTok success fade into the background—he harnessed it. His viral cover of “Can’t Hide Love” became the gateway to a surge in streaming numbers across platforms like Spotify and YouTube. The key? Making it seamless for listeners to find and consume his music after they discovered him on TikTok. By converting his YouTube channel into an artist channel and regularly releasing tracks like “Vintage Chill Vibes,” he turned curiosity into loyalty. Each viral moment acted as a ripple, bringing his music to new ears and driving millions of streams.

My Commentary and Techniques

Viral traffic is a spark, but turning it into streams takes strategy. The first step is to optimize your artist presence across platforms. On Spotify, ensure your profile is complete with high-quality images, a compelling bio, and playlist placements. On YouTube, create dedicated playlists for your music videos, lyric videos, and behind-the-scenes content. Make it effortless for fans to dive deeper into your artistry.

The next step is creating a call-to-action (CTA) funnel. Your TikTok bio should have a link to your music, but don’t stop there. Use tools like Linktree to guide fans to your Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp. Every piece of content should nudge viewers toward your catalog, whether it’s with captions, pinned comments, or direct mentions.

Timing matters too. When a TikTok goes viral, act quickly. Release complementary content that amplifies the moment, like acoustic versions, remixes, or even reaction videos to capitalize on the momentum.

Tools to Use

• DistroKid: Claim your artist profile on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to ensure all streams are credited to you.
• Canva: Design eye-catching banners and visuals for your artist profiles to elevate your branding.
• Feature.fm: Use this platform to create smart links that guide fans directly to your music and track which links drive the most traffic.
• OpusClip: Repurpose your TikTok videos into shorter clips that can be shared across platforms to maximize reach.

Streaming success isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. By connecting your viral content to an optimized streaming ecosystem, you’re not just building numbers; you’re creating a sustainable way to learn how to make money with music.

Growing Your Presence on YouTube and Instagram

Yaahn’s Approach

Yaahn Hunter Jr. mastered the art of cross-platform growth by strategically using TikTok’s virality to fuel his presence on YouTube and Instagram. After transforming his YouTube channel into an artist channel, he created a centralized hub for his music, videos, and fan interactions. On Instagram, he capitalized on TikTok’s discovery algorithm by sharing authentic, engaging content that resonated with his audience. This seamless connection between platforms allowed his TikTok followers to deepen their engagement, resulting in over 151,000 Instagram followers and millions of views on YouTube.

My Commentary and Techniques

The key to growing on YouTube and Instagram lies in consistency and authenticity. Start with YouTube. Transform your channel into a professional artist profile by organizing your content into playlists—group your music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and live performances. Pay close attention to your thumbnails and titles. They should be visually striking and optimized for search terms your fans might use. Think: “Acoustic Version,” “Live Studio Session,” or “Official Music Video.”

For Instagram, lean into storytelling. Share glimpses of your creative process—recording sessions, songwriting moments, or even the inspiration behind your lyrics. Use Instagram Reels to repurpose snippets from your TikTok videos, but tailor the captions to suit Instagram’s audience. Showcase your personality through Stories, using polls, questions, or countdowns for upcoming releases. And don’t forget collaborations. Partnering with other indie artists or influencers can expose you to new audiences organically.

Tools to Use

• TubeBuddy: Optimize your YouTube videos with keyword-rich tags, SEO insights, and thumbnail testing.
• InVideo: Edit short, high-quality videos for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
• Later: Plan and schedule Instagram posts to maintain a consistent feed and avoid last-minute stress.
• Beehiiv: Use this tool to collect email subscribers from your YouTube and Instagram audiences. Send them updates about your music releases or exclusive content.

Building a presence on YouTube and Instagram isn’t just about being seen; it’s about creating a community that engages with your art. By leveraging these platforms with intention and creativity, you not only grow your audience but also build a foundation for how to make money with music on a sustainable, long-term basis.

Generating Revenue Through Viral Content and Products

Yaahn’s Approach

Yaahn Hunter Jr. didn’t just ride the wave of virality—he monetized it masterfully. His viral TikTok content didn’t just drive streams; it became the foundation for diversified income. By selling sound packs, mixing templates, and offering master classes like “The Viral Sound” and “The Marketing Musician,” he converted attention into tangible revenue. With platforms like Shopify and Kajabi, he streamlined his product offerings and marketing strategies, raking in over $42,000 in course sales alone. Yaahn’s ability to blend his artistry with entrepreneurial savvy was key to achieving nearly $200,000 in sales.

