The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

This week on the New Music Business, Ari sits down with powerhouse managers Gordan Dillard and Josh Kaplan, the team behind global superstar Doja Cat. Together, they break down how they helped build one of the most influential, multi-hyphenate artists of the decade. Gordan and Josh share early viral moments of Doja Cat's diversified empire spanning music, brand partnerships, and new business ventures.Other topics discussed here include: how features really work, how producers differ from beatmakers, what modern record deals look like at the highest level, and why short-form content has completely reshaped the career-building playbook. Gordan and Josh offer candid, unfiltered advice for emerging artists and managers on finding the right partnership, building a fanbase from scratch, and creating leverage in today’s industry.https://www.instagram.com/dojacat/https://www.agood-day.com/04:16 – Why Good Day Management only represents one artist07:19 – Diversifying Doja Cat’s revenue beyond music10:18 – How Gordon & Josh first joined Doja’s team15:40 – The “Juicy” era and early visual strategy17:31 – Doja Cat’s rise during the pandemic20:42 – Long-form videos vs short-form content today24:54 – Balancing artists’ vision with budget and label support29:10 – How label deals and funding have evolved36:28 – How features actually get made (creatively & financially)44:25 – Beatmakers vs producers: what’s the difference?48:37 – Why songs sometimes have 7 writers & 6 producers58:54 – Advice for emerging artists & managers todayEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Tema Siegel and Zach Blankstein of the band Couch. Tema is the singer and Zach is the guitarist/manager of this seven-piece soul-pop band from Boston. Their explosive live shows and fully DIY approach have helped them sell out major venues across the country. Formed from lifelong friendships and built during the pandemic, Couch has grown into a globally touring act while self-producing their acclaimed debut album 'Big Talk'.In this episode, Tema and Zach break down how they built an engaged fanbase without label support, the logistics of touring as a seven-member group, and the creative and vulnerable writing process behind 'Big Talk'. Ari dives into their ad strategy, their partnership with the Salt Lick Incubator, how they secured major support tours with Lake Street Dive and Cory Wong, and what it takes to balance musicianship, management, and sustainable growth as an independent band in 2025. http://instagram.com/couch.theband07:16 – Adding the seventh member & early chemistry09:15 – Touring as an introvert and finding group balance12:19 – Managing a 12-person touring party16:34 – How fans are reacting to the new songs live18:22 – How the band uses VIP sections to build superfans19:40 – Collaborative songwriting process & Temma’s Notes app22:19 – “Middleman” and the band’s unexpected EDM influence26:22 – Self-producing the entire album & working with mixers27:15 – Living in Boston and breaking out beyond the local scene32:56 – Growing during the pandemic while in separate cities36:32 – Early viral video & their online strategy40:07 – How Couch finances the band with day jobs41:24 – Why Zach became their in-house manager55:52 – Opening for Cory Wong & Lake Street Dive58:44 – Deep dive into their ad strategyEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari hops on for a solo episode to talk about Brassroots District—a decade-long passion project fusing immersive theater, hard-grooving funk, and 1970s world-building. He shares how the project grew from DIY LA shows into a scripted parking-lot production during COVID, and how it’s finally taking over a premier LA venue. If you're in LA, come catch Brassroots District LA ’74, opening February 7th at Catch One in Koreatown. Check out the trailer and grab your tickets here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Bay Area rapper, LaRussell. Known for his backyard shows, revolutionary ticketing and release practices, and motivational freestyling, LaRussell has become a blueprint for modern DIY artistry. His business, Good Compenny, is a multi-media brand that puts on shows, sells merch, and empowers independent artists.In this episode, Ari and LaRussell discuss when and why it’s important to stay independent as an artist. LaRussell tells Ari how he continues to find joy in making music, even after releasing over 700 songs. He also breaks down his offer-based ticketing model—a game-changing approach that could change the entire live concert industry. Tune in to hear LaRussell’s secrets to community-building, his artistic approach to social media, and loads of inspiration heading into 2026.https://www.instagram.com/larussell06:20 – LaRussell explains “out the trunk” direct bookings08:10 – Origin of the backyard concerts12:21 – Full backyard experience (hospitality, free food, bounce house)16:45 – How offer-based ticketing works (“What is this worth to you?”)18:23 – His $1,000 birthday show that made $250K20:12 – Full breakdown of all revenue streams27:02 – Why he stays independent + label philosophy43:48 – What “Good Compenny” really is (a community)54:38 – Spending $120K on ads to make $800K back01:02:01 – Full-circle moment: how the book changed his lifeEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business Podcast, Ari sits down with recent GRAMMY Award winners Matt B and Angela Benson. Matt B is a GRAMMY-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and global recording artist whose career spans over a decade. His most recent project, ‘Alkebulan II’, earned him and Angela a GRAMMY Award, following years of DIY artistry. Over the course of this album, Matt and Angela recorded across Africa, collaborated with artists like Eddie Kenzo and Oxlade, and worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. As a label owner, producer on ‘Alkebulan II’, and longtime Recording Academy member, Angela has been instrumental in shaping Matt’s artistic direction, visual world-building, and global strategy.In this episode, Matt B and Angela Benson walk through their incredible DIY journey and how they found themselves on the GRAMMY-winning path. They discuss the challenges of writing and recording in multiple African languages, shooting a full visual album across multiple countries, and balancing the creative workload between artist and manager. The pair break down how independent artists can navigate the GRAMMY process, the importance of joining the Recording Academy, the role of networking and bartering in major creative endeavors, and most importantly, the communication and patience required to run a music career as a married team.https://www.instagram.com/mattbworldhttps://www.instagram.com/angelavbenson01:40 – Home Studio & Recent Travels02:10 – Returning to His Alma Mater After the Grammy Win03:00 – Life & Opportunities After Winning a Grammy04:15 – Performing in Uganda & Global Breakthrough Moments05:20 – Inception of the Akebulan Concept09:00 – Connecting With Oxlade & Eddie Kenzo11:00 – Creating the “Gimme Love” Music Video13:00 – Building a Full Visual Album DIY17:40 – Finding Producers & Collaborators Worldwide20:00 – Incorporating the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra30:00 – Navigating Grammy Nominations & Recording Academy Membership47:00 – Working as a Husband-and-Wife Artist/Manager TeamEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Matt Jones, the CEO and co-founder of Medallion, a platform helping artists own their fan relationships and build new revenue models. Matt was previously CEO of Songkick, another direct-to-fan platform that was acquired by Warner Music Group. He’s now developing new economic models for artists to own their fan relationships.In this episode, Matt and Ari discuss the direct-to-fan experience and why it’s beneficial to give artists full ownership of their data. Matt explains why traditional models like Patreon and Substack don’t fit the creative rhythms of most musicians. They also dig into the shortcomings of streaming and the need for transparency in artist payments. Tune in to learn more about how major labels might adapt, what lessons can be learned from Bandcamp, and why the next decade of music will be defined by artist ownership and sustainability.https://medallion.app/0:00 - Intro10:45 – Why the term “superfan” has taken over the industry13:20 – The challenges artists face relying on third-party platforms15:50 – How Medallion lets artists own their data and build communities18:30 – Why streaming’s economic model is outdated and unsustainable21:50 – Why Patreon and Substack rarely work for most musicians24:15 – The three main artist revenue streams: live, recordings, and merch28:30 – How Bandcamp paved the way—but why it isn’t enough31:40 – Handling rights, licensing, and label relationships on Medallion38:00 – The future of transparency and fan-to-artist payment models49:50 – Why blockchain and NFTs weren’t the right fit for MedallionEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with acclaimed pianist and composer, Chloe Flower. Born in Pennsylvania, Chloe began playing piano at age two, later studying at the Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege and London’s Royal Academy of Music. A classically trained pianist turned genre-bender, she calls her unique style “popsical” (a fusion of classical, pop, and hip-hop). She has collaborated with major artists like Céline Dion, Babyface, Nas, and Cardi B (whose 2019 GRAMMY performance she helped elevate). Beyond performing, Chloe is a passionate advocate for music education.In this episode, Ari and Chloe dive deep into Chloe’s artistic journey. They discuss everything from her rigorous classical training to the lessons she’s learned from merging two distinct musical worlds. In this episode, you’ll learn about label strategy, collaboration with big-name artists and producers, and maintaining authenticity while scaling. Chloe shares invaluable insights on building a personal brand (both musically and visually), empowering women in the industry, and how she sees the future of genre-fluid music.https://www.instagram.com/misschloeflower05:00 – The Holiday Album and Women Composers10:30 – Understanding Public Domain and Classical Music Rights15:45 – YouTube Covers, Metadata, and Going Independent19:00 – Meeting Babyface and Blending Genres25:00 – The Viral Grammy Performance with Cardi B29:30 – Evolving Sound and the Role of Collaboration33:00 – Running an Independent Label and Revenue Streams36:00 – Pros and Cons of Major vs. Indie Labels47:00 – Music Education and Inspiring the Next Generation54:00 – Performing with Orchestras and ConductorsEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Daniel Rowland, a rare combination of audio engineer, producer, tech executive, and educator. The music he’s worked on has amassed over 15 billion streams, earning Emmy and Oscar wins, Grammy nominations, and multiple platinum certifications. His credits span an eclectic range of artists and projects, including Nina Simone, Nine Inch Nails, Thundercat, Star Wars, Pixar, and John Wick. Beyond the studio, Daniel serves as VP of Strategy and Partnerships at LANDR Audio and a longtime professor at MTSU, where he champions ethical, AI-driven tools that empower creators.In this episode, Ari and Daniel explore the ever-evolving intersection of music, technology, and creativity. They dive deep into the art and science of mastering for different formats, the rise of AI in music production, and how to maintain authenticity in an increasingly automated world. Daniel also shares his personal journey from musician to educator and innovator, offering invaluable insights for artists navigating the future of sound and creation.https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowlanddanielhttps://www.landr.com/00:00 – Mixing vs. Mastering & the Role of AI in Quality Control02:30 – Introducing Daniel Rowland & His Career Overview06:45 – Daniel’s Journey from Musician to Engineer & Educator09:45 – Dolby Atmos & Spatial Audio: Fad or Future?19:00 – What Mastering Really Is (and Isn’t)26:00 – The “Curmudgeon” Era of Mastering Engineers29:00 – Loudness, LUFS, and the Streaming Revolution36:45 – The Vinyl Comeback: Problems and Pitfalls47:45 – Automated Mastering & LANDR’s Evolution54:00 – The Future of AI and Creativity in MusicEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Ralph Torrefranca, Executive Director of A&R at Angry Mob Music. With nearly two decades of experience, Ralph has championed emerging songwriters, artists, and producers, working with talents like Jake Scott, Bailey Bryan, and Joe Pepe. He is also the founder of Angry Mob’s New Normal Writing Camp, a diversity-driven initiative, and a respected voice on equity in the music industry. Beyond his A&R work, Ralph fronts the post-punk band Cuffed Up and is an award-winning filmmaker.In this episode, Ralph offers a candid look at the realities of A&R and independent publishing. He and Ari discuss signing and developing new talent, navigating the politics of song splits, and the growing importance of diversity in writers’ rooms. Ralph also sheds light on the challenges songwriters face in today’s industry and the ongoing fight for fair representation, making this conversation invaluable for anyone seeking an inside perspective on the business of songwriting and publishing.https://www.instagram.com/rhymeswithralphhttps://www.instagram.com/angrymobmusic00:00:00 Introduction to A&R and Publishing00:03:00 The Role of A&R in Independent Publishing00:09:00 Challenges in Signing New Talent00:15:00 The Politics of Song Splits00:21:00 Diversity in Writers' Rooms00:27:00 Advocating for Songwriters' Rights00:33:00 The Evolving Music Industry Landscape00:39:00 Songwriting Camps and Collaboration00:45:00 Defining Success in the Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Nicole Zuraitis, a GRAMMY-winning New York-based jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and arranger. Her 2023 album, How Love Begins, won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 66th GRAMMY Awards in 2024. She has performed all over the world from Birdland and Dizzy's Club to Lincoln Center China. She first earned GRAMMY attention in 2019 for her arrangement of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" with a GRAMMY nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals. She most recently won a GRAMMY in 2025 for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.In this episode, Nicole traces her path from early days hustling in the New York jazz scene, collaborating with Christian McBridge, touring in China, and navigating the realities of indie artistry. She digs into the power of networking in her community, the pandemic's impact on NYC venues, why physical release formats still matter, and how grants and private donors help fund albums.https://www.nicolezmusic.com/4:53 - Introduction and Nicole's new live album9:23 - The decision to record live at VIXX15:53 - Collaborating with Christian McBride22:38 - Touring in China and working with Jazz at Lincoln Center29:08 - The Grammy experience and independent artist challenges36:33 - The role of networking in New York's music scene44:13 - The impact of the pandemic on jazz clubs51:43 - The importance of physical music products in the digital age59:23 - Funding albums through grants and private donors1:05:53 - Nicole's upcoming projects and future plansEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Sol Rising, a producer and DJ whose eclectic blend of electronic, downtempo, and lo-fi has inspired millions. Born in Vancouver and raised in Iowa, he went from a childhood rooted in meditation to becoming one of America’s top scratch DJs before evolving into a prolific producer. With over 20 albums, 225M+ streams, and international tours across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Sol Rising shares his journey of artistry and growth.Sol shares his journey from a turntablist to a successful artist with millions of streams, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music world independently. They delve into the impact of streaming platforms, the role of AI in music, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of the music business.05:40 – Introduction and Niche11:10 – Early Journey17:40 – Shift to Yoga Music24:25 – Streaming Platforms30:55 – AI in Music37:40 – Creativity and Motivation45:40 – Future Plans53:10 – Reflections and Advicehttps://www.instagram.com/solrisingEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Top Music Attorney, Miss Krystle. Miss Krystle is an entertainment attorney, independent artist, musician, and CEO of Delgado Entertainment Law. She hosts the Top Music Attorney podcast and popular YouTube channel, and has sold tens of millions of dollars in music catalogs. As leader of the class action lawsuit against A.I. generative companies Suno and Udio on behalf of independent artist, producers, & songwriters; she continues to champion creators’ rights while teaching artists how to think like major labels and build six-figure careers on their own terms.In this insightful episode, Ari and Krystle, delve into the complexities of the music industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in music creation. They discuss the ongoing legal battles against AI music platforms, the importance of copyright registration, and the evolving landscape of music licensing. Tune in to learn how independent artists can navigate these changes and protect their creative rights.https://www.instagram.com/misskrystlelive00:00 - Introduction and AI's Impact on Music03:00 - Legal Challenges and Copyright Issues06:00 - Class Action Lawsuits Against AI Platforms09:00 - Independent Artists and AI12:00 - The Role of Copyright Registration15:00 - Spotify's Approach to AI Music18:00 - Fair Use in AI Music21:00 - Future of the Music Industry24:00 - Strategies for Artists to Protect Their Work27:00 - Closing Thoughts and TakeawaysEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enrollment for Ari’s Take Academy CLOSING SOON: https://aristakeacademy.com (use code NMB for 10% off!)Order THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business here: https://book.aristake.comThis week on the New Music Business, Ari is joined by the founder of Purple Bite PR, Mikel Corrente. In the last few years Corrente adapted a “Zero-Risk” guaranteed or money back system that is very uncommon in the PR industry but it’s more transparent and fairer than the traditional PR system. Some examples of artists and companies that Corrente has worked with are: Sony Music, Kat Graham, Red Light Management, Mix Master Mike, Elohim, Jesse Jo Stark, Lauren Ruth Ward, BIIANCO, and many more.05:52 Welcome / background10:20 PR model ten years ago, shifting from publications to playlists15:55 What PR is and what a publicist does25:21 Evolution of press rates and artist feedback31:24 Relationship with fashion and music publication Lady Gun41:58 Pay-to-play PR model47:03 What is the point of music press right now?53:21 Purple Bite’s business model01:05:03 How Purple Bite guarantees placements01:09:50 What it means to make it in the New Music BusinessSubscribe to The New Music Business: https://aristake.com/nmbWatch more discussions like this: https://bit.ly/3LavMpaConnect with Ari’s Take:Website: https://aristake.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/aristake_TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@aris.takeTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArisTakeYouTube: https://youtube.com/user/aristake1Connect with Ari Herstand:Website: https://ariherstand.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/ariherstandTwitter: https://twitter.com/ariherstandYouTube: https://youtube.com/ariherstandConnect with Mikel Corrente:Website: http://purplebite.