Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Shabs Jobanputra, founder and president of Relentless Records. Catching up at Sony HQ, Shabs shares his journey into the music industry, reflecting on the challenges he faced as an immigrant and recounting the early days of Relentless Records. He discusses the label's first signings and its evolution over the years, offering insights into both its successes and the pressures from the U.S. market. The conversation also touches on the decline of traditional gatekeepers in music and the growing importance of diverse opinions and attitudes within the industry. Shabs also digs into the thought process behind key signings, including So Solid Crew, Craig David, and even the phenomenon of Baby Shark. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by Lucas Keller, founder and president of Milk & Honey Management. Catching up after two nights of industry awards and the morning after the U.S. election, Lucas digs into some of the most pressing issues facing his clients. The conversation covers navigating complex deals with multiple songwriters, the ongoing battle for fair streaming rights, and recent changes at Milk & Honey, including their expansion into athlete management. Lucas also shares insights on representing NFL star Travis Kelce and the unique challenges of managing high-profile talent. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by Robert Swerdlow, of Starwood Management. With over 25 years of management experience, Robert discusses the challenges artists face today and his role in protecting them - from issues around selling copyright to the complexities of the digital entertainment industry’s close ties with music. The conversation also touches on the pros and cons of ticket touting, his experiences working with artists like The La’s, Michael Kiwanuka, and Little Simz, and the quick lessons he learned when one of his artists entered the Big Brother house. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by AIM interim-CEO, Gee Davy. Digging into the latest industry news, Gee shares her insights on the Merlin-TikTok licensing developments and GEMA's advancements in AI music licensing. As well as discussing the journey of her winding career, from engineer, to lawyer and now Aim interim CEO, the conversation also covers the impact of Universal taking on PIAS, and the latest from the streaming renumeration group. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by two of the most influential music publishing execs of the last 30 years, Caroline Elleray and Mark Gale, co-founders of Second Songs. Caroline and Mark give us an in-depth look at their storied careers in the music industry, sharing the details behind starting Second Songs publishing and management, the dynamics behind working as both business partners and a married couple, and what the future looks like for the company. The conversation also covers the crisis of confidence and the use of data in A&R, the rise and success of UK songwriters, and the moment when Caroline first saw something special in Coldplay - long before anyone else did. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by Karen Emanuel, CEO and founder of Key Production Group, & recent winner of Businesswoman of the Year at the Women in Music Awards. As well as covering topics including the future of vinyl, new music formats, and sustainability in the business, Karen shares her experience of starting and growing a company during a recession. She opens up about the challenges she faced as a female business owner in the '90s, what’s changed since then, and what still needs to improve. Karen also gives her take on the current trend of superfans and record variants, and where she sees her business heading next. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by A&R legend Mike Smith. Mike is one of the industry’s true A&R legends, who has built an enviable reputation across MCA, EMI, Columbia, Mercury, Virgin EMI, Warner Chappell, Downtown and beyond, signing and working with some all-time greats. Fresh off the plane from Spain and back in the UK for a new music launch, Mike shares the fresh perspective he's gained from having some distance from the industry. Covering all aspects of his career, he discusses everything from faking his way into the A&R world, to the differences between being a 'publishing' guy versus a 'label' guy. He also shares the secrets to spotting what could be the next music scene, and recounts stories of signing some of the biggest artists of the day. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by BPI CEO Jo Twist and CSO Sophie Jones. After a rainy few days in Liverpool at the Labour Party Conference and the BPI Northern Music Showcase, Jo and Sophie discuss how politicians need to engage with the music industry and the importance of treating music as more than just culture. They also share insights on how pro-business policies and creative education are crucial for the industry's growth. As well as sharing the latest from the government's music streaming Creator Remuneration Working Group, and exploring strategies for helping more British artists break through internationally, the pair reflect on the news of David Joseph leaving Univeral, and what the future might hold. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by Olivia Hobbs, founder of marketing agency Blackstar. Olivia breaks down the success of digital marketing in today’s genre-agnostic music industry, exploring innovative ways to build communities and market music beyond traditional social media channels. As well as sharing insights on creating viral moments and discussing why some artists shy away from social media, Olivia reflects on her career journey, highlighting the importance of grassroots music venues and the need to understand neurodiversity in the music 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark joins Alex Hardee, Executive Vice President & 'Special Agent' at Wasserman Music. Touching on some of the biz's top headlines, Alex shares his thoughts on the ongoing frenzy around dynamic ticket pricing and potential solutions, he also discusses the challenges artists face with the EU’s touring regulations. Reflecting on his early days working with Liam Gallagher, Alex speculates on contenders for the next big music reunion. The conversation also dives into how streaming platforms are rigged, particularly favouring the U.S. market, and the impact this has on the global music scene. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark sits down with Ben Wynter, the visionary Founder of Unstoppable Music Group, Co-Founder of Power Up, and Director of Business Development & Partnerships at AIM (Association of Independent Music). Looking back on his early career, Ben shares stories of pitching to managers on the street, securing spontaneous internships in New York, and navigating the challenges faced by Black executives. He also opens up about lessons from his mother, and the power of using your voice in leadership. The conversation digs into industry reflections, four years after George Floyd, touching on promises made by major labels, black squares, and Spotify’s controversial stance on Joe Rogan. Ben also recounts the time he accidentally left £2,000 on a train and his unforgettable experience of taking iconic photos with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark sits down with Alan Edwards, the founder of public relations powerhouse, The Outside Organisation. As the buzz around the Oasis revival dominates headlines, Alan delves into the potential ripple effects of the band's reunion on the music industry, particularly its influence on grassroots venues. Often hailed as the godfather of modern PR, Alan recounts some of the most iconic moments of his career, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his work with legends like David Bowie, the Spice Girls, Motörhead, and Amy Winehouse. He also provides an insightful look at how the PR landscape has evolved, defining what truly constitutes good PR in today’s world. ALAN'S NEW BOOK: 'I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll.' 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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. In this episode, Mark is joined by Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, and Jeff Smith, Head of Music for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. As they explore the evolving strategy at Radio 2, Helen and Jeff share insights on adapting to a new generation of listeners while continuing to serve the current audience, the rationale behind changing the presenter lineup, and the planning behind the much-anticipated Radio 2 in the Park. They also take us inside the Radio 2 playlist room, revealing the process behind curating one of the most influential & largest music playlists in the UK. As well as discussing how Radio 2 is staying ahead in a rapidly changing media landscape and highlighting the importance of representation across the country, they explore the role of AI in the future of radio and what it means for the industry moving forward. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Alex Patterson & Will Lyons
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Various Artists CEO Dave Bianchi. Throughout the conversation, Dave discusses the challenges of breaking UK acts internationally, exploring the complexities of selling music abroad and predicting where the next 'alt' music movement might emerge. Beyond industry insights, including his new ventures with Various Artists, he shares his long journey in the music world—from lugging boxes for Pink Floyd to launching his own music night and eventually establishing key industry connections. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Jonathon Coughlin
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Island ex-CEO and President, A&R Legend and now Indie Label Head, Darcus Beese. Giving the music industry headlines a miss this week (Mark's on holiday), Darcus dives into his journey from intern to industry leader, sharing stories of signing some of the biggest artists of the past few decades, including Amy Winehouse, Sugababes, and Florence + The Machine. As well as stories of A&R chaos, he shares his thoughts on the shifts in the music landscape, his decision to launch Darko Recordings, and what he looks for in successful artists today. Darcus’s memoir, Rebel With a Cause: Roots, Records, and Revolutions, will be available from August 15, 2024. 'Rebel With a Cause: Roots, Records and Revolutions' - ORDER HERE 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Alex Patterson
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt and manager Vicky Dowdall. With a partnership going back to Nina’s teenage years, the pair reflect on the pivotal moments of their careers together, from handling major label deals to starting a label of their own Apple Tree Records. They share the secret to their strong artist-manager relationship and recount stories of buying Irn-Bru for Stevie Nicks, auditioning for Simon Cowell, and singing karaoke with Justin Bieber. 'Mountain Music' - PRE-ORDER HERE 'Mountain Music' is available from 27th September on Apple Tree Records. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Jonathan Coughlin
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Tara Richardson, not long after the launch of her new management company T-Time Management. Tara discusses her decision to leave Q Prime and start her own company, sharing her vision for T-Time and her thoughts on the future of the music industry. Reflecting on her journey in the music industry, Tara recounts her early days managing guest lists, working with Suggs, and touring Eastern Europe with The Prodigy. She also shares valuable lessons learned from industry legends Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein and explains what she now looks for in breaking new bands. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Jonathan Coughlin
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark catches up with storied US label boss Daniel Glass. On a fleeting London visit, Daniel reflects on the early days of his career, from the moment he fell in love with the market, to setting up a label from a hotel foyer, and his time at Chrysalis and Universal Records. As well as sharing his thoughts on hustle culture and how to be a successful entrepreneur in today's music world, Daniel looks at what's ahead for Glassnote Records, sharing his predictions for new music 'arena fillers' and what they're doing right. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Jonathan Coughlin
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by the new Music Managers Forum (MMF) CEO, Annabella Coldrick. As well as digging into the latest music industry news, including major label restructuring and management lawsuits, the conversation explores how the role of music managers has evolved over the years, the key ways to make the industry fairer and how to create strong artist relationships. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Jonathan Coughlin
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by the new UK Music Chief Executive, Tom Kiehl (recorded on the day of the General Election). As the bridge between the music industry and government, Tom discusses how UK Music has prepared and will respond to the results of the General Election. In addition to sharing stories of early morning record store days and investigating the Portsmouth music scene, the conversation covers what Tom is prioritising in his new role, including the impact and lasting implications of leaving the EU, the challenges facing grassroots music venues, and the growth of AI. 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 who celebrate their 90th year in business this year. 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 Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Jonathan Coughlin