My Commentary and Techniques

Turning viral success into financial success requires intention and a clear strategy. The first step is to identify what your audience finds valuable. Are they captivated by your production techniques? Consider creating sound packs or offering one-on-one coaching. Do they love your unique sound? Turn it into exclusive merchandise or downloadable content.

Leverage the momentum of a viral moment to push your products. For instance, after a TikTok video gains traction, create follow-up posts showcasing your sound packs or announcing a limited-time offer for your masterclass. Authenticity is crucial—frame your products as extensions of your creative process, not just items for sale.

Don’t underestimate the power of bundling. Package a digital product (like a sound pack) with a service (like a consultation) for added value. Additionally, email marketing is a hidden goldmine for indie musicians. Direct your TikTok audience to sign up for your newsletter, offering them exclusive access to discounts, early releases, or behind-the-scenes content.

Tools to Use

• Shopify: Build a clean, professional store to sell digital products like sound packs, templates, or merch.
• Kajabi: Host your courses and masterclasses with an intuitive platform designed for creators.
• Beehiiv: Grow your email list and automate campaigns to promote your products.
• OpusClip: Repurpose long-form videos into viral clips for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels, ensuring your products stay in the spotlight.

Yaahn’s success is proof that viral content is more than just fleeting fame—it’s a powerful launchpad for sustainable revenue streams. By pairing creativity with smart marketing, you can not only attract a loyal audience but also discover how to make money with music in ways that resonate with your artistry.

Sharing Knowledge Through Master Classes

Yaahn’s Approach

Yaahn Hunter Jr. didn’t just create content—he created a movement. By offering in-depth master classes such as “The Viral Sound” and “The Marketing Musician,” Yaahn positioned himself as both an artist and a mentor. His courses provided aspiring musicians with actionable tools and insider strategies to amplify their reach and revenue. This educational endeavor wasn’t a side hustle; it was a cornerstone of his income, generating tens of thousands of dollars. With strategic pricing and a focus on high-value insights, Yaahn made his expertise accessible while solidifying his brand as a trusted authority in music marketing.

My Commentary and Techniques

Teaching isn’t just for the classroom—it’s a goldmine for indie musicians who’ve cracked the code to success. If you’ve mastered a skill—whether it’s mixing, songwriting, or viral content creation—you have something valuable to share. The key is to package your knowledge in a way that resonates with your audience.

Start by identifying your niche expertise. Maybe you’ve developed a unique approach to crafting beats or have a proven method for growing on Spotify. Once you have a clear focus, outline a curriculum that delivers both theory and actionable steps. Don’t be afraid to charge for your time and expertise—people are willing to invest in results.

Promotion is just as important as the class itself. Use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share snippets of what students can expect, and include testimonials or success stories to build credibility. Position your master class as an investment in their careers, not just another online course.

Tools to Use

• Teachable: Create and host professional courses with ease, offering flexibility for pricing and content delivery.
• Zoom: Use live workshops to engage directly with students and answer their questions in real-time.
• Beehiiv: Build an email subscriber base and send targeted campaigns about upcoming classes and exclusive offers.
• Canva: Design visually stunning promotional graphics, slides, and course materials to enhance your class’s appeal.

Sharing knowledge isn’t just rewarding—it’s a sustainable way to diversify your income. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or full-scale master classes, you’re not only building your brand but also showing others how to make money with music by learning from your journey.

Actionable Steps for Aspiring Indie Musicians

Yaahn’s Approach

Yaahn Hunter Jr. didn’t wait for opportunities to knock—he created his own door. By making strategic moves with TikTok and YouTube, leveraging social media, and crafting viral content, Yaahn turned the hustle into a sustainable career. He built momentum by releasing music consistently, engaging his followers, and, most importantly, driving traffic to his streaming platforms and products. His journey is a testament to the power of controlled, intentional growth. Every move he made was aimed at long-term success, not just instant gratification.

