The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

This month, for Women's History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite New Music Business episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode highlights star music supervisor Jen Malone. She has placed music and worked on Euphoria, Atlanta, Creed 2, The Resident, Boomerang, Baskets, Shelter, Lady Dynamite, Step Up, and more. Jen has over a decade of highly esteemed experience in the industry.In this episode, Jen goes into depth about what music supervisors do and the business of sync licensing. She gives great advice on how independent artists can get their music synced and things to look out for in contracts and fee negotiations. If you want to know how to pitch your music to supervisors with the best chance of striking a deal, this is the episode for you.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Music Supervision02:55 Navigating the Music Supervision Landscape05:59 The Role of a Music Supervisor08:55 The Evolution of Music Syncing12:00 Tools of the Trade14:59 Finding and Pitching Music18:00 Understanding Music Ownership21:08 The Process of Music Supervision in TV and Film24:05 Collaboration with Composers27:09 The Differences Between Film and TV Music Supervision33:40 Managing Multiple Projects35:21 The Role of Personal Taste in Music Supervision37:22 Juxtaposition in Music Placement42:26 Impact of Music Placements on Independent Artists46:04 The Evolution of Sync Licensing50:19 Workflow and Project Management in Music Supervision51:59 Differences in Working with Streaming Platforms vs. Traditional Networks54:30 The Importance of Fair Compensation for Artists58:03 Protecting Artist Rights in Sync Licensing01:03:42 Advice for Independent Artists in Sync LicensingEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, for Women's History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite New Music Business episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode highlights award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, Imogen Heap. Imogen Heap has released five solo albums, an album as one half of Frou Frou, and has collaborated with countless other stars including Taylor Swift, Nitin Sawhney, Deadmau5, Eric Whitacre, Jeff Beck and Jon Hopkins. Heap, recognized as an artist’s artist, has won two Grammys and an Ivor Novello award. She holds three honorary doctorates for her work on ‘MI.MU gloves’ and ’The Creative Passport’—two prominent music tech companies that work to empower creatives. In this episode, Ari and Imogen discuss NFTs, metadata and payment transparency and how to properly credit (and pay) creators using the blockchain. Overall, how to make the future of music more equitable for musicians.Chapters00:00 The Fragmented Music Industry02:52 Imogen Heap: A Pioneer in Music and Technology05:55 The Creative Passport: Empowering Artists09:11 Data Transparency and Royalty Distribution12:04 The Role of DSPs and Data Integrity14:52 The Future of Music Royalties17:55 Building a Better Music Ecosystem21:02 Blockchain and the Future of Music23:46 Interoperability and Charitable Contributions29:06 Navigating NFTs and Environmental Concerns34:23 The Future of NFTs in Art37:12 Building a Community Through Technology46:58 AI as a Creative Partner54:36 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode spotlights Grammy-nominated, hit singer and songwriter Bonnie McKee. Since the early 2000s, McKee has written 10 singles that have reached #1 in the US and UK, which have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide combined.McKee is particularly known for collaborating with Katy Perry, co-writing hits such as “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream”, “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)“, “Part of Me,” “Wide Awake” and “Roar” together. She also co-wrote “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz, which became the second-best-selling song by a British artist in the digital era. Additional artists who she has worked with include Britney Spears, Kesha, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Mike Tompkins. Last year, she released her album Hot City featuring the hit single “American Girl.”Chapters00:00 The Art of Songwriting: Balancing Familiarity and Creativity03:02 Bonnie McKee: A Journey Through Songwriting and Independence06:06 Exploring the World of Film: From Music to Directing08:59 The Dynamics of Songwriting Sessions: Collaboration and Creativity11:52 Navigating the Music Industry: The Role of Songwriters14:47 Contrasting Nashville and LA: Different Approaches to Songwriting17:47 The Challenges of Being a Female Songwriter and Producer21:31 Gender Dynamics in Music Production24:44 Navigating Songwriting and Royalties27:46 The Art of Songwriting: Balancing Authenticity and Popularity30:48 Song Doctoring: The Business Side of Refining Songs32:57 The Controversy of Song Credits34:05 Creating 'Roar': A Triumph Over Misogyny37:42 Shifts in the Music Industry: A Personal Perspective40:32 Advice for Aspiring SongwritersEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Simon