Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined live by Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) and chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, at the UK Music Academic Partnership event in Liverpool. As a figure at the forefront of the grassroots levy, Jon explains the reasoning behind it and how he sees the future of the scheme. The pair also chat about the current state of the UK live industry, how LIVE is working across government and industry to keep UK live music thriving, and what everything they do means for artists, venues, and fans. NEWSLETTER ⁠⁠Sign up HERE⁠⁠ for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the ⁠⁠PPL⁠⁠. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@the_money_trench⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠The Money Trench⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠The Money Trench⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! -⁠⁠ Get in touch here!⁠⁠ Thanks to our partners ⁠⁠PPL ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Earth/Percent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tom A Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aimless Play⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Fourth Pillar⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Sennheiser⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Junkhead Studio⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tape Notes⁠⁠ Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music UK, to explore his career journey from jazz records to the boardroom, and what it means to lead a major record label in the era of AI, streaming, and cultural shifts. During their chat at Warner HQ in London, they talk about Tony’s early days in record stores and at Blue Note Records, his global adventures across Australia and the US, and the lessons learnt from running labels like V2 and working with some of the biggest names in the business. The pair also discuss the challenges facing UK music exports, the evolution of major label culture, and what today’s artists need to break globally. NEWSLETTER ⁠Sign up HERE⁠ for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the ⁠PPL⁠. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠@the_money_trench⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠The Money Trench⁠ Website: ⁠The Money Trench⁠ GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! -⁠ Get in touch here!⁠ Thanks to our partners ⁠PPL ⁠ ⁠Earth/Percent⁠ ⁠Tom A Smith⁠ ⁠Aimless Play⁠ ⁠Fourth Pillar⁠ ⁠Sennheiser⁠ ⁠Junkhead Studio⁠ ⁠Tape Notes⁠ Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with Robert Horsfall and Sonia Diwan, founding partners of Sound Advice. As leaders of one of the UK’s most respected law firms for artists, songwriters, and music entrepreneurs, from brokering major label deals to championing fairer contracts in the streaming age, Robert and Sonia bring decades of experience - and plenty of stories - to the table. Mark joins them at TYX Studios to talk about the evolving role of the music lawyer, the legal implications of AI in music, the streaming economy, gender equality in the industry, and why artist-focused deals still matter in 2025. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with one of the most respected managers in rock and metal, Craig Jennings, CEO of Raw Power Management. Craig shares his stories of shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in the business, including Bring Me The Horizon, Bullet For My Valentine, and many more. Craig also discusses his journey from the early days of the industry, to managing arena-filling rock bands. He shares insights into what makes a great manager, how artists can build long-term careers, and the ever-changing challenges of streaming, touring, and fan engagement. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with Megan Ogleby-Page, Head of Operations at ERA and key figure behind Record Store Day UK.  Megan shares her insights on the evolution of physical music retail, the resurgence of vinyl and indie record stores, and how Record Store Day has become a cultural phenomenon. They also talk about Megan's journey into the industry, the challenges of running a major event like Record Store Day, and the future of physical music retail in an increasingly digital world. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by legendary punk rock executive, Louis Posen, founder of Hopeless Records. This week, Mark catches up with Louis in Los Angeles during Musexpo week to reflect on 30 years of independent label life, how Hopeless started as a dare, the realities of the modern streaming economy, and what it really means to stay punk in a changing industry. Louis also shares how losing his eyesight at 19 shaped his approach to life and business, why he still believes in artist-first models, and how Hopeless is giving back through its Hopeless Foundation and Hopeless Music Academy. There’s also chat about superfan tiers, ticket scalping, being called the “Paul Newman of Punk Rock”, and a few war stories from the early days of the label. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by a 30 year veteran of the music industry, The Colonel, Nick Stewart. During their conversation they discuss the latest in the industry, including the financial polarisation of artists, how UK bands may be back on the rise and Nick explains why he thinks some genres are more valuable asset investments than others. Nick also delves into the details of his career, sharing his experiences working at the famed Island Records, working with artists such as U2, and a feisty game of football with Bob Marley. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Dr Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives In Music. Discussing one of the biggest issues in the music industry, Charisse explains the need for everyone to step up when it comes to diversity, and for us all to come together to make a real difference. She also explores the idea of embracing new technologies such as AI, and even using them to tackle issues such as diversity and inclusion. From starting out in the telecommunications industry, to becoming one of the most influential CEOs in the music bizz, Charisse also tells her story and the challenges she has faced along the way.  NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by singer-songwriter Kate Nash.  Digging into the current state of the music industry, Kate discusses everything from the harsh realities of touring costs, why she turned to OnlyFans, and the growing challenges artists face to making a sustainable living. From performing in the Houses of Parliament to using her voice for activism, Kate discusses finding spaces where she can make an impact. She also reflects on the enduring legacy of her hit Foundations, and the sudden silence she received from industry colleagues when she was dropped. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Steve Tannett, Director of Platforms at Marshall Group. From his punk roots to a career spanning multiple sides of the music industry, Steve looks back over his career - moving from musician to label executive, publisher, and manager. He talks about rock’s lasting cultural impact, his work with artists like R.E.M., The Go-Go’s, and Ginger Baker, and the lessons he learned from I.R.S. Records boss Miles Copeland. Steve also reflects on the challenges and privilege of launching Marshall Records from the ground up, initially as an experiment to bring the brand into the record industry. He discusses the label’s artist-first approach, and how this sets them apart from the majors. He also touches on signing Nova Twins and what’s next for the label. