What I read in your post it echoes strongly with the thoughts of my main music community (Electronic Music Alliance). We've done all we can to get more engagement with our music.
The main issues we encounter are compounded by the fact that approximately 14 people in every 1000 have a song on Spotify. In this day and age, even if you're an aboslutel musical genius with bags of appeal, you need to do way more to get your name or brand out there. I've seen some artists really put themselves out their in a multitude of ways just to get poeple lookign at them. It's not uncommon to see rock musicians drum up attention by streaming video games for crying out loud!
In reality, for an indie to make a living from their music, they need to have a sserious repertoire of skills. I myself have grown adept at making digital artwork, videography, onstage performance tools, synthesizer patches, mix and mastering etc.
Most artists rely on social media which, to be fair, is tantamount to demolishing a skyscraper with a pickaxe, sure i guess you might find the right spot but chances are you'll still be swinging well into your twilight years.
My opnion on the best way for an indie musician to gain a following? Touring. You have to put yourself where the people are, in a situation where it's harder to ignore you. There's no skip button on the stage and scrolling past means physically leaving. If you don't suck and there's beer going around then chaces are a few folk will drunk buy you're music, trust me it happens (guilty).
Failing that the best advice i can offer is not to copy anyone. The other day a friend sent me a sound he made from scratch along with some drums and a simple drawn out bass. I asked him where the melody was and he was perplexed. So many artists use cool sounds to create song but have little to no actual instruments which is perfectly fine so long as you're at a drug fueled hardcore rave where folks just want to bounce off the walls. I told him that if he wants an audience he has to captivate them and the best way to do that is with an emotive sequence, grab a piano and print something you like, something that moves you personally. All my best sellers have had a solid melody with thought and care applied on a per note basis.
Anyway apologies for rambling. I would love to be part of another community and I find they work best when they band together on a project, like a themed compilation release, it's a good way to rally everyone. Drop me a tag when you get up and running and i'll look in.
Thx mate, much appreciated to get feedback on old posts.
Am a bit full od real life problems right now but trying to be more active also for the music community