Tikhman, the co-founder of The Core Entertainment and The Core Records. The Core Entertainment first made waves as an artist management company, guiding the careers of major country stars like Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith. After demonstrated success in management, The Core Entertainment partnered with Universal Music Group to launch The Core Records.During this episode, Simon and Ari discuss the careers of The Core Entertainment’s breakout artists, Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith. Simon explains how both artists achieved success in drastically different ways—Nate landed his record deal at age 36 after grinding for many years in Nashville, while Bailey broke out on TikTok in his early 20s. Simon outlines the value in each of these paths and explains how Nashville treats artists differently if they have found success the traditional way versus through social media. This episode also goes into detail about what the Nashville country music scene looks like today, the nuances between Nashville labels and coastal labels, and the ins and outs of artist management. If you’re curious about how to break as a country artist in 2025, this episode is for you.https://www.instagram.com/thecoreent/Chapters00:00 The Importance of Country Radio04:58 Simon Tikhman's Journey to Artist Management16:19 Building The Core Entertainment and Nashville Connections24:12 Nate Smith's Breakthrough in Country Music33:53 Bailey Zimmerman's Rise as a New Artist35:21 The Rise of Bailey Zimmerman41:10 Navigating the Music Industry44:47 The Importance of Labels in Country Music52:08 The New Paradigm for Country Artists56:51 Social Media's Role in Artist Development01:06:42 Defining Success in the Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Marc Caruso, the CEO and co-founder of Angry Mob Music, an independent music publisher based in LA. Aside from being an advocate for independent artists in the publishing world, Marc is a composer, producer, and Emmy-nominated music editor himself. He is also a board member and former President of the LA chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, a member of The Recording Academy, and a member of The Motion Picture Editors Guild.In this episode, Marc describes the evolving landscape of music publishing, particularly in the context of our streaming economy. He breaks down essential terms, like ‘music publishing’ itself, ‘copyright’, and ‘royalties’, before diving into the deeper complexities of the publishing world. Marc is incredibly transparent about how the money gets made at his publishing company—giving detailed accounts of how much sync licenses pay these days and what royalties look like for microsyncs on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Rounding out a more global view, Marc and Ari discuss Universal’s deal with Spotify, the MLC’s failed lawsuit against Spotify and what all this means for independent publishers and independent songwriters. https://www.instagram.com/angrymobmusic/Chapters00:00 The Shift from Sales to Streaming Economy04:07 Understanding Music Publishing12:50 The Role of Angry Mob Music16:55 Revenue Streams in Music Publishing21:30 The Importance of Sync Licensing22:00 Sync Fees and Their Variability29:44 Sync in Film and Advertising34:34 Micro Sync and Social Media Platforms39:41 Navigating Music Licensing for Creators45:24 The Complexities of Music Rights on Social Media49:11 The Role of Music Publishers and Advocacy57:02 Inequities in the Music Industry01:10:30 Empowering Independent Artists and PublishersEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Liz Pelly, a prominent music journalist and author of the new book Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist. Liz’s journalism has appeared in NPR, The Guardian, and Pitchfork among other prestigious publications. Preceded by an exposé in Harper’s Magazine, Pelly’s latest work, Mood Machine, pulls back the curtain on Spotify’s exploitative practices and uncovers how those practices impact artists and listeners. In this episode, Liz gives the low down on research she conducted for the book and explains how Spotify has unfairly conspired with major labels since its launch. As she does in Mood Machine, Liz calls out Spotify’s Perfect Fit Content (PFC) program and explains how its use of ghost artists degrades the integrity of their model for all. Ari and Liz discuss the value of music and how that can differ in the eyes of major corporations and individuals. Whether you’re an artist, label, or listener who uses Spotify, this episode will help you understand the impact Spotify’s model has on your relationship to music.https://www.instagram.com/lizpelly Harper’s article: https://harpers.org/archive/2025/01/the-ghosts-in-the-machine-liz-pelly-spotify-musicians/Chapters00:00 The Inner Workings of Spotify12:48 Ghost Artists and the PFC Program37:50 Spotify's Launch and Major Label Relationships41:26 The Evolution of Streaming Contracts44:14 Valuing Music: A Cultural Perspective49:43 The Impact of Streaming on Music Value56:10 Algorithms and the Personalization of Music01:01:20 The Role of Music in