More Than Streams w/ Finch Bergling

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Stella Sky (formerly Cheese n Crackers), one of the first artists I ever discovered on TikTok. We talked about how she figured out her authentic brand through vulnerability, why her viral videos with millions of views didn't actually convert to streams, and the harsh truth about what content actually builds a loyal fanbase. We discuss the difference between going viral and building an audience, why she's starting fresh with a new project in 2026, and how the music industry has shifted from chasing numbers to valuing real connection with fans. Plus, Stella flips the script and interviews me about AI in music, distribution services, and why ads might be the best investment you'll ever make.

Resources and links: [Also available on my IG link in bio @finchbergling]

🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide

🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course

🧩 Your First Hit Song Program

Connect with Finch:

🧩 Finch on Instagram

🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter

🧩 Also on YouTube

Connect with Stella Sky:

🧩 Stella on Instagram

🧩 Stella on TikTok

I haven't made music in two years - and honestly, I'm terrified to start again. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ashwin from Daily Dosa Music to talk about why we both feel like we're losing the battle against AI. We talked about the fear of coming back to music production and feeling like a dinosaur, why 25% of our playlist submissions are now AI-generated, what happens when kids grow up listening only to algorithm-curated AI music, and whether we'll even recognize the music industry in five years.

Resources and links:
🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide
🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course
🧩 Your First Hit Song Program

Connect with Ashwin:
🧩 Daily Dosa Music on Instagram

Connect with Finch:
🧩 Finch on Instagram
🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter
🧩 Also on YouTube

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ashwin from Daily Dosa Music. We talked about advanced strategies for growing your career with Spotify playlists, how to monetize through playlist curation, and the importance of effective ad campaigns that don't look like traditional ads. We discuss building connections with fans through email marketing, creating passive income through digital downloads and sample packs, and why musicians need to start thinking of their careers as businesses with multiple revenue streams beyond streaming.

Resources and links:

🧩 Your First Hit Song Program
🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course
🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide

Connect with Ashwin:
🧩 Daily Dosa Music on Instagram

Connect with Finch:

🧩 Finch on Instagram
🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter
🧩 Also on YouTube

In today's episode, I'm walking you through exactly how to release music when you have zero fans, zero budget, and zero idea where to start. We're covering the mistakes I made when I was 19 (and lost years of my life to), the release strategy that actually works, and why momentum matters more than going viral. If you're about to release your first song or you've been stuck at 100 monthly listeners for months, this one's for you.

Resources and links:

🧩 Your First Hit Song Program
🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course
🧩 Free guide: 5 ways to get on spotify playlists today
🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide

Connect with Finch:

🧩 Finch on Instagram
🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter
🧩 Also on YouTube

Also mentioned:
SubmitHub
Playlist Push
Distrokid

In today's episode, I'm excited to have Zach from Magic Nothing. We talked about his journey into music marketing, the rapid growth of his platform, and the importance of understanding goals in music marketing. We discuss the effectiveness of meta ads, the role of playlists, and the impact of AI on the music industry.

Resources and links:
🧩 Free 100-page marketing guide
🧩 Join Magic Nothing - Pitch to legit playlists
🧩 500 Content & Hook Ideas For Musicians
🧩 Become a Successful Playlist Curator Course
🧩 Your First Hit Song Program

Connect with Magic Nothing:
🧩 Magic Nothing on Instagram
🧩 Join Magic Nothing - Pitch to legit playlists

Connect with Finch:
🧩 Finch on Instagram
🧩 Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter
🧩 Also on YouTube

I hope you enjoyed this episode 🙌 Please follow More Than Streams so you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening 🙏