This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Naethan Apollo, an independent artist known for blending immersive storytelling with genre-bending songwriting. With over 1.4 million followers on TikTok and more than 500K monthly listeners on Spotify, Naethan has built a loyal fanbase through a mix of creative world-building, DIY ethos, and direct fan engagement. His latest project, Tales From Cazilor: Wyldflowers, an ambitious fusion of concept album, musical, and animated series that showcases his unique narrative vision.

In this conversation, Naethan opens up about the intersection of storytelling and songwriting in his work, and how his creative influences shaped his latest release. He also offers a surprisingly hopeful take on AI in music and reflects on how social media played a major role in his rise. The conversation digs into how he built a dedicated community around his work, the importance of setting boundaries for mental health, and how he’s redefining success on his own terms. Looking ahead, Naethan shares what’s next for his career and what motivates him to keep creating.

https://www.instagram.com/naethan_apollo/

00:00 - Introduction and Naethan's arrival

02:15 - Discussing "Tales from Casalor: Wildflowers"

10:30 - The inspiration behind combining music and storytelling

18:45 - Naethan's creative process and influences

25:00 - Navigating social media and building a fanbase

35:20 - The role of community and fan engagement

45:00 - Challenges of mental health and setting boundaries

55:30 - Future plans and aspirations for Naethan's music and storytelling

01:05:00 - Closing thoughts and Naethan's definition of success in the music industry

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dave and JJ Heller to discuss building a completely independent music business for a niche audience of moms. JJ Heller is a Nashville-based Christian folk-pop singer-songwriter known for her gentle voice, heartfelt lyrics, and monthly single releases that have earned her over a billion streams. Rising to prominence with the 2008 hit “Your Hands,” Heller has since built a devoted fanbase through her lullaby-themed I Dream of You album series and relatable songs about faith, family, and mental health. Alongside her husband and creative partner Dave Heller, she continues to blend sincerity with soothing melodies, making her a comforting presence for listeners of all ages.

In this episode, Ari, JJ, and Dave dive into the Hellers’ journey from college bandmates to full-time independent artists. They explore the ups and downs of DIY success, the shift from physical albums to streaming, and how their lullaby project became a thriving cornerstone of their business. The conversation also touches on viral growth through social media, the role of AI in music, and what it truly means to “make it” in today’s ever-evolving music industry.

04:12 Ari introduces Dave and JJ Heller and sets up their story.

06:27 How they got started as a college band and grew into full-time musicians.

14:42 Their DIY strategy, self-releasing music, and staying independent.

24:57 Shifting from physical sales to finding success in streaming.

34:12 How their lullaby albums took off and became a cornerstone of their business.

44:32 Navigating viral moments and the unpredictability of social media.

54:22 Their thoughts on AI’s impact on music and the value of human connection.

01:04:12 Reflecting on what it really means to “make it” in today’s music industry.

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Rick Farman. Farman is an experienced entrepreneur, co-founder, and executive at Superfly, the event production company behind Bonnaroo and San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. With roots dating back to Superfly’s founding in 1996, Farman has overseen event operations, business development, and strategic partnerships that have shaped some of the country’s most iconic festivals . As a key architect of Outside Lands since its launch in 2008, he helped build the festival’s signature blend of music, sustainability, and Bay Area culture, emphasizing local food, art, and ecological responsibility. A holder of a BA in anthropology from Tulane University, Farman splits his time between overseeing Superfly’s expanding portfolio and investing in emerging companies across wellness, tech, and entertainment.

Ari and Rick delve into the intricacies of festival creation, exploring everything from the art of booking talent to designing immersive, multidimensional experiences that go far beyond the music. Rick shares valuable insights into the business side of running large-scale events, including sponsorship, logistics, and long-term brand building. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering community, highlighting how festivals can serve as cultural touchstones. Throughout the conversation, Rick reflects on how the festival landscape has evolved over the years, shaped by shifts in technology, audience expectations, and the growing demand for authenticity and purpose-driven programming.

00:00 Introduction – Ari introduces Rick Farman and his festival background.

02:15 Origins of Outside Lands – Rick shares how the festival began and its San Francisco roots.

10:30 Booking Artists – How lineups are built and talent is curated.

20:45 Festival Business – The economics of festivals and artist compensation.

30:00 Immersive Experiences – Rick on designing interactive festival environments.