Society01:07:23 Future Solutions for Musicians01:19:38 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Luis Navarro and Joel Niño Jr. of the duo Twin Tribes. This dark wave band out of Brownsville, TX has been gaining impressive momentum on the gothic scene—and they’re doing it entirely DIY. Twin Tribes releases their music through DistroKid and has over 30 million streams with nearly a million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. They have toured the world and managed their growing success completely independently.In this episode, Twin Tribes tells Ari all about how they’ve built their DIY operation from the ground up. They share about how they’ve partnered with record labels to utilize their physical product offerings (CDs, cassette tapes, vinyls, etc) while still maintaining full independence as artists. Luis and Joel also break down the potent visuals behind the Twin Tribes brand and how they developed their aesthetic. This conversation is an inspiring example of how finding your niche and building a DIY community can help catapult your career. https://www.instagram.com/twin_tribes/Chapters00:00 The Genesis of Twin Tribes02:53 Building a DIY Community06:03 The Role of Aesthetics in Music08:51 Discovering the Gothic Scene12:13 The Cassette Era and Initial Releases15:10 Growing Through Live Performances17:58 Transitioning to Full-Time Musicians20:51 Strategic Partnerships and Touring24:04 The Evolution of Their Sound and Success28:21 Navigating DIY Music Partnerships30:42 Building a Digital Strategy for Streaming Success36:24 Creating Ambitious Music Videos44:23 Crafting a Cohesive Aesthetic and Vision50:36 Engaging with Fans and Community53:04 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Twin TribesEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Alex Taggart, an expert on the Chinese music market. Alex spent 10 years in China overseeing local strategy for clients such as Dua Lipa, Diplo, Lauv, John Legend and so many more. He now works independently, managing artists through his own company, Isle of Management. Alex’s main focus is bringing globally-minded talent to local audiences worldwide.This conversation gives a comprehensive introduction to the Chinese music industry. Whether you’re well-versed in this market or know virtually nothing about it, you will learn a ton from this episode. Alex highlights various DSPs used in China (i.e. their versions of Spotify/Apple music) and explains the inner workings of Chinese social platforms. If you’re an artist looking to break into China, Alex offers actionable steps to get your music on their radar. In fact, you might already be big in China and not even realize it! Alex shares important info about how to check your music’s traction in China. If you’re interested in booking shows or touring through the country, this episode is for you, too. Enjoy this breakdown of the multifaceted Chinese music market!https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-taggart-music/ Chapters00:00 Collaborating for Success in China01:51 Understanding the Chinese Music Market07:55 Music Consumption and Streaming Platforms in China15:59 Checking Your Traction in China20:38 Revenue Streams for Artists23:57 Monetization in the Chinese Music Industry35:41 Navigating Publishing and Rights Management37:07 Understanding China's Music Publishing Landscape40:01 Navigating the Challenges of Music Rights in China44:27 Exploring Touring Opportunities in China49:50 Strategies for Artists to Break into the Chinese Market54:12 The Role of Competition Shows in Artist Development01:01:19 Leveraging Collaborations for Market Entry01:12:01 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Tor Hermansen, half of the production/songwriter duo Stargate. Stargate has written and produced major hit songs for artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, and Coldplay, to name a few. Tor has billions of streams, has written and produced 10 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles in the US and 11 in the UK. He has won 2 Grammy Awards and received the ASCAP songwriter of the year award twice. Stargate’s writer and producer credits include Beyoncé’s global hit “Irreplaceable,” Beyoncé and Shakira’s “Beautiful Liar,” extensive work with Rihanna including “Rude Boy,” “Don’t Stop The Music,” “Only Girl (In the World),” What’s My Name, “S&M, “Diamonds,” Selena Gomez’ “Come & Get It” and “Same Old Love,” Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Most recently, the team produced Coldplay’s album A Head Full of Dreams, co-wrote and produced Julia Michael’s current hit “Issues.”Tor talks about the process of songwriting and producing, working with artists and topliners. He shares great advice on how to write and work in the room with other songwriters, producers, and topliners. Tor also shares valuable insight on demoing, writing, re-writing, scaling up a musical production, and more. Ari and Tor dive deep into the business end of songwriting and producing as well; they discuss the 9-month intensive LAAMP program (Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Producers) Tor and his Stargate partner Mikkel Eriksen created for aspiring artists, songwriters, and producers in LA and how to get involved. If you’re interested in how songwriting and producing works at the hit level, this episode is for you!https://www.instagram.com/stargate/https://www.laampmusic.com/Chapters00:00 No Compromising in Music Creation00:33 Introduction to Tora Hermanson and Stargate02:51 Songwriting and Production Process Insights04:41 The Evolution of Music Production10:19 The Pitch Game: Is It Dead?13:14 Identifying a Hit: The Unpredictable Nature16:03 The Role of Social Media in Music Success18:52 Adapting to New Mediums: TikTok and Streaming21:27 The Creation of 'Issues' with Julia Michaels24:41 Evolving Production Techniques27:51 Collaboration and Song Development30:33 Creative Freedom in the Final Product32:11 The Art of Collaboration in Songwriting37:01 Navigating the Songwriting Process46:59 The Business of Songwriting and Representation49:16 Building a Career as a Songwriter56:45 Creating a Nurturing Environment for Artists01:04:50 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with George Karalexis & Donna Budica, the co-founders and CEO/COO (respectively) of TEN2 Media, a content distribution and marketing company that helps artists and labels maximize revenue and growth on YouTube. TEN2 Media partners with Warner Music Group, UnitedMasters, Travis Barker, Benson Boone, Brent Faiyaz, and more. They specialize in marketing, monetization, and collection on the YouTube platform, all of which you’ll hear about in this episode. This entire episode is dedicated to YouTube for music—artists and labels in particular. Donna and George share stats about how listeners interact with YouTube, how people discover new music on the platform, and what it means that YouTube is the #1 music discovery platform right now. They break down the components of YouTube monetization and do a deep dive into companies that help artists manage their YouTube channels and revenue. If you’re wondering how to up your YouTube game, the most effective ways to use YouTube these days, and all the various tools that exist on the platform (shorts, music videos, vlog content, lyric videos, playlists, storytelling, UGC [user-generated content], etc.), this is the episode for you.https://www.ten2.media/Kristin Robinson Billboard Article: How Did Two Unknown Latin Music Operators Make $23 Million From YouTube? The IRS Says They Stole ItChapters00:00 The Evolution of YouTube in Music03:13 Understanding YouTube's Unique Role06:02 Strategies for Artists on YouTube08:49 The Power of YouTube Analytics12:07 Monetization Mechanics on YouTube15:00 Navigating YouTube's Revenue Streams37:12 Understanding YouTube's Viewer Demographics40:09 The Evolution of Cover Videos and UGC42:55 The Long Game: YouTube vs. TikTok43:51 Strategies for Emerging Artists48:03 Navigating YouTube's Complex Revenue System56:13 The Future of Distribution for Indie Artists01:01:25 Filling the Void for Emerging Artists01:09:01 When to Start Taking YouTube Seriously01:12:07 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Cody Fry, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and orchestral arranger known for his symphonic arrangements of his own music and other artists’ songs. Cody has been nominated for two grammys for arranging: this year for his adaptation of “The Sound of Silence” and previously for “Eleanor Rigby.” An incredible musician all around, Cody has found his niche fronting orchestras in a way that appeals to pop music lovers around the world.Cody has played Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Kennedy Center, and has hundreds of millions of streams online. In 2021, his song “I Hear a Symphony” (which had already been out for five years) went viral on TikTok and landed Cody a major record deal. In this episode, Cody talks about what it was like working with a major label and the specifics of his record deal. He also tells Ari why he decided to eventually leave the label and go independent once again. https://www.codyfry.com/Chapters00:00 The Artist's Journey: From Aspiration to Independence02:50 Cody Fry: The Orchestral Innovator06:02 Crafting Sound: The Art of Orchestration08:52 Finding Your Unique Sound as an Artist11:58 The Viral Breakthrough: TikTok and Its Impact15:08 Navigating Record Deals: Insights and Experiences18:02 The Transition to Independence: A New Chapter20:52 Performing with Orchestras: A Unique Experience23:55 The Future of Music: Independence and Innovation39:54 Navigating the Music Business Without a Manager42:44 The Importance of Team Members in Music43:14 Non-Traditional Team Members and Their Roles46:07 Managing Sheet Music and Publishing Rights54:35 Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams for Artists01:01:09 Creating Engaging Content for a Niche Audience01:04:02 Future Aspirations and New Music Projects01:08:13 Understanding the Value of Record Deals01:19:37 The Evolving Landscape of the Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Katie Tucker, a double-platinum songwriter, vocal producer, studio owner, and the visionary behind Sharp Edges Records