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Writing for independent artists.

Guides, breakdowns and hard numbers from the team, written for artists and labels doing this without a major behind them.

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Distribution, royalties, pressing, promotion and the parts of the business nobody explains properly.

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What is Music Publishing?
Production & Music Industry

What is Music Publishing?

Discover the essentials of music publishing, its importance in the music industry, and how it impacts artists, songwriters, and copyright protection.

· By Unchained Music Team
How Long Does Music Distribution Take?
Production & Music Industry

How Long Does Music Distribution Take?

Learn about music distribution timelines, the importance of planning, and the benefits of allowing sufficient time between distribution and release for a successful music launch.

· By Matt W · <10 Mins
Is Sampling Legal?
Production & Music Industry

Is Sampling Legal?

Learn the legal essentials of music sampling. Discover licensing steps, risks of unlicensed use, and best practices for clearing samples in your music.

· By Unchained Music Team
A Review of 'Music Theory for Dummies'
Production & Music Industry

A Review of 'Music Theory for Dummies'

Learn the fundamentals of music theory with Music Theory for Dummies. Perfect for beginners and intermediate musicians looking to improve their skills.

· By Unchained Music Team
Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song?
Production & Music Industry

Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song?

Learn whether you need permission to cover a song, the importance of mechanical licenses, and how copyright laws impact digital and live performances.

· By Unchained Music Team
Top 5 Free Pitch Shifter Plugin Options
Production & Music Industry

Top 5 Free Pitch Shifter Plugin Options

Explore the best free pitch-shifter plugins for vocals and more. Perfect for musicians looking to enhance their sound without spending a dime.

· By Unchained Music Team
The 5 Free Music Distribution Services Still Standing in 2026 (And What 'Free' Actually Costs)
Production & Music Industry

The 5 Free Music Distribution Services Still Standing in 2026 (And What 'Free' Actually Costs)

Free music distribution still exists in 2026, but TuneCore, Amuse, and UnitedMasters have all dropped their free plans. We checked every platform and showed what it really costs.

· By Matt Waters · 12 min read
What is a Mechanical License?
Production & Music Industry

What is a Mechanical License?

Learn everything about mechanical licensing, including when you need one, how to obtain it, and its importance for legally distributing music and cover songs.

· By Unchained Music Team
A producer working at a DAW with a loudness meter open on a second monitor.
Production & Music Industry

LUFS explained: what streaming loudness targets do to your master

What LUFS measures, which streaming platforms publish a loudness target and which do not, and what normalization does to a master that is too loud.

· By Unchained Music · 11 minutes
What Is the Most Popular Genre of Music in the US?

What Is the Most Popular Genre of Music in the US?

Discover the most popular genre of music in the US, including trends, statistics, and how American listeners' preferences have shifted over the years.

· By Unchained Music Team
How to Get Rid of Art Block: 7 Effective Ways Musicians Can Break Creative Blocks
Unchained Best Tips

How to Get Rid of Art Block: 7 Effective Ways Musicians Can Break Creative Blocks

Break through creative blocks and art block with these 7 methods tailored for musicians, including Oblique Strategies by Brian Eno and The Artist’s Way.

· By Unchained Music Team
Unlocking Your Music Marketing Strategy: 10 Tactics for Musicians
Production & Music Industry

Unlocking Your Music Marketing Strategy: 10 Tactics for Musicians

Learn the top 10 strategies in music marketing to promote your music and enhance your music PR. Harness the power of digital marketing and social media to make your music heard.

· By Unchained Music