This is what musicians need to know about the music business today. Every Tuesday, music marketers Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth break down what's changed in music marketing and the music business, as well as what's currently changing in the industry. You’ll be surprised what they disagree about!
To support the My Point 4 Cents and get a whole extra hour from every episode—including full interviews and ad-free banter—become a subscriber.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is what musicians need to know about the music business today. Every Tuesday, music marketers Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth break down what's changed in music marketing and the music business, as well as what's currently changing in the industry. You’ll be surprised what they disagree about!
To support the My Point 4 Cents and get a whole extra hour from every episode—including full interviews and ad-free banter—become a subscriber.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, Matt Bacon, and Jesse Cannon kick off the new year by diving into the controversial subject of Drake's alleged involvement in a RICO case, touching on issues of illegal gambling, money laundering, and the ethics of stream manipulation. The conversation then shifts to predictive insights for music marketing strategies in 2026, exploring potential shifts in content trends towards more authentic and raw video formats. Behind a membership barrier, an exclusive discussion unfolds, covering Spotify's Discovery Mode and its new video feature's implications for artists. Excitingly, they announce their upcoming tour, emphasizing the community-building aspect of their live events, where musicians can connect, share experiences, and foster collaborations. Additionally, the panelists delve into the socio-economic impacts on the festival industry, AI music's rising influence, and the ongoing debate surrounding Spotify's role and reputation in the music streaming landscape. A lively discussion resonates with thoughts on the evolving dynamics of the music world, hinting at both challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing industry.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this candid interview, Blasko, formerly associated with iconic acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie, shares his dynamic journey through the music industry, beginning with his early inspiration from Kiss. Starting in 1985, he transitioned from aspiring drummer to bassist, joining bands like Cryptic Slaughter in his teenage years, and later making significant strides with Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne. Beyond performing, Blasko delves into the business side of music, co-founding a management company handling artists such as Black Veil Brides and Zakk Wylde. His career highlights the importance of authenticity, audience connection, and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving music landscape. Blasko also recounts how his involvement with Liquid Death water brand parallels his music ethos, emphasizing that both endeavors are driven by authenticity and resonating with audiences. His perspective underscores the necessity for bands to cultivate a genuine connection with their audience, viewing fans as part of a community rather than mere consumers.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this interview, Luke Mansell, the creator of Music Stacks—a platform known for being a vital resource for musicians—dives into the intricacies of his creation. Music Stacks presents Spotify data in a user-friendly manner, providing insights like the key, tempo, and energy levels of songs, and tracking the popular Spotify popularity score. Luke explains his initial motivation behind the platform's creation, citing the lack of ads and quality user experience as key differentiators. Over time, the platform evolved to include Music Stacks Metrics, allowing users to track their music's popularity score history and examine the impact of marketing efforts. A notable feature is its ability to integrate across various social and music platforms, which helps artists understand their reach across different audiences. The conversation also touches on usage trends and how artists are harnessing social media to amplify their Spotify presence. Through Music Stacks, users can access invaluable data to strategize their music releases effectively and stay agile in the fast-paced music industry.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this podcast episode, music marketing experts Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, Matt Bacon, and Andrew Southworth dive into the challenges artists face when attempting to make a profit in the music industry. They analyze the effectiveness of various strategies, such as streaming, direct-to-fan sales, and the use of social media, while emphasizing the importance of consistency and experimentation. The conversation highlights the necessity for artists to understand their audience, adapt to rapidly changing algorithms, and find creative ways to promote their music without relying solely on traditional methods. With input from music marketing platform founder Giovanni Bottan, the discussion underscores the complexities of achieving financial success in music and the importance of evaluating return on investment for marketing efforts.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Matt Bacon discuss artist branding and the influence of Spotify Wrapped's new features. The conversation unfolds around vintage music marketer Rob Gross, who shares insights from his extensive experience working with legendary artists like Black Sabbath and The Rolling Stones. The hosts explore the significance of artist individuality, authenticity, and innovative brand positioning, using examples such as Addison Rae's development from a run-of-the-mill pop star to a unique musical persona. By highlighting the intersection of marketing strategies, audience engagement, and personal growth, the episode dives deep into cultivating a distinct presence in the music industry. Plus, the group discusses Spotify's recent updates and their implications for users, touching upon the platform's annual Wrapped feature and its role in connecting listeners with their musical interests.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Jesse Cannon, Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, and guest host Olivia Pierce discuss Patreon and the resurgence of artists cultivating communities through apps, emphasizing how these platforms can offer authentic engagement and sustainable income. Then, Dustin Boyer interviews Nashville-based independent artist Ben Schuller, who has successfully built his career on his own terms. Schuller shares insights into how he capitalizes on unconventional routes such as YouTube covers and Nerdcore to make music his full-time occupation. The conversation then shifts to exploring the tactics some groups use to game the Billboard charts, exemplified by a campaign aimed at rallying people to collaboratively create an album and propel it to the top spot, highlighting flaws in chart metrics. Finally, the episode discusses the advantages of artist independence and the evolving music business landscape, questioning traditional industry methods and advocating for innovative approaches for musicians to connect with their audiences.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosts Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, and Matt Bacon, alongside guest co-host Ryan Schutte, talk about the evolving landscape of the music industry. They begin with insights from Ryan Schutte, a booking agent at Forthright Booking, focusing on the challenges and strategies surrounding DIY tour booking and fostering local and regional music scenes to capture the attention of bigger agents. The episode then shifts to an enlightening interview with Jeff Betton and Matt Dowling from Hellbender Vinyl, who discuss the enduring relevance of vinyl records as a tangible connection to music, emphasizing their role despite the dominance of digital streams. A spirited debate follows on the implications of the UK's legislative move to cap ticket resale prices—a step seen as a necessary measure to curb exploitative practices in ticketing markets. The hosts dive into the broader impacts of digital versus traditional music formats and underscore the importance of data-driven strategies for artists aiming to grow their presence in the increasingly interconnected music ecosystem.