Explore every episode of the podcast The New Music Business with Ari Herstand
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist Manager on Music Marketing, Artist Branding and Gen AI | 04 Nov 2026 | 01:05:27 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Charlie Stent of Stent Music Group to discuss what it takes to build a successful career in today’s music industry. From artist management and branding to fan communities, social media strategy, and release campaigns, Charlie shares the lessons he’s learned from years of working with independent artists. Charlie Stent: https://www.instagram.com/stentmusicgroup https://www.stentmusicgroup.com/ Check out Ari’s Take: 07:18 – Charlie's Journey Into Music Management 11:08 – Why Artists and Managers Should Be Partners 17:04 – Building an Independent Artist's Career 19:02 – Artist Branding: Finding Your Identity 23:32 – Building a Dedicated Fan Community 30:28 – Why You Can't Manufacture a Viral Moment 34:32 – Pre-Saves, Playlists, and Release Strategy 40:55 – Burner Accounts, Sleeper Accounts, and Music Marketing 48:51 – AI in Music: The Great Equalizer? 57:46 – Distribution, Label Services, and Building an In-House Team Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How This Indie Publishing Company Got Over 100 #1 Hits | 28 Oct 2026 | 01:08:47 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Chris Farren, Grammy-nominated songwriter and founder of Combustion Music, a Nashville-based music publishing and artist development company responsible for more than 100 number-one hits. Chris shares decades of experience navigating the music business, from writing hit songs to building a publishing company and developing artists. Ari and Chris break down how professional songwriters get signed, how songwriting rooms work, how publishing deals and advances are structured, and how songwriters earn royalties. Follow Chris Farren: https://www.instagram.com/combustionmusic/ https://www.combustionmusic.com/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 05:54 - Building a music publishing company and developing artists 15:32 - How music publishers pay songwriters 26:07 - Songwriting as a craft: practice, productivity, and getting better 28:16 - Teaching songwriters to write for the market without sacrificing creativity 30:44 - Writing songs for specific artists 32:00 - How artists' involvement in songwriting has changed 37:58 - How songwriting rooms work 39:15 - Pitching songs and getting them to artists 57:51 - Music catalogs and the renewed life of older songs 58:37 - Advice for aspiring professional songwriters Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How the Major Labels Use AI Fans To Market Music | 21 Oct 2026 | 00:58:36 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Joe Lim, founder and CEO of Floodify, a marketing technology company that has distributed over 2 million short-form videos for major labels including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music. Joe pulls back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of music marketing, explaining how burner accounts, clipping networks, AI-generated content, fan pages, influencer campaigns, and algorithm-driven distribution are shaping the careers of artists today. We explore the ethics behind these tactics, the concept of the “dead internet,” how major labels and marketers use social media at scale, and what independent artists can learn from these strategies. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelimmmmm Floodify: https://www.floodify.io/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 04:42 – Welcome & State of Modern Music Marketing 07:06 – Why Music Marketing is Behind Other Industries 08:42 – What Are Burners, Fan Pages, and Clipping? 13:29 – Commercialized Clipping & Platforms Like WHOP 17:19 – Phone Farms and Managing Accounts at Scale 21:21 – Using AI to Find and Generate Viral Clips 29:56 – Modern Marketing Strategies for Independent Artists 31:19 – The Evolution of Floodify (Floodify 2.0) 40:41 – Dead Internet Theory, Bots, and Comment Farming 44:25 – Is Authenticity Dead? Playing the Game to Make a Career Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How To Build An Independent Artist Career From The Ground Up | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:53:43 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Toni Nelson, artist manager, business manager, and co-founder of 1990 Records. Toni Nelson is an artist manager and co-founder of 1990 Records with a background in retail fashion and mental health clinical work. Combining expertise in behavioral science with music industry operations, Nelson specializes in sustainable artist development, data analytics, and guiding independent artists like Adrian Daniel, to build long-term, monetizable careers while protecting their intellectual property. Follow Toni Nelson: https://www.instagram.com/1990records19/ https://1990records.org/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 04:01 - What it Means to Build a Creative & Fan Community 09:00 - Protecting IP & Using Split Sheets in the Studio 13:14 - Navigating Producer Credits, Writer Splits & Work for Hire 18:18 - Release Strategies & Tracking Data with Music Analytics 23:27 - How Independent Artists Can Monetize Their Audience 27:38 - Staying Independent vs. Label Licensing Deals 32:45 - When is an Emerging Artist Ready to Tour? 36:22 - Case Study: Developing Adrian Daniel's Career 43:17 - Mental Health & What It Means to Make It in Music Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How Deezer is Approaching AI Music And Payments | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:54:36 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Alexis Lanternier, the CEO of global music streaming platform Deezer. Together, they break down the massive influx of AI-generated music flooding streaming services, Deezer’s pioneering efforts in AI detection and fraud removal, and the future of fair artist payouts through user-centric royalty systems. Follow Alexis Lanternier: https://www.instagram.com/deezer/ Check out Ari’s Take: 05:45 - The Reality of AI Music Flooding Streaming Services 10:23 - How Deezer Detects Streaming Fraud & Purges AI Bots 13:42 - Tagging AI Music & Algorithmic Recommendation Rules 18:32 - Generative AI: Creative Assistive Tool vs. Fully AI Music 24:40 - In-App Fan Remix Tools & Licensing Fair Payouts 33:36 - The Flaw in Market-Centric Payouts vs. User-Centric Payouts 42:15 - Major Label Licensing Deals & Independent Artist Royalty Rates 50:37 - Powering Winamp & What It Means to "Make It" in Music Today Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How This Classical Piano/Cello Duo Built a Sustainable Career For Their Family | 30 Sep 2026 | 01:11:46 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Patrick Laird, cellist and co-founder of the classical cover duo, Brooklyn Duo. Patrick breaks down how he and his wife built a music career without traditional touring. He discusses their journey from viral YouTube videos to building an evergreen passive income model, navigating revenue streams across Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube, the intricacies of sheet music publishing, catalog acquisition offers, and why creating utility-based music enabled the creative freedom to pursue personal projects. Follow Patrick Laird: https://www.patricklaird.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brooklynduo/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 03:55 - Brooklyn Duo’s Origins & Moving Beyond Classical 07:16 - Early Viral Success & Going Full Time 12:50 - Monetization: Pandora, YouTube, and SoundExchange 22:20 - Sheet Music Licensing & Publishing via Musicnotes 30:20 - Arranging Process & Delegation Between Patrick & Marnie 38:50 - Strategic Pivot to High Production Location Videos 52:45 - Building an Evergreen "Utility" Model for Streaming 58:30 - Retaining Masters & Rejecting Catalog Buyouts 01:10:20 - What It Means to "Make It" in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How He Got a Million Monthly Listeners and a Sold Out Tour Independently | 06 Aug 2026 | 01:09:12 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jared Benjamin. Jared broke down how he went from picking up a guitar during the pandemic to earning over 100 million streams, selling out headline tours, and building an intensely loyal community across TikTok and Discord. They discuss his creation process, content strategy, delegating production, leveraging pre-save ad campaigns, and releasing his debut album, Icarus Too Close to the Sun. Follow Jared Benjamin: https://www.instagram.com/jaredbenjaminofficial/ http://tiktok.com/@jaredbenjaminofficial Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 