40:15 Bonnaroo’s Evolution – The rise of Bonnaroo and its industry impact

50:00 Music & Community – Why building community is essential in music today.

55:30 Conclusion – Final thoughts on success in the modern music business.

https://sfoutsidelands.com/

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Jess Furman—a creative executive, Emmy-nominated composer, and music industry leader whose work spans TV, film, Web3, and beyond. Named one of Billboard’s Top 40 Industry-Shaping Executives, Jess blends creative vision with business savvy. She founded Sound Revolver (now part of Big Noise Music Group), where she led award-winning music campaigns and earned Tellys, Clios, and RIAA Gold certifications. Her credits include Moonlight, Westworld, My Little Pony: Pony Life, Littlest Pet Shop, and campaigns for brands like Ralph Lauren. As a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jess’s music has been featured on Sesame Street, MTV, Drop Dead Diva, Sundance, and SXSW.

In this episode, we follow Jess’s journey from New York singer-songwriter to a leading force in the world of sync licensing in Los Angeles. She shares what it takes to write custom music for film, TV, and branded content—and breaks down the creative and business challenges that come with it. In the second half, things get lively as she and Ari debate the future of AI in music. Jess previews her next project: an AI-generated artist built to test a blockchain-driven brand model. The music is created by AI, refined by humans, and designed to support real artists through tech. Jess sees promise in it. Ari isn’t so sure—and questions the ethics and long-term effects of AI-generated content on platforms already flooded with music.

https://www.instagram.com/jessfurmanmuse

05:45 Introduction and History

11:16 Journey to Sync Licensing

21:31 Founding Sound Revolver

31:06 Custom Music for TV and Film

45:56 AI in Music Creation

1:01:16 Debating The Future of the Music Industry

1:15:46 Final Thoughts and Making It in Music

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Matt Graham, founding manager partner of Range Media Partners and head of Range Music. Range Music represents artists like Jack Harlow, Shaboozey, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Pentatonix, Rita Ora, Saweetie, Noah Cyrus, Midland, and Dylan Gossett—as well as emerging talent. Originally launched as a management company, Range has grown into a multi-division operation spanning music, film, TV, publishing, composing, and sports. Matt was named to Billboard’s 40 Under 40 list and recently recognized as one of Billboard's Country Power Players.

In this conversation, Ari and Matt take a big-picture look at how Range is structured, how the music team works together internally, and how artist management continues to evolve. They touch on deal structures—both traditional and emerging—and discuss how representation models are shifting across the industry. Matt also shares insights into his work in country music and how he’s thinking about developing both established names and new talent. If you're interested in the business of management, this conversation offers a thoughtful look behind the scenes.

https://www.instagram.com/itsmattgraham/

https://rangemusic.com/

00:00 - Introduction to Matt Graham and Range

03:05 - Building Range Media Partners’ collaborative management model  

08:14 - Partnering with Big Loud and Mercury on Dylan Gossett  

13:20 - The role of management in structuring label partnerships  

17:45 - Global strategy for country and genre-fluid artists  

21:55 - How Range Media supports career development beyond music  

26:10 - Composer division and expansion into scoring and sync  

31:05 - Why AI music is disrupting the music industry  

35:45 - Labeling and regulation for AI-generated content  

40:28 - How AI could reduce artist costs for visuals and production  

45:50 - Blockchain’s missed opportunity in music  

48:15 - What it means to "make it" in today’s music business  

51:00 - Final thoughts and Matt’s outlook on the industry 

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with indie artist Michael Seyer, who’s spent the last decade shaping his artistic identity through immersive, nostalgic albums like Ugly Boy and Bad Bonez. His latest release, Boylife, blends dream pop and indie-folk into a heartfelt coming-of-age soundtrack, written between LA and tour stops across Asia and North America. Self-released through his new label, Seyerland Records, Boylife marks a new chapter—one where Seyer deepens his artistry while uplifting fellow independent musicians.

