Beats Learning – Details, episodes & analysis

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Episode 1: Paddy Fletcher – Behind the Music of Squid Game The Challenge & Minecraft Live

In our very first episode of Beats Learning, we’re joined by BAFTA-nominated composer and sound designer Paddy Fletcher. From crafting music for hit productions like Squid Game The Challenge to creating immersive soundscapes for Minecraft Live, Paddy takes us through his incredible journey in the world of media composition.

Discover how Paddy got started, the challenges he’s faced, and the creative process behind some of his most notable projects. Whether you're an aspiring composer, a music enthusiast, or just curious about what it takes to make it in the industry, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms! 🎥 Full video episode on YouTube.

Don’t miss this exclusive look into the life of a modern media composer.

#BeatsLearning #Podcast #MusicIndustry #PaddyFletcher #ComposerLife #MediaComposition

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In this episode, we dive deep into mixing, mastering, and music production with Andy MacDougall—producer and mix & mastering engineer behind Trilucid and owner of Ionica Audio. With years of experience fine-tuning electronic music, Andy shares invaluable insights into creating professional-sounding tracks, the biggest mistakes producers make, and how to navigate the modern music industry.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:
🎛️ The secrets to mastering electronic music
💡 The most common mixing mistakes & how to avoid them
🎶 How Ionica Audio is shaping the industry
🚀 Tips for standing out as a music producer

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Andy MacDougall: https://www.instagram.com/trilucidofficial/

#BeatsLearning #AndyMacDougall #ElectronicMusic #Mixing #Mastering #Trilucid #IonicaAudio #MusicProduction

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Episode 2: Alex Branson – Shaping the Future of Music Services at Beatport

In this episode of Beats Learning, we sit down with Alex Branson, Senior Vice President of Music Services at The Beatport Group. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Alex has worked across multiple roles, including General Manager at Warner Music Group and advisor to some of the biggest names in music tech, such as Facebook and EMPIRE.

Alex shares his journey from starting in the industry to helping shape innovative platforms like Beatport and Loopcloud. We dive into his insights on the evolving landscape of music services, his experiences collaborating with industry leaders, and his advice for aspiring professionals in music tech and services.

Whether you're a music entrepreneur, producer, or someone passionate about the future of music distribution and services, this episode offers invaluable guidance and inspiration.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms! 🎥 Full video episode on YouTube.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry is evolving in the digital age.

#BeatsLearning #Podcast #MusicIndustry #AlexBranson #Beatport #MusicServices #MusicTech

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In this episode, we sit down with Silvia Montello—music industry leader and former CEO of AIM (Association of Independent Music)—to explore her incredible journey through major labels, startups, and championing the independent music sector. With decades of experience at Universal Music, Audio Network, and beyond, Silvia offers sharp insights into what’s shaping the future of music.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:

🌍 How the independent sector is evolving
🤝 Why diversity and inclusion must be at the heart of the music industry
⚖️ The biggest challenges facing music industry leadership
🚀 Advice for building a meaningful and sustainable career in music

.... and her love for Drum and Bass

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Silvia Montello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviamontello/

#BeatsLearning #SilviaMontello #IndependentMusic #AIM #MusicLeadership #MusicBusiness #WomenInMusic #MusicIndustryInsights #MusicCareers

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In this episode, we sit down with Tom Allen—CTO of Downtown Music and founder of Curve Royalty Systems—to explore his journey through music tech innovation, royalty systems, and business leadership. From building startups to leading global technology teams, Tom shares deep insights into the future of music royalties and the challenges of scaling tech in the music industry.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:
🏛️ How technology is reshaping the future of music royalties
💡 Lessons from building and scaling music tech startups
👥 Insights into leadership across startups, scale-ups, and major companies
📊 Common misconceptions about streaming revenue and payouts
🚀 Advice for building a career at the intersection of music, tech, and entrepreneurship

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Tom Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomallenuk/

#BeatsLearning #TomAllen #MusicRoyalties #CurveRoyaltySystems #DowntownMusic #MusicBusiness #MusicTechnology #MusicStartups #MusicIndustryInsights #MusicCareers

