TOPICS: Ryan has a BIG announcement; why Lofi Girl’s YouTube takedown is bad news for indie creators; we interview comedian and actress Helen Hong. Helen’s new special “Well Hong” is available now and you can find out more about her work by visiting www.helenhong.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook and tell a friend...
Jul 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: We talk about the recent lawsuit involving a TikTok creator suing a popular sketch comedian for copyright infringement. TikTok sensation Chasyn stops by to perform his new song “Real” and to talkabout his recent viral videos. Ryan, Katie, and Chasyn share some great advice for our creator viewers and listeners along the way.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @th...
Jul 10, 2022•59 min
TOPICS: Why artists probably don’t need to form companies in Delaware (no matter what people may tell them); we answer a listener question about setting up producer agreements; why artists should create lyric videos. We interview neoclassical pianist BLKBOK about his new album, playing with Rihanna and Justin Timberlake, and his social justice projects. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.blkbok.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, Sound...
Jun 26, 2022•58 min
TOPICS: We talk about the new Grammy categories for the 2023 telecast (including the new Best Soundtrack for Video Games category); how to audition for a talent agent; we interview music legendRobert Randolph about his new Juneteenth Unityfest block partyand concert event on June 19th in Brooklyn. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.juneteenthunityfest.com andwww.robertrandolph.net.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, a...
Jun 19, 2022•1 hr 2 min
TOPICS: How indie artist nobodylikesyoupat created a TikTok hit by letting fans into his creative process; we talk about the ridiculous Mariah Carey copyright lawsuit; we interview indie-folk artist RubyGreenberg. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.rubygreenberg.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on F...
Jun 12, 2022•59 min
TOPICS: Ryan and co-host Zak Sloan talk about how musicians can learn how to produce music without having to pay for expensive schools; we interview musician, magician, and social entrepreneur KenNewman about his charity Blanket the Homeless. Find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.blanketthehomeless.org and www.kennewmanmusic.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business...
Jun 05, 2022•1 hr 3 min
TOPICS: We talk about how labels are having their artists use the same TikTok promotion techniques as indie artists; we interview CEO of social music platform Needle. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.needlemusic.co and you can download Needle in app stores.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook ...
May 29, 2022•54 min
TOPICS: Giving credit to creators for TikTok trends; TikTok Pulse is a new revenue source for TikTok creators; we interview Sherry-Lynn Lee and Ariadne Mila. Sherry-Lynn and Ariadne are Asian-American creators and co-hosts of the podcast “Nuances: Beyond first impressions with the Asian Diaspora.” You can check out “Nuances” on all major podcast platforms.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break ...
May 22, 2022•59 min
TOPICS: Why record deals are like bad VC deals; anti-Disney copyright bills are diverting us away from copyright reform that can actually help creators; we talk to JackTrip COO Russ Gavin about hiscompany’s innovations with allowing musicians to jam in real-time remotely. You can find out more about your guest’s work by visitingwww.jacktrip.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Busines...
May 15, 2022•59 min
TOPICS: Why musicians can’t “sleep in the van”; we break down Eurovision 2022 with Ross Barber-Smith of Electric Kiwi; we talk to Bruce Wawrzyniak of Now Hear This Entertainment about effective interview techniques for indie creators. You can find out moreabout our guest’s work by visiting www.NHTE.net and www.interviewtipscourse.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @...
May 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: ElisaRockDoc breaks down Pax East and changes to convention culture post-COVID; we talk about Elon Musk’s Twitter purchase; Billboard’s best songs of 2002; what makes a song a one-hit-wonder.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook and tell a friend about the show. Visit www.ryankairalla.com to find out more about Ry...
May 01, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: Labels are trying to stop changes to California law that would provide relief to artists signed to record deals in California; we also talk about Easter egg hunts; we interview Darryl Hurs of the Indie101 Online Music Conference. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.indie101.comRate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break...
Apr 24, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: Spotify’s Discovery Mode is under fire from members of Congress; accusations of plagiarism in true crime podcasting; we interview indie singer-songwriter and violinist Sarah Elizabeth Haines about her new album and working in the touring company of Hamilton. Sarah’s new album “Castaway” is available now and you can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.sehaines.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Fol...
Apr 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: How indie creator TikTokers Barlow & Bear won a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album for “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical”; we interview music manager and coach Vinny Ribas about how toavoid music industry scams. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.indieconnect.com and www.cartne.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodca...
Apr 10, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: The California legislature could be making it easier for label artists to terminate their record deals after 7 years; the Supreme Court is ruling on a case that could be impacting indie creators; we interview music executive Rusty Harmon of Vere Music. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.veremusic.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @...
Apr 03, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: Ryan and ElisaRockDoc talk about new video games that they are excited about; Ryan interviews songwriter and NYU professor Mike Errico about his new book “Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter.” It’s available now!Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook and tell a friend about the show....
