Music Business Podcast

Host Chat 3: Breaking into the Music Industry and building out our community In this episode we bring you another installment of our host chat series. In this series co-hosts Sam Hysell and Jordan Williams chat about current events in the music industry and answer questions from listeners. In this episode we discuss…Why we decided to create the Music Business PodcastWhat's the most rewarding part of our careers in the music industryHow to get taken seriously when starting your career Who are our dream guests for the podcastWhether it's more valuable for people to discover an artists brand before an artists music or vice versa How to develop an artist when you don’t have a major budget What are our 2020 goals for the podcastAs always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Alix Kram the VP/Head of Global Retail & Licensing/Consumer Products at Warner Music Group. She has developed and implemented global consumer products, branding, marketing, partnership collaboration, and retail strategies for WEA's portfolio of 360 artists such as the Grateful Dead, Wiz Khalifa, Logic, Twenty One Pilots, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra, Blake Shelton, and art collectives such as Family Dog. In this episode we discuss…Her process for identifying opportunities that align best for an artist and their community When artists should consider tapping into a product licensing revenue stream How product licensing is evolving into virtual experiences in manners such as Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm Game What merchandising products artists sell the most of on tour and in retail The value of relationships in the music industry and how to navigate face to face conversations As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspod

In this episode, we sit down with Grey Space Group Co-Founder Jordan Stern. GSG is an entertainment media company focused on brand consulting, talent management and venture investing, with the goal of stimulating and contributing to popular culture. GSG has worked on projects with notable artists and producers including Juice Wrld, DaBaby, and Murda Beatz. Prior to co-founding this venture, Jordan developed an expansive understanding of the Music Industry during a five-year grind with none other than industry mogul, P Diddy. Jordan joined Sean “Diddy” Combs’ management team where he was influential in managing “Diddy” while growing earnings, analyzing investments, acquisitions and managing all appearances and concerts including the Bad Boy Reunion tour. In this episode we discuss...The art of reverse-engineering the artists that best align for a brandHow artists can leverage and create brand partnership opportunities for themselves The value in building out intellectual property assets in an artists

In this episode, we sit down with industry veteran Jason Jordan. Jason’s career started at the age of 12 years old co-founding the legendary hardcore and punk rock label Watermark Records and his own boutique music publishing company. Earthprogram Music. Over the course of 30 years his career has ranged from, A&R Director at Columbia Record, VP A&R Hollywood Records/Disney Music Group, President of Imagem Music Publishing, and in 2016 Republic Records/Universal Music Group as Senior Vice President A&R. Today Jason co-manages Palm JUKE ROSS, manages the daily operations of earthprogram, and consults for a variety of artists, private companies, and global media entities. In this episode we discuss.. How the process of finding & developing talent has changedHow Jason feels that the relationship between distributors and record labels has changed in the digital age?How has he seen the role of a record label evolve? How he think it’ll develop in the coming years/decades? What does a m

In this episode, we sit down with Charles Meyer Talent Buyer at LiveStyle. The company is one of the world’s largest music event producers. They produce the events you know and love like Electric Zoo, Friendship, MadeEvent, All My Friends, and many more. Outside of his talent buying responsibilities under stage name Charles Meyer, is also a DJ & producer. In this episode we discuss… What factors go into a talent buyer’s decision to book artists. How artists should approach proactive outreach to promoters. What factors artists and their teams can take into account to negotiate rates. The career differences between a Talent Buyer and a Booking agent. Does being an artist bring a deeper self of fulfillment as a creative outlet. Strategies artists and their teams can implement to generate booking demand. As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Check out Charles on his socials @CharlesMeyerOff

In this episode, we sit down with FlightHouse CEO Jacob Pace. With original content series Flighthouse has amassed a following of 20 million followers on the growing platform TikTok. TikTok is currently the #1 app in the app store and their growth is not slowing down. In turn, the company has begun working with major labels to run campaigns for artists. Jacob has worked with artists including Austin Brown, Ariana Grande and more. In this episode we discuss…What evidence Jacob points to that shows TikTok is not something artist teams can afford to overlook How you can grow a following and promote your music on TikTokFor songs that grow popular on TikTok, what are the ways to capitalize on it and/or keep momentum on it What kind of content does well on the platform and what factors play into content hitting the “For You” page, (TikTok’s version of explore) How to get your music on the platform Is it necessary to pay to gain traction on the platform, and when considering working with inf

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Julian (MJ), Co-founder of Seer Assets. Seer Assets is the agency behind all branding and marketing of Electric Zoo (one of New York’s biggest electronic music festivals), Elrow, Made Event and a lot more. MJ also played a pivotal role in helping the party brand Elrow, the “most colorful party in the world”, grow into a one of the world’s most profitable party brands with 150 international shows per year. In this episode we discuss… Creating compelling content that drives different audiences to live experience. Crafting unique live experiences that go above and beyond customers' expectations, and in turn, leads to organic word of mouth marketing and recurring revenue. What marketing channels he has successfully used in the past to drive sales and what emerging channels are on his radar now. The value of identifying and marketing towards high priority show opportunities. As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusi

In this episode, we sit down with publicist Nina Lee from Shore Fire Media. Nina Lee has more than eight years of experience in the entertainment PR industry. Before Shore Fire, she worked for Press Here Publicity and graduated from New York University's College of the Arts & Science with a double major in Journalism and Linguistics. She’s been a part of crafting press campaigns for artists including, Soulection, Maxwell, Berhana, Masego, and more.In this episode we discuss…When should artists entertain the idea of bringing on a publicistHow Nina goes about creating and pitching narratives for pressWhat are Nina’s standards for what makes a successful press campaign? How can early-stage artists go about securing press without professional publicists?  As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode co-host Sam Hysell dives into social media strategies artists can tap into. Sam is a co-founder and managing partner of NOX Media, a digital marketing company that helps artists take their careers to the next level by quickly growing fanbases online. Prior to launching a music marketing agency, Sam has been helping grow different companies in and out of the music industry for the past 5 years. Most recently, prior to co-founding NOX, Sam was a Brand Strategist at VaynerTalent, a company owned by Gary Vaynerchuk, a true social media OG. VaynerTalent replicated the same approach Gary Vee used to grow his personal brand into the millions of engaged followers online. While there Sam helped the South African House music sensation Black Coffee develop from an underground DJ to a massive commercial success selling out major venues around the world, and entrepreneur Tom Bilyeu go from under 100k followers to 2 million. Today NOX works with different record labels, management compan

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Kaupe the co-founder and CEO of The Superfan Company, a fan engagement agency focused on creating one-of-a-kind products and programs for entertainers, brands, and celebrities. Since starting the company her all-female team has collaborated with A-list properties such as Katy Perry, KISS, Mac Miller, Shawn Mendes, Jon Bellion, StageCoach, Flatbush Zombies, Paul McCartney and many more.  In this episode we discuss…What internal motivation Kim had to provide a more vibrant experience to Superfans. Her understanding of the various degrees of Superfans and what artists can do to future nurture fans into Superfans.  Creating physical shareable experiences and items as a part of a fan experience.  How being on SharkTank come together and what came from it. What have been the biggest turning points and growth realizations in her entrepreneurial journey? HOT TAKES: Shows are the only IRL activation to focus on? If you’re the smartest p

In this episode, we sit down with George Ofori-Ampadu aka G.O, the East Coast A&R and Label Rep at Interscope Records. At Interscope, G.O specializes in broadcast media relations and radio promotion where he's worked with artists including Kendrick Lamar, SchoolBoy Q, Mike Will, Rae Sremmurd, MGK, K Camp, 6lack, Tory Lanez, Dreezy, Playboi Carti and Ella Mai. In this episode we discuss...The reach and validation that radio still holds today The dynamics of creating moments and relationships with DJ’s and Radio Execs when pursing track placement on broadcast media Being mindful of the narrative and brand image you portray in radio and digital opportunities and the importance of vulnerability in what you communicate online.  Hot Take #1: Major labels won't always be the ones with access to Radio Hot Take #2: Radio isn’t as valuable as it used to be Radio will lose more steam with the globalization of streaming/internet radioAs always never hesitate to leave a review or reach ou

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Bein founder of the independent record label True Panther Sounds. The label began in 2004 in San Francisco to release a tour-only 7" and eventually moved to New York where it was acquired by Matador Records in 2009. Artists released by the label represent many genres, including notable acts such as Girls, King Krule, Tobias Jesso Jr., Shlohmo, ABRA, Glasser Slowthai and more. Dean is also a part of the curation board for the Warm-Up MOMA PS1 summer party series. In this episode we discuss…What to consider when starting your own record labelWhat types of artist he's drawn to work with and what he prioritized early in their careersWhat his curation and booking strategy is like for WarmUp Moma PS1 What to consider as artists and managers when it comes to different types of booking opportunities As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Kirshbaum CEO of NUE Agency. Initially, Nue agency was a booking company representing artists including Mike Posner, Chiddy Bang, J.Cole, Big Sean, Logic and more. Five years ago Jesse shifted Nue Agency’s business model to work with brands and technology platforms; Acting as creative strategists that work to leverage the power of music to make deep connections with consumers. In this episode we discuss…His initial experience in the industry working as a booking agent and the lessons he learned while doing so. How artists should approach positioning their brands and content to best drive brand partnership opportunitiesHow the Agency works to create the most authentic and effective campaigns and activations between Brands and artists The Agency most successful projects including the Sour Patch, Patches Houses Why Brands need a Chief Music officer and more As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram w

