Episode #152 : As smart speakers, like the Amazon Dot and Google Home, take up residence in more homes across the U.S., kids’ music has seen an unexpected uptick in its overall consumption, mostly due to the agency imparted to children via voice activated technologies. On this episode, we explore this trend with the president of Kidz Bop, Vic Zaraya, along with Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Lori Henriquez, and senior Wired staff writer, Adrienne So.
In the final installment of the Get Paid series (in collaboration with Vortex Music Magazine), Portia discusses sync licensing and brand partnerships with Brett Byrd of CD Baby, Marissa Hernandez of Marmoset, and Scott Wagner of WagsWorks. Do you want to know if your music sync-able, or how to make sure that music supervisors can find your music among thousands of songs when a request comes in? Listen in, and then go get paid! Guests: Brett Byrd (CD Baby) Marissa Hernandez (Marmoset) Scott Wagne...
Episode #150: The landscape of independent distribution is rapidly changing. As more independent labels move toward truly independent distribution models, their market share becomes clearer. On this episode, we talk to Chris Welz of Secretly Distribution, Kevin Breuner of CD Baby, and Jim Mahoney of Merlin.
Episode #149: Last year, the music industry came under fire for an ongoing lack of meaningful representation for women. What's different in 2019? On this episode we hear about efforts toward greater diversity and inclusion from leaders across the industry, including Michele Ballantyne (RIAA), Richard Burgess (A2IM), and Terri Winston (WAM).
Episode #148: What is the role of A&R in 2019? We break down the ins and outs of signing new (and established) talent with Katie Garcia, who oversees A&R for Secretly Group (Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar, & Secretly Canadian) as well as her own label, Bayonet. We also look back at our conversation with A&R great Tom Whalley, whose signees have included everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Tupac. Plus, hear from RCA executive Tunji Balogun about how data informs A&R today.
Episode #147: From AI to to the EP, we discuss trends and innovation in the music industry. First, journalist Cherie Hu shares a few music tech developments to look out for in 2019. Then, Jon Chattman explains his recent article "How the EP Killed the LP Star." Finally, Eric "Skippy" Mueller of Pirate's Press updates us on what's happening in vinyl. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
Episode #146: One of the least talked about and perhaps most important topics for musicians to understand is copyright. What is it, how do you copyright your music, and what’s the point of doing so? On this episode, we cover the basics of copyright with IP lawyer Peter Vaughan Shaver and musician Simon Tam. We also hear from Jessica Sobhraj, CEO of Cosynd, a platform created for creators to protect their work. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
Episode #145: In 1971, Bruce Iglauer founded Chicago-based indie blues label Alligator Records. For the last 48 years, Bruce and his team have released hundreds of albums by some of the world’s most celebrated contemporary blues artists. On this episode, Bruce recounts five decades in the business and gives us a taste of what’s next for Alligator. Cutting edge talent Selwyn Birchwood also joins us to talk about his work with Alligator and more. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered...
In our latest installment of the Get Paid series (in collaboration with @vrtxmag), artists and business people share their real-life experiences and advice for booking, promoting and touring. Featuring: Eli Howard - Brass Tacks Scott Gilmore + Sarah Vitort - Fox and Bones Dominik Schmidt - Rola Music Jennifer Carrizo - Talent Buyer, Crystal Ballroom Nicholas Harris - Soul'd Out Productions
Episode #143: From streaming to the inner-workings of indie labels, hear our most popular interviews of 2018 as determined by you, our listeners: - Liz Pelly on Spotify and “The Problem with Muzak” - Rob Jones on sustaining Jealous Butcher Records - Jen Cloher’s approach to the music business - Justin Schmidt weighs in on whether artists need a record label Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
Episode #142: For our last episode of 2018, we spotlight independent record label Fresh Selects. Started as a blog in 2008, Fresh Selects celebrates its fifth anniversary as a label this year. Driven by the vision of founder Kenny Fresh, Fresh Selects has made a name for itself by releasing music by artists on the cutting edge, many of whom have found mainstream success. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
Episode #141: Throughout 2018, we discussed the implications of the Music Modernization Act (MMA). Now that the historic bill has passed with the support of musicians, labels, and politicians, what’s next? On this episode, hear from Kay Hanley and Michelle Lewis of SONA (Songwriters of North America), SoundExchange president Mike Huppe, and Prof. Larry Miller (NYU, Musonomics).
