Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicky Markin
Hi Nicky, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Back in the winter of 2020, I recall sitting on my yoga map, meditating. I had just made a life-altering decision to leave my corporate career of 10+ years due to severe and debilitating burnout…. I felt lost, hopeless, confused and unable to work or even get out of bed most days.
But sitting on that mat…I recall looking up at the sky, begging for answers. Asking, “Okay, what’s next? What am I meant to be doing?”
…the answer that day and every day forward was simple: Music
I didn’t know exactly what that meant at the time other than I had been a musician and singer-songwriter for 20+ and always dreamed of pursuing music…But that just seemed like just a crazy childhood dream at this point.
PLUS, how would I even DO that anyway?!?
But weeks later, months later, years later…the answer did not change.
So, instead of pushing it away (like I had been doing for years), I surrendered to it.
I began investing in myself and my dream: learning production, taking vocal lessons, playing gigs and open mics (online since this was pandemic times), building and networking with other artists and entrepreneurs, hiring coaches/mentors, and doing every music-related workshop, program or masterclass I could find (all while on spiritual and wellness journey recovering from burnout, depression, severe anxiety and chronic fatigue syndrome…while also completing my MBA in entrepreneurial management).
As I continued to learn more about the music industry and grow as an artist, participating in programs like Canada’s Music Incubator Artist Entrepreneur West Program (2021) and an artist development program with singer/producer/DJ Ruby Chase (2022), my dreams started to become my reality.
In the fall of 2022, I reconnected with a long-time acquaintance, Mickey Valenz (we met back in the MySpace days). And things just CLICKED! Two months after working together, we released our self-produced and self-recorded debut single as Midnite Gossip called “Streetlights” on 12/21/2022, and since then, we have:
– Released a remix of our single “Streetlights [Mickey Valenz Remix]”
– Released a four-song live-off-the-floor EP called “Live.”
– Self-directed/filmed a Music video for “Streetlights.”
– Been played on the radio nationally and internationally
– Produced a full 1-hour live set and custom visuals
– Travelled & played five music festivals across Canada alongside renowned artists LUN, Felix Cartel and Meltt.
– Played ten shows across Canada.
– Performed live on the radio.
Currently, we are gearing up for the release of our next single, “Tightrope,” and our Debut EP in early 2025.
While pursuing my music dreams and completing my MBA in the summer of 2022, I began documenting my journey—from being a bedroom artist/producer to recording, releasing, promoting my music, and building my brand. Along the way, artist friends began asking me how I was doing what I was doing, which made me realize there was a gap that needed to be filled when I came to music business knowledge for independent artists. That’s when I started developing The Indie MBA.
By combining my 10+ years of business experience, MBA, and passion for music as an independent artist, I began designing a coaching program that equips artists with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence they need to get booked, get paid, and get known. This approach centers on what I have defined as the essential pillars of Indie artist success: music, business, and artistry. My mission is to empower indie artists to carve out their own unique path in the music industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey to date has been anything but smooth, but that seems to be the consensus when you decide to pursue an entrepreneurial path —especially in an industry as volatile as the music business.
At first, the transition from a corporate 9-to-5 to a creative career has had its own set of challenges. For me, it’s been about finding a balance between business, creativity, and rest. As my music and business continue to reach larger audiences, I have to continually recalibrate to find a balance so that I am able to serve my clients and fans in the best way possible and also find joy and fulfillment in my own life and goals.
One of the biggest struggles I have faced includes dealing with burnout, managing chronic fatigue syndrome, and being diagnosed with ADHD in 2019. What’s interesting is that these are struggles I see many artists facing to various degrees, and while it’s not always easy to navigate them, I’m grateful that I can now help others through similar challenges with my knowledge and personal experience.
Another big struggle I have had to face is showing up for myself and my business. No amount of schooling, not even an MBA, teaches you how to actually show up for your business. That’s where coaches and mentors come in. Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible mentors who have helped me overcome imposter syndrome and how to show up authentically in both my business and my music.
Starting and building two businesses—Midnite Gossip and The Indie MBA—has been challenging and rewarding. Entrepreneurship has been a mirror, reflecting all the parts of my life that weren’t working. For me, success isn’t just measured by financial gain. It’s about freedom and becoming the best version of myself. Over the last four years, my life has changed in ways I didn’t know were possible. Some good and some bad.
I have learned that success comes from taking messy action, trusting yourself, and having the resilience to keep going in the face of adversity. It’s about turning the abstract into the tangible and learning every step along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the founder and coach of The Indie MBA, where I empower and equip independent artists with the knowledge, strategies, skills and confidence they need to get booked, get paid, and get known. This covers areas like recording and production support, building a release strategy, crafting an effective electronic press kit (EPK), creating a brand, pitching to radio, media and press, royalty collection, booking gigs and festivals, and leveraging social media and PR to boost their careers.
I am known for my 90-day 1:1 coaching program, where clients have achieved incredible results, like releasing their debut single and getting 50K Spotify streams, getting radio play across Canada, getting press coverage and features, landing radio interviews, booking gigs, gaining confidence and industry knowledge, and growing their social media following.
I am most proud of seeing my clients! Nothing has been more exciting than seeing my clients succeed and release their music—often for the first time—and being part of their growth journey. What sets me apart is my unique combination of lived experience as an independent artist and my MBA. I use my own band as a case study for what I teach and coach, blending creativity with proven business principles. Clients also have access to a suite of digital resources I’ve developed, made to simplify the release process and help manage clients’ careers while reducing overwhelm. My goal is to equip clients with a repeatable and proven roadmap so they can get back to making music!
Additionally, I offer workshops and masterclasses for artists who want to dive deeper into specific aspects of the music business.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is a huge part of being an entrepreneur and an artist. So many opportunities come from who you know and being part of a community of like-minded individuals. I totally get that social anxiety can make networking events intimidating for some, but if you are serious about a career in music, it’s non-negotiable. The more you show up, the more comfortable you’ll get talking about yourself and your music, and you’ll also get to meet some really cool people along the way. They may even become your friend, bandmate, or next collaborator!
As for mentors, they play a key role in your growth—they fill in the gaps and help fast-track your career. Personally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing mentors and coaches who have supported me. When it comes to finding a mentor or coach, make sure you vibe with them! Look for someone who is a few steps ahead of you or is where you want to be in the next few years. Do a little digging on them and check their testimonials and results, or even reach out to someone who has worked with them in the past. Lastly, if at any point you’re not on the same page anymore, it’s okay to move on. Mentors are there to help with specific gaps, not give you every answer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/theindiemba
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindiemba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theindiemba
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindiemba
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/midnitegossip
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/40hNQ1rdJNVmHW5ifn2XPo
Image Credits
Image 1: Mickey Valenz
Image 2: Eden M. Rodriguez
Image 3/4: Justin Friesen
