Explore every episode of the podcast The Wholesome Music Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Coachella's history: from plucky boycott to influencer heaven | 31 May 2026 | 00:13:54 | |
No one thought you could have a festival in the desert! Did you know that Coachella, arguably America's most famous music festival, was not originally conceived as a glamorous cash-grab? We track its origins, including how the 90's yarlers Pearl Jam were instrumental in the festival's origins. | |||
| Report: How Instagram can help your music career | 27 May 2026 | 00:20:07 | |
Your super fans are on Instagram! A new report from music Luminate details how Instagram users are different from all other social media groups. Why do they buy more, spend more time with artists off-site, and engage with more music content? And how can you use that to connect your music to more people than ever before? Links | |||
| Live Nation found guilty of being an illegal monopoly | 26 Apr 2026 | 00:12:52 | |
The end of ticket gouging? Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, has been found guilty of operating an illegal monopoly and overcharging fans. Could the company be broken apart? Will this decision make it easier for musicians to operate successful tours? Will concert prices get cheaper?
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| Singer D4VD Finally Arrested | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:05:52 | |
CW: Murder, Child Abuse Reports and online speculation have been circulating around singer D4vd following alleged developments tied to an investigation in the Hollywood Hills. | |||
| How to play the world's biggest music festivals | 18 Apr 2026 | 00:10:20 | |
Do YOU want to play Coachella? It takes more than luck to play the big festivals. We discuss how to think strategically about your goals and approach your career with intention.
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| Bieber at Coachella: Understated Genius or Bored Diva? | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:09:45 | |
$10M to surf YouTube! Justin Bieber promised his Coachella performance would be an exciting comeback, then stunned audiences and critics with his laidback set, whose highlights included watching memes on YouTube. What does the Canadian superstar's new era of laidback stagecraft have to say about culture, stardom, and the passage of time?
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| Kanye's Comeback or Crashout?! | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:14:26 | |
We react to Kanye's comeback, his $33M SoFi Stadium performance, Anthony Fantano's reaction to "Ye's" new album "Bully" and updates on the backlash and evolving situation with cancelation of prominent UK "Wireless Festival" | |||
| Setting boundaries to improve your creative output | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:11:40 | |
We talk boundaries! Cameron shares the reason why he says "no" first, and we talk about how establishing boundaries in your personal and professional life and help your creative career flourish. Next, TikTok and iHeartMedia are forming an unholy alliance, and generating some decent promo ideas in the process. What can you learn from their new partnership? In news, we discuss ElevenLabs' new Music Marketplace, get an update on TaTa Taktumi "signing" to Ne-Yo's Pacific Music Group, as well as discuss an exciting update for Artist Corporations, which represent a brand new way for artists to monetize and own both their work and their labor.
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| DOs and DON’Ts of playlist pitching | 26 Mar 2026 | 01:08:54 | |
A recent SXSW panel has lifted the veil on Spotify playlist pitching, and we have the details. Then we talk about Afroman’s vindication in court over the cops who raided his house in ‘22. What can Chance The Rapper’s ongoing courtroom drama with his manager teach us about contracts? Finally, why is HYBE losing money despite BTS’s record-breaking album release?
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| Why is Rock Music's Hottest Genre Again? | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:15:22 | |
We close out our History of Music Production series on a high note with a fascinating discussion on the weird history of delay: from hijacking telephone wires to oil cans, it just keeps getting more bizarre. Next, pundits have been saying for a long time that rock music is dead and the future of music is country. But not so fast! Rock music seems to be having a cultural resurgence and we get into why.
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| Beyond Spotify for Indie Musicians | 12 Mar 2026 | 01:11:08 | |
Our History of Music Production series rolls on with the history of reverb. Just think: they used to dig underground chambers to get the sound that now comes free with every DAW. Next, we discuss a great post by the music marketer Finch Bergling about some things more important than Spotify, which turned into an extended chat on the power of PR.
