Episode #128: Light in the Attic founder Matt Sullivan joins us to talk about the inspiration behind the Seattle label, their emphasis on reissues as well as their distribution service and more. We also hear from Ishmael Butler, whose work with Digable Planets has been released with LITA. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl
Jul 13, 2018•47 min
Episode #127: On June 30th, we hosted a live panel in Portland with DJ Klyph. Panelists included local hip hop veterans Vursatyl and DJ OG ONE, along with promising newcomers Rasheed Jamal, Mic Capes, and Karma Rivera. The panel covered everything from all ages venues to networking and offers insight that transcends geography and genre. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Taped live at Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR. Engineered by Brent Asbury. Special thanks to Marmoset. Subscribe to ...
Jul 06, 2018•1 hr 3 min
Episode #126: When should a band become an LLC? What can musicians write off? How can creatives safeguard against an audit? We answer these questions and more with accountants who work with artists. Guests: Emily Kingan / Jordan Michael Iannucci and Hunter Giles (Infinite Aggregate).
Jun 29, 2018•46 min
Episode #125: Called “music’s monetization mystery” by Forbes, on today’s episode we shed light on the “black box” -- a complicated phenomenon in the music industry where small and large sums of money don’t make it to an artist. What happens to these unattributed royalties and how can musicians safeguard their income? We ask CD Baby CEO Tracy Maddux and CrossBorderWorks’ Vickie Nauman for insight. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
Jun 15, 2018•54 min
Episode #124: How do local music ecosystems affect the economic and cultural health of a city? Portia went to Upstream Music Fest to discuss with leaders from the regional music hubs of Seattle (Kate Becker), Portland (David O.G. ONE Jackson), and Vancouver BC (Alex Grigg). Hear how their groups are changing the game when it comes to protecting and sustaining music culture. Learn how these regional partnerships are impacting our local community, creating opportunities and helping increase the va...
Jun 08, 2018•56 min
Episode #123: Merge Records has been behind some of the independent world’s most popular releases from bands like Spoon, Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel, Waxahatchee, and of course, Superchunk since 1989. We hear about the label’s beginnings from co-founder Laura Ballance (Superchunk), and are joined again by MC Taylor of Merge band Hiss Golden Messenger. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow...
Jun 01, 2018•46 min
Episode #122: Since 2003, Chicago-based independent record label Numero Group has been celebrating the obscure, the rare, and the long-forgotten through their meticulously crafted reissues and compilations. On this episode, we highlight the label with co-founder Ken Shipley and discuss the ways they’ve creatively adapted to major industry changes, always seeming to stay one step ahead of the game. We also hear from Andre Gibson of disco group Universal Togetherness Band. The prolific act was red...
May 18, 2018•52 min
Episode #121: Establishing a reputation and fan base is vital as a musician, but how can a band evolve once they’re known for a sound? On this episode, Portia sits down with Justin Ringle, whose band Horse Feathers just released their sixth album, Appreciation. Justin and longtime producer Skyler Norwood discuss developing the band’s sound while preserving its identity and how they worked to push their boundaries after 12 years. We also hear about the album’s cycle and promotional strategies. Pr...
May 04, 2018•53 min
Episode #120: Album artwork is often a listener’s first impression of a record, so how does an artist successfully represent their music visually? We brought together graphic designers and music people for a panel at Design Week Portland to discuss the creative and conceptual collaborations that go into designing a record. Hear insight from designers Adam R. Garcia (Instrument, The Pressure), Tawfiq Mardini, Lead Designer at Fresh Selects Records, and Joe Stewart (Work & Co.), who’s behind many ...
Apr 27, 2018•1 hr
Episode #119: Portland, OR is one of many cities that have become known as hubs of creativity. The city's "maker culture" includes a large community of creators of music gear. In fact, you could put together an entire stage set up and backline just using instruments and gear made in Portland. On this episode, we hear about how some of these businesses got started and how the city's development has affected their industry. Guests include Philip Graham of microphone company Ear Trumpet Labs, Chris...