Ari and Michael dive into the making of Boylife, collaborating with a young producer, shooting music videos guerrilla-style in Japan, and staying fully independent—from DIY vinyl runs to self-funded tours. Seyer also shares how he’s building immersive worlds around his music, launching his label, and navigating the tricky balance between art and promotion.

https://www.instagram.com/michaelseyer/

Chapters

05:20 – Getting Started with Internet Music & Early DIY Releases  

08:15 – Collaborating with Producer Christian Taylor on Boylife  

12:10 – How Making Boylife Reignited His Passion for Music  

14:45 – Staying Fully Independent in a Label-Dominated Industry  

16:50 – Seyer’s Licensing Deal with Virgin Records Explained  

22:05 – Pressing Vinyl & Distributing Music Through DistroKid  

25:50 – Behind the Scenes of Filming “Fiend” on the Streets of Japan  

35:40 – Launching Seyerland Records to Support Local Artists  

42:30 – What Artist Development Means & How He Approaches It  

52:30 – Navigating Social Media, Burnout, and Self-Promotion  

57:10 – Defining Success & What It Means to “Make It” in Music

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Justin Gammella, a hit songwriter, producer, top liner, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. With over a billion streams to his name and more than 100 released cuts, Justin’s catalog includes Bella Poarch’s viral hit “Build a Bitch” and collaborations with artists like Benson Boone, Lennon Stella, Steve Aoki, and FINNEAS. A true “working class” pop songwriter, Justin brings a decade of professional songwriting experience to the table and is also the host of the Producer Points podcast.

In this episode, Ari and Justin dive into the realities of professional songwriting in today’s music industry. They explore how songwriters get paid, how publishing works, and the controversy around non-writing artists receiving songwriting credit. They also touch on newer developments like songwriters earning master points and how the industry continues to evolve in the streaming era. This episode also takes on the growing role of AI in music—how Justin uses it in his workflow, the ethical questions it raises, and the need for safeguards across the industry.

https://instagram.com/justin_gammella

http://instagram.com/producer_points 

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Songwriters in the Music Industry

05:12 Journey to Becoming a Professional Songwriter

10:04 Understanding Publishing Deals

17:30 Monetization in the Streaming Era

23:15 The Songwriting Process and Collaboration

31:54 Vocal Production: The Heart of Music Creation

39:08 The Art of Pitch Songs: Collaboration and Emotion

42:17 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape: Major Labels vs. Indie Artists

45:57 Songwriting Credits: The Controversy of Co-Writing

50:11 The Evolving Role of Songwriters in the Streaming Era

54:56 AI in Music: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations

01:01:36 Defining Success in the New Music Business

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Oscar Höglund, the co-founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound. Epidemic Sound is a leading music and soundtracking platform for content creators. They have garnered attention for its digital rights model and soundtracking tools that help creators to elevate their content with music, while simultaneously supporting artists financially. Oscar shares insights from his journey launching Epidemic after working with Sweden’s renowned Zodiak Television.

In their episode, Ari and Oscar unpack critical issues impacting independent artists, including royalty structures, streaming economics, and the evolving landscape of music licensing. They explore Epidemic Sound’s unique approach to artist compensation, discuss how digital streaming has pushed music toward playlist-driven consumption, and tackle the creative tension artists face when making commercially viable music. This episode offers an in-depth look at one of the industry's most influential platforms shaping the future of music in content creation.

Chapters

00:00 The Changing Landscape of Music Royalties

06:00 Epidemic Sound: A New Model for Music Distribution

12:14 Artist Compensation and Ownership Rights

17:46 Innovative Approaches to Music Licensing

24:09 The Impact of Epidemic Sound on Independent Artists

29:53 Future of Music in the Digital Age

42:16 The Evolution of Music Consumption

46:21 Negotiating with DSPs and Licensing Rates

49:52 The Rise of Epidemic Sound

55:31 The Artist's Identity Crisis

01:08:01 Future Innovations and AI in Music

01:21:12 Becoming a Full-Service Music Platform

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Jaclyn O’Connell, a digital marketer, creative strategist, artist manager, and founder of Bittersweet Media and Good Grief Management. Jaclyn has provided creative marketing solutions and hands-on artist management for artists and labels of all scales and sizes—from emerging artists to well-established acts and both indie and major labels. They have supported gold and platinum records and worked with artists including Wild Rivers, Cavetown, Julian Baker, and Cold War Kids. Drawing on experience in both marketing and artist management, Jaclyn offers a sharp, insider perspective on what it truly takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry.