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| The Music Industry Takes Aim at Suno | 05 Mar 2026 | 01:02:02 | |
We continue our History of Music Production series (the name for which we can not remember during our recording session!) with a look at the history of equalizers, aka EQ. After that, industry leaders are taking aim at Suno. We look at a couple open letters written by some prominent industry watchers. Don't let the AI bros fool you into thinking AI music is inevitable! Speaking of AI, Sony has released several papers about how their AI detection technology works, and where it still falls short. And a big change is coming to how artists get paid when their music is played on TikTok. Finally, we respond to handful of comments you've all made online. Thank you for joining us, asking questions, challenging us, and even calling out our mistakes! Lastly, our Take It Or Leave It segment explores the two most common things you will do with EQ, which is adding or subtracting—knowing this will seriously help your mixes! Links
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| AI Music News — May 2026 | 24 May 2026 | 00:10:49 | |
What working musicians need to know about AI music. We share the unexpected acquisitions, under-the-radar features, latest lawsuits and even unexpected academic research behind the headlines. Subscribe for more AI music news without the hype.
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| Epstein's Plans for the Music Industry | 26 Feb 2026 | 01:07:41 | |
Our History of Music Production series carries on with the history of compressors and limiters—from the early radio days to today's exciting plugins and everything in between. This series is not a tutorial, but a bit of background and context so you really know what you're talking about in your next session. Next, Jeffrey Epstein's unrealized plans for the music industry have been revealed. It's as vile as you think, but it says a lot about how elites think of the industry as well as the women who populate it. Composer and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood thinks that music should be elevated above the concerns of politics. We discuss his remarks, and we actually don't entirely disagree with him. In news, Google is making big strides in the AI music production scene with a big acquisition, we'll talk about how that shakes up the AI industry, and close out with a look at Soundcloud's latest report, with tons of actionable items for underground musicians and labels.
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| Princeton Offers a New "Women in Hip Hop" Course | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:06:28 | |
We continue our History of Music Production series with the history of microphones. Then we take a look at some prominent hip hop music college programs, and discuss what the state of hip hop in higher education says about the times we live in (also, Cameron reveals some more of his lore). In news, we discuss Casey Wasserman selling his namesake agency, Spotify's next "AI Derivatives" move, UMG's acquisition of Downtown, and finally finally(!) get some clarity on what Sony's AI strategy is.
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| CEO of Wasserman in the Epstein files | 12 Feb 2026 | 01:04:29 | |
We kick off our "History of Music Production" series with The History of Mixing and Mastering: what is mixing, how does it differ from mastering? Then, Casey Wasserman, founder and CEO of Wasserman agency, who represents a huge swath of the music industry, is in the Epstein files, and his clients and employees are speaking out. Udio and Suno have differing visions for the future of AI music. Finally, Cameron leaves you with some sage advice about how to fix your most common mix issues.
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| Activism at the 2026 GRAMMYs | 05 Feb 2026 | 01:02:41 | |
Plus, how can you keep your venue safe from ICE? We have a checklist that will help you prepare. Also, Spotify and the major labels are suing activist and archive group Anna's Archive for 13 trillion dollars (that's "trillion" with a "T"). Then, which musicians are in the Epstein files so far? Finally, this week's Take It Or Leave It advice helps your songs get more radio play. Links
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| What's your 2026 music release strategy? | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:17:26 | |
It's a new year and many of us are thinking about how to plan out our music drops. How should you plan your year? And what about your music video strategy? We look at how music videos remain relevant—and how they don't.
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| Bandcamp Bans AI Music | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:49:22 | |
Bandcamp recently announced, "music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp." But what does that mean, and how will they enforce it? We dive in. In good news, we share a fundraising effort by Fender and Habitat for Humanity to raise money for housing in LA by auctioning custom guitars made from trees affected by last year's fires. Then we discuss a new global initiative by Universal Music Group to empower music education. Is it a good thing, or just another corporate cashgrab?
