Sound Connections #139: EXPERT: Independent Music Success: Distribution, Marketing & Ownership: JESSE FLORES
Dec 23, 2025
Jesse Flores, Head of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music, helps independent artists with distribution, marketing, and growth. He discusses choosing the right distributor and retaining creative control. He breaks down DSP best practices, practical paid-marketing uses, a $1,000 promo example, and why hybrid distribution and ownership matter for long-term success.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Use Ads To Test Market Fit And Local Demand
- Try targeted paid ads around key releases to test audience traction and geographic interest.
- Jesse suggests using ad metrics and dashboard analytics to double down on regions like Detroit or Chicago if they respond.
How To Spend Your First $1,000 Wisely
- Do spend a modest, targeted budget on publicity, YouTube, and social ads for a focus track; $1,000 is a practical starting point.
- Jesse outlines a sample split: $200–300 publicist, $300–400 YouTube, remainder social ads to test traction.
Consistency Beats Single Release Gambits
- Do stay consistent after testing: keep releasing music, scale spending when justified, and pursue live performances for alternate growth.
- Jesse emphasizes persistence and using performing platforms to build revenue and fans if streaming lags.