Claim OwnershipModern Musician Podcast
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An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income. The host, Michael Walker provides artists with the tools necessary to create a lasting career in the music industry.
315 Episodes
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Grayson Sanders is the founder of Chordal, a groundbreaking music rights technology company redefining the future of licensing and sync. With its patent-pending InstantClear pre-clearance technology, already adopted by top music companies including Primary Wave, Reservoir Media, Nettwerk, Mad Decent, Believe, Sentric Publishing, and Neon Gold Records, Chordal streamlines one of the industry’s most complex pain points: clearing music rights quickly and accurately at scale. A former composer turned entrepreneur, Grayson is a visionary voice demystifying music licensing in the age of AI and the creator economy.In this episode, Grayson Sanders shares how AI, sync licensing, and platforms like Chordal are reshaping the future of music rights for independent artists and the creator economy.Key Takeaways:Learn how independent artists can prepare their catalogs to unlock sync licensing opportunities.Discover how AI and generative technology are challenging—and creating new solutions for—music rights management.Explore how Chordal’s InstantClear and upcoming API are making licensing faster, more transparent, and more accessible.---→ Learn more about Grayson and Chordal at chordal.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
James Patrick is a pioneering sound artist, producer, author, and educator who has been shaping the electronic music landscape since the 1990s. As co-founder of Slam Academy, an Ableton Certified Training Center in Minneapolis, he has mentored thousands of students—from beginners to world-class musicians. One of the first Ableton Certified Trainers globally, James has written two influential books on sound design and curated the Spark Festival of Electronic Music. His work bridges technology, education, and artistry, earning him recognition as a thought leader in music innovation.In this episode, James Patrick explores how embracing imperfection, leveraging AI tools, and rethinking education can unlock deeper creativity in music production.Key Takeaways:Discover why perfectionism is creativity’s biggest enemy—and how “making a mess” leads to artistic breakthroughs.Learn how AI and emerging technologies like neural interfaces can enhance (but never replace) human creativity in music.Gain insights into Slam Academy’s mission of providing accessible, affordable education for aspiring musicians.---→ Learn more about James Patrick’s work and resources at Slam Academy.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Romain Vivien is the Global Head of Music and President of Europe at Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies supporting independent artists and labels. With nearly 30 years of experience, including senior leadership roles at Virgin and EMI, Romain has been instrumental in shaping Believe’s global music strategy across 50+ markets. A passionate advocate for fairness and transparency, he continues to champion artist development, identity, and storytelling as essential pillars for success in today’s rapidly evolving music industry.In this episode, Romain shares how independent artists can thrive in a digital-first music landscape by leaning into authenticity, storytelling, and the power of local music movements.Key Takeaways:Why understanding and defining your artist identity is the foundation for growth.How digital platforms are reshaping opportunities for independent artists.The future of music trends, including the rise of local artists and diverse genres.---→ Learn more about Romain and Believe at believe.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Danny Garcia is the founder and CEO of SongTools, an all-in-one music marketing platform designed to help independent artists grow their fanbases with automated, data-driven campaigns. Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Music, Danny has played a pivotal role in democratizing access to effective promotion tools, helping over 1.5 million songs get discovered globally. With a background in artist management, a degree from NYU, and prior ventures like Playlister Club and SpotLister, Danny is a leading voice at the intersection of music, technology, and creator empowerment.In this episode, Danny reveals how indie artists can leverage automation, AI, and data to build sustainable careers in today’s music industry.Key Takeaways:How to create an effective artist funnel that builds community and drives long-term growth.The role of AI and automation in making music promotion more affordable and scalable.New monetization opportunities—from live shows to digital assets like NFTs—that every artist should explore.---→ Learn more about Danny’s work at SongTools.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Alexia Erlichman is the co-founder of MusicGorilla.com, a leading commercial marketplace that connects independent musicians with labels, publishers, and licensing opportunities across TV, film, advertising, and gaming. With a career spanning over a decade in the entertainment industry—including roles at Miramax Films, Tribeca Productions, and Creative Film Management—Alexia blends deep industry expertise with a passion for empowering independent artists. An NYU graduate and advocate for the indie movement, she continues to create opportunities for musicians worldwide, running MusicGorilla alongside her husband Lawrence from the Northeast.In this episode, Alexia shares how independent musicians can cut through the noise, land sync opportunities, and thrive in today’s evolving music industry.Key Takeaways:How to position your music for sync licensing opportunities in TV, film, and advertising.Why building an engaging live performance can accelerate your fan growth and career.How artists can leverage feedback, technology, and platforms like MusicGorilla to gain exposure.