Journal
The UMMONTE Journal
Guides, release planning, reviews and opinions for independent artists.
Latest
How We Find a Release's Visuals Inside the Lyrics
Before any reference board, we print the lyrics. How we underline what can be photographed, cross out the feelings and keep the one image that comes back.
Single or EP for Your First Release? How to Decide
Pick the Fifteen Seconds of Your Song Before You Post Anything
Spotify Kept 50 Million Spam Tracks Out of Recommendations. What It Means for a First Release.
Two New Music Lawsuits Target AI Training: Reservoir and Elvis Presley's Rightsholders
Spotify Wants AI Agents to Choose It as Their Music Service
Start here
Four ways in, whatever you are working on.
- IdentityBuild your visual identityA free 30-step guide, from colors and type to your EPK.
- ReleasePlan your releasePlanning, timing and the tools behind a launch.
- VideoMake your own music videoDirection, filming and editing, starting from your brand book.
- NewsFollow the newsPlatform and market changes that affect independent artists, with the source.
Free guide 30 steps Read in order
Visual Identity for Musicians
A free guide in 30 short steps for musicians and bands: from how your project looks today to photos, cover art, profiles and a one-page style guide.
Juan Serrano @jotadepaso Gained +30,000 Followers With Simple Instagram Videos
One simple video in a square and a video a day took Juan Cruz Serrano from 2,600 to 36,000 followers on Instagram in 22 days. What the Argentine musician learned.
Hyde Kawin on Open Mics, Happy Toes and a First Song
A Bangkok-born musician on five years of open mics in Koh Phangan, why he films other singers, and the first song he is finally releasing.
Canary on Soul-Infused Hip Hop and Stepping Out From Behind the Piano
A singer and songwriter on why her new project has no piano, how a band from all over the world came together in Northern Thailand, and what she learned in front of the camera.