Unstarving Musician (Blog Post) | Why Visual Content is Your Most Powerful Marketing Currency


Happy Tuesday!

Good morning (or good whatever time of day it is for you)! I've posted a new article for your reading pleasure.

The game has changed completely

In the early 2000s, if you wanted your music video seen, you had to pray MTV would pick it up. Today? You have the same tools as major labels to reach millions of people directly.

I just posted a deep dive into why visual content has become absolutely essential for independent artists—and more importantly, how to make it work even on a tight budget.

Here’s what really caught my attention: some of the most career-defining videos in recent years succeeded not because of big budgets, but because they prioritized authentic storytelling over flashy production. Think Johnny Cash’s haunting “Hurt” video or The Lumineers’ breakthrough “Ho Hey”—both simple concepts that created genuine human connections.

In this article, you’ll discover:

  • Why today’s audiences “listen with their eyes” and what that means for your strategy
  • How the shift from MTV’s gatekeeping to democratic platforms created unprecedented opportunities
  • Smart budget-friendly approaches that focus on concept over production value
  • The modern video ecosystem beyond just YouTube (and why it matters)
  • What metrics actually matter when measuring your video’s success

The visual revolution isn’t coming—it’s here (and it's been here). The question is whether you’re going to be part of it or get left behind.

Read the full article. 👇🏻

Music Video Marketing: Why Visual Content is Your Most Powerful Marketing Currency →

Peace, love and more cowbell,
Robonzo

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Liner Notes

I'm a musician and host of The Unstarving Musician podcast. Liner Notes is my biweekly newsletter that shares some of the best insights garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. Topics covered include, songwriting, touring, sync licensing, recording, house concerts, marketing, and more.

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