My Commentary and Techniques

For aspiring indie musicians, the road to success isn’t a straight line—it’s a series of intentional steps, each building on the last. Yaahn’s success didn’t happen overnight, and neither will yours. But if you follow these actionable steps, you can set yourself up for the kind of growth and financial success he’s experienced.

Define Your Brand

Before you can market yourself, you need to understand what sets you apart. Are you an artist who blends genres in an innovative way? Do you have a unique sound that will attract niche audiences? Spend some time defining who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you different. This will inform how you present yourself online and connect with your fans.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

TikTok isn’t just for dancing—it’s a serious tool for music discovery. Post consistently, and make your content engaging. Don’t be afraid to try new formats—whether it’s a cover, behind-the-scenes footage, or a quick jam session. The more authentic and relatable you are, the more your audience will resonate with your content. Instagram and YouTube are essential for growing your fanbase, too. Don’t underestimate the power of long-form content on YouTube or even engaging your Instagram followers with stories and reels.

Monetize Your Music Early

It’s easy to get caught up in the dream of fame, but while you’re building your fanbase, it’s critical to monetize your music. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube pay royalties, but those paychecks are modest unless you have the right strategy. Set up your profile on platforms like DistroKid or TuneCore to ensure your music is being streamed everywhere possible.

Create Digital Products

From sound packs and mixing templates to sample libraries and exclusive music tutorials, digital products are an excellent way to boost your income without additional overhead. Yaahn’s success shows that diversifying your revenue streams isn’t just smart—it’s essential. You can create, sell, and market these products directly to your audience, all while building your credibility as an expert.

Engage and Build a Community

Engagement is the key to turning casual listeners into loyal fans. Respond to comments, host live sessions, and create a community where people feel personally connected to your journey. Use email marketing to stay connected with your fanbase and offer them exclusive content, such as early access to new songs, merchandise, or even a sneak peek into your creative process.

Invest in Your Growth

You’ll need to invest in yourself and your music career. Whether it’s upgrading your equipment, taking courses to enhance your marketing skills, or setting up paid ads to increase your visibility, investing in your growth is crucial. Remember, success doesn’t happen without putting in the work, and sometimes that means making sacrifices or spending money to build your brand.

Tools to Use

• DistroKid or TuneCore: Distribute your music to major streaming platforms quickly and efficiently.
• Beehiiv: Grow and nurture your fanbase with a robust email marketing system to keep them engaged.
• Canva: Create stunning promotional visuals for your social media posts, digital products, and merchandise.
• Instagram & TikTok: Harness the power of short-form content to connect with your audience and expand your reach.
• Shopify: Set up an online store to sell your music, merchandise, and digital products.

The road to becoming a successful indie musician isn’t paved with shortcuts, but with the right strategies, it’s more than achievable. By mastering these actionable steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a sustainable music career and learning how to make money with music.

Conclusion

Yaahn Hunter Jr.’s journey is more than just an inspiring story—it’s a blueprint for success that every aspiring indie musician can follow. From strategically leveraging platforms like TikTok and YouTube to monetizing his music and products, Yaahn’s approach shows that there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Success lies in your ability to adapt, engage, and create opportunities at every turn. 

By following these steps—defining your brand, mastering social media, monetizing your music early, and diversifying your revenue streams—you too can set the stage for sustainable growth. It’s not about overnight success, but about building a community, investing in your craft, and continually refining your approach.

Remember, success in the music industry isn’t just about talent; it’s about strategic planning, smart marketing, and embracing the tools that can elevate your career. Whether you're just starting or looking to level up, the keys to turning your passion into a profitable career are in your hands. Embrace the journey, stay persistent, and most importantly, never underestimate your ability to learn and grow. The path to success is open for those willing to put in the work and pursue ways on how to make money with music.

From "Connected" to his album with Kay, Nicolay has always been generous with releasing the instrumental versions of his work. "Terra Firma" is another outstanding release by this founding member of +FE who continues to push the boundaries and explore the range of his sound. The smooth texture and dreamy atmosphere of Nic's groove plays upon our desire to dream, imagine and get our body moving. Experience beautiful synth arrangements combine with hip-shaking and head-nod rhythms for an experience that is nothing short of escapism.

