The Music Business Buddy is a podcast about the future of music careers.
Each episode explores how artists and creators are navigating today’s evolving music industry — from AI and streaming to publishing, sync licensing, branding and fan growth.
Featuring conversations with music executives, creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators, the show offers practical insights into how the modern music business really works.
The Music Business Buddy is hosted by award winning UK based music professional Jonny Amos. Author of The Music Business For Music Creators (Routledge, 2024), Jonny is a music industry consultant, artist manager, producer and educator.
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Episode 70: How Music Supervision is Broken (And How It’s Being Fixed)
Season 1 · Episode 70
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 • Duration 42:23
What happens when award-winning music supervisor Frederic Schindler takes on the challenge of modernising a broken licensing system? The result is Catalog - a groundbreaking platform that's transforming how music gets paired with visual media.
Frederic Schindler has seen it all in his two-decade journey through music supervision. From his early days promoting French culture abroad to winning the Association of Independent Music's 2025 Music Supervisor of the Year Award, he's crafted soundtracks for iconic brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Prada while supervising acclaimed films including Jim Jarmusch produced "Uncle Howard."
The disconnect between today's content explosion and outdated licensing processes created a perfect storm. With brands now producing hundreds of assets annually instead of just a handful, the painstaking manual work of clearing commercial music became unsustainable for smaller projects. The result? A massive shift toward generic library music, which now generates twice the revenue of all record labels combined.
Schindler's solution brings together approximately 50 leading independent labels and publishers - including Beggars Group, Ninja Tune, and Domino - on a streamlined platform that maintains artistic integrity while eliminating friction. "We have so much outstanding music not created for visual media," Schindler explains, "that with the right curator who identifies that piece and puts it in the right context, we don't really need music specially created for visual media."
The platform unlocks forgotten gems - album tracks and singles that didn't achieve commercial success but possess extraordinary artistic quality. For emerging artists, these sync opportunities can make the difference between continuing their career or abandoning it. For established artists, it breathes new life into overlooked catalogue material.
Ready to discover how music supervision is evolving? Listen now to this illuminating conversation about the past, present and future of pairing sound with vision.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Episode 69: The Virality Trap - Why Going Viral Doesn’t Build a Music Career
Season 1 · Episode 69
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 • Duration 17:19
The age-old belief that viral social media moments convert seamlessly into genuine fans may be crumbling before our eyes. Drawing from some outstanding research by MIDiA titled "All Eyes No Ears: Why Virality is not building fandom," this episode explores the troubling disconnect between social media visibility and actual music consumption.
For years, the music industry has operated on a seemingly logical assumption: create viral content, convert those views to streams, and transform casual listeners into devoted fans. But what if this funnel is fundamentally broken? The research reveals that nearly half of consumers never stream music they discover on social media, and fewer than a third become actual fans. Most alarming for artists focusing heavily on TikTok - only 26% of TikTok followers actually listen to more music from artists they discover there, significantly lower than other platforms.
We dive deep into what this means for music creators and marketers alike. Rather than posting relentlessly across platforms, artists might need to focus on making meaningful first impressions that put their identity and narrative at the forefront. The data suggests we should prioritize platforms where listening is a natural next step (like YouTube and streaming services) rather than feed-based platforms where moving from discovery to consumption creates friction. For labels and rights holders, it may be time to reconsider massive investments in viral marketing campaigns and instead focus on building sustainable artist platforms that encourage genuine fandom.
Have you noticed changes in how social media impacts your music discovery and listening habits? Has your strategy as an artist evolved to address these challenges? Subscribe to Music Business Buddy for more insights that help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of music marketing and fan development.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Episode 61: The Reality Of Music Entrepreneurship
Season 1 · Episode 61
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 • Duration 29:15
What does it truly mean to be entrepreneurial in today's music landscape? According to Amani Roberts—international keynote speaker, global performer, award-winning professor, and bestselling author—it's about more than just technical skills.
During our fascinating conversation, Amani breaks down how music professions have evolved through technological advancements. While anyone can learn basic beat matching, he emphasizes that "the art of reading a crowd is something that you acquire over time and you can't rush that." This wisdom extends beyond DJing to virtually any creative pursuit—technical proficiency might come quickly, but mastery requires patience and experience.
