Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!In the first segment, Ryan breaks down recent news involving Spotify and the rumors that the streaming service is creating fake artist accounts and diverting royalties away from artists. Is it true? What can artists do about it? And is Spotify's whole funding model the real problem? Also, Ryan talks about SoundCloud's recent financial troubles and ...
Jul 16, 2017•1 hr 5 min
Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business Audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about DBAs/fictitious names and why many artists need to register for them in their music career. Important business tips to get your band's legal and financial house in order. Dave also talks about the Metallica show he attended on Friday in Miami (he's pretty damn excited bout it).In the second segment, mu...
Jul 09, 2017•1 hr 16 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business Audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss the importance of band agreements and why every musical group needs one. The also discuss what terms you want to make sure are in any effective band agreement. In the second segment, rock recording artist Verity White stops by for an interview. White talks to us about using social media effectively and ho...
Jul 02, 2017•1 hr 15 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan talks about recent news about Spotify's release of financial information and what it means for indie artists. There's good news, bad news, and ugly news. Find out what Spotify's numbers mean to you and how it should influence your career decisions as an artist-entrepreneur. Ryan also talks about recent updates to the Patreon crowdfunding platform.In the second segment, Ryan interviews Bruce Wawrzyniak of Now Hear This. Bruce...
Jun 18, 2017•1 hr
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.This week, Ryan talks about former BTB guest and friend-of-the-show Mandy Harvey on her recent appearance on America's Got Talent. Basically, Mandy crushed it, getting the coveted "Golden Buzzer" from Simon Cowell. Ryan talks about Mandy's inspiring story (she has released several fantastic albums despite being completely deaf) and plays clips from her December 2016 interview on the show.Ryan is also joined by Guy and Ilan Ferdman this week. They are ...
Jun 11, 2017•57 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading!This week, Ryan and Dave discuss an article from Bobby Owskinski's Music 3.0 Blog and a Hypebot article by Ariel Hyatt. The former talks about how you can optimize your website to get more gigs. It is important to make your website useful to venue bookers and agents, and Ryan and Dave have a great discussion on how to do just that. The latter article talks about marketing techniques to boost your e-mail list. Building a e-mail list is critical for ind...
Jun 04, 2017•1 hr 9 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about the FCC's latest ruling with respect to net neutrality and how it affects indie artists. Ryan also talks about a report from Music Business Worldwide on the state of streaming. The numbers look good! But how good? And what can we do to make sure that this money reaches indie artists?In the second segment, country pop artist and friend of the show Alayna drops by for an interview. She talks about her recen...
May 28, 2017•1 hr 11 min
Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan discusses a recent article in Synchblog by Bas Grasmayer called "How Musicians Gamify Their Fanbases." Ryan uses the article to have a broader discussion about internal motivation and how musicians can use video game psychology to incentivize their fan bases to help promote the musician's career. You can check out Grasmayer's article at http://www.synchblog.com/projecting-trends-how-musicians-gamify-their-fanbases/In the sec...
May 22, 2017•1 hr 8 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan discusses a recent Hypebot article about friend-of-the-show 23rd Hour's effective music launch. Find out about how building your music launch around a good cause can be a win-win. Ryan also talks about CD Baby's recent acquisition of show.co and what it can mean for your music promotion.In the second segment, lawyer and internet business expert Richard Chapo stops by. Richard talks to Ryan about building a website effectivel...
May 15, 2017•1 hr 15 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about how today is Ryan's wedding anniversary, and he is spending it recording an episode (definitely a bad idea). We also answer a listener question about getting mechanical licenses for your cover songs (definitely a good idea). R & D break down how to do cover songs legally and discuss the services that you can use to make the process easy for you.In the second segment, pop musician and actress Emii stop...
May 07, 2017•1 hr 13 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! We had some technical difficulties this week. Our full show came out unlistenable, but we did preserve a fantastic interview with California-based jazz-pop duo 23rd Hour and we are pleased to play it for you this week. They talked about they awesome music launch strategy and how they were able to make their album "Perfect Strangers" a top release on iTunes. You can find out more about them at 23rdhr.com.Also, Ryan has announced his launch date for the audiobook version of B...
Apr 30, 2017•30 min
Happy Easter, Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan and Dave answer a listener question about copyright registration. They also discuss the recent news involving Alanis Morissette's former business manager Jonathan Schwartz and his embezzlement of $7 million from his clients. R & D talk about how the story underscores the importance of having accounting and audit rights provisions put into any agreement involving someone managing an artist's money.In the second...
Apr 16, 2017•1 hr 4 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading!This week, Ryan and Dave talk about two pieces of legislation that have huge implications for artists and how they get paid. The Fair Play Fair Pay Act and the PROMOTE Act can help artists get paid when their songs are played on the radio. Listen in this week and find out how you can help support these important bills.in the second segment, indie folk artist Jessica Allossery stops by for an interview. She talks about getting her music on SiriusXM, he...
Apr 09, 2017•1 hr 19 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.On today's show, Ryan looks awful.In the first segment, Dave makes fun of Ryan for being ridiculously jet lagged after Ryan's trip to China. Dave also discusses his trip to Disney over the weekend. Ryan then discusses a recent article by the Rock Star Advocate about networking and connecting with others in the industry. You can find her article here: http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/why-youre-not-getting-what-you-want.html. In the second segment, ac...
Apr 02, 2017•1 hr 19 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading!In the first segment, musician Evan Lamb guest hosts with Ryan and Dave. They discuss Erin M. Jacobson's recent article about the Copyright Royalty Board hearings and how they affect indie songwriters. They also talk about Ed Sheeran's recent copyright issue with the writers of the TLC song "No Scrubs."In the second segment, Marcio Novelli and Ross Barber-Smith of the Bridge the Atlantic podcast stop by to talk about their acclaimed show. Marcio also ...
Mar 26, 2017•1 hr 21 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading!In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss Chance the Rapper's recent comments about his relationship with Apple Music, his status as an indie artist, and his thoughts on streaming. R & D are big fans of Chance's tremendous career as an indie artist and are also big fans of his support for public education. Lots of great advice in this segment about what it truly means to be an indie artist and how to keep more of your streaming dollars.In the se...
Mar 19, 2017•1 hr 3 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading. Ryan is traveling this week, and so this episode will feature two of Ryan's favorite interviews from past episodes. First, Ryan sits down with Patreon CEO and co-founder Jack Conte. Jack gives tips on being successful on his platform and why it could represent the future of how indie musicians earn in the music business. Next, Ryan interviews jazz musician Mandy Harvey. Mandy has released three acclaimed albums despite being completely deaf. Her stor...
Mar 12, 2017•1 hr 3 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan talks about the Oscars and answers a listener e-mail about whether indie musicians can still achieve success in the age of streaming. Is there still a place for indie artists in the music business when they are only making fractions of a penny per stream? Ryan answers this with an emphatic "yes," and notes that now has never been a better time to be an indie artist, even with the new challenges presented by changes in techno...
Mar 05, 2017•49 min
Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading!In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss potential changes to copyright law and how they can affect independent artists. R & D specifically talk about why it is important for indie artists to fight (1) against changes to the notice-and-takedown procedures in the DMCA and (2) for an increase in streaming payments to songwriters. In the second segment, the Portland-based musical duo The Doubleclicks stop by. They talk about playing to their uniqu...
Feb 26, 2017•1 hr 11 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading!In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about their upcoming trip to see John Wick: Chapter 2. They are quite excited about it. They also discuss a recent Ari Herstand Bandzoogle article, "How (and Why) to Hit the Road." If you are wondering how to put together an effective tour without a booking agent, this episode is for you. You can find Herstand's article here: www.bandzoogle.com/blog/how-and-why-to-hit-the-road.In the second segment, singer-song...
