The intersection of music and technology has never been more crucial for independent artists seeking to build sustainable, self-directed careers. Billboard-charting recording artist, tech entrepreneur, and educator Melissa B. is set to release the second edition of her transformative guide, Digitally Independent — a book that redefines how musicians can build and scale their careers in the modern digital age.
As the founder of Girl Geek Dinners NYC and a Recording Academy voting member for over five years, Melissa B. continues to bridge two historically siloed spaces: music and technology. Through her company, Melissa B. Inc, she is charting a new course for creative professionals — one that embraces innovation, representation, and independence.
The upcoming release of Digitally Independent: Second Edition arrives at a pivotal moment. With artificial intelligence, algorithmic discovery, and direct-to-fan engagement reshaping every corner of the industry, Melissa B. equips artists with the tools to thrive without gatekeepers. The new edition covers:
- AI-powered music creation with platforms like Suno
- Strategic brand-building and social media planning
- Monetization through digital platforms and direct fan engagement
- The psychology of independence and long-term career sustainability
“You are not just an artist — you are the architect of your career,” Melissa B. emphasizes throughout the book — a message that drives her mission to empower artists with both vision and tactics.
Melissa’s track record with technology is far from recent. Long before Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses entered the market, she was already pioneering wearable tech by integrating Google Glass into her creative and promotional campaigns. That early adoption laid the foundation for her current use of advanced AI tools like Midjourney, Runway ML, and Kling, which now drive her immersive, cross-platform multimedia productions.
As a biracial Afro-Latina woman thriving in two industries historically dominated by homogeneity, Melissa B. has become a cultural role model for underrepresented creatives. Her leadership in Girl Geek Dinners NYC has provided critical access and networking for women in STEM, while her fiercely independent music career stands as a testament to owning one’s voice — literally and figuratively.
Digitally Independent doesn’t just outline what’s happening — it shows you what to do about it. From mastering streaming algorithms and fan data to navigating copyright, publishing, and smart automation, Melissa B. delivers step-by-step strategies for artists to build real businesses around their art.
Her dual expertise in both music and technology, amplified by her insider perspective through the Recording Academy, informs every chapter. It’s not just theory — it’s tested, real-world insight.
The release of Digitally Independent: Second Edition isn’t just a book drop — it’s a signal to the music industry that a new kind of artist is emerging. One who doesn’t wait for permission. One who uses data and creativity in tandem. One who understands that independence isn’t isolation — it’s freedom backed by knowledge.
With this new edition, Melissa B. reaffirms her role not just as a creator, but as a guide for the next generation of artists. For those ready to turn passion into strategy, and creativity into legacy, this book is the blueprint.