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| Minneapolis & ICE | 15 Jan 2026 | 01:08:33 | |
We have roots in Minneapolis, and felt we couldn't have just a regular episode given the murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis at the hands of ICE agents. What can musicians do in times like this? We read Renee Good's wife's statement in its entirety, as a way of honoring her memory and life's work. Next: Spotify has said they're no longer running ICE ads but it's not because of a moral stance. We talk about how independent journalism is a form of resistance, and what lessons we can learn as musicians from the fracturing news media landscape—and what they could learn from us. In news, we look at one company (Bose) making some pro-consumer moves, discuss Elon's lawsuit against music publishers (how much money is enough for this guy?), and finally look at a class action lawsuit claiming that Ticketmaster is surveilling its customers illegally. This week's Take It Or Leave It advice has to do with how to set up your vocal chain when recording.
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| State of the GRAMMYs / Rap embraces art / YouTube vs Billboards / Spotify hacked | 08 Jan 2026 | 01:09:36 | |
We're back for 2026 with a look at the Grammy's. Are they still relevant? What's it take to get nominated? Is being part of the Grammy's something indie artists should aspire to? Next we look at how rap is embracing the visual art world. YouTube is set to stop reporting to Billboard because of a disagreement between the two organizations about how free streams should be counted. Finally, Spotify has been hacked! Who did it, what did they steal, and how can you get in on it?
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| All About Christmas Music | 25 Dec 2025 | 00:14:04 | |
Kids, mom and dad love you very much, but things got a little hectic this holiday season, so we just got you something small... a Christmas mini-episode! We talk about holiday music strategy, trends in Christmas music—including why it starts so early now—and how and why musicians choose to do so many Christmas songs. It may be a little late for this year, but we'll set you up to succeed for next year.
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| Gene Simmons testifies before Congress / iHeartRadio 'guaranteed human' / Jay-Z invests in K-Pop | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:44:17 | |
They say politics make for strange bedfellows, and that's never been more true than when The Wholesome Music Podcast is forced to give props to Gene Simmons (who is gross). He recently testified before US Congress, urging them to close the loophole that lets radio stations not pay for music. Next, we catch up on iHeartRadio's efforts to brand themselves as "Guaranteed Human," and finally we look at investments Jay Z is making in K-pop and "K-culture" and what that could mean for the future of music. Links
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| BLUE DOT FEVER — Why are so many artists cancelling their shows? | 20 May 2026 | 00:20:02 | |
Is the concert industry cooked? Lackluster sales are causing artists to cancel shows—and even entire tours! What's behind the trend, what does it say about the music industry, and what does the data REALLY say?
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| Is Spotify Wrapped cooked? / Vinyl sales still growing / Dan Wilson's songwriting tip | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:46:39 | |
Are you sure that Spotify actually knows what your musical taste is? And do you really want to outsource your opinions to a profit-driven algorithm? It's Spotify Wrapped season! Next, we look at 2025 vinyl sales trends. Vinyl is on the rise, but why? And what do you need to know about vinyl for your own career? Finally, we talk songwriting: mega-songwriter Dan Wilson shares great tips on songwriting, and we discuss natural language, why it's dominating the charts, and how you can use it in your songs!
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| The Nostalgia Episode: Are Bands Obsolete? / Phone Bans at Raves / MP3 Players Return / Local Music In Decline | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:57:09 | |
This episode has a decidedly backwards-looking approach. Did you know the last time a band had a #1 song on the US charts was all the way back in 2001? We dig into why are there so few bands in the charts these days. Next we look at two retro trends and discuss if they're linked as well as what they say about tech backlash in the music industry. Finally, we talk about why local music is in decline in Australia, why that matters globally, and what can be done about it. Links
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| Copyrighting Your Music / Gratitude / Major 3 AI "Strategic Partnerships" / Backlash to TIDAL / Tyler, The Creator / Travis Scott's Record Breaking Tour | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:04:58 | |
Should YOU register your music with the copyright office? Our final installment on How Musicians Get Paid has answers! Next, in the spirt of Thanksgiving we talk about what we're grateful for in our music careers this year. After that: a major spate of music industry and AI collaborations were announced... but what does it actually mean? We discuss the backlash to Tidal's new upload program, then look at a few hip hop artists still making moves in 2025 (Hip Hop is not dead!).