4:05 Interview Begins: Welcome & Icarus Debut Album Announcement 5:06 Transitioning from Fast Singles to a Cohesive Debut Album 9:43 Early Short-Form Visual Strategy & Writing Skits 17:25 Lessons from Bad Industry Deals & Going DIY 20:15 Learning Production on YouTube & Collaborating with Producers 25:20 Writing "Three Steps Ahead" at AntiSocial Writing Camp 28:35 Building a Social Following & Meeting His Manager 32:50 The Daily Grind: Posting 2 to 4 Videos a Day & Managing Burnout 35:55 First Headline Tour Experiences: From Empty Rooms to Sold-Out Venues 41:59 Managing Online Communities: Grouped vs. Discord Strategy 50:20 Tapping into BookTok & Author Playlist Marketing 01:01:35 Leveraging Feature.fm Pre-Save Ads to Funnel Fans into Discord Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| Artist Manager on Viral Syncs and the State of Music Marketing | 29 Jul 2026 | 01:01:34 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Laurie Lee Boutet, artist manager at Wednesday Management and manager of the chart-topping Canadian rock band The Beaches. Laurie shares the incredible story behind The Beaches' explosive rise following their breakout sync placement in Off Campus, why viral TikToks aren't enough anymore, and how artists can build lasting careers by creating cultural moments and not just chasing algorithms. Follow Laurie Lee: https://www.instagram.com/laurieleeboutet/ https://www.wednesdaymgmt.com/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 05:21 Why Viral TikToks Don't Work Like They Used To 08:00 The Sync That Changed Everything 12:50 From 18,000 to 1 Million Streams a Day 18:42 TikTok vs. Instagram: Where Artists Should Focus 24:44 Should Indie Artists Skip Music Videos? 28:33 The New Era of Music Marketing 35:19 How to Create True Superfans 43:13 Stop Wasting Money on Content 52:08 The Future of Artist Growth 59:53 Laurie's Biggest Career Lesson Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How To Be a Professional Hit Songwriter | 22 Jul 2026 | 01:14:19 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Andreas Schuller, hit songwriter, producer, and co-founder of music publishing company Honua Music. Andreas has written and produced songs for artists including The Weeknd, Jason Derulo, Madison Beer, and many more, accumulating billions of streams and numerous gold and platinum records. Andreas breaks down how hit songs are actually created, how publishing companies develop songwriters, and why today's music industry is more relationship-driven than ever. He shares the story behind Jason Derulo's smash hit "Wiggle," explains how songwriting camps work, discusses the evolution of professional songwriting, and offers practical advice for aspiring songwriters trying to break into the industry. Follow Andreas Schuller: Check out Ari’s Take: 03:48 - Meet Andreas Schuller: Hitmaker Turned Publisher 12:19 - Music Publishing Explained: How Songwriters Make Money 18:39 - The Story Behind Jason Derulo's "Wiggle" 22:02 - Songwriting Splits, Credits, and Industry Politics 30:37 - How Professional Songwriting Has Changed Since 2010 34:46 - Breaking Into the Music Industry as a Songwriter 39:03 - Originality vs. Trend Chasing: What Actually Works? 49:37 - Building Great Writing Rooms and Finding Creative Chemistry 52:39 - AI, the Future of Music, and What's Next for Songwriters Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How Major Label A&R Has Evolved and How Hit Songs Are Written | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:55:18 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with legendary A&R executive, publisher, and educator Pete Ganbarg. With more than three decades in the music industry, Pete has helped shape the careers of artists, songwriters, and hit records across multiple generations. In this conversation, he breaks down how A&R has evolved from the days of artist showcases and long-term development deals to today's algorithm-driven landscape. Pete explains why great A&R is still about connecting great artists with great songs, even as technology and discovery platforms continue to change. Follow Pete Ganbarg: https://substack.com/@peteganbarg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peteganbarg/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 04:21 – The True Role of A&R: What Has Changed and What Hasn't 09:00 – Artist Development vs. Chasing Quick Hits 13:20 – Why Live Performance Still Matters to Labels 16:05 – TikTok Stars, Viral Songs, and Building Careers 20:50 – The Difference Between a Song, an Artist, and a Career 25:55 – How Pete Discovers and Develops Songwriters 30:10 – Michael Pollack's Journey to Writing "Flowers." 35:15 – Songwriting by Committee, Sampling, and Publishing Trends 40:50 – AI, Songwriting, and the Future of Music Creation 48:15 – What Excites Pete Most About the Future of Music 54:07 – What It Means to "Make It" in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How a Direct-To-Fan Rollout Secured a Billboard Top 10 | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:51:42 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dee Diaz, Vice President of Marketing at Reach Records. At Indie Week 2026, Dee shares the innovative marketing strategies behind Lecrae’s Reconstruction album campaign, which helped propel the project to a Billboard Top 10 debut. From sending exclusive mailers to the label’s most loyal fans. To building a gamified direct-to-fan platform called The Workshop, Dee reveals how Reach Records prioritized community, superfans, and authentic artist engagement over chasing algorithms. Find Dee Diaz: https://www.instagram.com/deediaz_/ https://www.instagram.com/reachrecords/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 05:06 - Meet Dee Diaz and Reach Records 08:47 - The History of Reach Records and Lecrae 12:31 - Building the Reconstruction Campaign 15:07 - The 1,000 Fan Mailer Strategy 16:19 - Creating The Workshop Fan Community 19:37 - Turning Superfans Into Brand Ambassadors 29:09 - Community Service as Music Marketing 37:39 - The Story Behind “Coming In Hot” 43:29 - Why TikTok Doesn't Convert Like It Used To 46:17 - What It Means to Make It in the New Music Business 47:00 - Audience Q&A Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How Hopeless Records Approaches Influencer and UGC Music Marketing | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:58:20 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Nicole Abea, Director of Influencer & UGC Promotions at Hopeless Records. Over the last decade, Nicole has helped evolve Hopeless Records’ marketing strategy from traditional social media campaigns to modern influencer marketing, user-generated content (UGC), and TikTok-driven discovery. Starting as an intern and rising to lead influencer and UGC promotions, Nicole has worked with artists including Scene Queen, THXSoMCH, Neck Deep, Melrose Avenue, Autumn Kings, and more. Nicole pulls back the curtain on how music marketing actually works in 2026. They discuss influencer campaigns, fan accounts, micro-budget marketing strategies, TikTok trends, BookTok, DSP pitching, and how artists can build communities that translate into real fandom. Follow Nicole Abea: https://www.instagram.com/nicolethedesigner/ https://www.instagram.com/hopelessrecords/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 03:57 Nicole Abea on Influencer & UGC Marketing at Hopeless Records 08:44 The Reality of TikTok Seeding, Fan Accounts & Music Promotion 15:20 How to Market a Song with a $2,000 Budget 18:25 BookTok, Online Communities & Finding Your Audience 23:29 What Spotify and DSPs Want from Artists 26:26 Why Record Labels Are Signing Influencers 33:21 Scene Over Genre: How Modern Fandom Has Changed 42:41 How All Time Low's “Dear Maria, Count Me In” Went Viral Again 45:22 Rage Bait, Algorithms & The Future of Music Marketing 51:00 Closing Thoughts Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How CD Baby Is Changing With The Times | 24 Jun 2026 | 01:17:01 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Molly Neuman, President of CD Baby, one of the largest independent music distributors in the world. Molly has spent decades advocating for independent artists and labels, helping shape the modern music industry through leadership roles at CD Baby, Downtown Music Holdings, and the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM). In this conversation, Ari and Molly dive into some of the most pressing issues facing musicians today, including artificial intelligence, streaming fraud, artist compensation, customer support, and the evolving role of music distribution. They discuss whether AI-generated music should exist, how streaming platforms are responding to generative AI, why artists are increasingly being affected by fraudulent streams, and what distributors like CD Baby are doing to protect independent musicians. Molly also shares her perspective on artist ownership, independence, and what success in the music business looks like in 2026. Follow Molly Neuman: https://www.instagram.com/mollydneuman/ https://cdbaby.com/ Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 03:45 – Molly Neuman's Journey to Becoming CD Baby President 11:32 – Is CD Baby Still Independent? 