Apr 20, 2018•52 min
Episode #118: Last year, outlets like the Washington Post lamented the decline of the electric guitar and the supposed absence of American guitar heroes. In September of 2017, She Shreds Magazine published an article called "We Are The 50%: The Truth Behind the Supposed Decline of the Guitar," pushing back against this narrative. On this episode, we talk with the author of the piece, Natlie Baker, She Shreds Magazine editor-in-chief Fabi Reyna, Alicia Bognanno (Bully), and Trade Up Music manager...
Apr 13, 2018•49 min
Episode #117: “Where Are All the Female Producers?” “Why Aren’t There More Women Working in Audio?” Why don’t more women “step up” in music? These are just some of the questions that continue to baffle the mainstream music industry. Yet, there are (and have been) many talented women working in recording. On this episode, we talk to people working toward broader inclusion and accessibility in recording. Madeleine Campbell is the editor of the Women in Sound zine, which is “dedicated to women, que...
Apr 06, 2018•54 min
Episode #116: These days there’s nothing but data out there — social media statistics, Spotify artist insights, info about who your fans are, where they are, and when they listen to your music. But what do you do with all this data? And who is really benefiting from it? Experts Kevin Erickson (Future of Music Coalition), Erica Sinkovic (CD Baby), Susie Giang (APA), and Zeke Howard (Trailboss) join Portia to discuss how artists can put their data to work. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl...
Mar 30, 2018•55 min
Portia is off to SXSW and Treefort! We'll be back with a new episode on March 30th! In the meantime, check out some of our past episodes, like last week's conversation about recovery and addiction in the music industry, or brush up on the Fair Play Fair Pay Act! If you're headed to Treefort, come to our panels at JUMP!
Mar 16, 2018•58 sec
This episode contains discussions of addiction and suicide. Episode #115: The stereotype of “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll” is pervasive in music. The music business often fosters an environment where addiction is the norm, but many artists and industry professionals who are in recovery have successfully stayed in the industry. Today, we talk to a few of those people about their experiences, advice for those who are struggling, and resources like MusiCares. We hear from Gene Bowen, founder of Ro...
Mar 09, 2018•53 min
Episode #114: When people start a band, they’re entering relationships that will hopefully last for years. Contracts can be helpful in remembering what you agreed to years later. We talk to lawyer Gandhar Savur about what to expect when entering into a contract with bandmates or a label. What’s normal in a record deal? How do indie label contracts generally differ from majors? What are percentage deals? Gandhar gives practical advice for anyone about to sign a deal. We also hear from musician Ju...
Feb 23, 2018•1 hr 1 min
Episode #113: What is the Music Modernization Act and how could it impact songwriters? On this episode we hear from people who have worked on this new bill and those whose livelihoods will be affected if it passes. David Israelite, President and CEO of the NMPA explains who the key players are and clears up some common misunderstandings surrounding the MMA. We also hear from RIAA President Mitch Glazier about the timeline of the act, and Blake Morgan (#IRespectMusic) shares pros and cons from an...
Feb 16, 2018•57 min
Episode #112: Social media has become a vital tool for artists to connect with their fans, but knowing where to invest your time, energy, and even money can be difficult. After all, you probably didn’t become a musician to spend hours on Facebook figuring out which markets to advertise to. On this episode, we gather concrete tips for musicians to efficiently and effectively use social media, playlists, and newsletters. We’re joined by Daniel Bozyk, a Social Content & Marketing Specialist who run...
Feb 08, 2018•57 min
BONUS: Dewey Halpaus is a musician and founding member of Anatomy of a Ghost and The Burning Room. He's also toured as a guitarist for Portugal. The Man. Now, Dewey hosts The Peer Pleasure Podcast, where he interviews musicians and creatives. We discuss his music career, podcasting, and more. http://peerpleasurepodcast.com/
Jan 31, 2018•19 min
Episode #111: Last year, we recorded a conversation with the many women who hold positions in Pearl Jam's road crew, like sound engineer and production manager. The women discussed life on the road and shared their advice for young women looking for jobs in the industry. We also look back at an interview with Pearl Jam's lead guitarist, Mike McCready, about the band's activism and McCready's own work outside the group. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http:...