Feb 20, 2017•1 hr 6 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan gives his thoughts on how to improve the Grammys and gives the latest updates in the Kesha/Dr. Luke case. This leads to a broader discussion about the dangers of 360 provisions in record deals and why it is important for artists do not agree to those sorts of arrangements.In the second segment, singer/actress/model/author Laura Powers stops by. She talks about her Behind the Music Podcast, tells Ryan's future (she's a psychi...
Feb 13, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading! This week, Ryan and Dave discuss an update in the Kesha Dr. Luke case. Both sides are pressing forward with the lawsuit in New York, and things are getting contentious. R & D break down the latest complaint, discuss Kesha's allegations, and go over the dangers of exclusive recording agreements for musicians. R & D also give some you some Super Bowl talk and Metal Dave stops by for Dave's Metal Minute.Thank you all very much for listening! Rat...
Feb 05, 2017•54 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! This week, Ryan and Dave answer a listener question about joint works and co-authorship and have a broader discussion on the issue. Writing songs with others is a great way to create great art, but it also presents a host of practical issues that you need to confront to make sure you don't run into trouble. Ryan and Dave discuss what you need to watch out for when collaborating on your content. R & D also talk about the best picture nominees for the Oscars, debate about...
Jan 29, 2017•1 hr 7 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! This week, Ryan interviews music educator and New Artist Model founder Dave Kusek to talk about how musicians can educate themselves and embrace their inner music entrepreneur. You can find out more about Dave's work by visiting www.newartistmodel.comThank you all very much for listening! Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Like Break the Business on Facebook. Follow Ryan @ryankair and Dave @metaldave85. And tell a friend about the show! And visit...
Jan 22, 2017•31 min
Hi Podcast listeners! In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss Ryan's upcoming speaking engagement at the NAMM conference and the recent MGM lawsuit settlement involving unpaid interns. Ryan and Dave also discuss indie artist Danielle Ate the Sandwich and her recent project--a 24-hour album! DATS is writing, recording, and producing an entire album of songs in 24 hours and is letting her Patreon patrons watch her do it on live video. It is a great example of effective hyper-creation, fan enga...
Jan 15, 2017•1 hr 14 min
Hi Listeners! Happy 2017! In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about what they did over the holidays. It has been two weeks since the last episode and they missed the listeners a lot. They also talk about some insightful crowdfunding tips from Chris Robley from a recent "DIY Musician" blog post and give an update on the Phillip Phillips lawsuit that may get the American Idol star a little closer to a positive outcome against his former management company. The Phillip Phillips case serves as ...
Jan 08, 2017•1 hr 35 min
Happy Holidays Podcast Listeners! It is our last episode of the year. We look forward to talking with you again in 2017. This week, Ryan sits down for a special interview with the inspiring and talented singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey. After losing her hearing at the age of 18, Mandy has gone on to create three acclaimed jazz albums, perform at the Kennedy Center, and be featured in many media publications. Mandy talks to Ryan about her unique performing and songwriting process and provides some ...
Dec 25, 2016•48 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Dave makes it clear that he is obsessed with Rogue One (he has already seen it three times) and will try to take over this week's show with Star Wars talk every chance he gets. Along the way, Ryan and Dave answer a listener question about music launches and choosing a release date for your music. Then, R & D talk about the ongoing lawsuit between Avenged Sevenfold and their former label, Warner Bros.. The suit involves Avenge...
Dec 18, 2016•1 hr 12 min
Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading.in the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss the recent report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) discussing the amount of money record labels invested in A&R in 2015. The report claims that labels are investing plenty in developing artists. But is that actually true? Ryan and Dave do a deep dive into the statistics to give a realistic assessment, showing how labels are not fostering talent like they should.In the...
Dec 12, 2016•58 min
Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading.In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss Ryan's upcoming speaking engagement at NAMM. They also talk about articles in the DIY Musician and Sonic Bids about earning more money as a musician over the holidays and expanding your merchandising. In the second segment, marketing expert and 15 Second Pitch co-founder Laura Allen stops by to give tips on effective pitching. She gives concrete advice on how musicians can make strong pitches to move their c...
Dec 04, 2016•59 min