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! In this episode, Mark is joined by manager, record producer and director of Ferocious Talent, Kwame Kwaten. As well as catching up on the latest in the industry, including the Kanye controversy and canceled Oasis tickets, Kwame shares his perspective on the ever-evolving role of a manager in music, the responsibilities they're now having to take on, and what new deals should look like. The conversation also looks back on Kwame's long career in the business, including his journey from being an artist - performing with the likes of Michael Jackson, James Brown, and more - to discovering and auditioning Shola Ama in Hammersmith Tube station and receiving stagecraft advice from Prince! NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Peter Leathem, CEO of PPL. As well as catching up on the week’s news, including Grammy highlights and mental health provisions from labels, Peter shares his journey with PPL, discussing the changes he’s implemented and the successes he’s achieved in shaping the company’s role in the music industry. The conversation covers how PPL continues to innovate in the music space and navigate challenges such as the DCMS committee inquiry. Beyond his work at PPL, Peter reflects on his early career as a lawyer, shares how he found his way into the music industry, and talks everything from Taylor Swift's gigs to Madonna's 'Sex' book! NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by the CEO of Deviate Digital, Sammy Andrews. Catching up at Tileyard Studios, the conversation covers the latest news on streaming services, the future of artificial intelligence within the industry, and thoughts on misogyny in music. Sammy also shares her journey into the industry, from becoming a touring manager for Ginger Wildheart to working with The Prodigy and Annie Lennox. She explains why she adopts new technologies early and digs into the impact of social media on music. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark catches up with the lead singer of The Kooks, Luke Pritchard. Throughout their chat, the pair discuss the latest in the music industry, including the TikTok ban and what it means for artists, the impact of AI, and more on the Los Angeles Wildfires. Luke also talks through some of the difficulties facing young artists today and what the industry needs to do to support them, as well as sharing stories of his journey to success - including working on the band's legendary debut album, and kicking Alex Turner of The Arctic Monkeys in the face! NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench! In this special live episode at this year's ESNS conference in Groningen, Mark is joined by Ruth Barlow from Beggars and AIM. Ruth shares stories from her journey in the music industry, from her early days at Xfm to her current role at Beggars Group and AIM. She chats about how the indie sector is feeling the squeeze, the impact of big deals like Universal’s move on PIAS, and what it all means for independent labels. We're also treated to stories from her time working with legends like The White Stripes, Adele, and Radiohead. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In the first episode of 2025, Mark is joined by Andy Saunders, legendary PR and founder of Velocity Communications. Digging into the latest industry news, Andy shares his thoughts on the music industry's current state, including record-breaking UK music consumption and the pros and cons of dynamic ticket pricing. Reflecting on his career, he takes us behind the scenes at Creation Records during its mid-‘90s heyday, working alongside Alan McGee. He shares stories of collaborating with New Labour during the pivotal ‘79 general election and recounts a memorable incident at The Music Week Awards. We also hear the highlights from his time at Velocity Communications, including PR tips and his approach to managing a recent high-profile crisis.  NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Julie Weir, Director of Sony’s Music For Nations. Catching up at Sony HQ, Mark & Julie’s conversation digs into the behind the scenes of the rock & alternative industry - discussing running Julie's independent label, Visible Noise, the challenges of touring new acts, and how she is trying to fight the US industry domination. She also looks back on signing a young Bring Me The Horizon, reflecting on why they were so successful, and talks through the importance of artists being in touch with every aspect of the industry. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Steve Homer, CEO of AEG Presents. Throughout the conversation, Steve shares his insights on hot topics like the grassroots ticket levy, festival shutdowns and openings, and the ever-changing world of dynamic ticket pricing. Steve gives his thoughts and opinions as a man very much in the middle of it all! He also reflects on his journey into live music promotion, recounting memorable stories such as bringing Eminem to the UK for the first time, experiencing Nirvana’s legendary Top of the Pops performance with the band themselves, and revealing what industry rivalries are really like. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by author, journalist and fellow podcaster, Miranda Sawyer. Exploring themes from her new book, Uncommon People: Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs, the conversation digs into Britpop’s enduring legacy, moving past the Blur vs. Oasis rivalry into stories about Pulp, Suede, and more, while also examining how the era’s stars coped with sudden fame. Miranda also reflects on her journey into music journalism, from landing her first role at Smash Hits to writing for iconic magazines like Q and Loaded. We discuss the rise and continued importance of music journalism, the challenges of working in indie music as a woman, and why the prominence of bands in the alternative scene has faded. Find out more - Uncommon People: Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes 

Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Mark Davyd, CEO and founder of Music Venue Trust. Catching up shortly after his front-page appearance with Katy Perry, the conversation highlights the growing international support for the Music Venue Trust, with backing from global stars and prominent UK artists. The conversion digs into the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) committee’s report on introducing an arena ticket levy, emphasizing the critical role grassroots venues play in shaping first-stage careers and UK culture. Mark also explores the potential implementation strategies for an arena ticket levy, shares his personal journey and passion for grassroots venues, and stories of his disputes with Co-op live, legal battles with Simon Cowell, and booking Oasis back in the day. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL  The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on:  Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL  Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes