Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by legendary producer, Fraser T Smith. With credits ranging from Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” to Stormzy’s “Gang Signs & Prayer”, as well as his own project, Future Utopia, Fraser has helped shape some of the most defining records of the 21st century. Now he’s here to discuss how he chooses which artists to work with, plus AI, catalogue sales and his Future Producer Academy. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Josh Mateer, Head of A&R for Europe, Middle East and Africa at SoundOn, TikTok’s artist and label services platform. From his teenage days playing in punk bands and promoting shows in Belfast, to stints at Warner and Sony, and working with the legendary Seymour Stein, Josh has built a career that bridges grassroots music culture and the cutting edge of global artist services. In their chat, the pair discuss how TikTok is shaping the future of music discovery, why data and instinct must work hand in hand, and what it means to nurture sustainable artist careers in a world of viral hits and streaming economies. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Matt Riley, the newly appointed president of AWAL UK. With a background that spans from DJing and promoting club nights, to cutting his teeth at Hospital Records, and then playing a pivotal role in shaping AWAL’s rise, Matt’s career reflects the evolution of the modern independent music business. Now at the helm of one of the UK’s most exciting label and distribution companies, he shares insights into what it takes to break artists in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with a legend in the industry, Jo Charrington, president of Capitol Records. With a career spanning over three decades at labels including London, Virgin, BMG, Sony, EMI and now Universal, Jo has helped discover and break some of the world’s biggest artists, from Sam Smith and Paloma Faith to 5 Seconds of Summer, Olly Murs, and now Olivia Dean. During their chat, the pair discuss the realities of artist development, the pressures and rewards of building global stars, and the evolving role of the major label in today’s fragmented music business. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with visionary British artist Jack Garratt. Jack first rose to prominence in 2016 after winning both the BBC Sound Of… poll and the BRIT’s Critic’s Choice Award, before earning a gold debut album with Phase. Almost a decade later, Garratt is back with his third album, Pillars. Throughout their chat, the pair discuss the struggles of a modern artist, the lack of mental health support within the industry, and why streaming your favourite artists just isn’t enough anymore. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Mark Orr, founder of LAB Records. Starting the company while still at university and promoting DIY shows, Mark has grown LAB to hundreds of releases, while keeping a laser focus on artist development, physical retail, and sustainable growth. During their chat, Mark also breaks down how Indies compete on the biggest stages, what really moves the UK charts in 2025, and why location outside London can be a superpower rather than a handicap. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with Madeleine O’Gorman, General Manager for Mushroom Music Uk & Europe. Having grown up in Australia’s thriving independent scene before relocating to London, Madeleine has built a career across journalism, agencies, and label management at Liberator and Ivy League before stepping into her current role at Mushroom. The pair chat about the unique challenges of breaking Australian artists internationally, how Mushroom balances independence with global ambition, and the strategies behind comeback campaigns for established acts like Pendulum and The Temper Trap. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artist’s Coalition (FAC). As a leading voice in championing fairness, transparency, and sustainability in the music industry, David is an expert in management, touring, and advocacy. The pair explore how the FAC is pushing for streaming reform, supporting artists post-Brexit, and fighting for artist-first structures across the music ecosystem. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Alistair Norbury, President of UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific at BMG. Together, they explore how one of the world’s biggest music companies is rethinking deals, rights, and the artist-label relationship. From signing Kylie Minogue, Louis Tomlinson, and Craig David, to reviving classic catalogues from Black Sabbath, The Kinks, and Gary Numan, Alistair walks us through BMG’s artist-friendly ethos and global strategy. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Grace Meadows, Head of Music Minds Matter, the mental health charity supporting everyone who works in the music industry. From her roots as a music therapist to leading campaigns for Help Musicians and Music for Dementia, Grace has become a leading voice for mental health advocacy in the industry. The pair talk about the urgent mental health challenges facing artists, freelancers, and executives, the positive steps being made with initiatives like per diem payments for songwriters, and why fostering a culture of care is essential for the industry’s long-term health. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Tom Connaughton, former UK & Ireland MD at Spotify, now Partner and Senior Advisor at Canvas Music Distribution. From pirate radio and Sony Music, to MySpace, Vevo, and Spotify, Tom has lived through every twist in the digital music revolution. Now he’s helping artists navigate a saturated market through boutique distribution and hands-on support. The pair catch up to reflect on Spotify’s past and future, how independent distribution is evolving, and whether AI and 130,000 songs a day could break the system. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Cliff Fluet, partner at Lewis Silkin, MD of Eleven Advisory, and now Chair of Music Technology UK. Cliff has spent decades helping artists, managers, rights holders, and tech companies navigate the complicated world of law, licensing, and innovation, from the rise of digital media, to the current era of generative AI. The pair chat about launching the first Music Tech UK Report, the real state of AI in music, the economic importance of catalogue acquisition, and what the future holds in terms of music technology. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by legendary label exec, David Massey, whose career has spanned over 40 years at labels such as Epic, Sony, Mercury, Island, and most recently Arista Records. Fresh off his retirement from corporate life, Massey reflects on working with global artists like Oasis, Shakira, Shawn Mendes, and The Killers, while offering his perspective on the music industry’s evolution. During the week leading up to the big Oasis reunion, the pair chat about bringing the band to America, the ongoing need for artist development, AI’s impact on music, and the lessons of longevity from both artists and executives. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week we celebrate our 50th episode and Mark is joined by Jim King, CEO of AEG Europe’s Festival Division. Jim is the driving force behind some of the UK’s biggest live music events, including American Express presents BST Hyde Park, All Points East, and newly launched Lido Festival. The pair chat backstage at BST Hyde Park to reflect on a career that spans Creamfields, Bestival, RockNess, and building AEG’s festival empire. Jim shares hard-earned insights on festival economics, grassroots venue survival, booking headliners, and keeping UK live music at the top of the global game. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. SOUNDON The Money Trench is sponsored by SoundOn. TIXEL The Money Trench is sponsored by Tixel. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners SoundOn Tixel PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Alison Howe, Executive Producer of Music at BBC Studios, and the driving force behind the BBC’s epic Glastonbury TV coverage. With over 30 years at the BBC and a background spanning Radio 1, Later with Jools Holland, and iconic music specials, Alison shares her journey from secretarial college to being the BBC’s go-to for live music broadcasting. The pair chat leading up to the world-renowned Glastonbury festival to talk about behind the scenes logistics, broadcast politics, surprise sets, and the any weather reality of producing one of the most-watched music events in the UK. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with Geoff Ellis, CEO of DF Concerts, the Scottish live music powerhouse behind TRNSMT Festival, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, and countless shows across Scotland. Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Geoff shares the lessons learned from a life spent promoting the biggest stars, including Oasis, Radiohead, and Pulp. The pair talk during one of the busiest live music summers ever to talk about festival economics, artist ticket pricing, grassroots venue survival, the Oasis reunion phenomenon, and why he once banned the rugby club from student discos. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with Johan Lagerlof, Managing Partner of Pophouse Entertainment, the company with catalogue investments in artists like KISS, Avicii and Swedish House Mafia, the founding investors of ABBA Voyage. With a background spanning Spotify, Warner Music, and a career as a songwriter and entrepreneur, Johan unpacks how immersive tech, catalogue strategy, and legacy storytelling are shaping the next generation of music experiences. Recorded during SXSW London, the pair talk about the future of live performance, the art of turning music into emotional storytelling, and how investing in legacy catalogues can power new cultural moments for generations to come. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark is joined by Kim Frankiewicz, EVP Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, and a true veteran of the global business. From INXS and the Aussie pub circuit, to signing Mark Ronson and Daft Punk, Kim has seen it all. Now she leads one of the most respected publishing teams in the world. Mark sits down with Kim at the studio of artist merch company whynow Music to talk about her journey from live promotions in Australia, to top-level publishing roles in New York and London. Kim shares her views on streaming remuneration, AI, songwriter support, and how to build a career with global longevity in the modern industry. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down with Jamie Oborne, founder of Dirty Hit Records and All On Red Management, and the guiding force behind The 1975, Bleachers, The Japanese House, and more. Jamie shares his journey from artist to manager to label boss, building one of the most influential independent operations in the UK music industry. Mark joins Jamie at Dirty Hit HQ for a candid conversation about building artist-first businesses, dealing with viral fame and controversies, maintaining independence, and preparing for one of the biggest gigs of their career: The 1975 at Glastonbury. NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes
Welcome to The Money Trench! This week, Mark sits down and chats with multi-platinum UK songwriter and creative entrepreneur, Jin Jin. With hits for Jess Glynne, Raye, Jax Jones, David Guetta, Becky Hill, Sabrina Carpenter, and many more, the pair discuss the songwriting economy, streaming reform, creative development, and what it takes to build a sustainable career behind the scenes. Recorded during Ivors week, Jin Jin reflects on her own Ivor nomination, why songwriters still struggle to get paid fairly, and why she founded her own label, management, and publishing company to help new talent rise. Plus, Jin Jin’s baby Jet makes his TMT debut! NEWSLETTER Sign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories. PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL. KEEP UP TO DATE For the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trench LinkedIn: The Money Trench Website: The Money Trench GET IN TOUCH If you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here! Thanks to our partners PPL Earth/Percent Tom A Smith Aimless Play Fourth Pillar Sennheiser Junkhead Studio Tape Notes Executive Producer: Mike Walsh Producer: Tape Notes