Mar 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: Spotify Discovery mode (is it an effective promotional tool or modern-day payola?); TikTok launches its own distribution service; we interview singer-songwriter Ava Kay about mental health andthe creative process. You can follow our guest @avakaymusic on Twitter and you can check out her new music video for her song "Go,” which is available now!Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the...
Mar 20, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: We talk about singer Ella Travolta’s open verse TikTok challenge and invite our listeners to participate. We also interview producer JT Daly about creating a musical with the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz sports talk podcast. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.jtdalymusic.com. Submit your Ella Travolta open verse videos to breakthebusiness@gmail.comor to @ryankair on Twitter.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitche...
Mar 13, 2022•59 min
TOPICS: TikTok expands its maximum video length from 3 minutes to 10 minutes; Dua Lipa copyright lawsuit; we interview producer, DJ, andentrepreneur Bill “Downupright” Boulden about their latest EPand we get their thoughts on NFT’s in music. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.soundcloud.com/downupright.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtb...
Mar 06, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: We talk about “Vox Machina” and the important insights that Critical Role’s story has for indie creator empowerment; why record deals are dangerous; we interview sports journalist Kelsey NicoleNelson about how indie creators can get started in sports media. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.kelseynicolenelson.com and www.booksbreakingborders.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan...
Feb 27, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: We talk about how artists can avoid self-limiting beliefs in their creative career; how artists can protect themselves from NFT scam sites; co-host Katie Zaccardi gives us tips on how to get started inTikTok successfully.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook and tell a friend about the show. Visit www.ryankairalla...
Feb 20, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: Ryan and co-host Zak talk about shady NFT platforms; listener question about reading books aloud during a livestream; we interview U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) about the American Music Fairness Act and his work in getting recording artists paid when their music is played on the radio. We also talk about the Congressman’s work on the Protect Working Musician Act, which would empower indie creators when they interact with music streaming platforms. You can find out more about our gue...
Feb 13, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: Getting artists paid on AM/FM radio; Wordle sells to the New York Times for seven figures; the end of the “Lady A” trademark saga; our guest this week is pop-punk band Gold Steps. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.goldstepsmke.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook and tell a friend a...
Feb 06, 2022•1 hr
TOPICS: What the top 10 earners in music can teach indie creators about copyright; We talk about the Taylor Swift/Damon Albarn feud; Microsoft/Activision merger; our guest this week is musician/coach Tara Divina. You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting www.taradivina.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Faceb...
Jan 30, 2022•1 hr 1 min
TOPICS: We talk about Twitch streamer Pokimane getting suspended for doing TV meta streams and what lessons this story teaches indie artists about avoiding copyright violations; Spotify is raising its rates, which means less money in indie creators’ pockets; we interview singer/songwriter/activist Meghan Cary. Be sure to check out her River Rock project by visiting www.meghancary.com and sign up for Meghan’s Patreon launch party by visiting https://mailchi.mp/a0bcb6fd1168/meghans-patreon-launch-...
Jan 23, 2022•1 hr 2 min
TOPICS: It's our last episode of the year! Ryan answers a listener question about whether they should go to college or to focus 100% on being an indie creator; Ryan interviews CD Baby Senior Vice President Kevin Breuner. You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.cdbaby.com. Thank you for supporting Break the Business this year! We will see you again in 2022!Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ry...
Dec 26, 2021•1 hr 3 min
TOPICS: We talk about Taylor Swift/3LW copyright litigation and discuss why this case matters for indie creators; we talk about Kim Kardashian passing the "baby bar" and becoming one step closer to becoming a lawyer; we interview entertainment lawyer Reena Sehgal. You can find out more about her work by visiting www.sehgallawpc.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and GooglePlay. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @the...
Dec 19, 2021•58 min
TOPICS: Can you make NFTs of your music if you are signed to a record label?; trademark rules for musicians; we interview Taryn Haight of Hifi Labs and Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal to talk about strategies for how indie creators can be more resilient. You can find out more about your guests’ work by visiting www.eq.house and www.resilience-leadership.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the B...
Dec 12, 2021•1 hr
TOPICS: We talk about a recent study conducted by payment platform Stripe that shows that creator economy platforms are growing faster than traditional music industry platforms; Triller is empoweringBlack creators; we interview MusicEntrepreneurHQ founder David Andrew Wiebe. You can find out more about his work, and check out his latest edition of "The Music Entrepreneur Code," by visiting musicentrepreneurhq.com!Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stit...
Nov 28, 2021•58 min
TOPICS: Universal Music is extending the length of re-recording restrictions in record deals; TuneCore is introducing a new free “social media” distribution option; we interview Airbit COO Judah Wiedre. Findout more about our guest’s work by visiting www.airbit.com.Rate/review/subscribe to the Break the Business Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Follow Ryan @ryankair and the Break the Business Podcast @thebtbpodcast. Like Break the Business on Facebook and tell a friend a...
Nov 21, 2021•1 hr 1 min