18:04 – Universal Music's Acquisition & What It Means for Artists 27:41 – The State of Independent Music Distribution in 2026 39:18 – What Artists Get Wrong About Distribution 49:07 – AI Customer Support: Does It Matter if It's Human? 52:11 – Should AI-Generated Music Exist? 1:03:47 – Streaming Fraud, Bot Plays & How Artists Get Penalized 1:12:56 – What "Making It" Really Means in Today's Music Industry Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| The Unauthorized AI Remix Became a Global Hit, How This Label Dealt With It | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:52:58 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Adam Gross, the president of Ineffable Records. Adam founded Ineffable Records in 2019 and later became a co-owner of Ineffable Music Group, now Billboard’s top independent reggae label for six consecutive years. Ineffable works with artists such as Stick Figure, Collie Buddz, Protoje, The Elovaters, and O.A.R., and many more. In this episode, they discuss the recent unauthorized viral AI remixes of Stick Figure’s song “Angels Above Me.” At its peak, the unauthorized remix was #2 on the global Shazam charts and reached #1 on several different iTunes charts across Europe. They discuss the legal challenges of unauthorized AI remixes, the ethical considerations, and how the story led to a David Guetta x Alok version surfacing. Adam discusses the operational reality of dealing with this in real time, and how strategy to combat unauthorized AI remixes changes everyday. Follow Adam Gross: https://www.instagram.com/adam.g.r.o.s.s/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgross2018/ Check out Stick Figure: https://www.instagram.com/stickfiguremusic/ Chapters 05:07 Navigating Copyright in the Age of AI 10:03 The Bootleg Remix Phenomenon 14:58 The Role of Labels and Distributors 19:59 Ethics and Future of AI in Music 25:07 Navigating Major Label Deals 28:24 The Impact of Viral Trends on Music 30:43 Whack-a-Mole: The Challenge of Unauthorized Remixes 32:30 Collaborating with Major Artists 36:51 Ethics and AI in Music Production 39:35 The Future of Derivative Works 42:36 User-Centric Payment Models in Streaming 50:52 Building Timeless Music and Community Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How This Manager Sold Out Tours Without Venues and Develops Artists, Songwriters and Producers | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:07:40 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Joseph Pepin, artist manager, producer manager, and founder of a boutique management company that has helped artists like GoldFord build massive audiences while remaining independent. Joseph has spent nearly two decades in the music industry, working across artist management, producer and songwriter representation, touring, marketing, and fan development. His roster includes artists, producers, and songwriters spanning multiple genres, and he's become known for his innovative approach to audience building, fan data collection, and sustainable artist growth. Follow Joseph Pepin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_pepin Check out Ari’s Take: https://aristake.com 00:06:14 - Intro & How Goldford Broke Through 00:08:56 - Why Most Artists Fail to Keep Their Viral Fans 00:12:28 - Understanding the Marketing Funnel for Musicians 00:16:09 - Social Media Strategy: Hooks vs. Deep Content 00:19:25 - Building a Fanbase Without Chasing Trends 00:39:42 - The B-Side Touring Model vs. Ticketmaster 00:43:09 - Why Artists Need Emails, Phone Numbers & Fan Data 00:47:20 - Goldford’s Viral Growth Strategy Revealed 00:58:57 - Songwriting Camps, Producers & Building Opportunities 01:06:18 - What It Means to Make It in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| Has SoundCloud Cracked Superfandom and AI Music? | 03 Jun 2026 | 01:09:10 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud. Eliah breaks down how SoundCloud is evolving beyond streaming into a creator-first platform focused on fan relationships, monetization, and artist discovery. Why “streaming is not enough” for artists, how fan-powered royalties work, the future of direct-to-fan monetization, and why creator tools are becoming more important in the AI era. Eliah also explains SoundCloud’s approach to generative AI music, ethically trained AI models, and why the platform refuses to monetize fully AI-generated songs. Follow Eliah Seton and SoundCloud: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliahseton/ https://soundcloud.com/ Check out Ari’s Take: 08:27 - Eliah Seton on the Future of SoundCloud 13:41 - Why “Streaming Is Not Enough” for Artists 18:15 - Fan Monetization, Merch, and Direct-to-Artist Revenue 22:03 - How SoundCloud Helps Artists Get Heard and Build Fans 27:14 - Creator Subscriptions and Fan-Powered Features 31:24 - Wallets, Tipping, and the Future of Fan Transactions 36:01 - AI Tools for Music Creation and Artist Discovery 40:48 - SoundCloud’s Approach to Ethically Trained AI 47:17 - AI Music, Royalties, and Streaming Economics 52:08 - The Future of Human Artistry in the AI Era Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| Breaking Hard Rock and Metal Bands with Sumerian Records | 27 May 2026 | 01:04:46 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Ash Avildsen, founder of Sumerian Records. Ash shares the story of building one of the most influential independent labels in modern rock and metal, from booking DIY tours in the MySpace era to helping artists break into arenas. During this episode, Ari and Ash dive into artist development, the evolution of touring, music video economics, social media virality, the ethics of tour buy-ons, and why building an artist brand matters more than ever. Ash also opens up about expanding Sumerian into film, the future of entertainment brands, and why he believes music videos deserve a better business model. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumerianrecords/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sumerianrecords Check out Ari’s Take: 04:21 - Ash’s Journey from Touring Musician to Founding Sumerian Records 08:04 - Why Ash Left Booking to Focus Fully on the Label 12:00 - MySpace, TikTok, and How Artists Break Today 17:30 - Scenes, Community, and the Evolution of Heavy Music 22:16 - Artist Development and Getting Bands to Their First 500 Tickets 25:22 - The Ethics and Reality of Tour Buy-Ons 31:49 - Discovering Artists in the Streaming Era 35:15 - Why Music Videos Still Matter 49:00 - Building Sumerian Beyond Music Into Film and Media 56:00 - Ticketing, Industry Frustrations, and What It Means to “Make It” Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| Going Viral In The Right Way Allowed Him To Turn Down Record Deals and Sell Out Venues Around The World | 20 May 2026 | 01:05:46 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Red Leather, the anonymous artist who turned viral TikTok videos into sold-out tours around the world. Known for his signature red hat, Red Leather first started his career by busking on Hollywood Boulevard before exploding online with viral covers and original songs like “The Only Time It Rains in Hollywood.” In this episode, Red Leather breaks down how he used social media to grow his audience from scratch, why he posted 5 videos a day for 100 straight days, how smashing guitars outside Capitol Records landed him a record deal (that he turned down), and why ticket sales matter more than streams or viral moments. He also opens up about sobriety, surviving addiction, touring independently, and eventually partnering with Empire after years of doing everything DIY. Follow Red Leather: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redleather/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redleather Check out Ari’s Take: 00:04:02 - Intro 00:04:36 - The Origin of Red Leather 00:06:39 - Sobriety, Addiction & Artistic Vulnerability 00:10:11 - Posting 5 Videos a Day for 100 Days 00:14:11 - The Viral TikTok That Changed Everything 00:20:00 - Smashing Guitars Outside Capitol Records 00:25:12 - Why He Turned Down Major Label Deals 00:33:28 - Booking Tours Through Instagram DMs 00:47:23 - Virality vs Real Fans & Ticket Sales 01:01:58 - What “Making It” Means Today Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| He Went from 40K Listeners