As the year winds down, we're spotlighting the moments in music this year that got our digital magazine readers locked in. From indie wins and scene shifting pod recaps to New Wave favorites and business model shakeups, these are the top 10 most read stories on The Wave  in 2025. Ranked from 10 to 1, each post tapped into something deeper, a sound, a hustle, a voice, or a vision. Some of you won’t recognize too many of the artists listed here, and that’s also the point of Sou

A growing number of independent artists are weighing whether to remove their music from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music in favor of direct to fan monetization. In a recent episode of No Labels Necessary , Brandman Kory broke down the pros and cons of artists exiting traditional digital streaming platforms, highlighting examples from creators like LaRussell and Jack Harlow and analyzing commentary from other influencers like Tom Dupree III. The Arguments for Leaving DSP

In the latest episode of No Labels Necessary, the conversation leaned into the nuanced, often misunderstood world of singing. The...

In today’s ever-shifting digital music landscape, independent artists face more opportunities—and more challenges—than ever before. With...

Music producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox joined hosts Sean and Kory on the "No Labels Necessary" podcast for a wide-ranging...

No Labels Necessary, the music business YouTube channel hosted by Brandman Sean and Kory, dropped a valuable guide for independent...

On a recent episode of the "No Labels Necessary" podcast, co-hosts Brandman Sean and Kory sat down with artist-turned-label-owner Derek...

On a new episode of the No Labels Necessary  podcast, hosts Brandman Sean and Corey welcomed a guest whose insights are shaping the new...

When it comes to choosing a music distributor, Brandman Sean of No Labels Necessary  says artists are asking the wrong question. “I hate...

In a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Spotify engages with creators, producer-entrepreneur Kato the Producer joined the No Labels...

The role of the artist manager has long been a staple of the music industry, but in a rapidly evolving landscape, is it still necessary?...

For independent artists trying to break into the industry, budgeting for promotion can be tricky. A $1,000 marketing budget might seem...

The No Labels Necessary team released a quick video outlining four music PR strategies for 2025. These strategies include mic drop...

Timbaland is no stranger to innovation. From creating iconic beats for Missy Elliott and Aaliyah to shaping the sounds of Justin...

Timbaland, the legendary producer who has crafted hits for decades, continues to redefine his career and the music industry by embracing...

Breaking an artist in today’s music industry isn’t just about getting streams—it’s about embedding the artist into the cultural...

In an era where the music industry evolves daily, independent artists face constant pressure to market themselves effectively. Enter No...

On an episode of the One More Time Podcast , the No Labels Necessary team, led by music marketing experts Sean "Brandman" and Jakori,...

In the latest episode of the No Labels Necessary Podcast, the hosts dive into a compelling thought experiment: what would happen if Drake...

Mannywellz, the independent R&B artist known for his rich melodies and authentic storytelling, recently dropped some gems on the No...