In this episode, Ari and Jaclyn dive deep into the realities of modern music marketing — from navigating ever-shifting social media algorithms to building effective fan funnels that turn casual listeners into ticket buyers and lifelong fans. They also unpack the current touring landscape, direct support deals, and the hot-button issue of tour buy-ons. Whether you're an artist, manager, or just curious about how fan engagement really works, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

http://instagram.com/jaclyn_oconnell

Chapters

00:00 Building Direct Relationships with Fans

03:09 Navigating the Social Media Landscape

05:49 The Importance of Mental Health in Artist Management

09:05 Innovative Monetization Strategies for Artists

11:55 The Role of Community in Artist Growth

14:58 Understanding the Fan Journey

18:05 Challenges in Touring for Emerging Artists

21:03 The Evolution of the Live Music Industry

36:21 The Ethics of Tour Buy-Ons

39:09 Navigating the Challenges of Touring

43:05 Building Artist Relationships and Mental Health

46:04 Defining Success in Artist Campaigns

48:02 The Role of Social Media in Driving Streams

51:01 The Nuances of Going Viral

55:29 The Fragmentation of Viral Success

57:23 Conversations with Labels and Ownership

01:01:23 Balancing Management and Business

01:10:25 Setting Boundaries in Artist Management

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Danny Ross, a producer and songwriter based in NYC, a columnist at Forbes, and founder of the largest songwriting camp in the world, Anti Social Camp. Danny’s Anti Social Camp brings together over 250 songwriters, producers, and artists to collaborate amongst themselves and with major artists every summer in NYC. Past Anti Social Camp attendees have worked with artists including Jacob Collier, Miranda Lambert, Moby, Nile Rodgers, Kimbra, Andy Grammer, JP Saxe, and Rob Thomas. Brands like TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, TIDAL, The Recording Academy, Republic Records, DistroKid, and The MLC are also intricately involved in the Anti Social Camp experience.

If you are a songwriter or producer who’s ever wondered what goes down at songwriting camps or how to get involved, you’re going to learn all about that and more in this episode with Danny Ross. 

https://www.instagram.com/antisocialcamp/ 

Get $100 your Anti Social Camp Badge by using the code: ARIANTISOCIALVIP at antisocialcamp.com

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Reputation in the Music Industry

03:02 Understanding Songwriting Camps

05:48 The Structure and Dynamics of Songwriting Sessions

08:47 The Evolution of the Anti Social Camp

12:01 Building Community in New York's Music Scene

14:54 The Anti Social Camp Experience

17:54 Diverse Genres and Collaboration

20:54 The Future of Songwriting Camps

31:11 Creative Collaborations in Music Production

32:26 Success Stories from the Camp

33:44 Understanding Major vs. Indie vs. Self-Releasing Artists

38:33 The Financial Landscape of Music Production

44:53 Navigating Splits and Royalties in Music

47:01 The Ethics of Publishing in the Music Industry

52:39 Teaching the Next Generation of Music Creators

56:40 The Importance of Community in Music Creation

59:01 Defining Success in the New Music Business

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dan Melnick, the General Manager of Bandcamp. One of the earliest direct-to-fan platforms, Bandcamp empowers listeners to support artists they love directly. They have enabled fans to pay over 1.49 billion dollars and 193 million dollars directly to artists last year. Over 75k records get sold on this superfan platform every day and over half a million fans buy at least one thing on Bandcamp each month. 

In this episode, Dan explains to Ari how and why Bandcamp is still growing after 17 years. He shares where the company’s headed, and why its download model has continued to thrive, despite the fall of downloads on platforms like iTunes. Dan also highlights how artists can use Bandcamp to bolster their release strategies, and Ari shares some of his favorite, lesser-known features of the site. Take a listen to find out how Bandcamp’s direct-to-fan platform can help you connect with fans and monetize your fan relationships.

https://bandcamp.com/ 

Chapters

00:00 Building a Sustainable Music Career

05:00 The Power of Bandcamp

09:59 Understanding Bandcamp's Growth

15:06 Direct-to-Fan Relationships

19:53 Innovations in Bandcamp

24:45 Community and Engagement on Bandcamp

30:03 Best Practices for Artists on Bandcamp

36:25 Merchandising Beyond Music: The Power of T-Shirts

39:28 Navigating the Streaming Landscape: Bandcamp vs. Spotify

48:25 Building a Sustainable Career: Strategies for Artists

56:11 Understanding Bandcamp's Business Model: Fair Trade Music

01:02:36 The Evolution of Curation: Bandcamp's Editorial Approach

01:05:20 The Future of Bandcamp: Building Sustainable Careers

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of the New Music Business podcast, Ari untangles the complexities of royalties, registration, and publishing. After his social media video with the same message (“Don’t cut your drummer into publishing”) went viral for the wrong reasons, Ari wanted to come on the show and break down the nuances of this advice. Tune in to get clear on the differences between publishing royalties and master royalties, which royalties session musicians are legally due, the importance of one-stop agreements, and how to fairly (or, more so, generously) compensate your session musicians.

