How To Break an Artist

This week the lads welcome the formidable RuthAnne. RuthAnne is a two-time grammy nominated songwriter, artist, producer and music industry campaigner. You will have no doubt heard her work. She’s written for Diana Ross, Jojo, Britney Spears, One Direction, Ella Henderson.. the list is endless! And she’s on this weeks episode to tell us all about her incredible career, her songwriting process and the changes she’s passionate about making to the music industry. From fair pay for songwriters and gender equality.This was such an inspiring episode for us to record and we’re so grateful to RuthAnne for her time and expertise. Enjoy! And do join us over on our socials. We love hearing from you!https://linktr.ee/howtobreakanartist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And 3, 2, 1... Welcome back to How To Break an Artist! We’ve got so much to talk about this series, and today we’re jumping right in.During the break, Alfie went on tour for the first time ever as a solo artist. He transparently tells us about the budgets, how he booked, promoted, and played the shows, and breaks down exactly what his hourly wage was for the tour. Alfie gives advice on how to deal with hecklers, and we even hear from the heckler themselves!Fionnán, on the other hand, has been busy preparing for future gigs and the imminent release of his second single, ‘Fall For You,’ while putting the final touches on his upcoming EP. He tells us about the pressures on his mind as he approaches these releases, such as social media and costs.The lads bring us up to speed on what’s been happening in music over the last few weeks, focusing on the plight of grassroots music and the sheer cost of pursuing such careers. Is this the cost of gigging crisis?Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to How To Break an Artist! Alfie and Fionnán are excited to dive into Series 3 with you. Episode One drops on June 19th, but in the meantime, here's a little taster of what's to come.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the final episode of the series! Fionnán's been back in the studio, while Alfie preps for his first solo tour. We hear from our listeners about activism, publishing, and dream podcast guests! The lads also touch on James Blake’s 'Vault,' grassroots venues, and Music Declares.Thank you for your support this series. We can’t wait to be back for Season 3!Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the penultimate episode of series 2 and it’s been a busy week for Alfie and Fionnán!Alfie has been on national TV and radio promoting the podcast and his debut single. While being interviewed isn’t new for Alfie, it is his first time doing it solo! He tells us about the differences between this trip and his days with Hudson Taylor, how this week of promotion came about, and shares his advice on conducting oneself during interviews and promo days. Meanwhile, Fionnán has been busy gigging and has gained newfound confidence on stage. With a few gigs under his belt and a refined on-stage setup, he offers valuable tips and reflections for fellow new artists.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weeks episode is all about artists making change with their music and their platforms. Every Irish act has pulled out of SXSW in solidarity with Palestine after learning that the U.S Army are super sponsors of the event. We believe that weapons of mass destruction and music don’t go together, so we’re gonna talk about it! The lads discuss how important it is to stand up for what you believe, whilst also considering the financial, logistic and social implications for artists after making such a big decision. Alfie and Fionnán have many questions this episode: Where have all the protest singers gone? Will Israel be banned from Eurovision just like Russia? Where the f**k is Bono?Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on How To Break an Artist, the lads welcome Frank Carter. Frank has had an incredible career so far, from fronting Gallows to forming Pure Love. Currently, he's writing and touring with his band The Rattlesnakes, all while being a renowned tattoo artist! Frank brings a wealth of stories and inspiring advice.We delve into the punk scene of the early 2000s and hear what it was like for a young man in a hardcore punk band signing a million-pound record deal. Frank shares fascinating anecdotes and offers valuable advice for songwriters and artists. He also gives us insight into his writing process and shares an entry from one of his notebooks.We thoroughly enjoyed making this episode and extend a huge thank you to Frank for spending the hour with us.Listen to his new album ‘Dark Rainbow’ and make sure you see him and the Rattlesnakes when they’re in your town.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a busy week off the podcast, Alfie and Fionnán return with lots to share! Alfie has finally announced the end of his band Hudson Taylor, revealing his parting gift to fans and explaining how they broke the news via the mailing list. He also discusses why it took so long to make the announcement.Meanwhile, Fionnán has hit the studio for the first time to record his new music. During his week off, he also directed a music video for Alfie’s new single! They share the story behind the video, including how it was funded, and delve into the importance of preserving music videos as an art form.However, it’s not all sunshine on How To Break An Artist! The episode tackles the significant financial challenges artists face at all levels. The lads explore what can be done to support our favourite artists in an era where attention seems to be the new currency.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, Alfie and Fionnán delve into the world of music videos.Fionnán offers valuable advice for aspiring directors and details the process behind creating his music video "Therapy." Meanwhile, Alfie provides a different perspective, discussing the pressures and costs associated with music videos while reflecting on his band's earlier productions.Later in the episode, they are joined by director, photographer, and creative director Wolf James Creative (Debbie Scanlan), who shares insights and stories from their extensive experience working with artists such as Kyla La Grange, Nina Nesbitt, Jamie Duffy, and Hudson Taylor.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Alfie and Fionnán talk all things TikTok! The lads discuss the evolution of the ever growing social media platform and its impact on the music industry.We hear about some of the biggest artists and songs from TikTok such as Jvke - Golden Hour and Cordelia and try to pick apart how they went viral. Is there really a formula to it or is it luck?Can a viral moment really launch your career?We also recap on the times artists have felt pressured to have a strong presence on TikTok by looking back on Halsey's public plea to her label to release her music regardless of its “virality”. We are joined by the founder of Zebr, Josh Deal. Josh is a former session drummer turned music industry wizard who has created one of the most exciting social media marketing companies in music. He tells us all about how his company took off, how he stays motivated and gives some amazing and inspiring advice to anyone looking to get into the music industry. Alfie and Fionnán also touch on the UMG vs TikTok situation that has seen all UMG catalogues removed from TikTok, and discuss whether this is in the interest of their artists and if artists are really at the heart of their decision making.