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/mikelcorrenteTikTok: https://.tiktok.com/@mikelcorrenteTwitter: https://twitter.com/MikelCorrenteEdited and mixed by Maxton HunterMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s Take#MusicPR #MusicPress #MusicMarketing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which represents over 1,500 venues nationwide. Together, they discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which alleges deceptive pricing practices that have enabled scalpers to exploit both artists and fans for billions of dollars.Ari and Stephen break down the logistics of the case, its potential impact on the future of ticketed events, and the incriminating evidence pointing to Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s complicity. They also explore the broader issue of monopoly power in the live music industry, the push to separate the two companies, and the policy and legal strategies that could protect venues, artists, and consumers moving forward.https://www.nivassoc.org/https://www.nivassoc.org/fixthetix/model-legislation5:10 Introduction and Overview of Live Nation's Situation10:10 FTC Lawsuit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster15:10 History of Live Nation and Ticketmaster Merger20:10 Role of NIVA and Its Advocacy Efforts25:10 Impact of Ticket Scalping and Resale Practices30:10 Discussion on Ticketing Reform and Legislative Efforts35:10 Challenges Faced by Independent Venues40:10 Artists' Perspectives on Ticketing Issues45:10 Future of Ticketing and Live Events50:10 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Seamus Menihane, CEO and Co-Founder of the merch company, Downright Merch (now known as Armada). This merch company has paid out over $30 million to clients and they currently manage over 250 merch stores for artists including Thrice, Tom Morello and Death Row Records, as well as clients such as Grillo’s Pickles, Every Day Astronaut and Matty Matheson. In this episode, Ari and Seamus dig into all things merch. They discuss online versus touring merch sales, fanclubs, pre-sale campaigns, and large-scale transparency issues that come up between venues and promoters. Seamus and Ari also discuss which merch platforms work best for musicians, how to ‘merchandize’ your audience, and the importance of superfans. You’ll also get the inside scoop on Downright’s recent merger with Overcast to create their new brand Armada, and the exciting new ways they plan to operate. https://www.poweredbyarmada.com/about04:14 – Intro05:29 – Indie Merch Merger09:44 – Impact of Merger15:59 – Brand Management19:14 – Case Examples24:44 – Online vs. In-Person29:14 – Online Strategies35:59 – Tech in Merch39:14 – Future of D2C44:14 – ClosingEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf of the groundbreaking electronic duo, Krewella. Krewella has earned billions of streams, a devoted global fanbase, and a place among the first women in EDM to reach major milestones. Featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and performing at Coachella, Lollapalooza, EDC, Tomorrowland, and beyond, Krewella has left an undeniable mark on the scene. After time with Columbia Records and a brief hiatus, they’ve returned with a new single, “Crying on the Dancefloor.”Jahan and Yasmine dive deep into the business of music—covering collaborations, royalty splits, AI tools, and the ever-changing industry landscape. They reflect on how much has shifted over the past nine years, offering candid insights on balancing algorithm demands with authentic artistry. Most importantly, they share their perspective on staying true to yourself as an artist—creatively, spiritually, and personally—in an era of constant external pressure.https://www.instagram.com/krewella/04:37 – Intro06:31 – Slower, intentional process11:18 – Indie team setup13:49 – Indie vs. major19:35 – Grow vs. nurture fans, algorithms31:09 – song death/rebirth, reviving old songs 35:11 – Collabs & producer roles; splits45:05 – Remixes/AI/Splice; self-sampling1:01:05 – Live show: safe, sober, caring1:08:13 – Making itEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save the Music Foundation which focuses to provide equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide. They do so by donating instruments and music technology to schools, providing resources for music educators and advocating for them on a national level.  In this episode, Ari and Henry explore the future of music education in 2025 and how to support Save the Music Foundation. Henry shares the history of the J. Dilla Music Technology Grant—launched with Pharrell’s support—and its impact in classrooms nationwide. They discuss the shift from band and theory toward production and technology, the inequities faced by schools of different socio-economic backgrounds, and how we can all help ensure students have access to music today and in the futurehttps://www.savethemusic.org/3:19 Introduction4:19 Role of Music Education in the Industry8:19 Ari & Henry’s Personal Journeys13:19 Save the Music Foundation Mission & impact23:19 Issues in schools33:19 Cultural Influence: Local culture’s role43:19 Modern Trends in Tech & Production53:19 Future: Where music education is headed58:19 Wrap-up & Call to ActionEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dr. Chayim Newman and Zack Borer, co-founders of Amber Health, an organization dedicated to improving mental health in the music industry. Zack and Dr. Chayim discuss their experience supporting tours for artists like Billie Eilish, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, and