Read the article on Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com/publishing-royalties/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Music Publishing and Royalties

02:55 The Role of Session Musicians in Music Creation

05:55 Differentiating Between Master Royalties and Publishing

09:09 The Importance of One-Stop Agreements

11:59 Fair Compensation for Session Musicians

15:12 Changing Industry Standards

17:46 How Publishing Royalties Work Within Bands

20:13 Why Session Musicians Are Not Considered Co-Writers

22:20 Legally Entitled Radio Royalties for Session Musicians

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Jacob Paul, the VP of Platform Growth & Brand Strategy at Kobalt and KOSIGN. Jacob has been one of the leaders behind Kobalt’s new admin publishing platform, KOSIGN, since its public launch in February 2025. Kobalt has been disrupting the traditional publishing model for years. Now their application-based platform, KOSIGN, is doing the same in the admin publishing space.

In this episode, Jacob explains how Kobalt and KOSIGN approach publishing differently than traditional publishers and admin publishers. Along the way, he and Ari completely break down how music publishing works. They touch on: how songwriters get paid, the difference between “artists” and “songwriters,” the difference between publishers and admin publishers, and how creators can be sure they’re not leaving any money on the table. Jacob also shares why it’s advantageous to have a publisher or an admin publisher instead of just working with a PRO or MRO. If you have questions about music publishing (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), this episode’s got you covered. 

https://www.kosignmusic.com/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Music Publishing and Royalties

05:07 The Role of Kobalt in Music Publishing

10:10 Distinguishing Between Artists and Songwriters

14:51 The Importance of Publishing for Songwriters

19:53 Kobalt's Innovative Approach to Publishing

25:03 Exploring Traditional vs. Admin Publishing Deals

29:56 The Launch of KOSIGN and Its Impact on Indie Songwriters

35:43 The Rise of Independent Artists

40:23 Understanding Publishing and Royalties

45:35 Navigating the Complexities of Publishing Administration

51:10 The Role of KOSIGN in Empowering Songwriters

56:25 The Future of Music Publishing and Artist Ownership

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Mag Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of the direct-to-fan platform EVEN. Throughout his career, Mag has helped artists generate over 1 billion streams—but now, he’s focused on building a parallel music economy where artists sell directly to fans before streaming. “Superfan” platforms like EVEN are redefining how artists monetize their work.

Through EVEN, Mag has partnered with J. Cole, 6LACK, LaRussell, Lauren Jauregui, Fariana, Smino, Ryan Leslie, and thousands of other artists of all levels, empowering them to take ownership of their fan relationships and unlock new revenue streams. They’re essentially putting control and earnings back into the hands of artists.

In this episode, Mag tells Ari about artists who don’t have many followers or monthly listeners, but are making significant revenue from their fans on EVEN. They discuss the previous eras of direct-to-fan platforms (like Bandcamp, Patreon, Kickstarter) and how EVEN’s music-centric model differs from these prior iterations. Superfan platforms are truly taking the industry by storm—Mag tells Ari that EVEN, alone, onboards about 8,000 artists each day. If you’re interested in exploring superfan platforms, this episode is a great place to start. 

Check out EVEN at: get.even.biz

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of Monetizing Music for Emerging Artists

02:57 The Rise of Direct-to-Fan Platforms

05:58 Understanding Even: A Direct-to-Fan Platform

08:55 Windowing and the Shift in Music Distribution

11:54 The Economics of Music Sales vs. Streaming

15:12 Selling Access: The Community Aspect of Even

18:00 Building Community: The Even Triangle

21:04 Real Success Stories: Emerging Artists on Even

24:00 Emotional Commerce: Connecting with Fans

26:57 The Future of Music Monetization

35:10 The $1,000 Album Phenomenon

38:36 Sustainable Revenue Models for Artists

40:16 Data-Driven Insights for Artists

44:27 The Journey to Building Even

51:12 Navigating Major Labels and Independent Artists

54:23 Operational Framework for Artists and Labels

01:00:07 Community Engagement and Fan Interaction

01:04:24 Defining Success in the New Music Business

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ari is joined by Lyor Cohen, the Global Head of Music at YouTube. Earlier in his career, Lyor led Def Jam Recordings, where he worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and Ludacris. He eventually sold Def Jam to Universal and helped create the Island Def Jam Music Group. After Def Jam, Lyor became Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group. He went on to co-found 300 Entertainment (repping artists like Fetty Wap and Young Thug) before landing at YouTube in 2016.