with its accompanying recording studio. As a songwriter, Katie has crafted hit songs for renowned artists like Namie Amuro, BoA, and Jota Quest. She has amassed millions of streams as a recording artist and her music has been featured on major platforms including ABC, USA, VH1, Fox, Disney, Peacock, and Hulu. A defining moment in her career came with "Do It For Love," featured on Namie Amuro's album Finally, cementing her status as a double-platinum songwriter.These days, however, Katie spends most of her time in advocacy and running Sharp Edges Records. One of the main reasons Katie started her record label/studio was to create a safe space for her clients within the industry. Katie started No Creeps!, an event and movement advocating for mental health, safety, and inclusivity in the music industry as a further expression of her advocacy. This conversation goes deep into safety and inclusion in music and recording. In this conversation, Katie offers tangible resources for how we can all participate in making this industry a safer and more supportive place for everyone. Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesharpedges/Women In Music Safe(r) Spaces Resource Directory: https://www.womeninmusic.org/saferspacesNo Creeps! Digital Resource Zine: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uk87S0hmxSsHaEXCTieSuz3AiwcaKs-x/view?usp=drivesdkChapters:00:00 Creating Safe Spaces in the Music Industry03:08 The Journey to Sharp Edges Records05:56 The Importance of Vulnerability in Music Creation09:06 Navigating Safety and Inclusivity in Recording Studios11:52 Concrete Steps for a Safer Music Environment15:11 Understanding the Spectrum of Safety Concerns18:00 Educating for Change: The Role of Communication20:50 Empowering Artists Through Advocacy30:20 Addressing Abuse of Power in the Music Industry32:11 The No Creeps! Initiative: Creating Safe Spaces36:19 Empowering Voices: Sharing Experiences and Education41:11 The Importance of Allyship and Advocacy46:24 Navigating Imperfection: Learning from Experiences52:35 Resources for Safety and Support in the Industry56:21 Redefining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ari is joined by the band DOUBLECAMP to discuss how they built such a successful independent career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Heather Vassar, the Senior Vice President at EMPIRE—a fully independent record label, publishing company, and distributor. Heather’s career began at Universal Music Group Nashville, where she developed digital strategy for renowned artists such as George Strait, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Keith Urban. In 2019, Heather joined EMPIRE where she now plays a pivotal role in operations, marketing, and strategy for a diverse roster of artists including Shaboozey, Wyatt Flores, Niko Moon, Sophia Scott, Don Louis, Reyna Roberts, Tenille Arts, and Randy Houser.Heather and Ari discuss the incredible success of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” which has been number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for 19 weeks straight—the longest any song has held that position. Heather reveals how this hit (released on an indie label) became the biggest song in the world and how they have sustained its momentum. She shares the entire journey from signing Shaboozey, to putting out his initial singles, releasing his album, collaborating with Beyonce, all the way to his massive global success today. Thanks to her extensive experience at both major and independent labels, Heather has sharp insights to share about deal structures, ownership models, artist development, and how the industry has shifted (in the majors and the indies) over the last five years, all of which you’ll hear about in this episode.https://www.instagram.com/hvassar/00:00 The Hustle Behind Success02:49 Empire Records: A New Era in Music06:07 Shaboozey’s Journey to Stardom09:12 Navigating the Independent Label Landscape12:01 The Creative Process: From Songwriting to Release14:50 Breaking Through: The Success of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”18:07 The Role of Radio in Today's Music Industry20:49 Building a Fanbase: The Digital Approach24:02 The Importance of Flexibility in Music Releases33:56 Navigating Legalities in Music Production39:08 Strategic Album Rollout and Market Timing45:51 Building a Global Music Infrastructure50:02 Maintaining Momentum After a Hit Release55:04 Balancing Art and Market Trends01:00:10 Educating Artists in the Digital AgeEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with AFSHEEN, an electronic artist, producer, songwriter, and DJ. Initially, AFSHEEN became well-known for producing music by Madonna, Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, Sia and other big-name artists. AFSHEEN was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his work on Natalia Jiménez's album Creo en Mi. He wrote "All We Have Is Love" with Sabrina Carpenter, wrote and produced "Sunny Days" with Armin van Buuren and Toby Gad, and has worked with other notable artists like Rebecca Ferguson and Lindsay Stirling. A song AFSHEEN wrote for Korean