to 11 Million and a Coachella Slot in Under a Year as an Indie Artist | 13 May 2026 | 00:51:08 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Oskar Med K, a breakout Norwegian EDM producer. Oskar breaks down the "overnight" success that was actually years in the making—from the days of sending 500 cold emails to labels with no response. In this episode, Ari and Oskar talk about the marketing strategies that helped him scale from 40k monthly listeners to 11 million, why "simple" content often outperforms high-production on TikTok, and the surreal feeling of playing Coachella as his first-ever music festival. https://www.instagram.com/_oskarmedk/ 03:54 – Intro: The Release of Oskar’s Debut Album Feel 05:24 – Albums vs. Singles: Building a Body of Work in the Streaming Era 09:12 – The Remix Story: How Khalid Ended Up on a Remix 12:52 – Behind the Tracks: Songwriting and Collaborating Remotely 17:19 – The Early Grind: From iPad Beats to Music School in Norway 19:00 – From 0 to 1: The "Hustle" of Emailing 500 Record Labels 20:17 – Breaking Through: Finding the Right Label via LabelRadar 25:12 – Marketing Strategy: Simple Content vs. High-Production TikToks 33:42 – Moving to the Stage: Transitioning from Studio Producer to Live Act 40:40 – The Coachella Milestone: Playing Your First-Ever Festival 44:29 – The Future of Music: Addressing the AI Debate and "Making It" Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| New Global Booking Agency from ATC and Arrival Artists Now Reps 800 Artists | 06 May 2026 | 01:19:17 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Ethan Berlin and Skully Kaplan of ROAM Artists for an inside look at the realities of booking and touring in today’s music industry. They unpack how booking agencies build and manage their rosters, what it really takes to develop artists on the road, and how deals—from guarantees to ticket splits—actually come together. If you’re an artist planning your next tour or trying to understand the live side of the business, this episode gives a clear, candid breakdown of how it all works. https://www.instagram.com/roam.artists/ https://roamartists.com/ Chapters 05:03 – Intro & ROAM Agency Origin Story 08:26 – From Partnership to Global Agency 11:32 – Why Artists Need Different Agents by Region 14:59 – Breaking Into International Markets (Asia & Beyond) 19:52 – Why Artists Blow Up in Some Countries First 25:20 – Genre & Market Differences Worldwide 34:48 – The Real Cost of Touring Today 40:16 – How Artists Cut Costs on Tour 44:48 – How Artists Actually Make Money Touring 48:16 – Tour Deals & Promoter Strategy Explained 52:11 – Marketing Tours & Selling Tickets Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate 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. | |||
| How This UK Indie Label Sold 25K Records For 1 Band First Week | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:02:26 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Mark Orr, the founder of Lab Records, to explore how independent labels are evolving in today’s music industry. From deal structures and artist ownership to marketing strategies and physical releases, Mark shares a transparent look into how his label has operated and adapted over nearly two decades. They dive into how indie deals have shifted to become more artist-friendly, how Lab approaches partnerships like distribution with ADA, and why physical products like vinyl and limited editions are more important now than ever. Mark also breaks down how to build a lean team, when to outsource, and how to create meaningful fan engagement in a crowded digital landscape. Whether you’re on the artist or label side of the business, you won’t want to miss this episode. https://www.instagram.com/labrecords Chapters 00:00 - Lab Records Origin 05:00 - Building a Lean Team 09:25 - Streaming & Fan Engagement 13:23 - Pitching Artists vs Majors 16:07 - Modern Deal Structures 21:19 - Artist Power Shift 26:19 - Marketing in 2020s 31:42 - Physical Sales Comeback 36:21 - Touring Builds Fanbase 45:50 - Tools, Teams, Future Edited and mixed by Ari Davids-Ergas 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. | |||
| How SXSW Works For Music | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:58:31 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Brian Hobbs and Dev Sherlock from South by Southwest (SXSW). Brian, VP of Music, has been at SXSW since 2012, helping shape the festival’s music programming and expand its sound, especially in hip hop and global scenes. Dev is the Director of Music at the festival. He plays a key role in building the lineup and working directly with artists, managers, and industry teams navigating the SXSW landscape. In this episode, we break down what SXSW actually is, and whether it makes sense for you and your career. Dev and Brian discuss how this year is massively different than years past, what the real purpose of “South By” is, and how to approach it with a smart strategy (instead of just showing up and hoping for the best). We get real about networking—what that actually looks like at SXSW—and how artists, managers, and other industry folks can make the most of their experience. For those thinking about applying to official showcases, Brian and Dev walk through the submission process, and what their team is really looking for when they book artists. If you’re going to SXSW (or even thinking about it) listen to this episode first. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hobbs-155759164/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to South by Southwest 02:14 Changes in the Festival Structure 05:43 The Overlap of Music and Tech 08:46 The Role of Live Music Discovery 11:22 Business Opportunities at South by Southwest 19:05 Navigating Official and Unofficial Showcases 23:18 Monetizing Opportunities for Artists 27:58 The Global Impact of the Irish Diaspora 29:48 Travel Concerns for International Artists 30:41 Booking Artists for South by Southwest 34:55 The Application Process Explained 37:57 The Fluid Nature of Artist Bookings 41:42 Understanding Compensation Models 43:52 The Conference Experience at South by Southwest 45:52 Networking Tips for Artists 50:57 Defining Success in the Music Industry Edited and mixed by Ari Davids-Ergas 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. | |||
| Artist Managers on Music Videos, Artist Development, Long-term Strategy and True Fandom | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:05:20 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Aaron Greene and Neal O’Connor of Slush Management, the artist-first team behind Porter Robinson, Eden, Jai Wolf, and more. Slush has helped their artists generate billions of streams, sell millions of tickets, and craft long-term careers rooted in creativity rather than quick wins. With 15 years of experience across touring, branding, and global fan development, they’ve become leaders in sustainable artist strategy and innovative experiential storytelling. In this episode, Ari Neal and Aaron dive into what modern artist development truly looks like. From building immersive worlds to cultivating real, lasting fan communities beyond vanity metrics, Neal and Aaron share how managers decide when an artist is ready for representation, why social media isn’t the only path to growth, and how long-term strategy beats short-term virality every time. The conversation also covers label paths (self-release, indie, major), when to tour, how support slots actually happen, and the importance of meaningful experiences. Hint: music videos might be more important than most folks realize. https://www.instagram.com/slushmgmt/ 05:58 – What “world-building” means for modern artists 08:12 – How Porter Robinson developed his immersive universe 12:00 – Building an entire festival world with Disney-level partners 16:00 – Artist development: when an artist is ready for management 18:20 – Why immediacy is a trap & long-term growth matters 20:35 – Deepening 100 true fans vs. chasing viral moments 27:45 – Majors vs. indies vs. self-releasing: what actually works 31:55 – The real purpose of music videos in 2025 36:50 – Touring strategy: when to headline, when to support 39:20 – How artists actually get support slots 42:55 – What “making it” means in the new music business 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. | |||
| Doja Cat's Managers Have It Down | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:09:44 | |