We dive deep into Amani's book "The Quiet Storm," where he investigates the mysterious disappearance of R&B groups in the past two decades. Through meticulous research, he identified five critical factors: hip-hop going mainstream, the rise of EDM, cultural shifts in radio, the decline of African-American media publications, and the cancellation of television shows that showcased R&B talent. It's a fascinating exploration of how industry shifts and regulatory changes can fundamentally alter musical landscapes.
For emerging music creators, Amani offers gold-standard advice that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than chasing millions of followers, he advocates building a foundation of "1,000 true fans" who will consistently support your work. Most critically, he warns against building careers exclusively on social platforms: "You don't want to build your house on rented real estate." Instead, prioritise collecting data to establish direct relationships with fans that aren't vulnerable to algorithm changes or platform instability.
Whether you're a DJ, producer, songwriter, or music business student, this episode delivers profound insights from someone who has successfully navigated multiple facets of the industry. Get ready for a masterclass in music entrepreneurship that will transform how you approach your creative career.
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized how we discover, create, and consume music—but where exactly does it stand in 2025? After interviewing three leading AI music technology founders, I'm pulling back the curtain on the current state of music AI and its ethical evolution.
The landscape has shifted dramatically. Today's most innovative companies are building AI tools with fundamentally different values: enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it, compensating artists fairly, and respecting intellectual property rights.
From DAACI's musician-trained tools that function as creative co-pilots to VoiceSwap's groundbreaking marketplace where vocalists monetize their AI voice models on their own terms, we're witnessing the emergence of a more ethical ecosystem. RoEx Audio demonstrates how AI can handle the tedious 90% of mixing work while preserving the creative 10% that makes music uniquely human. These developments reveal AI's most valuable role in music creation: not as a replacement for human artistry, but as a time-saving assistant that handles repetitive technical tasks.
The distinction between AI voice models and real human performances is becoming a critical consideration for artists, with forward-thinking companies beginning to establish clearer frameworks for rights and compensation. By processing information through databases containing millions of audio fingerprints, these platforms ensure no copyrighted material is used without permission—addressing one of the industry's most significant concerns.
Whether you're excited about these tools or approaching them with caution, understanding their true capabilities and limitations is essential for navigating today's music business landscape. What ethical considerations matter most to you as we continue this technological journey? How might these tools transform your creative process without compromising your artistic integrity?
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Episode 59: How Blanket Licensing Actually Works
Season 1 · Episode 59
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 • Duration 22:10
How would you feel discovering your music was used on a major TV show without anyone telling you? That's the reality of blanket licensing – a system that keeps the entertainment world turning while ensuring creators get paid.
Allow me to break down this complex but crucial aspect of the music industry, explaining how blanket licenses grant broadcasters and venues the right to use vast catalogues of music for a fixed annual fee. Rather than negotiating individual licenses for each song, these agreements streamline the process for businesses while generating royalty streams for creators.
Delving into territorial differences, I reveal how the UK system operates through a PRS for Music partnership, contrasting this with the more fragmented American landscape where individual sync deals remain dominant. This geographical variation explains why synchronisation opportunities in the US often command higher rates than their UK counterparts.
For creators wondering about payment mechanisms, I illuminate the dual streams of revenue – upfront license fees and ongoing performance royalties – while acknowledging the frustrating reality of delayed payments. Through practical examples, I demonstrates how songs get used, how royalties are calculated through cue sheets, and why you might discover your music on television months before seeing any payment.
The episode provides valuable insights for both sides of the equation: music creators seeking to understand their rights and payment structures, and music users needing efficient access to quality content. Whether you're a songwriter curious about how your royalties work or a small business wondering about music licensing requirements, this accessible breakdown transforms confusion into clarity.
Listen now to gain essential knowledge about one of the music industry's most misunderstood systems and discover why blanket licensing matters to everyone in the creative economy. Have questions about your specific situation? I welcome your inquiries as part of the podcast's mission to educate and empower the music community worldwide.