---→ Discover more opportunities for your music at MusicGorilla.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Troy Ericson is the owner of EmailMarketing.com and EmailDeliverability.com. Since 2020, Troy and his team have generated over $200M for clients through email copywriting, strategy, deliverability, and list management. His impressive client list includes Publishing.com, V-Shred, SmartMarketer, David Meltzer, Sam Ovens, and dozens more top brands. Ranked the #20 Copywriter in the world by Peter Tzemis, Troy is widely recognized as one of the top email marketers today. Outside of work, he’s a musician and former college baseball player living in Colorado with his wife Julia.In this episode, Troy shares how musicians and entrepreneurs can transform their careers by mastering the fundamentals of email marketing and deliverability.Key Takeaways:Why every musician needs email to build lasting fan relationships and drive sales.How to fix deliverability issues that keep your messages from reaching inboxes.The sales mindset shift artists must embrace to sell more music and merchandise authentically. Discover more about Troy’s work at EmailMarketing.com.---→ Discover more about Troy’s work at EmailMarketing.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Paul Sampson is the Founder and CEO of Lickd, a pioneering music licensing platform that empowers content creators to legally use mainstream music in their videos without copyright risks. With more than a decade of leadership experience in sync licensing at companies like Extreme Music and Music Dealers, Paul has played a key role in bridging the gap between rights holders and the creator economy. Under his leadership, Lickd has partnered with over 10,000 labels and publishers, offering creators access to a vast library of popular chart music.In this episode, Paul Sampson reveals how Lickd is transforming music licensing for creators and explores the future of music in the age of generative AI.Key Takeaways:Discover how Lickd is revolutionizing access to mainstream music for creators and brands.Learn why emotional connection in music remains irreplaceable, even with AI’s rapid rise. Explore the future of user-generated content and what it means for the music industry.---→ Learn more about Paul and Lickd at https://lickd.co/.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Justin Boreta is a founding member of The Glitch Mob, the pioneering electronic group whose music has amassed hundreds of millions of streams and sold out tours worldwide. Beyond the stage, Boreta has collaborated with spiritual leaders like Ram Dass and innovative projects like Wavepaths, merging music with mindfulness, healing, and psychedelic therapy. As an advisor and creator at the frontier of music and technology, he’s shaping immersive audio, AI-driven art, and the future of creative expression.In this episode, Justin Boreta reveals how music, mindfulness, and technology are converging to heal, inspire, and transform.Key Takeaways:Discover how music can be a powerful tool for healing, self-exploration, and even psychedelic therapy.Learn how AI and immersive audio are shaping the future of music while keeping the human touch alive.Hear Justin’s advice for artists on taking action, nurturing creativity, and connecting deeply through their work. ---→ Learn more about Justin Boreta’s work at https://boreta.net.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Caleb Shreve, founder and CEO of Killphonic Rights, is a pioneering advocate for artist empowerment and transparency in the music industry. With a career spanning music production, publishing, and rights management, Caleb has worked with Grammy-winning talent while building a company dedicated to helping independent artists collect the royalties they’re owed. His expertise bridges the gap between creative artistry and the often opaque business side of music, making him a leading voice in modernizing rights management and creating fairer revenue models for musicians worldwide.In this episode, we explore how Caleb is challenging the status quo and creating new pathways for indie artists to thrive.Key Takeaways:How “black box” royalties work—and why so much indie artist income goes unclaimed.The role NFTs and user-centric streaming models could play in reshaping music monetization.Practical steps every artist can take to protect their rights and maximize royalty collection.---→ Learn more about Caleb Shreve and Killphonic Rights at killphonicrights.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Natasha Brito is a Creative Director and Marketer in the music industry, and the Founder + CEO of Austere and Artist House. From her beginnings as a MySpace artist to leading creative campaigns at Sony Music, Natasha has helped shape the visual and marketing identities of both emerging and major artists. Her course, The Iconic Artist Blueprint, has empowered over 10,000 artists to build standout brands and viral social strategies. Natasha’s visuals-first approach helps musicians thrive by turning attention into loyalty and aesthetics into impact.In this episode, Natasha shares how musicians can build iconic brands and create viral content that connects deeply with fans. Key Takeaways: Why consistent branding and aesthetics are essential for artist credibility and long-term growthHow to balance organic and paid social strategies to grow your audience fasterProven tactics to turn engagement into email list growth and loyal fan relationships---→ Learn more about Natasha’s work at https://www.artisthousekey.com/.