The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

<p>**WEBBY AWARD FOR BEST MUSIC PODCAST**</p><p>“#1 music industry podcast to help keep you in the loop” -Spotify</p><p>“The 10 Best Music Business Podcasts of 2022" – Variety</p><p>Ari Herstand is the best-selling author of How To Make It in the New Music Business. Forbes calls him “The poster child of DIY music.” In this show, he deconstructs the brightest minds in the music industry, digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and strategies that listeners can use to run successful careers of their own. Ari offers straight talk with no fluff and doesn’t let his guests off easy. If there is a way, Ari will find it.</p><br /><p>To learn more follow<a href="http://instagram.com/aristake_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @aristake_ </a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/ariherstand" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@ariherstand</a></p><br /><p>Visit <a href="http://aristake.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">aristake.com</a> to join the newsletter.</p><br /><p>--</p><hr /><p style="color: grey; font-size: 0.75em;"> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How a Mastering Engineer Works With (and Without) AI

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

11-12
01:10:18

How A&R at Publishing Companies Work

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

11-05
50:36

GRAMMY Winning NYC Jazz Singer/Songwriter/Arranger Makes It Work

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

10-29
01:04:22

Finding Accidental Streaming Success in a Niche Market

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

10-22
01:01:38

Suno and Udio SUED By Indie Musicians - The Lead Attorney Tells All

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

10-08
01:05:53

​This Music Publicist Has Upended the Entire PR Model

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

10-06
01:17:25

The FTC Sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster - NIVA Responds

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

10-01
01:09:02

This Merch Company Has Paid Artists $30+ Million

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

09-24
01:04:39

Krewella on Collabs in EDM, Going Indie and New Fandom

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

09-17
01:12:29

Save the Music Brings Music Education To Schools in Need

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

09-10
01:06:56

Who Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day and Beyonce Turn to for Mental Health Services for Their Tours

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

09-03
01:11:34

Old Dominion on Songwriting, Keeping Band Harmony and Maintaining a Die Hard Fan Base

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

08-27
58:40

How Merch Companies Help Artists Thrive

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

08-20
01:13:19

Naethan Apollo Is Building a Fantasy World of Real Fans

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Naethan Apollo, an independent artist known for blending immersive storytelling with genre-bending songwriting. With over 1.4 million followers on TikTok and more than 500K monthly listeners on Spotify, Naethan has built a loyal fanbase through a mix of creative world-building, DIY ethos, and direct fan engagement. His latest project, Tales From Cazilor: Wyldflowers, an ambitious fusion of concept album, musical, and animated series that showcases his unique narrative vision.In this conversation, Naethan opens up about the intersection of storytelling and songwriting in his work, and how his creative influences shaped his latest release. He also offers a surprisingly hopeful take on AI in music and reflects on how social media played a major role in his rise. The conversation digs into how he built a dedicated community around his work, the importance of setting boundaries for mental health, and how he’s redefining success on his own terms. Looking ahead, Naethan shares what’s next for his career and what motivates him to keep creating.https://www.instagram.com/naethan_apollo/00:00 - Introduction and Naethan's arrival02:15 - Discussing "Tales from Casalor: Wildflowers"10:30 - The inspiration behind combining music and storytelling18:45 - Naethan's creative process and influences25:00 - Navigating social media and building a fanbase35:20 - The role of community and fan engagement45:00 - Challenges of mental health and setting boundaries55:30 - Future plans and aspirations for Naethan's music and storytelling01:05:00 - Closing thoughts and Naethan's definition of success in the music industryEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

08-13
01:20:59

1 Billion Streams of Children's Music Completely DIY

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dave and JJ Heller to discuss building a completely independent music business for a niche audience of moms. JJ Heller is a Nashville-based Christian folk-pop singer-songwriter known for her gentle voice, heartfelt lyrics, and monthly single releases that have earned her over a billion streams. Rising to prominence with the 2008 hit “Your Hands,” Heller has since built a devoted fanbase through her lullaby-themed I Dream of You album series and relatable songs about faith, family, and mental health. Alongside her husband and creative partner Dave Heller, she continues to blend sincerity with soothing melodies, making her a comforting presence for listeners of all ages.In this episode, Ari, JJ, and Dave dive into the Hellers’ journey from college bandmates to full-time independent artists. They explore the ups and downs of DIY success, the shift from physical albums to streaming, and how their lullaby project became a thriving cornerstone of their business. The conversation also touches on viral growth through social media, the role of AI in music, and what it truly means to “make it” in today’s ever-evolving music industry.04:12 Ari introduces Dave and JJ Heller and sets up their story.06:27 How they got started as a college band and grew into full-time musicians.14:42 Their DIY strategy, self-releasing music, and staying independent.24:57 Shifting from physical sales to finding success in streaming.34:12 How their lullaby albums took off and became a cornerstone of their business.44:32 Navigating viral moments and the unpredictability of social media.54:22 Their thoughts on AI’s impact on music and the value of human connection.01:04:12 Reflecting on what it really means to “make it” in today’s music industry.Edited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

08-06
01:18:19

How Outside Lands Music Festival Keeps Its Magic

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Rick Farman. Farman is an experienced entrepreneur, co-founder, and executive at Superfly, the event production company behind Bonnaroo and San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. With roots dating back to Superfly’s founding in 1996, Farman has overseen event operations, business development, and strategic partnerships that have shaped some of the country’s most iconic festivals . As a key architect of Outside Lands since its launch in 2008, he helped build the festival’s signature blend of music, sustainability, and Bay Area culture, emphasizing local food, art, and ecological responsibility. A holder of a BA in anthropology from Tulane University, Farman splits his time between overseeing Superfly’s expanding portfolio and investing in emerging companies across wellness, tech, and entertainment.Ari and Rick delve into the intricacies of festival creation, exploring everything from the art of booking talent to designing immersive, multidimensional experiences that go far beyond the music. Rick shares valuable insights into the business side of running large-scale events, including sponsorship, logistics, and long-term brand building. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering community, highlighting how festivals can serve as cultural touchstones. Throughout the conversation, Rick reflects on how the festival landscape has evolved over the years, shaped by shifts in technology, audience expectations, and the growing demand for authenticity and purpose-driven programming.00:00 Introduction – Ari introduces Rick Farman and his festival background.02:15 Origins of Outside Lands – Rick shares how the festival began and its San Francisco roots.10:30 Booking Artists – How lineups are built and talent is curated.20:45 Festival Business – The economics of festivals and artist compensation.30:00 Immersive Experiences – Rick on designing interactive festival environments.40:15 Bonnaroo’s Evolution – The rise of Bonnaroo and its industry impact50:00 Music & Community – Why building community is essential in music today.55:30 Conclusion – Final thoughts on success in the modern music business.https://sfoutsidelands.com/Edited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-30
01:02:35

Should AI Artists Have Fans, Custom Music For Sync

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Jess Furman—a creative executive, Emmy-nominated composer, and music industry leader whose work spans TV, film, Web3, and beyond. Named one of Billboard’s Top 40 Industry-Shaping Executives, Jess blends creative vision with business savvy. She founded Sound Revolver (now part of Big Noise Music Group), where she led award-winning music campaigns and earned Tellys, Clios, and RIAA Gold certifications. Her credits include Moonlight, Westworld, My Little Pony: Pony Life, Littlest Pet Shop, and campaigns for brands like Ralph Lauren. As a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jess’s music has been featured on Sesame Street, MTV, Drop Dead Diva, Sundance, and SXSW.In this episode, we follow Jess’s journey from New York singer-songwriter to a leading force in the world of sync licensing in Los Angeles. She shares what it takes to write custom music for film, TV, and branded content—and breaks down the creative and business challenges that come with it. In the second half, things get lively as she and Ari debate the future of AI in music. Jess previews her next project: an AI-generated artist built to test a blockchain-driven brand model. The music is created by AI, refined by humans, and designed to support real artists through tech. Jess sees promise in it. Ari isn’t so sure—and questions the ethics and long-term effects of AI-generated content on platforms already flooded with music.https://www.instagram.com/jessfurmanmuse05:45 Introduction and History11:16 Journey to Sync Licensing21:31 Founding Sound Revolver31:06 Custom Music for TV and Film45:56 AI in Music Creation1:01:16 Debating The Future of the Music Industry1:15:46 Final Thoughts and Making It in MusicEdited and mixed by Peter SchruppMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-23
01:37:41