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In this episode, we sit down with Miles Shackleton—COO of Toolroom Records, one of the world’s leading dance music labels. With a career spanning over two decades in electronic music, Miles offers rare insight into what it takes to run a globally respected independent label, balance creativity with business, and build long-term success in a fast-moving industry.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:

🎚️ How Toolroom became a global force in dance music

🏷️ What goes on behind the scenes of a successful indie label

💼 How to balance creative freedom with commercial strategy

🚀 Career advice for anyone wanting to break into the dance music industry

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Toolroom: https://www.toolroomrecords.com/

📌 Follow Miles Shackleton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesshackleton/

#BeatsLearning #MilesShackleton #ToolroomRecords #DanceMusic #ElectronicMusic #MusicBusiness #IndieLabel #MusicIndustryInsights #HouseMusic #MusicCareers

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In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Richardson—Head of Musical Theatre at Cambridge University, former staff pianist at Juilliard, and international vocal coach for West End, Broadway, TV, and film performers. Cameron shares his fascinating journey through elite training, artistic excellence, and nurturing the next generation of musical theatre talent.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
🎭 What it takes to build a world-class career in musical theatre
🎹 The realities of working at Juilliard and training top-tier performers
🎤 How to coach vocalists for stage, screen, and everything in between
🚀 Advice for young creatives pursuing a career in the performing arts

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music and theatre professionals!

📌 Learn more about Cameron Richardson: https://www.cameronrichardson.co.uk/

#BeatsLearning #CameronRichardson #MusicalTheatre #VocalCoach #Juilliard #CambridgeUniversity #WestEnd #Broadway #PerformingArts #MusicCareers #MusicIndustryInsights

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In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cartmell—CEO of Music Technology UK—to unpack the growing influence of the UK’s music tech sector and how innovation is reshaping the way music is created, distributed, and experienced. With a background in communications and advocacy, Matt is now leading the charge to connect music and technology communities, championing creators, startups, and global players alike.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:
⚙️ How Music Technology UK is building a home for the UK’s music tech ecosystem
🔊 Why music and tech need better collaboration, not just disruption
📈 The biggest challenges and opportunities facing music tech startups
🚀 Advice for navigating careers in the fast-changing music technology landscape

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Learn more about Music Technology UK: https://www.musictechnology.org.uk/
📌 Follow Matt Cartmell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcartmell/

#BeatsLearning #MattCartmell #MusicTechnologyUK #MusicTech #MusicInnovation #MusicStartups #MusicBusiness #MusicIndustryInsights #MusicCareers #FutureOfMusic

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In this episode, we sit down with Julian Palmer—Senior A&R Manager at Universal—to explore the art and strategy behind discovering, signing, and developing major artists. With a career spanning over 40 years in A&R, Julian has worked with legends like Jocelyn Brown, Run DMC, NWA, and is the man behind Rag’n’Bone Man’s breakout success.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:
🔍 How artists are discovered in today’s music landscape
📀 What makes a demo stand out to an A&R professional
🎤 Stories behind signing iconic US acts to the UK market
🚀 Advice for aspiring artists and future A&R talent

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

#BeatsLearning #JulianPalmer #AandR #ColumbiaRecords #MusicIndustry #ArtistDevelopment #RnB #RagNBoneMan #MusicBusiness #MusicCareers #MusicPodcast

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In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Wigmore and Jennifer Green—the phenomenal writing duo behind hit musical theatre productions including The Gingerbread Man, Errol’s Garden, and The Bachelor Girls. With their work staged everywhere from the West End to community schools, they share an honest, engaging look into the craft of creating stories that sing.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:
🎭 How new musicals go from page to stage
🧠 The creative process behind writing as a duo
🌱 Why access to the arts for young people is more important than ever
🚀 Practical advice for emerging composers, lyricists, and theatre creatives

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music and theatre professionals!

📌 Learn more about Caroline & Jennifer: https://www.greenwigmore.co.uk/

#BeatsLearning #MusicalTheatre #GreenWigmore #TheatreWriters #CarolineWigmore #JenniferGreen #NewMusicals #TheatreCareers #WritingForStage #BeatsLearningPodcast #MusicIndustryInsights