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Julien Christian Lutz, known professionally as Director X, is an acclaimed Canadian music video and film director celebrated for shaping the visual identity of modern music. A protégé of Hype Williams, he’s directed iconic videos for Drake, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West. His visionary work extends to film and television, including Superfly and Robyn Hood. Beyond entertainment, Lutz co-founded Operation Prefrontal Cortex, using mindfulness to combat gun violence. His dedication to storytelling and social change has positioned him as one of the most influential voices in contemporary visual media.In this episode, Director X shares how authenticity, emotion, and innovation shape powerful music videos—and how indie artists can rise by embracing their unique voice in a rapidly evolving industry.Key Takeaways:Discover how to use performance and emotion to make your music videos truly unforgettable.Learn why authenticity is the secret weapon for standing out in today’s saturated music landscape.Understand how to navigate new technologies like AI without losing the human soul of your art.---→ Learn more about Director X at op-pfc.com/.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Daniel Sander is the Chief Commercial Officer at Feature.fm, a cutting-edge music marketing platform helping artists connect with fans through smart links, pre-saves, and data-driven tools. With a background in finance and entrepreneurship from Syracuse University, Daniel blends tech innovation with artist advocacy, empowering musicians to grow their audiences and careers. He's a key voice in reshaping the music marketing landscape, focusing on fan engagement, monetization, and artist sustainability through tools that bridge creativity and strategy in the digital age.In this episode, Daniel Sander shares how independent artists can turn their passion into a profitable business using innovative music marketing tools and a clear growth strategy.Key Takeaways:Discover how Feature.fm helps artists build deeper fan relationships and track real engagement.Learn why understanding your fan base and building a support team are vital to scaling your music career.Explore how artists can use AI and new funding models to sustain and grow their music business.---→ Learn more about Daniel Sander and explore tools for artist success at Feature.fm.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Rick Farman is the co-founder of Superfly, the visionary company behind some of the most iconic music and cultural festivals of the 21st century, including Bonnaroo and Outside Lands. A Tulane University graduate, Rick launched his career in New Orleans' legendary music scene before co-founding Superfly in 1996. Since then, he has pioneered immersive, community-centered experiences that fuse music, art, and culture. With nearly three decades of expertise, Rick has also led groundbreaking brand partnerships and experiential marketing campaigns, making Superfly a trailblazer in live entertainment and audience engagement.In this episode, Rick Farman shares how Superfly revolutionized the festival experience by blending technology, community, and creativity to deepen audience engagement and empower indie artists.Key Takeaways:Discover how Superfly helped launch Bonnaroo with a vision for national impact and immersive fan experiences.Learn how indie artists can build meaningful communities through collaboration and experiential design.Explore how AI and technology are reshaping audience engagement and the future of live events.---→ To learn more about Rick Farman and Superfly’s work, visit https://superf.ly/.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Dmitri Vietze is the founder and CEO of Rock Paper Scissors, a leading PR and marketing agency that helps music tech innovators tell compelling stories. Since launching the agency in 1999, Dmitri has remained at the forefront of music technology and innovation, also founding StoryAmp, a DIY PR platform. He hosts the Music Tectonics Podcast, curates the Rock Paper Scanner newsletter, and organizes the annual Music Tectonics Conference. A respected speaker and community builder, Dmitri is a trusted voice in the evolving intersection of music, media, and technology.In this episode, Dmitri Vietze shares how artists can navigate the evolving music industry by leveraging technology, storytelling, and strategic PR to build sustainable careers. Key Takeaways:Why defining your music as a hobby or a career is a crucial first step for long-term success.How innovative tools like Moises and BandLab are transforming music creation and monetization.The role of PR, networking, and the Music Tectonics Conference in building industry connections and career momentum.---→ Learn more about Dmitri and his work at MusicTectonics.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Gaurav Sharma is the Founder & CEO of Hook, an AI-powered music platform that empowers fans to create authorized remixes while ensuring artists and rights holders are fairly compensated. A visionary in music tech, Sharma previously served as COO of JioSaavn, where he helped grow India’s largest music streaming service to over 200 million monthly users. With a deep understanding of the intersection between innovation and the music industry, Sharma is pioneering the future of fan engagement and co-creation through ethical, artist-first technology.In this episode, Michael Walker chats with Gaurav Sharma about how AI and remix culture are transforming fan engagement, the rise of co-creation, and lessons from scaling JioSaavn that independent artists can use to grow their careers.Key Takeaways:How Hook is using AI to revolutionize fan engagement and empower artist-approved remixes.Why the future of music is co-creation and how artists can build deeper connections through collaborative content.Lessons from scaling JioSaavn to 200M users — and what independent artists can learn from it.