This week on the New Music Business, Ari sits down with powerhouse managers Gordan Dillard and Josh Kaplan, the team behind global superstar Doja Cat. Together, they break down how they helped build one of the most influential, multi-hyphenate artists of the decade. Gordan and Josh share early viral moments of Doja Cat's diversified empire spanning music, brand partnerships, and new business ventures. Other topics discussed here include: how features really work, how producers differ from beatmakers, what modern record deals look like at the highest level, and why short-form content has completely reshaped the career-building playbook. Gordan and Josh offer candid, unfiltered advice for emerging artists and managers on finding the right partnership, building a fanbase from scratch, and creating leverage in today’s industry. https://www.instagram.com/dojacat/ 04:16 – Why Good Day Management only represents one artist 07:19 – Diversifying Doja Cat’s revenue beyond music 10:18 – How Gordon & Josh first joined Doja’s team 15:40 – The “Juicy” era and early visual strategy 17:31 – Doja Cat’s rise during the pandemic 20:42 – Long-form videos vs short-form content today 24:54 – Balancing artists’ vision with budget and label support 29:10 – How label deals and funding have evolved 36:28 – How features actually get made (creatively & financially) 44:25 – Beatmakers vs producers: what’s the difference? 48:37 – Why songs sometimes have 7 writers & 6 producers 58:54 – Advice for emerging artists & managers today 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. | |||
| DIY Band Couch on World Tours, Self Managing, and Fan Building | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:35:14 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Tema Siegel and Zach Blankstein of the band Couch. Tema is the singer and Zach is the guitarist/manager of this seven-piece soul-pop band from Boston. Their explosive live shows and fully DIY approach have helped them sell out major venues across the country. Formed from lifelong friendships and built during the pandemic, Couch has grown into a globally touring act while self-producing their acclaimed debut album 'Big Talk'. In this episode, Tema and Zach break down how they built an engaged fanbase without label support, the logistics of touring as a seven-member group, and the creative and vulnerable writing process behind 'Big Talk'. Ari dives into their ad strategy, their partnership with the Salt Lick Incubator, how they secured major support tours with Lake Street Dive and Cory Wong, and what it takes to balance musicianship, management, and sustainable growth as an independent band in 2025. http://instagram.com/couch.theband 07:16 – Adding the seventh member & early chemistry 09:15 – Touring as an introvert and finding group balance 12:19 – Managing a 12-person touring party 16:34 – How fans are reacting to the new songs live 18:22 – How the band uses VIP sections to build superfans 19:40 – Collaborative songwriting process & Temma’s Notes app 22:19 – “Middleman” and the band’s unexpected EDM influence 26:22 – Self-producing the entire album & working with mixers 27:15 – Living in Boston and breaking out beyond the local scene 32:56 – Growing during the pandemic while in separate cities 36:32 – Early viral video & their online strategy 40:07 – How Couch finances the band with day jobs 41:24 – Why Zach became their in-house manager 55:52 – Opening for Cory Wong & Lake Street Dive 58:44 – Deep dive into their ad strategy 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. | |||
| Come visit me in 1974 LA | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:28:55 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari hops on for a solo episode to talk about Brassroots District—a decade-long passion project fusing immersive theater, hard-grooving funk, and 1970s world-building. He shares how the project grew from DIY LA shows into a scripted parking-lot production during COVID, and how it’s finally taking over a premier LA venue. If you're in LA, come catch Brassroots District LA ’74, opening February 7th at Catch One in Koreatown. Check out the trailer and grab your tickets here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| LaRussell Built His Empire Brick by Brick | 10 Dec 2025 | 01:04:43 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Bay Area rapper, LaRussell. Known for his backyard shows, revolutionary ticketing and release practices, and motivational freestyling, LaRussell has become a blueprint for modern DIY artistry. His business, Good Compenny, is a multi-media brand that puts on shows, sells merch, and empowers independent artists. In this episode, Ari and LaRussell discuss when and why it’s important to stay independent as an artist. LaRussell tells Ari how he continues to find joy in making music, even after releasing over 700 songs. He also breaks down his offer-based ticketing model—a game-changing approach that could change the entire live concert industry. Tune in to hear LaRussell’s secrets to community-building, his artistic approach to social media, and loads of inspiration heading into 2026. https://www.instagram.com/larussell 06:20 – LaRussell explains “out the trunk” direct bookings 08:10 – Origin of the backyard concerts 12:21 – Full backyard experience (hospitality, free food, bounce house) 16:45 – How offer-based ticketing works (“What is this worth to you?”) 18:23 – His $1,000 birthday show that made $250K 20:12 – Full breakdown of all revenue streams 27:02 – Why he stays independent + label philosophy 43:48 – What “Good Compenny” really is (a community) 54:38 – Spending $120K on ads to make $800K back 01:02:01 – Full-circle moment: how the book changed his life 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. | |||
| How These DIY Artists Won a GRAMMY | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:21:55 | |
This week on the New Music Business Podcast, Ari sits down with recent GRAMMY Award winners Matt B and Angela Benson. Matt B is a GRAMMY-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and global recording artist whose career spans over a decade. His most recent project, ‘Alkebulan II’, earned him and Angela a GRAMMY Award, following years of DIY artistry. Over the course of this album, Matt and Angela recorded across Africa, collaborated with artists like Eddie Kenzo and Oxlade, and worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. As a label owner, producer on ‘Alkebulan II’, and longtime Recording Academy member, Angela has been instrumental in shaping Matt’s artistic direction, visual world-building, and global strategy. In this episode, Matt B and Angela Benson walk through their incredible DIY journey and how they found themselves on the GRAMMY-winning path. They discuss the challenges of writing and recording in multiple African languages, shooting a full visual album across multiple countries, and balancing the creative workload between artist and manager. The pair break down how independent artists can navigate the GRAMMY process, the importance of joining the Recording Academy, the role of networking and bartering in major creative endeavors, and most importantly, the communication and patience required to run a music career as a married team. https://www.instagram.com/mattbworld https://www.instagram.com/angelavbenson 01:40 – Home Studio & Recent Travels 02:10 – Returning to His Alma Mater After the Grammy Win 03:00 – Life & Opportunities After Winning a Grammy 04:15 – Performing in Uganda & Global Breakthrough Moments 05:20 – Inception of the Akebulan Concept 09:00 – Connecting With Oxlade & Eddie Kenzo 11:00 – Creating the “Gimme Love” Music Video 13:00 – Building a Full Visual Album DIY 17:40 – Finding Producers & Collaborators Worldwide 20:00 – Incorporating the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 30:00 – Navigating Grammy Nominations & Recording Academy Membership 47:00 – Working as a Husband-and-Wife Artist/Manager Team 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. | |||
| Is This The Future of Superfandom? | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:59:30 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Matt Jones, the CEO and co-founder of Medallion, a platform helping artists own their fan relationships and build new revenue models. Matt was previously CEO of Songkick, another direct-to-fan platform that was acquired by Warner Music Group. He’s now developing new economic models for artists to own their fan relationships. In this episode, Matt and Ari discuss the direct-to-fan experience and why it’s beneficial to give artists full ownership of their data. Matt explains why traditional models like Patreon and Substack don’t fit the creative rhythms of most musicians. They also dig into the shortcomings of streaming and the need for transparency in artist payments. Tune in to learn more about how major labels might adapt, what lessons can be learned from Bandcamp, and why the next decade of music will be defined by artist ownership and sustainability. 0:00 - Intro 10:45 – Why the term “superfan” has taken over the industry 13:20 – The challenges artists face relying on third-party platforms 15:50 – How Medallion lets artists own their data and build communities 18:30 – Why streaming’s economic model is outdated and unsustainable 21:50 – Why Patreon and Substack rarely work for most musicians 24:15 – The three main artist revenue streams: live, recordings, and merch 28:30 – How Bandcamp paved the way—but why it isn’t enough 31:40 – Handling rights, licensing, and label relationships on Medallion 38:00 – The future of transparency and fan-to-artist payment models 49:50 – Why blockchain and NFTs weren’t the right fit for Medallion 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. | |||