Bill Wolfer explains the studio techniques day-to-day process and gear used to make 2 all-time Stevie classics. Bill, a music fan and pro audio expert, shares his insights into the innovative techniques used by Stevie and himself to create the iconic sound of the song. Below, producer Daniel Crawford creates a groovy marriage between Stevie and MJ on a remix of "That Girl".

The Face Radio · Bottom Dollar Breaks,Beats & Grooves - Mike Bandoni // 02-09-23

There's not too many podcasts out there of a musician who spins breakbeats. But Drummer, Musician, DJ, Producer & Composer Mike Bandoni of Funkshone dedicates himself to the groove on the Bottom Dollar Breaks,Beats & Grooves show. Above, Mike starts off with some famous breaks, then goes into some new generation breaks he's discovered. Like me, this multi-instrumentalist blends the past with the present for one of the grooviest experiences online. 

The uplifting feeling expressed throughout the funky journey of "Flying Easy" offers a moment of free flight in music. Take off on this 1980 gem by Chikara Ueda And The Power Station who perform as if they were above the clouds. A fine blend between Jazz and Funk pushes the edge between each genre while creating an attractive marriage between the two. As a result, you not only feel like partying down with this album but the ability to fly above your worries. If Creed Taylor heard these guys back in '80, I'm sure they'd be on CTI Records for how smooth and funky they are.

Music DeWolfe presents a deluxe limited edition of the 1973 soundtrack Black Pearl. This cool approach to Library Funk blends orchestral and dramatic styles of music across thrilling and captivating instrumentals. Within the drama of "Black Pearl" are romantic, laid-back, emotive pieces such as “Miraculous Dream”, “Tryst”, “Sunny Monday”, “Melody and Lace”, “Monochrome”, “No Return”. There's also a couple of surprise solo honky-tonk piano jaunts – “The Vamp” and “Night of the Garter”. Whether you are an electic music listener who wants to let your mind drift or a crate digging producer looking for your next sample, this soundtrack delivers.

neosmashup · France Joli Gonna Get Over You Vs Brownstone If You Love Me neosmashup Exclusif Funk

The loving embrace of the '94 smash by the trio known as Brownstone continues to warm hearts with it's timeless message. For 2025, we get a super deluxe reissue of the original and remixes all in one package. If you were a die-hard fan, you might've already discovered these remixes on the 12" and cassette singles. But it's never too late to discover love, thanks to the classic songwriting of Brownstone. 

On January 10, 2025 Tek and Steele hit the stage at the Brooklyn Monarch to perform their classic debut with their band. To hear the various moods and styles of music on "Dah Shinin'" reimagined by these musicians is truly something to behold. Enjoy this special event featuring Rockness Monsta, Bernadette, Top Dog, Havoc of Mobb Deep and DJ Evil Dee on the wheels. 

"Street knowledge intellect and spirituality. My survival package, as I deal with reality." This rhyme by the late great Guru still ring true for many who have experienced this '98 Hip Hop classic. In this interview Gangstarr represent the meaning of the name as they demonstrate the deeper meaning behind their music and it's creation. This sit down was shortly before "Moment Of Truth" would drop, during the release of Guru's Jazzmatazz sequel and a period where Premo was in high demand for changing the sound of Hip Hop.

Think back to the 60's and the Sean Connery era of Bond films as Rosalie brings the drama on the title track from her 2024 album. The strings of her guitar and her vivid imagination become a weapon in this intriguing moment of Rock music. With such a picturesque mind for songwriting, you're soon to discover why this rising talent should be the theme for a throwback 007 remake. So press play and experience a musician who's beautiful but deadly.

Lend your ear to the legendary Boogie Down Bronxters who are here to funk your head up as you experience this rare release. The instrumentals from Ultramagnetic MCs' "Critical Beatdown" and "Funk Your Head Up" and "The Four Horsemen" were released on vinyl in 1992 and now are available to stream. With production great Paul C on the boards, this crew offer a new definition to giving the drummer some. 

I'm loving this song the second time around, and I hope you do too as Enrichment hits us with a remix of "I'm Back" by Scarface. The sample selection by Buckwild fits right in with these 3 MCs, delivering the best in soulful Hip Hop sound. Join Hov, Mac Mittens and FaceMob as they show you how to sound triumphant over the kick and snare.