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| How Performers Get Paid / TIDAL's New Upload Feature / Spotify Buys WhoSampled / Suno Fundraiser / AI-Generated Country Is Charting | 20 Nov 2025 | 01:16:08 | |
Part three of our "How Musicians Get Paid" series zeroes in on how performers get paid, including the ins and outs of distribution, SoundExchange, and a couple little-known revenue sources for session musicians. We look at TIDAL's new direct upload feature and what this means for indie musicians and the culture. We profile a recent Spotify acquisition and their new efforts to offer more robust credits and discuss SUNO's new fundraising. Finally, we react to "Walk My Walk," the new AI-generated song that is actually charting in the Billboard country charts. Links
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| How Songwriters Get Paid / Publishing Deals / Spotify’s Payola Lawsuit / Ireland’s UBI / Kanye West's “Apology” | 13 Nov 2025 | 01:01:52 | |
Part two of our "How musicians get paid" series dives into how songwriters make money, followed by a discussion on publishing deals. Then we break down Spotify’s new “payola” lawsuit, look at Ireland’s universal basic income for musicians, and talk about Kanye West’s recent public apology. A lil’ music-biz, a lil’ legal tea, and a whole lot of game for songwriters trying to level up.
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| Origins of Music Copyright / No Rap In Top 40 / PRO's Allow Partial AI / Billie Eilish Calls Out Zuck / Cam'Ron vs. J. Cole | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:06:52 | |
For months we've been promising you a breakdown on how to get paid in the music industry, and we launch part one of this discussion with a quick overview on the history of music copyright, to help us understand why music copyright is so convoluted. After that, we look at why there are no rap songs in the Billboard Top 40 — the first time since 1990. In AI news, ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have announced new plans to accept some kinds of AI authorship. Next, we cheer on Billie Eilish for calling out Mark Zuckerberg for being a POS billionaire. Finally, what does the beef between Cam'Ron and J. Cole about their song "Ready '24" teach us about contracts and split sheets?
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| Creative Restrictions / Billboard Tweaks / Lizzo Sued / Chappell Roan's LGBTQ+ Support / YouTube's Massive Payout | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:58:33 | |
Can you place creative restrictions on yourself and actually grow as an artist? We use a fun blog post as a jumping off point to discuss how "doing less" can actually fuel your process. Next, we look at how Billboard is tweaking its "Hot 100" charts, and what that means for who will chart (or not). Lizzo—no stranger to lawsuits—is facing another one about an unreleased song, presenting an interesting wrinkle in how samples are monetized. We celebrate Chappell Roan's Midwest Princess Project which is donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to LGBTQ+ organizations, and finally look at YouTube's massive $8B music industry payout and implications for your social media output, as well as the music industry as a whole.
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| Crushing It On Gig Day / SoundExchange AI Registry / Timbaland's Soulless New AI Artist / UMG's Influencer App / Beatport Ticketing | 22 Oct 2025 | 01:02:23 | |
Finally it's gig day! After all the rehearsals and promotion, it's time to jump on stage and show the crowd what you've got. How do you make the best of this day, make sure it goes smoothly, and get the most of your opportunity? We'll share some hard-earned experiences and lessons. Next, we look at SoundExchange's new global AI registry, what it does (and doesn't) do. Then, our first villain Timbaland (see ep. 3 for more) returns with a new AI artist called Tata Taktumi, and we react to "her" music video. Next we discuss UMG's new influencer app and initiative called "House of Carmen" before turning our attention to Beatport's new ticketing initiative and what it could mean for the future of ticketing in the music industry.