---→ Discover more about Gaurav and Hook at www.hookmusic.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Andrew Southworth is the founder of Genera Studios, a marketing expert, music educator, and entrepreneur known for helping indie artists scale their streaming numbers and build loyal fanbases. With a background in engineering and a passion for music, Andrew has merged data-driven strategies with creative artistry to empower musicians in today’s digital landscape. Through YouTube tutorials, consulting, and advertising services, he has helped thousands of artists generate real results—often hitting millions of streams—while maintaining artistic independence and building sustainable careers.In this episode, Andrew Southworth breaks down the core marketing strategies that actually move the needle for indie artists in today’s streaming economy.Key Takeaways:How to use advertising to generate predictable Spotify growthWhy understanding streaming data is essential for long-term successActionable tips to build real fan relationships and monetize music authentically---→ Discover more about Andrew’s work at Genera Studios.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Dan Melnick is the General Manager of Bandcamp, a platform empowering artists to sell their music and connect directly with fans. Before joining Bandcamp, Dan co-founded Reverb, the leading online marketplace for musical instruments. A lifelong musician and entrepreneur, Dan is deeply passionate about artist empowerment, music technology, and community-building in the evolving landscape of the music industry.In this episode, Dan shares how artists can build sustainable careers by connecting directly with their fans and embracing the tools of the modern music industry.Key Takeaways:Learn how to cultivate genuine fan relationships that drive long-term success.Discover how Bandcamp’s artist-first model helps musicians thrive in today’s landscape.Gain insight into music marketing strategies that actually work—from merchandise to messaging.---→ Explore Dan’s work and Bandcamp’s artist tools at https://bandcamp.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Tom Rogers is the Co-founder and CEO of MusicGurus, an innovative online music education platform that partners with world-class musicians to deliver interactive lessons to learners worldwide. With a background in economics from the University of Oxford and experience in strategy and management consulting, Tom has fused his passion for music and technology to make high-quality music education accessible to everyone. Under his leadership, MusicGurus has become a trusted destination for musicians looking to grow their skills and connect through engaging and effective learning experiences.In this episode, Tom shares how MusicGurus is transforming online music education through interactive technology, personalized learning, and new opportunities for artists.Key Takeaways:How MusicGurus uses AI and interactive tools to create personalized learning paths for musiciansWhy artists should leverage educational content to connect more deeply with their audienceThe surprising role of sheet music and community in modern music learning habits---→ Explore MusicGurus and connect with Tom at www.musicgurus.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Adam Stark is the Managing Director and Head of Technology at MiMU Gloves, the groundbreaking wearable tech company he co-founded with Grammy-winning artist Imogen Heap. With a background as a computer scientist, researcher, and musician, Adam's work focuses on bridging human movement and digital sound, enabling artists to control music and visuals using expressive hand gestures. MiMU Gloves have been used by performers around the world—from global pop stars to avant-garde creators—revolutionizing the way music is performed and experienced.In this episode, Adam shares how wearable gesture-controlled tech is reshaping musical performance and expression.Key Takeaways:Discover how MiMU Gloves turn physical gestures into precise musical and visual control.Learn why transparency and expressiveness in tech-driven performances matter more than ever.Explore the exciting potential of neural interfaces, AR/VR, and the future of immersive music creation. ---→ Learn more about Adam Stark and MiMU Gloves at mimugloves.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
Brianna DeMayo is an artist development and music marketing expert with over a decade of experience helping independent artists build sustainable careers. As the founder of Taste Creators, she empowers artists to take ownership of their platforms, deepen fan engagement, and treat their careers like businesses. Brianna's hands-on approach includes branding, community building, and data-driven strategies that put artists in control of their growth and income. Her mission is to guide artists beyond short-term hype and into long-term success through smart, foundational planning.In this episode, Brianna DeMayo shares why genuine fan relationships, brand clarity, and owning your audience are the pillars of a sustainable music career.Key Takeaways:Discover why most artists misunderstand what they really need to grow—and how to fix it.Learn the essential elements of a fan funnel that leads to lasting income and deeper engagement.Understand why branding and data ownership aren't optional—they're foundational for long-term success.---→ Learn more about Brianna and Taste Creators at tastecreators.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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