In this episode, Lyor and Ari discuss artist development, the state of the industry, and music’s digital revolution. Lyor shares what it was like to lead Warner Music at a time when both Spotify and YouTube launched. If you’re curious about the trajectory of tech in music, how generative AI can bring artists and fans together, or how you can use YouTube to build momentum in your career, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 The Pursuit of Artist Success

05:23 Navigating the Music Industry Landscape

12:11 User-Centric Approach in Music

20:34 Building Artist Communities

27:14 The Evolution of Music Consumption

33:30 Embracing Generative AI in Music

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Victoria Canal, a trailblazing singer-songwriter based in London. Victoria has performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Later… with Jools Holland, and onstage with Coldplay at Glastonbury. She has won two Ivor Novello awards (including the Rising Star award) and recently released a new album, Slowly, It Dawns.

After ten hard-won years as a DIY artist, Victoria’s now signed with a major label, Parlophone Records (under Warner Music Group). In this episode, Victoria opens up about her journey as an artist and the varying pressures faced by both indie and label-repped musicians. Tune in to learn more about headlining the Troubadour, life as a touring artist, managing the pressures of social media, and how to attract the right kinds of fans. 

https://www.victoriacanal.com/ 

Chapters

00:00 From Glastonbury to Stardom

03:11 The Journey of Victoria’s Career

05:49 Creating Intimate Connections Through Music

08:50 The Reality of Touring Economics

11:56 Balancing Artistry and Business

14:58 The Emotional Journey of Songwriting

18:07 Evolving Through Performance

20:55 The Impact of Social Media on Artists

24:09 Navigating Vulnerability in Performance

27:14 The New Album: Slowly, It Dawns

30:05 Reflections on Growth and Authenticity

36:23 The Inner Journey of Self-Acceptance

39:50 Meeting Idols: Reality vs. Expectation

40:45 A Dream Come True: Performing with Coldplay

45:04 The Importance of Energy in Performance

46:06 Navigating the Artist Lifestyle and People Management

49:03 The Weight of Fan Interactions

54:06 Social Media Pressures and Authenticity

01:01:19 Taking a Stand: Performing at the Kennedy Center

01:05:39 Defining Success in the Music Industry

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Sarah McTaggart from the band Transviolet, an alternative pop-rock band that’s been popping off on the international scene. Transviolet started out by signing with Epic Records in 2015 after their debut single, "Girls Your Age," went viral. The band moved between several major labels at the start of their career, but they’re now completely self-represented. Transviolet has played Late Shows with Colbert and James Corden; they’ve had notable syncs including the Pretty little Liars theme song; they’ve played huge festivals like SXSW, Governor’s Ball and Firefly; and they recently released their fourth studio album, Softcore.

Sarah tells Ari about Transviolet’s experiences working with a label and how things have changed since going independent. They talk about the ins-and-outs of touring (including Transviolet’s upcoming US tour), how the band got started, and a brilliant guerilla marketing technique they used to promote one of their early releases. Transviolet also had the surprising experience of finding out they were big in China (hot tip: you might be too!). In this episode, you’ll learn about how they discovered they were big over there and how you can check for yourself, too. 

https://transviolet.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of the Music Business

02:53 Transviolet's Journey to Independence

06:02 The Creative Process Behind 'Softcore'

08:54 Exploring Vulnerability in Music

12:12 The Duality of Persona

15:09 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth

17:50 Marketing Innovations in the Music Industry

21:11 The Impact of Major Labels vs. Independence

36:13 Redefining the Artist's Team

39:34 The Evolution of Digital Marketing in Music

44:14 Navigating Social Media's Impact on Music

51:07 Exploring International Touring Experiences

57:21 The Dynamics of Touring and Band Changes

01:08:28 Creating Art: The Journey of Songwriting and Production

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, for Women's History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite New Music Business episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode highlights star music supervisor Jen Malone. She has placed music and worked on Euphoria, Atlanta, Creed 2, The Resident, Boomerang, Baskets, Shelter, Lady Dynamite, Step Up, and more. Jen has over a decade of highly esteemed experience in the industry.