artist Taeyeon reached number one on the K-Pop Billboard charts for two consecutive weeks. AFSHEEN has had an incredibly successful career as a songwriter/producer, but he also recently released a new album, SMALL WORLD, under his namesake solo project. An Iranian refugee himself, AFSHEEN worked with artists from all over the world to bring this record to life. SMALL WORLD features prominent artists from Indian, Romania, Jamaica, Japan, Amsterdam, and beyond. AFSHEEN talks with Ari about transitioning from being the go-to producer/songwriter for superstars into being a self-released artist who releases his own music through DistroKid. AFSHEEN is also starting his own label, SOUNDISH. He shares insights about the process of building a label and his vision for the label’s future.https://www.instagram.com/afsheenmusic/00:00 Exploring Global Sounds: AFSHEEN’s Journey09:55 The Power of Collaboration: Building a Diverse Album20:07 Cultural Roots and Personal Stories: Music as a Reflection30:03 The Indie Artist Journey: From Producer to Self-Released32:00 Vision for the SOUNDISH label: A New Era in Music Production38:24 Transitioning from Behind the Scenes to Artist42:46 Expanding Global Reach through Collaboration51:22 Breaking into the Music Industry01:02:08 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with alt-pop singer, rapper & multi-hyphenate, Noga Erez. Her breakout album Off The Radar earned worldwide acclaim and her sophomore project KIDS brought even greater success. She recently released a new record THE VANDALIST, which has further cemented her place as a one-of-a-kind artist of the modern era. Noga Erez has garnered fans across the world, including superstars like Billie Eilish, Missy Elliott (who Noga collaborated with on her 2022 single “Nails”), Gal Gadot, and Finneas. She has sold out the Bowery Ballroom in NY, El Rey Theatre in LA, and Menora Arena in Tel Aviv on her headlining tours. Erez has performed at Bonnaroo, Primavera Sound, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, and has been featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well as The Kelly Clarkson Show.In this episode, Ari and Noga talk about the creation process and the craft of songwriting. They also delve into themes from her latest record, including: how social media has affected society and the ways releasing music has changed in recent years. THE VANDALIST is Noga’s first record on a major label, so she shares details of what that experience has been like for her. Noga also talks about what it means to be an Israeli artist in a larger global context, and how that has impacted her life and work.https://www.nogaerez.com/00:00 The Meaning of Music in Life01:05 Introducing Noga Erez and Her New Album02:42 Navigating the Music Industry Chaos03:36 Being an Israeli Artist in Today's World04:36 The Creation Process of 'THE VANDLIST'06:31 Collaborating with Real Musicians11:35 Exploring Themes of PC Culture in Music16:55 The Impact of Social Media on Society24:41 The Sad Generation and Its Challenges30:00 The Role of Music in Finding Purpose34:43 Songwriting Process and Collaboration37:26 The Creative Process Behind Songwriting42:07 Navigating Major Label Dynamics46:40 The Impact of Social Media on Artists55:18 The Challenges of Being an Israeli Artist01:10:48 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Zena White, the chief operating officer at Partisan Records. Partisan is an internationally renowned independent record label headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. Zena has overseen global strategy for #1 charting, Grammy-nominated, Mercury Prize-winning album campaigns across Partisan’s diverse roster that includes IDLES, PJ Harvey, Cigarettes After Sex, Blondshell, the Fela Kuti estate and many more. Zena is also on the board of organizations like World Independent Network, A2IM, RIAA, and is a Recording Academy Member. Prior to Partisan, Zena was Managing Director at The Other Hand marketing services company in London, where she worked with artists such as Run The Jewels, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Charles Bradley, and more.Zena tells Ari about ORCA (Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts) a nonprofit she’s involved with that uses research to demonstrate the economic, social, and cultural value of music. Then later, she takes us behind the scenes of Partisan Records, explaining where they spend their marketing money, how much they spend, and more. Ari and Zena discuss ‘old-school’ marketing tactics like radio, PR, print media, digital and TV, and Zena sheds light on how artists get on Late Night shows… along with how much that costs. Yep—it costs. Ari and Zena also dive deep into the world of ‘new media’ and discuss how Partisan spends its money in the new age of social media. Tune in to hear stories about how Cigarettes After Sex got off the ground and to get a glimpse into the inner workings of indie labels!https://partisanrecords.com/ https://www.orcaformusic.com/ 00:00 Investing in Artists: The New Music Business04:48 Inside Partisan Records: A Label's Journey10:00 Cigarettes After Sex: A Case