| How Classical Pianist Chloe Flower Collabed with Cardi B, Meek Mill, Babyface and Built Her Career | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:05:55 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with acclaimed pianist and composer, Chloe Flower. Born in Pennsylvania, Chloe began playing piano at age two, later studying at the Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege and London’s Royal Academy of Music. A classically trained pianist turned genre-bender, she calls her unique style “popsical” (a fusion of classical, pop, and hip-hop). She has collaborated with major artists like Céline Dion, Babyface, Nas, and Cardi B (whose 2019 GRAMMY performance she helped elevate). Beyond performing, Chloe is a passionate advocate for music education. In this episode, Ari and Chloe dive deep into Chloe’s artistic journey. They discuss everything from her rigorous classical training to the lessons she’s learned from merging two distinct musical worlds. In this episode, you’ll learn about label strategy, collaboration with big-name artists and producers, and maintaining authenticity while scaling. Chloe shares invaluable insights on building a personal brand (both musically and visually), empowering women in the industry, and how she sees the future of genre-fluid music. https://www.instagram.com/misschloeflower 05:00 – The Holiday Album and Women Composers 10:30 – Understanding Public Domain and Classical Music Rights 15:45 – YouTube Covers, Metadata, and Going Independent 19:00 – Meeting Babyface and Blending Genres 25:00 – The Viral Grammy Performance with Cardi B 29:30 – Evolving Sound and the Role of Collaboration 33:00 – Running an Independent Label and Revenue Streams 36:00 – Pros and Cons of Major vs. Indie Labels 47:00 – Music Education and Inspiring the Next Generation 54:00 – Performing with Orchestras and Conductors 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. | |||
| How a Mastering Engineer Works With (and Without) AI | 12 Nov 2025 | 01:10:18 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Daniel Rowland, a rare combination of audio engineer, producer, tech executive, and educator. The music he’s worked on has amassed over 15 billion streams, earning Emmy and Oscar wins, Grammy nominations, and multiple platinum certifications. His credits span an eclectic range of artists and projects, including Nina Simone, Nine Inch Nails, Thundercat, Star Wars, Pixar, and John Wick. Beyond the studio, Daniel serves as VP of Strategy and Partnerships at LANDR Audio and a longtime professor at MTSU, where he champions ethical, AI-driven tools that empower creators. In this episode, Ari and Daniel explore the ever-evolving intersection of music, technology, and creativity. They dive deep into the art and science of mastering for different formats, the rise of AI in music production, and how to maintain authenticity in an increasingly automated world. Daniel also shares his personal journey from musician to educator and innovator, offering invaluable insights for artists navigating the future of sound and creation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowlanddaniel https://www.landr.com/ 00:00 – Mixing vs. Mastering & the Role of AI in Quality Control 02:30 – Introducing Daniel Rowland & His Career Overview 06:45 – Daniel’s Journey from Musician to Engineer & Educator 09:45 – Dolby Atmos & Spatial Audio: Fad or Future? 19:00 – What Mastering Really Is (and Isn’t) 26:00 – The “Curmudgeon” Era of Mastering Engineers 29:00 – Loudness, LUFS, and the Streaming Revolution 36:45 – The Vinyl Comeback: Problems and Pitfalls 47:45 – Automated Mastering & LANDR’s Evolution 54:00 – The Future of AI and Creativity 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. | |||
| How A&R at Publishing Companies Work | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:10:51 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Ralph Torrefranca, Executive Director of A&R at Angry Mob Music. With nearly two decades of experience, Ralph has championed emerging songwriters, artists, and producers, working with talents like Jake Scott, Bailey Bryan, and Joe Pepe. He is also the founder of Angry Mob’s New Normal Writing Camp, a diversity-driven initiative, and a respected voice on equity in the music industry. Beyond his A&R work, Ralph fronts the post-punk band Cuffed Up and is an award-winning filmmaker. In this episode, Ralph offers a candid look at the realities of A&R and independent publishing. He and Ari discuss signing and developing new talent, navigating the politics of song splits, and the growing importance of diversity in writers’ rooms. Ralph also sheds light on the challenges songwriters face in today’s industry and the ongoing fight for fair representation, making this conversation invaluable for anyone seeking an inside perspective on the business of songwriting and publishing. https://www.instagram.com/rhymeswithralph https://www.instagram.com/angrymobmusic 00:00:00 Introduction to A&R and Publishing 00:03:00 The Role of A&R in Independent Publishing 00:09:00 Challenges in Signing New Talent 00:15:00 The Politics of Song Splits 00:21:00 Diversity in Writers' Rooms 00:27:00 Advocating for Songwriters' Rights 00:33:00 The Evolving Music Industry Landscape 00:39:00 Songwriting Camps and Collaboration 00:45:00 Defining Success in the Music Business 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. | |||
| GRAMMY Winning NYC Jazz Singer/Songwriter/Arranger Makes It Work | 29 Oct 2025 | 01:04:22 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Nicole Zuraitis, a GRAMMY-winning New York-based jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and arranger. Her 2023 album, How Love Begins, won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 66th GRAMMY Awards in 2024. She has performed all over the world from Birdland and Dizzy's Club to Lincoln Center China. She first earned GRAMMY attention in 2019 for her arrangement of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" with a GRAMMY nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals. She most recently won a GRAMMY in 2025 for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. In this episode, Nicole traces her path from early days hustling in the New York jazz scene, collaborating with Christian McBridge, touring in China, and navigating the realities of indie artistry. She digs into the power of networking in her community, the pandemic's impact on NYC venues, why physical release formats still matter, and how grants and private donors help fund albums. 4:53 - Introduction and Nicole's new live album 9:23 - The decision to record live at VIXX 15:53 - Collaborating with Christian McBride 22:38 - Touring in China and working with Jazz at Lincoln Center 29:08 - The Grammy experience and independent artist challenges 36:33 - The role of networking in New York's music scene 44:13 - The impact of the pandemic on jazz clubs 51:43 - The importance of physical music products in the digital age 59:23 - Funding albums through grants and private donors 1:05:53 - Nicole's upcoming projects and future plans 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. | |||
| Finding Accidental Streaming Success in a Niche Market | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:53:57 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Sol Rising, a producer and DJ whose eclectic blend of electronic, downtempo, and lo-fi has inspired millions. Born in Vancouver and raised in Iowa, he went from a childhood rooted in meditation to becoming one of America’s top scratch DJs before evolving into a prolific producer. With over 20 albums, 225M+ streams, and international tours across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Sol Rising shares his journey of artistry and growth. Sol shares his journey from a turntablist to a successful artist with millions of streams, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music world independently. They delve into the impact of streaming platforms, the role of AI in music, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of the music business. 05:40 – Introduction and Niche 11:10 – Early Journey 17:40 – Shift to Yoga Music 24:25 – Streaming Platforms 30:55 – AI in Music 37:40 – Creativity and Motivation 45:40 – Future Plans 53:10 – Reflections and Advice https://www.instagram.com/solrising 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. | |||