Ever wondered how artificial intelligence might transform music production without replacing human creativity? In this eye-opening conversation with David Ronan, CEO of Roex Audio, we explore the fascinating world of AI-powered mixing and mastering tools that are changing how music creators work.
David pulls back the curtain on Roex's innovative products: Mix Check Studio, which analyzes tracks and identifies mixing issues for free, and Automix, which can professionally mix up to 32 tracks in minutes rather than hours. What's particularly impressive is how these tools handle the mechanical, often tedious aspects of mixing while leaving the creative decisions to humans. "It doesn't do anything creative," David explains, "it does the corrective mixing... getting the levels correct enough that you're in the ballpark and can tweak it." The result? More time for music creators to focus on the artistic elements that make their sound unique.
With a background that includes work at Native Instruments, leading research at AI Music (later acquired by Apple), and a PhD in music technology, David brings exceptional expertise to the table. He shares the remarkable journey of how Roex evolved from an academic project that could only mix four mono tracks over an entire day to a sophisticated system that can handle complex arrangements in minutes. Along the way, he dispels myths about AI replacing human engineers, emphasizing that these tools are assistive rather than replacements, democratizing professional-quality sound while enhancing the productivity of experienced professionals.
Looking ahead, David reveals exciting plans for DAW integration and applications beyond music production into film, television, and game audio. Whether you're a bedroom producer struggling with technical aspects of mixing or a professional engineer looking to streamline workflow, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI can help you achieve better results while preserving your creative vision. Give it a listen and discover how embracing these new technologies might transform your music production process.
The future of music depends on nurturing young talent, yet the path for emerging musicians can be as challenging as it is confusing. This episode takes a deep dive into Youth Music's insightful "Sound of the Next Generation" report, examining how the pandemic, economic hardship, and educational cuts have fundamentally altered young people's relationship with music.
I share concerning statistics revealing that just 55% of young people now identify as musical (down 10% from 2019), while 48% of 18-25 year olds report feeling lonely in today's disconnected world. Music remains a crucial lifeline, with 70% of respondents agreeing it helps them feel connected with others. As one young person puts it: "When I feel like my identity is being underrepresented, I look at music that I listen to and I feel seen."
The episode explores how systemic barriers prevent equal access to music opportunities. Young people from working-class backgrounds are significantly less likely to see themselves as musical performers or know someone who can support their progression. Geographic disparities show the north-south divide in stark relief, while gender imbalances persist particularly in digital music creation. Meanwhile, drastic funding cuts have decimated the grassroots music sector that historically supported talent development, with over £1 billion slashed from youth services in the last decade.
Technology is transforming how the next generation creates music, with traditional instrument playing decreasing while computer-based composition rises, yet 68% believe that a social media following is essential for industry success - a skill rarely taught in formal education. These evolving perspectives reflect a generation navigating a rapidly changing musical landscape, with 47% believing AI will create most future music.
What can we do to ensure diverse musical voices aren't lost? Listen as I unpack Youth Music's three crucial recommendations for government, education, and industry to rebuild the pipeline that produces tomorrow's musical talent. The health of our collective musical future depends on the actions we take today.
Episode 56: The Hidden Mental Health Struggles Of Musicians
Season 1 · Episode 56
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 45:54
What does it truly mean to take care of our mental health in the complex, demanding world of music? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Jeordie Shenton, Programmes Lead for Tonic Music, a pioneering UK charity dedicated to mental wellbeing for everyone who creates, works with, or simply loves music.
Music creators experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges compared to the general population. The causes are multifaceted—financial instability, demanding schedules, performance pressure, burnout, and the often isolating nature of creative work. Yet until recently, conversations about these challenges remained largely taboo, with struggling artists either romanticised, demonised, or excessively medicalised by media and industry alike.
Tonic Music stands apart through its nuanced understanding of the music ecosystem. Rather than viewing "the music industry" as a monolith, they recognise the diverse experiences of everyone from international touring artists to buskers, roadies to venue staff, fans to hobbyist musicians. Each group faces unique challenges requiring tailored support. Their four-tiered approach—offering therapy sessions, peer groups, skills workshops, and training courses—provides flexible, accessible resources that participants can engage with according to their specific needs.