Study in Success24:42 The Balance of Data and Creativity in A&R34:06 Marketing Strategies for Independent Artists40:50 The Evolving Landscape of Music Marketing46:28 Public Relations and Its Impact on Artist Development52:13 Navigating Television Appearances and Their Costs55:30 The Role of Local Press in Ticket Sales01:02:26 Influencer Marketing and New Media Strategies01:08:58 The Formation and Purpose of Orca01:19:05 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ari is joined by Jason Lipshutz, the Executive Director of Music at Billboard. Jason has written about music for over a decade and has penned cover stories on Taylor Swift, U2, Blink-182, Lorde, Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, among many others. He was formerly a deputy editor at Fuse Media and has contributed to VIBE, The Hollywood Reporter, Spinner, and Popjustice. Jason recently released a book about Linkin Park called It Starts With One.In this illuminating interview, Jason shares his perspective on the state of music journalism, how he approaches conducting interviews, who decides what gets reviewed and who goes on the cover at major music publications. Ari and Jason also trade stories about their experiences with publicists and managers trying to squash stories to protect client images. If you're interested in the inner workings of the music journalism industry, this episode is for you!Check out Jason’s new audiobook: https://aristake.io/ul1wx7 00:00 The Balance of Music Journalism03:10 Writing a Book vs. Cover Stories05:56 The Evolution of Linkin Park13:02 The Art of Interviewing Artists18:09 The Changing Landscape of Music Journalism29:19 Navigating the Pressures of Music Journalism36:05 The Editorial Process at Billboard41:44 Balancing Traffic and Storytelling45:04 Personal Fandom in Journalism48:14 Writing a Book on Linkin Park56:33 Championing Creativity in the Music IndustryEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with Lucas Keller, the Founder & President of Milk & Honey, an entertainment management company that represents some of the world’s biggest songwriters, artists, and producers. Established in 2014, Milk & Honey is a hybrid agency that works in both the music and sports industries and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Dallas and London. On the music side, Milk & Honey represents world-class creators including the writers behind Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” BTS’s “Butter,” Justin Beiber/Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” and many other international hits. Lucas and Ari talk about the state of music publishing and go deep into the ethics of royalties and producer points. Lucas explains how publishing and record deals work these days and gives his inside scoop on major catalog sales. Lucas also shares Milk & Honey’s process for setting up hit songwriting sessions.If you’re a songwriter, artist, producer, or anyone in the industry who wants to learn more about the ins and outs of music publishing, this episode is for you. https://www.milkhoneyla.com/00:00 The Art of Songwriting: A Daily Grind04:51 Understanding Music Publishing Terminology10:04 The Financial Landscape for Songwriters15:11 The Impact of Collaboration on Songwriting19:50 Navigating the Complexities of Publishing and Royalties24:52 The Future of Songwriting: Challenges and Opportunities26:20 The Evolution of Songwriting and Collaboration34:04 Understanding Publishing Deals in Today's Market48:07 The Growing Importance of Catalog Sales51:56 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ari sits down with John Summit, one of the most sought-after DJ/producers in the global dance world. John is a superstar DJ, producer, and owner of his own label, Experts Only. He has nearly a billion all-time global streams across his own catalog, two number 1 US dance radio hits, and two top 10 tracks on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Summit has sold out iconic venues such as BMO Stadium, MSG, the Forum, Coachella, EDC, Tomorrowland and other major festivals all across the globe.John tells Ari all about how he got his start (making music with a day job, producing songs in his parents' basement), and how those humble beginnings led to him touring the world as a celebrated artist. He talks about how he got his career “break,” and gives practical advice to aspiring DJ/producers. John also talks about running Experts Only and how he hopes to develop the label.Keep up with John Summit at: https://www.instagram.com/johnsummit/00:00 Breaking Out of the Local Scene06:07 Creating an Album vs Singles08:59 Staying Inspired Creatively12:12 The Evolution of Live Performances14:53 Navigating the Pandemic: A Turning Point17:47 The Power of Persistence24:00 Collaborating Remotely33:16 Designing Arena Shows vs Festival Shows vs Clubs38:46 Behind The Curtain of Experts Only Label47:20 Experts Only Party Nights and Community Building51:14 Marketing Support for Artists on Experts Only53:04 Advice for Aspiring DJ/ProducersEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder 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.