| Suno and Udio SUED By Indie Musicians - The Lead Attorney Tells All | 08 Oct 2025 | 01:00:56 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Top Music Attorney, Miss Krystle. Miss Krystle is an entertainment attorney, independent artist, musician, and CEO of Delgado Entertainment Law. She hosts the Top Music Attorney podcast and popular YouTube channel, and has sold tens of millions of dollars in music catalogs. As leader of the class action lawsuit against A.I. generative companies Suno and Udio on behalf of independent artist, producers, & songwriters; she continues to champion creators’ rights while teaching artists how to think like major labels and build six-figure careers on their own terms. In this insightful episode, Ari and Krystle, delve into the complexities of the music industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in music creation. They discuss the ongoing legal battles against AI music platforms, the importance of copyright registration, and the evolving landscape of music licensing. Tune in to learn how independent artists can navigate these changes and protect their creative rights. https://www.instagram.com/misskrystlelive 00:00 - Introduction and AI's Impact on Music 03:00 - Legal Challenges and Copyright Issues 06:00 - Class Action Lawsuits Against AI Platforms 09:00 - Independent Artists and AI 12:00 - The Role of Copyright Registration 15:00 - Spotify's Approach to AI Music 18:00 - Fair Use in AI Music 21:00 - Future of the Music Industry 24:00 - Strategies for Artists to Protect Their Work 27:00 - Closing Thoughts and Takeaways 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 Music Publicist Has Upended the Entire PR Model | 06 Oct 2025 | 01:12:18 | |
Enrollment for Ari’s Take Academy CLOSING SOON: https://aristakeacademy.com (use code NMB for 10% off!) Order THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business here: https://book.aristake.com This week on the New Music Business, Ari is joined by the founder of Purple Bite PR, Mikel Corrente. In the last few years Corrente adapted a “Zero-Risk” guaranteed or money back system that is very uncommon in the PR industry but it’s more transparent and fairer than the traditional PR system. Some examples of artists and companies that Corrente has worked with are: Sony Music, Kat Graham, Red Light Management, Mix Master Mike, Elohim, Jesse Jo Stark, Lauren Ruth Ward, BIIANCO, and many more. 05:52 Welcome / background 10:20 PR model ten years ago, shifting from publications to playlists 15:55 What PR is and what a publicist does 25:21 Evolution of press rates and artist feedback 31:24 Relationship with fashion and music publication Lady Gun 41:58 Pay-to-play PR model 47:03 What is the point of music press right now? 53:21 Purple Bite’s business model 01:05:03 How Purple Bite guarantees placements 01:09:50 What it means to make it in the New Music Business Subscribe to The New Music Business: https://aristake.com/nmb Watch more discussions like this: https://bit.ly/3LavMpa Connect with Ari’s Take: Website: https://aristake.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/aristake_ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@aris.take Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArisTake YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/aristake1 Connect with Ari Herstand: Website: https://ariherstand.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/ariherstand Twitter: https://twitter.com/ariherstand YouTube: https://youtube.com/ariherstand Connect with Mikel Corrente: Website: http://purplebite.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikelcorrente TikTok: https://.tiktok.com/@mikelcorrente Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikelCorrente Edited and mixed by Maxton Hunter Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take #MusicPR #MusicPress #MusicMarketing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The FTC Sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster - NIVA Responds | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:01:54 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which represents over 1,500 venues nationwide. Together, they discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which alleges deceptive pricing practices that have enabled scalpers to exploit both artists and fans for billions of dollars. Ari and Stephen break down the logistics of the case, its potential impact on the future of ticketed events, and the incriminating evidence pointing to Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s complicity. They also explore the broader issue of monopoly power in the live music industry, the push to separate the two companies, and the policy and legal strategies that could protect venues, artists, and consumers moving forward. https://www.nivassoc.org/fixthetix/model-legislation 5:10 Introduction and Overview of Live Nation's Situation 10:10 FTC Lawsuit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster 15:10 History of Live Nation and Ticketmaster Merger 20:10 Role of NIVA and Its Advocacy Efforts 25:10 Impact of Ticket Scalping and Resale Practices 30:10 Discussion on Ticketing Reform and Legislative Efforts 35:10 Challenges Faced by Independent Venues 40:10 Artists' Perspectives on Ticketing Issues 45:10 Future of Ticketing and Live Events 50:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action 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 Merch Company Has Paid Artists $30+ Million | 24 Sep 2025 | 01:01:56 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Seamus Menihane, CEO and Co-Founder of the merch company, Downright Merch (now known as Armada). This merch company has paid out over $30 million to clients and they currently manage over 250 merch stores for artists including Thrice, Tom Morello and Death Row Records, as well as clients such as Grillo’s Pickles, Every Day Astronaut and Matty Matheson. In this episode, Ari and Seamus dig into all things merch. They discuss online versus touring merch sales, fanclubs, pre-sale campaigns, and large-scale transparency issues that come up between venues and promoters. Seamus and Ari also discuss which merch platforms work best for musicians, how to ‘merchandize’ your audience, and the importance of superfans. You’ll also get the inside scoop on Downright’s recent merger with Overcast to create their new brand Armada, and the exciting new ways they plan to operate. https://www.poweredbyarmada.com/about 04:14 – Intro 05:29 – Indie Merch Merger 09:44 – Impact of Merger 15:59 – Brand Management 19:14 – Case Examples 24:44 – Online vs. In-Person 29:14 – Online Strategies 35:59 – Tech in Merch 39:14 – Future of D2C 44:14 – Closing 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. | |||
| Krewella on Collabs in EDM, Going Indie and New Fandom | 17 Sep 2025 | 01:09:46 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf of the groundbreaking electronic duo, Krewella. Krewella has earned billions of streams, a devoted global fanbase, and a place among the first women in EDM to reach major milestones. Featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and performing at Coachella, Lollapalooza, EDC, Tomorrowland, and beyond, Krewella has left an undeniable mark on the scene. After time with Columbia Records and a brief hiatus, they’ve returned with a new single, “Crying on the Dancefloor.” Jahan and Yasmine dive deep into the business of music—covering collaborations, royalty splits, AI tools, and the ever-changing industry landscape. They reflect on how much has shifted over the past nine years, offering candid insights on balancing algorithm demands with authentic artistry. Most importantly, they share their perspective on staying true to yourself as an artist—creatively, spiritually, and personally—in an era of constant external pressure. https://www.instagram.com/krewella/ 04:37 – Intro 06:31 – Slower, intentional process 11:18 – Indie team setup 13:49 – Indie vs. major 19:35 – Grow vs. nurture fans, algorithms 31:09 – song death/rebirth, reviving old songs 35:11 – Collabs & producer roles; splits 45:05 – Remixes/AI/Splice; self-sampling 1:01:05 – Live show: safe, sober, caring 1:08:13 – Making it 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. | |||