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| Pitching Yourself / Handling Rejection / Live Nation / Spotify x ChatGPT / Taylor Swift / The Downfall of Drake | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:25:57 | |
We break down how to pitch yourself as an artist — from telling your story and defining your “why” to stating your artistic pedigree. Next we also unpack Bob Brody’s piece “Stay True to Yourself – and Fly Closer to the Sun” and his lessons from 50 years of rejection. Then we look at how Portland’s music scene stood up to Live Nation–Ticketmaster, and dive into Spotify’s new ChatGPT integration that’s changing how artists get discovered. Finally, we briefly dunk on Drake for losing his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar. Links
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| Marketing Masterclass / AI Music Detection / Ticketmaster CEO Says Tickets are Too Cheap / Ed Sheeran's Plans for Dying / Spotify in Serato | 09 Oct 2025 | 01:12:05 | |
We discuss a marketing masterclass to help you cut through the noise and get your music heard. Then we look at the newest AI detection measures from Spotify, Universal, and Sony Music. We share Ed Sheeran's plan for his posthumous album. Then we deploy our dueling hot takes about ticket prices. Finally, we look at the new D4VD updates (with a CW for violence and grooming).
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| Protecting your masters in 2026 | 17 May 2026 | 00:18:17 | |
Indie musicians NEED to do this! Your songs aren't just content — they're your catalog! How can you protect your catalog from bad deals, and use your assets to your maximum advantage? We break it down. | |||
| Cover Songs / Coachella Booking / Avoiding Burnout / GFY Records / Kate Hudson / Green Day / D4VD Update | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:58:38 | |
We answer one of the most commonly asked questions in music: how do I legally cover other people's songs? Hint: it's easier than you think! Then we take a deep dive into all the agencies, labels, artists, and genres behind this year's Coachella, and what the data reveals about the state of the music industry. Next we discuss tools and strategies for avoiding burnout when it comes to the business side of your career. Then some news about Kate Hudson, Green Day, and songwriter Julia Michaels' new label, GFY Records. And an update on the D4VD story.
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| Reaching Gatekeepers / Bad Bunny Skips America / 21 Pilots vs Temu / King Gizz on Bandcamp / D4VD / Kanye | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:52:33 | |
Like it or not, gatekeepers are a part of the music industry. We talk about some ways to connect with gatekeepers, and help you get a "Yes!" Next, we discuss how Bad Bunny is protecting his audience from ICE by skipping America on his upcoming world tour. We look at 21 Pilots' lawsuit against Temu, what King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are doing on Bandcamp, get juicy with the D4VD gossip, and round it out with a Kanye West's Donda Academy — who could have possibly expected Ye wasn't up to the job of running a school? Links
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| Beating the Algorithm Blues / Musicians Unions / Marketing Automation / Vinyl Safe from Tariffs | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:41:28 | |
Everyone's talking about AI and algorithms but there are still plenty of people and places to find human-curated music, so we highlight a few places to look. Next we profile UMAW — United Musicians and Allied Workers — who have been doing great work to support indie and DIY musicians. We talk about some tools designed to automate your music marketing, and go over the latest on tariffs and vinyl.
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| Running a DIY Space / SEO for Musicians / Fully Licensed Generative AI / Spotify Messages / YouTube Hype | 11 Sep 2025 | 01:12:46 | |
We talk about what we've learned from years of running DIY spaces, events, and groups, and how you can apply these lessons to your own career. Then we go over some great tips for SEO and discoverability for musicians. On the AI front, we discuss a new generative AI model that claims to be fully licensed (and how we might be wrong about AI slop), look at the latest developments on Suno's indie artist lawsuit, and how a lawsuit in the book publishing industry could impact musicians. Finally we look a couple new features from streamers, including YouTube Hype and Spotify's messages.
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| Email vs Social Media / Monetizing Superfans / Quitting Social Media / Radio Rate Increase / Lil Nas X | 04 Sep 2025 | 01:14:56 | |
We discuss the the pros and cons of email marketing vs social media. Then we highlight an artist who has quit social media and streaming entirely. We discuss the new ASCAP and BMI rate increases for radio, go over a service to promote live events on YouTube, and discuss how the streaming economy is unflattening as streaming services look to capitalize on superfans. We talk about Lil Nas X, Taylor and Travis, Chance The Rapper's comeback, and finally Apple Music's new LA studios. Links
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| Music Lawyers / The Truth About Recoupment / Fair Use / Money For Songwriters | 27 Aug 2025 | 01:01:59 | |
Are music lawyers the biggest secret in the music industry? How do major labels ACTUALLY recoup your money — the math is worse than you think! What is "Fair Use" and how is it impacting YouTube? How songwriters are adapting to the new rules of the music industry. Also, Cameron drops his Chappell Roan hot take.