In this episode, Jen goes into depth about what music supervisors do and the business of sync licensing. She gives great advice on how independent artists can get their music synced and things to look out for in contracts and fee negotiations. If you want to know how to pitch your music to supervisors with the best chance of striking a deal, this is the episode for you.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Music Supervision

02:55 Navigating the Music Supervision Landscape

05:59 The Role of a Music Supervisor

08:55 The Evolution of Music Syncing

12:00 Tools of the Trade

14:59 Finding and Pitching Music

18:00 Understanding Music Ownership

21:08 The Process of Music Supervision in TV and Film

24:05 Collaboration with Composers

27:09 The Differences Between Film and TV Music Supervision

33:40 Managing Multiple Projects

35:21 The Role of Personal Taste in Music Supervision

37:22 Juxtaposition in Music Placement

42:26 Impact of Music Placements on Independent Artists

46:04 The Evolution of Sync Licensing

50:19 Workflow and Project Management in Music Supervision

51:59 Differences in Working with Streaming Platforms vs. Traditional Networks

54:30 The Importance of Fair Compensation for Artists

58:03 Protecting Artist Rights in Sync Licensing

01:03:42 Advice for Independent Artists in Sync Licensing

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, for Women's History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite New Music Business episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode highlights award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, Imogen Heap. Imogen Heap has released five solo albums, an album as one half of Frou Frou, and has collaborated with countless other stars including Taylor Swift, Nitin Sawhney, Deadmau5, Eric Whitacre, Jeff Beck and Jon Hopkins. Heap, recognized as an artist’s artist, has won two Grammys and an Ivor Novello award. She holds three honorary doctorates for her work on ‘MI.MU gloves’ and ’The Creative Passport’—two prominent music tech companies that work to empower creatives. 

In this episode, Ari and Imogen discuss NFTs, metadata and payment transparency and how to properly credit (and pay) creators using the blockchain. Overall, how to make the future of music more equitable for musicians.

Chapters

00:00 The Fragmented Music Industry

02:52 Imogen Heap: A Pioneer in Music and Technology

05:55 The Creative Passport: Empowering Artists

09:11 Data Transparency and Royalty Distribution

12:04 The Role of DSPs and Data Integrity

14:52 The Future of Music Royalties

17:55 Building a Better Music Ecosystem

21:02 Blockchain and the Future of Music

23:46 Interoperability and Charitable Contributions

29:06 Navigating NFTs and Environmental Concerns

34:23 The Future of NFTs in Art

37:12 Building a Community Through Technology

46:58 AI as a Creative Partner

54:36 Defining Success in the New Music Business

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, for Women's History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite New Music Business episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode spotlights hit songwriter and producer, Bonnie McKee. Since the early 2000s, McKee has written 10 singles that have reached #1 in the US and UK, which have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide combined.

McKee is particularly known for collaborating with pop singer Katy Perry, and the duo have written hits such as "California Gurls,” "Teenage Dream", "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)", "Part of Me,” "Wide Awake” and "Roar" together. She has also co-wrote "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz, which became the second-best selling song by a British artist in the digital era. Additional artists who she has worked with include Britney Spears, Kesha, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Mike Tompkins.

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Songwriting: Balancing Familiarity and Creativity

03:02 Bonnie McKee: A Journey Through Songwriting and Independence

06:06 Exploring the World of Film: From Music to Directing

08:59 The Dynamics of Songwriting Sessions: Collaboration and Creativity

11:52 Navigating the Music Industry: The Role of Songwriters

14:47 Contrasting Nashville and LA: Different Approaches to Songwriting

17:47 The Challenges of Being a Female Songwriter and Producer

21:31 Gender Dynamics in Music Production

24:44 Navigating Songwriting and Royalties

27:46 The Art of Songwriting: Balancing Authenticity and Popularity

30:48 Song Doctoring: The Business Side of Refining Songs

32:57 The Controversy of Song Credits

34:05 Creating 'Roar': A Triumph Over Misogyny

37:42 Shifts in the Music Industry: A Personal Perspective

40:32 Advice for Aspiring Songwriters

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.