Jack Harlow and Shaboozey's Management Company has Range

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Matt Graham, founding manager partner of Range Media Partners and head of Range Music. Range Music represents artists like Jack Harlow, Shaboozey, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Pentatonix, Rita Ora, Saweetie, Noah Cyrus, Midland, and Dylan Gossett—as well as emerging talent. Originally launched as a management company, Range has grown into a multi-division operation spanning music, film, TV, publishing, composing, and sports. Matt was named to Billboard’s 40 Under 40 list and recently recognized as one of Billboard's Country Power Players.In this conversation, Ari and Matt take a big-picture look at how Range is structured, how the music team works together internally, and how artist management continues to evolve. They touch on deal structures—both traditional and emerging—and discuss how representation models are shifting across the industry. Matt also shares insights into his work in country music and how he’s thinking about developing both established names and new talent. They also touch on generative AI music and where we’re heading with all of it. If you're interested in the business of management, this conversation offers a thoughtful look behind the scenes.https://www.instagram.com/itsmattgraham/https://rangemusic.com/00:00 - Introduction to Matt Graham and Range03:05 - Building Range Media Partners’ collaborative management model  08:14 - Partnering with Big Loud and Mercury on Dylan Gossett  13:20 - The role of management in structuring label partnerships  17:45 - Global strategy for country and genre-fluid artists  21:55 - How Range Media supports career development beyond music  26:10 - Composer division and expansion into scoring and sync  31:05 - Why AI music is disrupting the music industry  35:45 - Labeling and regulation for AI-generated content  40:28 - How AI could reduce artist costs for visuals and production  45:50 - Blockchain’s missed opportunity in music  48:15 - What it means to "make it" in today’s music business  51:00 - Final thoughts and Matt’s outlook on the industry Edited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-09
01:12:18

Michael Seyer is All Vibes Running a DIY Music Career

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with indie artist Michael Seyer, who’s spent the last decade shaping his artistic identity through nostalgic albums like Ugly Boy and Bad Bonez. His latest release, Boylife, blends dream pop and indie-folk into a heartfelt coming-of-age soundtrack, written between LA and tour stops across Asia and North America. Self-released through his new label, Seyerland Records, Boylife marks a new chapter—one where Seyer deepens his artistry while uplifting fellow independent musicians.Ari and Michael dive into the making of Boylife, collaborating with a young producer, shooting music videos guerrilla-style in Japan, and staying fully independent—from DIY vinyl runs to self-funded tours. Seyer also shares how he’s building worlds around his music, launching his label, and navigating the tricky balance between art and promotion.https://www.instagram.com/michaelseyer/Chapters05:20 – Getting Started with Internet Music & Early DIY Releases  08:15 – Collaborating with Producer Christian Taylor on Boylife  12:10 – How Making Boylife Reignited His Passion for Music  14:45 – Staying Fully Independent in a Label-Dominated Industry  16:50 – Seyer’s Licensing Deal with Virgin Records Explained  22:05 – Pressing Vinyl & Distributing Music Through DistroKid  25:50 – Behind the Scenes of Filming “Fiend” on the Streets of Japan  35:40 – Launching Seyerland Records to Support Local Artists  42:30 – What Artist Development Means & How He Approaches It  52:30 – Navigating Social Media, Burnout, and Self-Promotion  57:10 – Defining Success & What It Means to “Make It” in MusicEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-02
01:05:31

Hit Songwriter/Producer on Publishing Deals and Artists Taking Credit for Songs They Didn't Write

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Justin Gammella, a hit songwriter, producer, top liner, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. With over a billion streams to his name and more than 100 released cuts, Justin’s catalog includes Bella Poarch’s viral hit “Build a Bitch” and collaborations with artists like Benson Boone, Lennon Stella, Steve Aoki, and FINNEAS. A true “working class” pop songwriter, Justin brings a decade of professional songwriting experience to the table and is also the host of the Producer Points podcast.In this episode, Ari and Justin dive into the realities of professional songwriting in today’s music industry. They explore how songwriters get paid, how publishing works, and the controversy around non-writing artists receiving songwriting credit. They also touch on newer developments like songwriters earning master points and how the industry continues to evolve in the streaming era. This episode also takes on the growing role of AI in music—how Justin uses it in his workflow, the ethical questions it raises, and the need for safeguards across the industry.https://instagram.com/justin_gammellahttp://instagram.com/producer_points Chapters00:00 The Role of Songwriters in the Music Industry05:12 Journey to Becoming a Professional Songwriter10:04 Understanding Publishing Deals17:30 Monetization in the Streaming Era23:15 The Songwriting Process and Collaboration31:54 Vocal Production: The Heart of Music Creation39:08 The Art of Pitch Songs: Collaboration and Emotion42:17 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape: Major Labels vs. Indie Artists45:57 Songwriting Credits: The Controversy of Co-Writing50:11 The Evolving Role of Songwriters in the Streaming Era54:56 AI in Music: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations01:01:36 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic by Brassroots DistrictProduced by the team at Ari’s TakeOrder the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

06-18
01:09:38

niti jain

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04-12 Reply

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