Zig Zag

Zig Zag: Why Following the Herd Will Literally Cost You Money
By Terrance "Terry" Sawchuk

We’re told success comes from following the playbook — post on social media daily, be everywhere online, upload your music to every DSP, and hope that somehow, your audience finds you.

That’s the Zig.

The problem? When you zig with everyone else, you get lumped into the noise. Big tech leverages your data and your brand, and leaves you unable to leverage the one thing that should be yours: your audience relationship, data and the algorithms that go with them. You become the product.

The Zag: Stop feeding the machine.
Instead of being the product on these platforms you don’t own, create direct and intimate channels with your audience. Create a private portal, email, physical events, or exclusive groups. Build a space where your fans interact with you — not an algorithm.

We’re also told our music “has” to live on major streaming platforms to be discovered but the numbers are simply not adding up.  That’s not sustainability; it’s erosion.

The Zag: Offer your music as high-resolution audio — bundled with other products and gifts — directly from your personal hub. Sell limited editions, handwritten lyric sheets, behind-the-scenes content, or access to private performances. Make your offer so valuable that it’s a no-brainer for your "true die hard fans" to support you directly.

Bottom line: Zigging is the easy path — it’s well lit, crowded, and predictable. But zags are where revolutions happen. When you zag, you build independence, protect your worth, and keep control over your music, brand, and fan relationships.

Your career’s value isn’t in doing what’s expected — it’s in creating what’s unexpected.

This is your journey towards creating your own path to artistic freedom, without bending to external pressures.

👉 To Kick Off Your Journey:

• Tune into the Podcast: [Link] 
• Join the $4A$ Accelerator Waitlist: [Link] Be among the first to access our exclusive training.
• Sign Up For The Weekly Journal: [Link]
• www.sold4asong.com

I'd love to hear from you! Hit “reply” and share your biggest struggle right now as an artist, songwriter, or producer. I personally read every email.

Looking forward to walking alongside you on this journey to craft something truly yours.

To your success and creativity,

Terrance Sawchuk
Founder, $old 4 a $ong Book™