Jan 26, 2018•54 min
Single: Walt Lilly is a playlist curator for Apollo Playlists. He walks us through the curation process and what factors he considers when creating a playlist. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl
Jan 26, 2018•20 min
Single: Cherie Hu is a music-tech journalist who has written for publications like Billboard and Forbes. We talk to her about her recent article in Forbes on the push to get playlist curators paid: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cheriehu/2017/05/08/inside-the-ongoing-quest-to-get-music-curators-paid/ Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl
Jan 25, 2018•15 min
Single: Crosshair Music is a new company that helps independent artists pitch their music to playlist curators. We spoke with founder Garrison Snell. www.crosshairmusic.com Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl
Jan 24, 2018•20 min
Episode #109: Playlists have been a huge driver in the growth of streaming music, and platforms like Spotify are pushing their curated playlists more than ever. Securing a coveted placement on one of the top playlists could mean millions of streams and new fans for an artist. These playlists drive discovery, chart performance, and sales, and the tastemakers creating them aren’t just kids compiling their favorite songs. From brands to professional curators, many are taking advantage of this new m...
Jan 19, 2018•57 min
Episode #109: Writer Liz Pelly has spent the last year discussing how streaming services like Spotify and the rise of playlisting affect our the health of our music industry. She joins us on the show to break down her recent piece in The Baffler Magazine, "The Problem with Muzak." We'll also hear from Peter Harris, founder of Resonate, a cooperatively owned streaming service based on a stream-to-own model built with blockchain technology. Get 15% off at rockabilia.com with code PCFUTUREOFWHAT Su...
Jan 12, 2018•1 hr
Episode #108: One of the most exciting labels in the Pacific Northwest is also one of its youngest. EYRST Records was founded in 2014 by artist Neill Von Tally and Martell Webster. Since then, the label has filled its roster with promising artists, including acts like The Last Artful, Dodgr and Myke Bogan who have garnered national attention. We talk with Neill Von Tally and local artist Blossom about being part of an indie label and Portland's growing hip-hop scene. Subscribe to The Future of W...
Jan 05, 2018•48 min
Episode #107: We talked to so many remarkable people this year, so we're looking back on some of our favorite interviews of 2017. Including: Jack Stratton (Vulfpeck), Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis (Sound Opinions), Greg Saunier (Deerhoof).
Dec 22, 2017•1 hr 17 min
Episode #106: 2010 was arguably one of the hardest years for the music industry, but that didn’t stop manager and publicist Jessi Frick from starting an independent record label with her father, Ken Hector. Since then, Father/Daughter has released acclaimed albums by Pure Bathing Culture, Diet Cig, Vagabon, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, and more. The label has also gained a reputation for being fiercely artist-friendly. Jessi joins us to talk shop and we hear from Shamir Bailey, who just released ‘Revelatio...
Dec 15, 2017•53 min
Episode #105: On this episode we hear from musician Blake Morgan about starting the largest grassroots movement in music history. The #IRespectMusic campaign has been supported by creators from David Lowery to David Byrne. Morgan tells us how #IRespectMusic was inspired, why he believes musicians should be paid for their hard work, and how middle class artists have more power than they think. Learn more about #IRespectMusic at irespectmusic.org
Dec 08, 2017•53 min
Episode #104: 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of iconic band The B-52s. It's also the year founding member Cindy Wilson embarked on her solo career, releasing her debut, 'Change,' on December 1st through Kill Rock Stars. On this episode, Portia talks with Cindy about her new album, adapting to today's music industry, and her advice for new musicians.
Dec 01, 2017•39 min