| Save the Music Brings Music Education To Schools in Need | 10 Sep 2025 | 01:01:44 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save the Music Foundation which focuses to provide equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide. They do so by donating instruments and music technology to schools, providing resources for music educators and advocating for them on a national level. In this episode, Ari and Henry explore the future of music education in 2025 and how to support Save the Music Foundation. Henry shares the history of the J. Dilla Music Technology Grant—launched with Pharrell’s support—and its impact in classrooms nationwide. They discuss the shift from band and theory toward production and technology, the inequities faced by schools of different socio-economic backgrounds, and how we can all help ensure students have access to music today and in the future 3:19 Introduction 4:19 Role of Music Education in the Industry 8:19 Ari & Henry’s Personal Journeys 13:19 Save the Music Foundation Mission & impact 23:19 Issues in schools 33:19 Cultural Influence: Local culture’s role 43:19 Modern Trends in Tech & Production 53:19 Future: Where music education is headed 58:19 Wrap-up & Call to Action 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. | |||
| Who Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day and Beyonce Turn to for Mental Health Services for Their Tours | 03 Sep 2025 | 01:11:34 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dr. Chayim Newman and Zack Borer, co-founders of Amber Health, an organization dedicated to improving mental health in the music industry. Zack and Dr. Chayim discuss their experience supporting tours for artists like Billie Eilish, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, and more. Their work is reshaping the way the music industry supports the well-being of artists, crew members, and even label teams. In this candid conversation, Dr. Chayim, Zack, and Ari explore the mental health challenges that come with life on the road, the pressures of performance, and the lack of traditional support systems in music. They also share how Amber Health is working to change that—embedding mental health professionals directly into tours and collaborating with labels to build long-term wellness infrastructure. Dr. Chayim and Zack discuss the specific services offered by Amber Health, their impactful work on Olivia Rodrigo's tour, and the broader implications of mental health support in the industry. This conversation underscores the need for sustainable practices and proactive mental health care to ensure the well-being of everyone in the music business. www.amber.health 3:34 Introduction and Welcome 4:04 Importance of Mental Health in the Music Industry 8:34 Dr. Chayim Newman's Background and Journey 13:34 Zack Borer's Experience and Transition to Therapy 18:34 Founding and Mission of Amber Health 23:34 Challenges and Mental Health Issues in the Music Industry 28:34 Amber Health's Approach and Services 33:34 Case Study: Olivia Rodrigo's Tour 38:34 Future of Mental Health Support in Music 43:34 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks 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. | |||
| Old Dominion on Songwriting, Keeping Band Harmony and Maintaining a Die Hard Fan Base | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:54:44 | |
This week, Ari is joined by Matthew Ramsey, lead singer of Old Dominion, to discuss songwriting, touring, and artistic integrity. Old Dominion’s skyscraping anthems and electrifying live shows have put the multi-platinum-selling band at the forefront of country music, with nine No. 1 singles, over five billion streams, and multiple platinum certifications. They are the reigning 8X ACM and 7X CMA “Group of the Year,” holding the record for most consecutive CMA Vocal Group wins. In 2025, they earned their historic 8th consecutive ACM Group of the Year award, breaking all-time records. Their highly anticipated sixth album Barbara (August 22) and the How Good Is That World Tour will take them nationwide in 2025. In this episode, Ari and Matthew explore Old Dominion's creative journey and the stories behind their latest album. They delve into the inspiration for the iconic album cover, the songwriting process, and the balance between being a cover band and original artists. Matthew shares insights on the importance of staying true to one's art and offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about music, creativity, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. https://www.instagram.com/mtramsey https://www.instagram.com/olddominionmusic 3:40 - Introduction and Tour Discussion 5:55 - Who's Barbara? 9:10 - Album Concept and Humor 14:25 - Songwriting Process and "Miss You Man" 21:40 - The Journey to Nashville 29:10 - Balancing Cover Bands and Original Music 36:25 - Choosing Singles and Label Dynamics 43:40 - The Importance of Staying True to Your Art 50:55 - Advice for Young Artists 58:40 - Closing Thoughts on Success 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. | |||
| How Merch Companies Help Artists Thrive | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:13:19 | |
This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Tersha Willis, co-founder and CEO of terrible*, a UK-based merch company known for its artist-first approach. With a background in fashion, Tersha brings a fresh and progressive perspective to the merch game. terrible* runs merch for artists of all levels including Japanese Breakfast, The xx, CMAT, King Krule, Fever Ray, and more. She’s been recognized on the AIM Altpower100 Music List and has spoken at events like BBC Introducing, SXSW, and AIM, as well as being featured in outlets including BBC, C4, Wallpaper Magazine, Vox, and MusicAlly for her innovative work in the music merch industry.
Tersha and Ari discuss the challenges artists face in turning fan support into income—especially in an era dominated by streaming and large conglomerates taking cuts from merch sales. Tersha explains how terrible*’s unique approach, including a merch operating system, helps artists create sustainable income through high-quality, data-informed campaigns. The conversation also covers the nuances of live versus online sales, the power of pre-orders, and innovative direct-to-fan strategies that can turn merch into a vital piece of an artist’s long-term success. https://www.instagram.com/terriblegrp https://www.instagram.com/tersha_willis/ 03:40 – Introduction: Ari welcomes Tersha Willis. 05:41 – The Digital Landscape: Streaming and social media metrics. 09:11 – Terrible Merch: Tersha’s company and approach to merch. 13:41 – Merchandising Operations: How merch companies work. 18:41 – Revenue Models: Ways artists profit from merch. 23:41 – Tips and Merch Sellers: The tipping debate at merch tables. 28:41 – Online and Live Operations: Blending online and live sales. 33:41 – Pre-order Campaigns: Why pre-orders help artists. 38:41 – Creative Merchandising: Engaging fans through merch. 43:41 – Marketing Strategies: Selling artist merchandise. 48:41 – Genre Differences: How genre impacts merch sales. 53:41 – Final Thoughts: Tersha’s view of success. 58:41 – Closing Remarks: Ari wraps up the episode. 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. | |||
| Naethan Apollo Is Building a Fantasy World of Real Fans | 13 Aug 2025 | 01:15:49 | |
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. | |||
| 1 Billion Streams of Children's Music Completely DIY | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:13:15 | |
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. | |||
| How Outside Lands Music Festival Keeps Its Magic | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:57:17 | |
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. 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. | |||
| Should AI Artists Have Fans, Custom Music For Sync | 23 Jul 2025 | 01:32:52 | |
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. | |||
| Jack Harlow and Shaboozey's Management Company has Range | 09 Jul 2025 | 01:08:00 | |
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. They also touch on generative AI music and where we’re heading with all of it. If you're interested in the business of management, this conversation offers a thoughtful look behind the scenes. https://www.instagram.com/itsmattgraham/ 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. | |||
| Michael Seyer is All Vibes Running a DIY Music Career | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:59:50 | |
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 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 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. | |||
| Hit Songwriter/Producer on Publishing Deals and Artists Taking Credit for Songs They Didn't Write | 18 Jun 2025 | 01:03:19 | |
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. | |||