In this episode, we sit down with Gavin Chops, touring drummer for rising star Chelsea Culter, artist, and co-founder of management company Bear and Owl. Artists signed to his management company include Hazey Eyes, Mike Kota, OTREI AMI, SŸDE, and Ukiyo. Gavin has been able to perform at such legendary venues and festivals as Red Rocks in Colorado and Lollapalooza.In this episode we discuss…What lead to the opportunity to become Chelsea Culter’s drummer and making the decision to leave a job for itThe energy he brings to sets and the most memorable venue he's performed at thus farWhat makes for a successful relationship with the artists he manages and what he's looking for in management himself Supporting artists in creating fully cohesive projects around their music The power in vulnerability to drive a connection with fans The state of “pop music” and more As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for l

In this episode your hosts Sam Hysell and Jordan Williams chop it up on topics that have been on their mind in the industry, strategies for emerging artists, and resources to stay up to date in the industry. In this episode we discuss... Scooter Braun buying Taylor Swift’s catalog of masters Contemplating the pros and cons of remaining independent vs going the label route The journey of finding your own voice, product, and audience How Lil Nas X hacked social to make Old Town Road a mega hit and more Tapping into collaborations, content, and moreResources mentioned: MusicBusinessWorldWide, Cherie Hu’s Water and Music Newsletter, Trapital NewsLetter, Hypebot  As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we sit down Ramya Velury artist manager at EQT. Ramya is an NYU graduate who studied the interdisciplinary relationship between fashion and music and how it affects global mass consumption. Today Ramya manages personalities across different verticals including Goldlink, artist and model Tommy Genesis, producer & DJ Amrit, and photographer RavieB. In this episode we discuss... The type of commitment made when signing up to become a manager for an artistWhat are some of the hard conversations she’s had to have with artists and how to deal with themHow she came to become one of EQT’s first employees and what she attributes to the company’s growth since Why she thinks people who work in music should be required to take a music theory classWhen and if setting boundaries with an artist is necessaryAs always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for

Managing Saba From The Ground up with Rory Webb.In this episode we sit down with Rory Webb, Manager to hip-hop artist Saba. Saba was recently featured on J. Cole's Revenge of the Dreamers III and had one of the most critically acclaimed albums last year. Rory is generally known in the industry for being an all around smart guy and has propelled Saba's career exponentially since the beginning of their partnership.In this episode we discuss...How he and Saba came to work togetherThe dynamics of co-managing an artistWhat he thinks are the benefits of being independent managers vs. management teams?What’s made him and Saba decide to stay independent and what artists should ask themselves when contemplating that choice?How he’s approached expanding the team as Saba has grown and remained independentAs always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Daniel Snow. Dan is the founder of @Rap, the largest Hip-Hop account on Instagram with 4.6 million followers. Dan has also created and sold multiple e-commerce based businesses under the holding company Social Cadre, and consults for e-commerce clients at his company The Snow Agency. In this episode we discuss… How he built up @rap to 4.6M followers and what are the best ways to grow a following on Instagram What are the do’s and don'ts of shoutout campaigns What advice he has for artists looking to sell more merchandise What are certain tactics people can leverage in order to make their ad campaigns more efficient As always never hesitate to leave a review or reach out to @musicbusinesspodcast Instagram with any feedback or ideas. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Fabrice Sergent who is the co-founder and managing partner of Bandsintown. Bandsintown is one of the leading concert discovery platforms that helps drive 1-2 million people to different events around the world each month and 500k visitors to ticket sales pages on a daily basis. They also have a massive ad network that helps drive awareness around some of the world’s leading brands. In this episode we discuss…The founding story of BIT, the evolution of the product and the vision moving forward What lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur that can help you succeed in the music industry or as an artist yourself What to focus on early as a touring artist and how to leverage the BIT for artists platform to drive ticket sales  How data and analytics are leveraged on the platform to provide recommendations, recognize up and coming artists and drive ticket sales  Each of our favorite live music experiences As always never hesitate to leave a review

In this episode, we sit down with Cherie Hu an experienced music industry analytics, freelance writer, and owner of the independent media ecosystem Water & Music. Cherie’s expertise in the music industry lies at the intersection of music and tech, of which she provides her insight and updates on via her newsletter and podcast. Outside of her own media properties, she’s been freelanced to write for publications including, Billboard, Forbes, Music Business Worldwide, Rolling Stone, and many more. In this episode we discuss… How VR & AR are and will continue to have an impact in the music industryWhat start-ups have caught her attention in the music tech space. What are the similarities she’s noticed between startups/startup ecosystem and the music industry/musicians.What she feels are some of the most underrated technologies or apps for music industry professionals and musicians?The impact of the democratization of creativity in the music industry. As always never hesitate to leave a review or