Author | Lightnews

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 2d

RIP 🙏❤️

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

I've detailed the complete framework, platform tactics, email list building, conversion strategies, & mistakes that derail careers before they start.

👉 iqmgmnt.com/build-a-fanb...

What's your biggest fanbase challenge right now?

#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #MusicMarketing

Build a Fanbase as an Independent Artist: Real Strategies That Work in 2025 - IQ Artist Management

Learn how to build a sustainable fanbase as an independent artist in 2025. This guide covers proven strategies for converting casual listeners into true fans through owned channels, social media platf...

iqmgmnt.com

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

PLATFORM STRATEGY:

TikTok = Discovery engine
Instagram = Relationship building
Email = Conversion channel

Your email list is the ONLY audience you truly own.

One algorithm change and your social reach disappears.

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

THE REALISTIC TIMELINE:

Months 1-6: 50-200 fans (90% quit here)
Months 7-12: Growth accelerates
Months 18-24: 1,000 true fans

Kevin Kelly's framework: 1,000 fans × £100/year = £100K revenue

The math hasn't changed since 2008.

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

STOP TRACKING VANITY METRICS.

Track this instead: Response rate to direct outreach.

When you DM someone who engaged, what % respond?

<10% = Audience
10-25% = Building Relationships
25%+ = True fans

This single metric predicts everything.

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

I've watched artists with 50,000 Instagram followers struggle to sell 75 tickets.

Meanwhile artists with 3,000 followers sell out 250-capacity venues consistently.

The difference? One built followers. The other built FANS.

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

THE 2025 REALITY:

• 60K tracks hit Spotify daily
• 1,500 artists earned $1M+ in 2024
• 80% never hit Global Top 50

The challenge isn't accessing platforms. It's achieving visibility and converting listeners into fans who actually show up.

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 3d

After 30 years managing independent artists, here's the uncomfortable truth about building a fanbase in 2025:

Most quit at month 5 when they "only" have 200 engaged fans.

They abandon the process right before the compound growth phase kicks in.

Thread 👇

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 23d

Just published thoughts on a framework, I've seen consistently produce results.

For anyone navigating today's music landscape, this systematic approach provides clarity in the chaos.

iqmgmnt.com/artist-caree...

#MusicIndustry #ArtistDevelopment
#IndependentMusic #MusicStrategy

A single violin on a red background, 200m tracks are now on streaming platforms

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · 29d

Spent months analysing why music piracy bounced back in 2024 despite streaming dominance.

It turns out it's not about "free music". It's about platform reliability & value perception & its on the rise.

Full analysis: iqmgmnt.com/music-piracy...

#musicpiracy #streamingeconomics #digitalrights

A painted skull with headphones representing the return of music piracy

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Sep 19

Understanding music contracts can help you make better career decisions.

👉 iqmgmnt.com/navigating-u...

These agreements define ownership, revenue sharing, and creative control for years. 📝

#MusicEducation #UKMusic #ContractBasics #ArtistDevelopment

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Sep 2

Just published a deep dive into UK music industry internships for 2025.

Major labels are recruiting differently, legal requirements have tightened around minimum wage, & the skills employers want aren't what most expect

📝: iqmgmnt.com/music-indust...

#MusicIndustry #Internships #MusicCareers

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Aug 21

Just published my deep dive into sync licensing rates 📊

Everyone asks "how much does sync pay?" That depends on many variables.

The real question is "What drives the fee?"

Full breakdown: iqmgmnt.com/uk-sync-lice...

#synclicensing #musiclicensing #tvmusic #filmmusic

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Aug 15

🎵 Music marketing strategies that work in 2025

The landscape keeps evolving but smart artists focus on the fundamentals that stay consistent across platforms.

Complete guide with strategies: iqmgmnt.com/music-market...

#musicmarketing #independentartists #tiktokmarketing

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Aug 11

30 years in music taught me that A&R is the most misunderstood job.

iqmgmnt.com/what-does-a-...

Reality: They're not gatekeepers. They're scouts, analysing data like stock traders.

"Repertoire"? Now it's about shaping entire creative visions.

#MusicIndustry #AR #ArtistDevelopment #MusicBusiness

An image of spund waves, representing music a and r

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Aug 5

AI-generated tracks are exploding, but UK copyright law hasn’t kept pace. And, no one in the music industry wants to talk about this uncomfortable issue.

New blog 👉 iqmgmnt.com/ai-generated...

#musicindustry #aimusic #copyrightlaw

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · May 15

🚨 BREAKING: Peshay’s iconic 1996 Studio Set was removed from YouTube TWICE.
Sykes registered “Chameleon – Links” as his own (SR0001026600).

🎯 GOAL: 50K signatures to force reform.

🔗 www.change.org/SavePeshaySet

Share this post to spread the word!

#SavePeshayMix #DrumAndBass #CopyrightReform

The record sticker of The Chameleon- Links

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Apr 27

They tried to take it away, so DJ Peshay brought it back. 🙏❤️

Peshay Studio Set 1996 with 3 million views, was the recent victim of a wrongful copyright claim & removed from YouTube.

Now, its back.

Watch/Listen youtu.be/xSXL8Z93AnE?...

#peshay #studioset1996 #dnbmusic ##drumandbass

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Reposted by Steppa

Patton Oswalt @pattonoswalt.bsky.social · Feb 27

1.5K 24K 77K

Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Feb 7

The 2025 remaster for Peshay's Sept 1993 Yaman mix is available to watch and listen to over on the Tube. 🎵📺
What a mix!!

youtu.be/m61b2nRC3nA?...

More on the way for 2025!

Enjoy! 🙏❤️

#peshay #jungletechno #ravemusic #drumandbass

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Jan 26

youtu.be/2JWkMTmiZfk

Peshay & Steppa | Red Sun (Edit) (Official Music Video)

YouTube video by Peshay Music

youtu.be

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Jan 25

In the untamed West, a pioneer and his protégé set out on a perilous journey. Amidst great hardships, bonds were forged as they strived towards a shared goal.

🎶 Peshay & Steppa - Red Sun (Edit)
📽 RDP

#drumandbass #newmusic #videoviral #redsun #musicsky

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Jan 16

Love it Jim 🙌❤️

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Jan 14

Wow!! 🙏❤️

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Steppa @steppa.bsky.social · Jan 11

Thank you!!! 🙏❤️