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| Artists Leaving Spotify / Standing Up Against the Genocide in Gaza / Yung Thug and the RAP Act / YouTube fighting AI slop / Certified Generative AI | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:03:04 | |
A number of established artists are leaving Spotify. Should you? Should we? How artists support each other as they stand up against the genocide in Gaza. Yung Thug and the RAP act. The collective building the next Bandcamp. We have an update on Super Fans. We spotlight ONErpm. What's YouTube doing to combat AI slop on their platform? And how can artists use AI to help their careers — without generating songs? Links
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| DIY Music Videos pt. 2 / Music Management / Superfans / Soundcloud's AI Policy | 13 Aug 2025 | 01:06:25 | |
We got so excited to talk about DIY music videos that we came back around for another round. When should you shoot vertical or horizontal? How can you find great locations? What video editing software is best? After that, we look at the proliferation of music business education. How does a degree stack up against real-world experience? We talk about superfans, their importance, and caveats when promoting to them. What kinds of communities will develop as a backlash against AI music? And a look at how Soundcloud updated their AI policy.
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| DIY music videos / New tax breaks for musicians / Warner layoffs / The future of TikTok | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:43:47 | |
What's it take to make a DIY music video? Also, some rare good news from the government in 2025: the HITS act is a new tax break for indie musicians! We discuss layoffs at Warner Music Group. And what's the latest news for TikTok, and what does it mean for musicians?
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| Activism / The Velvet Sundown / Social Media / Compilations / Zines / Sample Packs / Artist Corporations | 03 Aug 2025 | 01:00:09 | |
What is “adding value” on social media? How can musicians use their platform to help others? Zines and other forms of physical media are making a comeback. The co-founder of Kickstarter introduces artist corporations. The death of the middle class musician. We also wade into the fake AI bands controversy, including Velvet Sundown. Links
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| From SONG to STRATEGY: getting the most out of each release | 13 May 2026 | 00:18:15 | |
Your content needs to go further! We've all been there: your music is great, but how do you get people to listen and care? That's where STRATEGY comes in. Whether you are a reluctant poster or a screentime junkie, you need a plan to turn your songs into evergreen content. | |||
| Money / Day Jobs / Vinyl Costs / Tariffs / AI Brainrot | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:46:48 | |
Everyone in the music industry has a day job. The people who make a living in the music industry serve others. Most of us are actually consumers and hobbyists — and that’s okay. Meanwhile, Project 2025 and the administration is coming for your vinyl. Finally, is ChatGPT cooking your brain? LINKS
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| Analytics / Failed Promo Tactics / AI + Record Labels / Indie Execs Sound Off / Better Rhyme Schemes | 24 Jul 2025 | 01:17:42 | |
Let's talk about analytics and dashboards! What music promo tactics are cooked in 2025? And what works, according to indie music executives? Suno and Udio's potential licensing deal with major labels could be a major shift in creators rights. New Grammy category. We also explore previously unheard of rhyme schemes. Links
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| Good Collabs / LA in 2025 / Mental Health / TikTok for Artists / Timbaland's Weird AI Take / Goldman Sachs Music Forecast | 16 Jul 2025 | 01:00:36 | |
What makes a good recording session or a good collaborator? What's really going on in LA in 2025? (Spoiler: it's not an urban hellscape warzone). We'll also share some artist mental health resources, discuss TikTok's new artist tools, and stare deeply at Timbaland's very weird take on AI. A Goldman Sachs report gets reviewed — shout out to global banking, we love you. Oh, and our transition game is impeccable.
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| Social Media for Musicians Who Don’t Like to Do Social Media | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:46:59 | |
Cameron Ljungkull and Augustus Watkins break down social media strategies for reluctant posters. Then we talk about the way the tech industry has changed the "soft power" of American culture, share some mental health resources for musicians, and discuss the new era of 360 deals. We also tempt fate by calling out UMG's famously rowdy legal team.
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