Established in 1983, Portland’s Projekt Records has released hundreds of albums across the realm of electronic, goth, and ambient music, helping to popularize the term “darkwave.” Founder Sam Rosenthal (Black Tape for a Blue Girl) joins us to discuss the label’s 35 years and how they’ve survived the many ups and downs of the music business.We also hear from Grammy nominated artist Steve Roach about his experience working with Projekt. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent ...
We look at a few of the issues concert venues are working through to keep their spaces open and more inclusive. Learn all about HalfAccess, a nonprofit working with venues to make live music more accessible. We also hear about a new mandate that could threaten music venues under the guise of public safety. Plus: We announce a new podcast series from Kill Rock Stars: hyperurl.co/girlgerms Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
A unique feature of many independent labels is that they’re closely intertwined with one person’s taste and vision. Instead of emphasizing a genre, these ventures often reflect a specific scene or time. Like Jealous Butcher Records, these labels exemplify the true labor of love that can go into an album release. In 1991, Rob Jones started Jealous Butcher in Eugene, Oregon. Since then, he’s released countless records from some of the state’s most exciting artists -- many on the verge of their big...
Seeing your band's name on a t-shirt for the first time is an exciting milestone, but how do you actually turn those tees into a viable revenue stream? For this episode, we partnered with Vortex Music Magazine to discuss tangible ways of selling merch (and even share a few of our favorite merch ideas). Hear from Kelley Roy (founder of ADX and Portland Made), Cheryl Bland (J-Fell Presents, Harefest), and Blake Hickman (founder of Good Cheer Records).
Episode #136: How can artists, venues, and other music institutions use their platforms for social change? On this episode we hear from organizations who are connecting the music industry to voter registration campaigns and more. Emily White and Pat Sansone (Wilco) join us to discuss #IVoted, a project that works with venues to allow voters into shows for free on election day. Ivy Bryan, artist liaison for HeadCount, explains how they’ve registered over 500,000 voters with the help of musicians....
Episode #135: One common question we hear all the time from musicians is “do I need a record label?” On this episode, we talk to people who offer services traditionally taken care of by a label, but outside of the traditional artist/label relationship. Hear from Shanna Jade, who works with Stem, a platform that aims to simplify artist payments. We also talk with Justin Schmidt of Missing Piece Group, a full-service marketing, PR and management agency and Gabe Herring, who runs Woods Ent. Group a...
Australian artist Jen Cloher joins us in studio to talk about her musical career, running Milk! Records (the indie label Cloher and Courtney Barnett started in 2012), and her approach to the music business. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.
Molly Neuman is the Global Head of Business Development at Songtrust and you may know her from her time ar Kickstarter, A2IM, Rhapsody, or eMusic. Molly is best known as a creator of the riot grrrl movement as Bratmobile’s drummer and founding editor of the Girl Germs zine. On this episode, Portia and Molly discuss her career and more. Live from Indie-Con Australia 2018.
Artistic communities are integral to the livability and desirability of many cities, but are often left without defense against these cities’ rapid growth. Uniting the artists, venues, labels, and manufacturers that make up a city’s music industry on their own terms is vital to its survival. MusicPortland is a new advocacy group for those who make up Portland's vast music ecosystem. Members of the group's board join us to discuss their philosophy, goals, and progress. If you want to ensure the h...
Episode #131: The Music Modernization Act may have unanimously passed the House and garnered support from songwriters, publishers, and DSPs, but the bill has faced a few obstacles ahead of November. On this episode, we check in with key players and look ahead at how the MMA could change our business. Featured guests include Blake Morgan (IRespectMusic), David Israelite (NMPA), Richard Burgess (A2IM), and Daryl Friedman (NARAS). Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury ...
#130: Compass Records was founded in 1994 by artists Garry West and Alison Brown. Called “one of the greatest independent labels of the last decade” by Billboard, Compass specializes in roots, bluegrass, and Americana -- and boasts the largest Celtic catalog in the world. On this episode, we hear about the label’s philosophy and history from co-founder Garry West. Compass artist Laura Cortese also shares her perspective. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta...
Episode #129: Despite being over a decade old, podcasting is still a new frontier for music licensing. As podcasts gain millions of listeners and big budgets, it's more important than ever for artists to understand their rights when approached about music use. Entertainment and podcast lawyer Lindsay Bowen gives us a rundown of how podcasts *should* go about using music and how artists can protect themselves. Jacob Webb, licensing and podcast coordinator at KEXP explains how they handle music us...
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
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 ...
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).
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.
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...
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...