What struck me most during our conversation was Jeordie's insight into how isolation affects people across all corners of music. The peer support groups Tonic facilitates have become lifelines, creating safe spaces where individuals from vastly different musical backgrounds connect, share experiences, and form lasting support networks. These connections extend beyond formal sessions, with many groups establishing their own communication channels for ongoing support.
Looking toward the future, Jeordie emphasises that while awareness has grown significantly, we must now focus on action. This includes integrating mental health education into music curricula, creating clear pathways to support for everyone in the ecosystem, and continuing to challenge stigma through open conversation. Though major artists can now cancel tours citing mental health without significant backlash, this same freedom rarely extends to grassroots musicians or crew members who fear replacement or financial ruin. Ready to learn more or access support? Visit tonicmusic.co.uk to discover their programmes and register for a personal consultation with their mental health team. Together, we can create a music world where wellbeing is prioritised alongside creativity and success.
Episode 55: How AI Vocals Are Changing Music
Season 1 · Episode 55
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 01:12:15
Imagine transforming your voice into that of legendary vocalists like Robert Owens or Angie Brown with just a few clicks. The future isn't coming—it's already here, and it's raising profound questions about artist rights, compensation, and the very nature of creative identity.
In this extraordinary conversation with Declan McGlynn, Chief Creative Officer at VoiceSwap, we explore how ethical AI voice technology is revolutionizing music creation. Unlike many AI platforms that scrape data without permission, VoiceSwap builds all their models with explicit artist consent, using specially recorded training data, and pays artists a 50% split at the moment their voice is used—not months later when tracks might be released.
The implications stretch far beyond simple voice conversion. We dive into how AI voice models differ fundamentally from traditional sample packs (one offers finite samples, the other infinite derivatives), the challenges of valuing someone's voice in perpetuity, and the emergence of voice models as a new form of monetizable IP. Declan shares VoiceSwap's vision for a democratic marketplace where anyone could license their voice, potentially transforming how vocalists, producers, and even engineers collaborate in the digital age.
This conversation captures a pivotal moment in music technology where standards are being established that will shape creative careers for decades. Drawing parallels to previous innovations like auto-tune and VSTs, we explore how initial resistance gives way to revolutionary creative applications—and how VoiceSwap is working to ensure artists maintain control and receive fair compensation throughout this evolution.
Whether you're a vocalist curious about new income streams, a producer looking for innovative tools, or simply fascinated by how AI is reshaping creative industries, this episode offers vital insights into protecting your rights while embracing the extraordinary possibilities of this technology revolution.
Ever wonder how your music ends up in that Netflix show or smartphone commercial? The path from creation to placement is paved with gatekeepers, contracts, and strategic pitching—and mastering these elements could transform your music career.
Jonny Amos dives deep into the sync licensing ecosystem, revealing the crucial professionals every music creator should connect with. From accessible sync agents building music libraries for clients to the coveted music supervisors who can catapult careers with a single placement, understanding these relationships is fundamental to success. The episode illuminates how legendary music supervision moments—like Kate Bush's revival in Stranger Things or the gritty soundtrack selections in Peaky Blinders—demonstrate the profound impact of effective music placement.
Beyond identifying key players, Jonny offers practical wisdom on contractual considerations and negotiation tactics. His simple yet powerful approach to quoting fees shifts the dynamics of pricing conversations in your favour. The episode covers the distinction between sync licensing deals for compositions versus master license deals for recordings, revealing how revenue splits typically work with different partners. Jonny also explores the emerging micro-licensing sector, which creates new pathways for music discovery through YouTube, social media, and independent films.
Remember: when pitching your music, you're not asking for charity—you're proposing something valuable to professionals seeking the perfect sonic complement to their visual stories. Ready to transform your approach to sync opportunities? Download free resources including release agreements and metadata templates from jonnyamos.com, and position yourself for success in this lucrative revenue stream.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Music Business Buddy Brief for weekly insights on the future of the music industry, AI, artist development, rights and the creator economy. The podcast explains what's happening. The newsletter explains why it matters.
Join The Music Business Buddy Brief for exclusive weekly insights on the future of the music industry.
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