This week, we continue our discussion from Episode 151 about Chris Castle's "Ethical Pool" streaming royalty model by interviewing Mr. Castle himself! Chris is an Austin-based entertainment lawyer who proposes an innovative model to get indie artists paid fairly by streaming services--and he thinks that the streaming services might actually be willing to do it! Give this week's episode a listen and check out Chris' article "Arithmetic on the Internet: The Ethical Pool Solution to Streaming Royal...
Oct 21, 2018•19 min
This week, Ryan sits down with music entrepreneur and licensing expert Jessica Sobhraj. Jessica gives us some great advice about managing copyrights effectively when you work with collaborators. She also talks about her company Cosynd. Cosynd's platform allows you to efficiently structure copyright agreements with co-writers and also helps you with copyright registration (check it out at www.cosynd.com). We also talk to Jessica about her work with the awesome nonprofit Women in Music, which aspi...
Oct 14, 2018•15 min
This week, with the Music Modernization Act's passage imminent, Ryan talks about what the next crusade should be for indie artists. He brings up two strong candidates: getting owners of sound recordings paid on terrestrial radio, and creating "Ethical Pool" royalties on streaming services so that indie artists can get paid more on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The articles that Ryan referenced on the show can be found here:https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/politics/8478501/terres...
Oct 07, 2018•19 min
This week, Ryan sits down with indie singer-songwriter Angela Soffe. Angela gives us some advice on how artists can keep from succumbing to self-sabotage in their careers. She also talks about her latest project "Be Moved" and her interest in the healing power of music. Find out more about "Be Moved" by visiting https://bit.ly/2NPspL3. And be sure to check out the rest of Angela's music at www.angelasoffe.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. ...
Sep 30, 2018•22 min
This week, Ryan breaks down two huge music stories from the past week: the Music Modernization Act passing the Senate, and Spotify announcing that it will start to allow artists to license music directly to its platform without using an aggregator. Ryan also sits down with Women Crush Music executive directress Ashley Kervabon to talk about her organization's latest crowdfunding campaign to support its initiatives for women in music. Find out more about WCM by visiting www.womencrushmusic.com. S...
Sep 23, 2018•38 min
This week, Ryan talks about the rise of artificial intelligence in music and what its implications are for the industry as a whole. Music technologist Taishi Fukuyama stops by to talk about his Amadeus Code platform and how it can help songwriters create new projects. Find out more about Amadeus code by visiting www.amadeuscode.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business o...
Sep 16, 2018•24 min
This week, Ryan talks about how indie artists can get into blogging, and specifically what artists can do when they cannot think of any topics to write about. Along the way, Ryan discusses the latest Bobby Owsinski article in Hypebot on the subject. It is titled "Running Out Of Things To Say? Idea For Musicians To Write About Online" and you can find it here: https://bit.ly/2N3trmp. In the second segment, we open the Break the Business Coffeehouse! South Florida blues/r&b duo Soulpax stops b...
Sep 09, 2018•34 min
This week, we talk about a recent article in Variety about how Taylor Swift's deal with her label Big Machine is set to expire in November. What will she do next? Re-up with Big Machine? Go to a new label? Or...will she go independent? This is her first opportunity to go her own way since she first signed her deal with Big Machine 13 years ago. Ryan makes the case for why she needs to declare her independence and take her place as a true mogul in the industry.In the second segment, Ryan sits dow...
Sep 02, 2018•35 min
This week, Ryan answers a listener question about compulsory mechanical licenses and sits down with Soundfly Founder/CEO Ian Temple. Ryan and Ian talk about Soundfly, music entrepreneurship education, how musicians can get more educated about the industry, and much more. Great tips from a terrific music biz mind this week.Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook...
Aug 26, 2018•27 min
This week, we discuss the loss of Aretha Franklin and Ryan tells the amazing story of how the Queen of Soul saved the 1998 Grammys by filling in for a sick Luciano Pavarotti to sing an Italian aria without any notice or rehearsal. She was truly one of the greats. Ryan also sits down with Genius Chief Strategy Officer Ben Gross. We talk about the Genius platform, how artists can use lyrics to build fan engagement, and the monetization opportunities artists have with their lyrics. Rate/review/subs...
Aug 19, 2018•31 min
This week, Ryan breaks down the bombshell music industry report from Citi, "Putting the Band Back Together: Remastering the World of Music." He talks about the report's conclusion that artists are only capturing 12% of the revenues generated by the music industry and discusses who are the "intermediaries" standing between artists and their fans that are keeping money out of artists' pockets. You can read the report at http://citi.us/2KC0gjU.In the second segment, Ryan sits down with acclaimed pu...
Aug 12, 2018•36 min
This week, Ryan talks about entertainment lawyer Erin M. Jacobson's recent article in Forbes about the Twitch and its effect on musicians. Twitch is a platform that has benefited many indie artists by helping them build their fan base through live streaming. But Jacobson argues that the platform could be harming musicians as well. Ryan discusses the article and also gets an opposing view of sorts on the subject from music industry journalist Cherie Hu of Forbes and Billboard. Cherie also talks t...
Aug 05, 2018•28 min
This week, Ryan answers a listener question about publishing administration: Should you use CD Baby's Pro Publishing service if you are already using them for your album distribution? What are the pros and the cons? Ryan also sits down with musician and former therapist Laini Marenick of Laini and the Wildfire. Laini talks about her band's album "Wandering" and about transitioning from her old job to becoming a full-time musician. She also discusses her recent article that she wrote for CD Baby ...
Jul 29, 2018•34 min
This week, Ryan interviews legendary music supervisor Maureen Crowe (Wayne's World, The Bodyguard, Chicago). Maureen gives some great tips for our listeners on how to increase your sync placement opportunities and how to build the right relationships with the industry professionals who can get your music in movies, TV, commercials, and more. This is a not-to-be-missed interview for any independent artist who wants to get more placements for their music. Maureen also gives some amazing stories fr...
Jul 23, 2018•32 min
This week, Ryan answers a listener question about growing your social media following, which then led to another question: What should you focus on more as an artist, increasing your following or investing in the following you already have? Ryan discusses this topic by referencing a recent article in TuneCore Blog by Suzanne Paulinski (aka "The Rock Star Advocate") entitled "The One Place Your Focus Should Always Be". You can check out the article here: https://www.tunecore.com/blog/2018/07/the-...
Jul 15, 2018•36 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast.This week, Ryan talks about a recent article by Greg Puciato of Dillinger Escape Plan. The article talks about the value in maintaining your independence as a musician. The content of the article is interesting, but what is more interesting is the fact that article came out on one of Spotify's blog pages. Is Spotify trying to send a message to artists? Are they trying to draw musicians away from labels? Bi...
Jul 09, 2018•33 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast.This week, Ryan talks about last week's copyright lawsuit involving Ed Sheeran, his song "Thinking Out Loud" and the investment firm that owns the royalty rights to the Marvin Gaye song "Let's Get it On". Ryan discusses what lawsuits like these could mean for songwriters going forward. Ryan also sits down with acclaimed publishing executive Jonathan Stone. Jonathan gives us some great tips on how to get mo...
Jul 01, 2018•33 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast.This week, Ryan talks about the CASE Act, a bill currently going through Congress that would create a special court for small claims copyright disputes. Could this law create a means for indie artists to get justice when their works are stolen, or is it promising more than it can deliver? Ryan also sits down with Bobby Owsinski to talk about Bobby's recent article in Forbes about Spotify doing direct licen...
Jun 25, 2018•30 min
Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast. This week, Ryan discusses Sony's sale of part of its stake in Spotify and its decision to share some of the proceeds with its artists. Is Sony being magnanimous, or is there an ulterior motive driving their actions? Ryan discusses the issue and reflects on what this story signifies for the balance of power between labels and artists in the New Music Industry. Ryan also sits down with entertainment lawyer ...
Jun 18, 2018•34 min
Hi Podcast listeners. Ryan is back from his hiatus with new episodes! This week, Ryan discusses the recent article in Vulture about Lily Allen's abuse allegations and how they relate to the dangers of record industry contracts. Ryan also sits down with industry expert Clara Charron to discuss her "Pop of Colour" music blog. Clara gives some great advice on how musicians can start their own video series. Check out Clara's work at popofcolourmusic.com and be sure to check out her weekly Facebook L...
Jun 10, 2018•30 min
This week, we feature an interview with Bobby Owsinski of the Music 3.0 blog and Guy & Ilan Ferdman of Satori Prime. Great music industry advice this week that will definitely inspire your inner entrepreneur! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 04, 2018•53 min
This week, we feature an interview with The Krickets where we discuss collaborating effectively with bandmates and an interview with songwriter Shawnee Kilgore to discuss hypercreation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 2018•53 min
This week, we feature an interview with Cheryl B. Engelhardt to discuss branding and an interview with Holley Maher to discuss The Other Nashville Society and finding sync opportunities for your music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21, 2018•56 min
This week, we feature interviews with Suzanne "The Rock Star Advocate" Paulinski and Bruce Wawrzyniak. In the first interview, we discuss self care and time management. In the second interview, we discuss how to get more show bookings as an artist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14, 2018•56 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!This week, music entrepreneurship expert Andrew Hitz stops by to give us lots of fantastic tips to help you move your career forward. We also have a discussion with him about the current state of higher education and music and whether music schools are doing enough to teach entrepreneurship to its indie artist students (spoiler alert: they aren't!)...
May 06, 2018•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 talks about the recent lawsuit involving Cardi B and her former manager. He uses the story to talk about the common pitfalls in artist management deals and how to avoid them as an indie artist. In the second segment, music industry expert James Shotwell stops by to talk about music piracy and the importance of using water...
Apr 30, 2018•59 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!This week, Ryan discusses findings from a recent study released by Midia Research which noted that unsigned artists only make up 2.7% of global recorded music revenue. Does this mean that it is a bad idea to go indie? Heck no! Ryan breaks down the study and discusses why there has been no better time to take control of your own music career. Music ...
Apr 23, 2018•47 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 breaks down the latest version of the Music Modernization Act that is making its way through Congress. The bill just made it through the House Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support. It has a real chance of passing and, if it passes, it will have significant implications for your music career. Ryan also answer...
Apr 15, 2018•1 hr 2 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!NOTE: Zola has a song on the Lifetime TV show "Mary Kills People" that will air on April 9th. Don't miss it!In the first segment, Ryan provides additional info for artists on the tax laws that will take effect for this year. There are things that all artists should be doing right now in their career to get on the right track with their taxes, and R...
Apr 08, 2018•54 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!This week, Ryan discusses the RIAA's 2017 Music Industry Revenue Report. The industry continues to grow, but is it growing in a way that will help indie artists? Ryan breaks down the report, discusses some of its more interesting findings (particularly the rise of physical distribution and the fall of downloads), and talks about what it all means f...
Apr 01, 2018•57 min