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting where last weeks episode left off, Alfie and Fionnán continue the conversation around gender inequality in the music industry but this week they’re focusing on the live sector. The lads are then joined by Elliott Andrews who is if we may a so, a touring expert! Elliott has been a successful drummer for acts such as The Maccabees, Kate Nash and Paolo Nutini and now works as a tour manager for a wide range of acts such as AJ Tracy and Alan Carr. So he knows touring from both sides! He shares invaluable insights, information that may be surprising and also he is just a really funny dude. We think you’ll like him!In the second half of the episode we’re joined by independent artist Alexz Johnson. Alexz is an accomplished artist, navigating her career without the backing or approval of a major label or team. She's even her own manager! She's truly DIY and is absolutely killing it. If anyone can inspire you to push forward as an artist, it’s Alex. She takes us through the surprising chapters of her career up to where she is now. She was an amazing guest and left Fionnán with dimples he was so happy!Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alfie and Fionnán welcome PR expert and music industry consultant Linda Coogan Byrne to the podcast. Linda is the CEO of award-winning PR and marketing company Good Seed PR and the managing director of Culture Change company Why Not Her. In this episode, Linda explains what music PR is and how the job has changed over her 20-year career and shares invaluable insights and advice for new artists considering their first PR campaign. We hear about the shocking data found in Why Not Her's gender and racial disparity reports and whether anything has improved since the reports were first conducted in 2020. This year's report highlighted that only 3% of the top 100 songs played on Irish radio were by Irish female-identifying artists, among other disappointing facts and figures.We also hear about how we can make meaningful changes as an industry, such as policy change across the broadcasting industry, the importance of education and men speaking up for equality across the airwaves. We encourage our listeners to sign Linda's petition, which aims to stop public funding to radio stations until they agree to a fair and equal balance in playlisting. Sign The Petition HereWhy Not Her Data ReportsSupport the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Series 2 of How To Break An Artist. To kick off the series, Alfie and Fionnán catch up and reflect on the big year of 2023. We hear about their favourite releases of last year and their predictions for the year ahead. They chat all about the biggest music industry stories of 2023, such as Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' and the ongoing calls for streaming royalties reform.Fionnán shares his release plans and goals, and Alfie finally hints at new music as he shares what it's like to be an independent solo artist for the first time. The lads delve into issues with streaming and pick apart the upbeat end-of-year messages sent to major label employees from their label bosses. Is it all talk, or are they on to something?Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and access exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the series finale! Alfie and Fionnán go off-script and reflect on the year and the podcast so far. The lads chat about everything from the real Crazy Frog story to Taylor Swift's lyrics but don't worry; it's not all Christmas cheer! Alfie tells us about his experience as a performer at Christmas time and the reason Hudson Taylor Whelan's Christmas tradition came to an end.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What exactly does a manager do and what should an artist look for in a manager? Alfie talks about his experience working with managers in Hudson Taylor and as a solo artist. Fionnán tells us what he is looking for in a manager and how he currently manages himself. The lads discuss the potential ways the currently unregulated industry can better protect artists.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week it's all about masters, record deals and Taylor Swift. Alfie tells us about Hudson Taylor's record deals, his experience working with both indie and major record labels and Fionnán shares why it's important to him as a new artist to hold on to his master recordings. The lads discuss the current value of music and try to pinpoint the very beginning of free music. Was it the iTunes single of the week? And lastly Alfie chats to Gabrielle Aplin in the kitchen about her career and how she has released music over the years.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is a publishing deal? As an artist or songwriter, it's essential to know.Fionnán has had three coffees and is buzzing about quizzing Alfie about Hudson Taylor's publishing deals and what he would do differently now. Alfie shares his advice with Fionnán and tells us about the advice he received from a respected music industry individual that later came back to bite him and how Michael Jackson came to own The Beatles catalogue.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alfie meets ARIA-winning songwriter Nick Atkinson at a live songwriting session. He chats about writing with Lewis Capaldi, Gabrielle Aplin and Dean Lewis, being involved in album projects and shares his advice for new artists.Back in the studio, Alfie and Fionnán discuss adrenaline, burnout and the importance of looking after yourself after hearing industry stories sent in from artists. They catch up following the release of Fionnán's first single and share their creative processes. The lads speak about all things songwriting, from royalties to plagiarism, collaborations to cowrites and artists selling their catalogues.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alfie and Fionnán welcome their first guest: artist and songwriter (and Alfie's teenage hero!) Greg Holden. The three lads have an open conversation about Greg's career from Artist to Songwriter and what he stands for in an ever-changing industry. This week, they cover major label budgets, the downfalls of going viral and whether the algorithm hinders music.Greg reminisces about the open music scene in New York and the community that came with it and offers advice on how we can support artists now, including some brutal but loving home truths.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alfie surprises Fionnán with some life-changing news. They talk about social media and artists using their voice online, like Raye, whose honest tweets pressured her record label into releasing her from her contract.Support the podcast on Patreon for ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.