more. Their work is reshaping the way the music industry supports the well-being of artists, crew members, and even label teams.In this candid conversation, Dr. Chayim, Zack, and Ari explore the mental health challenges that come with life on the road, the pressures of performance, and the lack of traditional support systems in music. They also share how Amber Health is working to change that—embedding mental health professionals directly into tours and collaborating with labels to build long-term wellness infrastructure. Dr. Chayim and Zack discuss the specific services offered by Amber Health, their impactful work on Olivia Rodrigo's tour, and the broader implications of mental health support in the industry. This conversation underscores the need for sustainable practices and proactive mental health care to ensure the well-being of everyone in the music business.www.amber.health3:34 Introduction and Welcome4:04 Importance of Mental Health in the Music Industry8:34 Dr. Chayim Newman's Background and Journey13:34 Zack Borer's Experience and Transition to Therapy18:34 Founding and Mission of Amber Health23:34 Challenges and Mental Health Issues in the Music Industry28:34 Amber Health's Approach and Services33:34 Case Study: Olivia Rodrigo's Tour38:34 Future of Mental Health Support in Music43:34 Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ari is joined by Matthew Ramsey, lead singer of Old Dominion, to discuss songwriting, touring, and artistic integrity. Old Dominion’s skyscraping anthems and electrifying live shows have put the multi-platinum-selling band at the forefront of country music, with nine No. 1 singles, over five billion streams, and multiple platinum certifications. They are the reigning 8X ACM and 7X CMA “Group of the Year,” holding the record for most consecutive CMA Vocal Group wins. In 2025, they earned their historic 8th consecutive ACM Group of the Year award, breaking all-time records. Their highly anticipated sixth album Barbara (August 22) and the How Good Is That World Tour will take them nationwide in 2025. In this episode, Ari and Matthew explore Old Dominion's creative journey and the stories behind their latest album. They delve into the inspiration for the iconic album cover, the songwriting process, and the balance between being a cover band and original artists. Matthew shares insights on the importance of staying true to one's art and offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about music, creativity, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.https://www.instagram.com/mtramseyhttps://www.instagram.com/olddominionmusic3:40 - Introduction and Tour Discussion5:55 - Who's Barbara?9:10 - Album Concept and Humor14:25 - Songwriting Process and "Miss You Man"21:40 - The Journey to Nashville29:10 - Balancing Cover Bands and Original Music36:25 - Choosing Singles and Label Dynamics43:40 - The Importance of Staying True to Your Art50:55 - Advice for Young Artists58:40 - Closing Thoughts on Success in MusicEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Tersha Willis, co-founder and CEO of terrible*, a UK-based merch company known for its artist-first approach. With a background in fashion, Tersha brings a fresh and progressive perspective to the merch game. terrible* runs merch for artists of all levels including Japanese Breakfast, The xx, CMAT, King Krule, Fever Ray, and more. She’s been recognized on the AIM Altpower100 Music List and has spoken at events like BBC Introducing, SXSW, and AIM, as well as being featured in outlets including BBC, C4, Wallpaper Magazine, Vox, and MusicAlly for her innovative work in the music merch industry. Tersha and Ari discuss the challenges artists face in turning fan support into income—especially in an era dominated by streaming and large conglomerates taking cuts from merch sales. Tersha explains how terrible*’s unique approach, including a merch operating system, helps artists create sustainable income through high-quality, data-informed campaigns. The conversation also covers the nuances of live versus online sales, the power of pre-orders, and innovative direct-to-fan strategies that can turn merch into a vital piece of an artist’s long-term success.https://www.instagram.com/terriblegrphttps://www.instagram.com/tersha_willis/03:40 – Introduction: Ari welcomes Tersha Willis.05:41 – The Digital Landscape: Streaming and social media metrics.09:11 – Terrible Merch: Tersha’s company and approach to merch.13:41 – Merchandising Operations: How merch companies work.18:41 – Revenue Models: Ways artists profit from merch.23:41 – Tips and Merch Sellers: The tipping debate at merch tables.28:41 – Online and Live Operations: Blending online and live sales.33:41 – Pre-order Campaigns: Why pre-orders help artists.38:41 – Creative Merchandising: Engaging fans through merch.43:41 – Marketing Strategies: Selling artist merchandise.48:41 – Genre Differences: How genre impacts merch sales.53:41 – Final Thoughts: Tersha’s view of success.58:41 – Closing Remarks: Ari wraps up the episode.Edited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.