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrew Southworth, Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, and Dustin Boyer tackle various shifts and trends in the music industry, particularly focusing on Spotify's recent introduction of video features in the American market and alterations to the Shuffle function. Highlighting the skepticism among American users accustomed to more static interfaces, the hosts humorously delve into their experiences with video availability on platforms like YouTube Music. The conversation pivots to the implications of adding videos to Spotify and how it might transform user engagement. The team discusses the challenges Spotify faces, such as maintaining an authentic shuffle experience amid accusations of biased algorithms favoring major labels. Simultaneously, the podcast brings attention to a chat with Ryan Slone, a veteran booking agent, providing artists insights into securing effective representation in the industry. The show navigates through evolving content strategies on TikTok and Instagram, illustrating the shifting paradigms in digital consumption and the necessity for artists to recalibrate their approaches in an ever-dynamic digital realm.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, hosts Dustin Boyer, Andrew Southworth, Matt Bacon, and Jesse Cannon discuss innovative strategies for music promotion and the implications of AI in the music industry. They dive into the effectiveness of utilizing multiple social media accounts to maintain a professional image while engaging in aggressive promotion and fan interaction. An interview with IDM-electronic artist RamonPang explores his approach to blending music creation with educational content and the unique experience of performing at a no-phone DJ set. The conversation also touches on an AI artist's controversial rise in the country music charts, sparking debate about the ethics and future of AI-generated content in music. Additionally, the hosts examine the credibility of bot-driven success and its potential degradation of artistry, alongside insights on successful influencer marketing tactics and the importance of community in establishing a musician's reputation.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosts Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, Andrew Southworth, and Matt Bacon engage in a deep dive discussion on optimizing an artist's reach, aiming to significantly increase their audience in just 30 days. They explore strategies for building a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences and the importance of leveraging collaborations to gain visibility in the music industry. The conversation also touches on the challenges hip-hop artists face in breaking through a saturated market, emphasizing the importance of originality. Additionally, Matt Bacon interviews Rod Yancy from Bootleg, highlighting the innovative service that allows fans to purchase live concert recordings, thereby creating a unique collectible and revenue stream for artists. This integration of technology and music fandom presents a modern approach to enhancing fan experience by allowing them to relive concert memories. The episode concludes with discussions on shifting music chart dynamics, reflecting cultural trends and the evolution of genre perceptions.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, and Andrew Southworth explore diverse topics on how musicians can optimize their income through unconventional methods. They discuss creative strategies such as niche marketing, limited edition merchandise, and effective use of publishing rights to maximize revenue. The group discusses the merits of incorporating innovative platforms like Shopify and Bandcamp for handling merchandise and music sales. The episode also highlights an interview with C.J. Blessum, founder of A Thousand Arms, who shares insights on supporting indie artists through screen printing and design services, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community building, and embracing new revenue streams in the ever-evolving music industry. Amid their banter, the hosts also touch on recent viral content strategies on platforms like TikTok, underscoring the unpredictable nature of digital media virality and the need for artists to be adaptive and creative in their marketing endeavors.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, hosts Andrew Southworth, Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, and Matt Bacon delve into various aspects of the music industry, discussing how musicians earn money through different income streams such as merch, touring, and streaming. The conversation features an insightful interview with Todd White, owner of King Volume Records, who shares the story of managing Castle Rat, a rising metal band, and their success on Kickstarter. The episode also addresses controversies in the industry, including negative fan reviews, and how artists like Sombur respond to criticism. They also explore the economics of touring and discuss alternative income avenues for musicians, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's audience and leveraging platforms like Patreon effectively. Additionally, they talk about the challenges artists face with venue merch cuts and the importance of artists having a grasp on how to navigate their finances and business strategies in the evolving music landscape.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, hosts Jesse Cannon, Matt Bacon, and Dustin Boyer engage in a dynamic discussion with Alex Bochel, the owner of the EDM record label Spirations Music, covering the challenges and strategies of music distribution in the digital age. The conversation delves into the complexities and frustrations facing DIY musicians and label owners with distribution services, highlighting issues such as poor customer service, payout delays, and the limitations of promotional add-ons. Alex shares his experiences with different distributors, emphasizing the need for reliable service and fair royalty sharing. The episode further explores the industry insights of creative director Olivia Pierce, who works at Industry Plant, and accentuates the power of branding and consistent social media content in building an artist's career. The hosts also examine how Taylor Swift markets her music, relating her approach to broader industry trends. Throughout, the episode offers listeners a thoughtful exploration of navigating the evolving music business landscape, drawing on both expert interviews and real-world experiences.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Matt Bacon explore Taylor Swift's latest album rollout and the mixed reactions it has garnered, noting both fan loyalty and criticism, while discussing its significant cultural footprint. Highlighting fascinating marketing strategies, they feature an interview with Lee Martin, a creative marketing expert with a rich background working with artists like David Bowie and Lord Huron. The episode delves into how Lee combines programming and creativity to craft engaging fan experiences, offering insights into his ideation process and how DIY artists can implement these grand ideas without needing high-level expertise. Additionally, they address TikTok's potential changes due to political influences and its implications on social media usage. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize the evolving dynamics in music marketing and social media interactions, offering a blend of industry insights and actionable advice for both artists and marketers.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Andrew Southworth and his colleagues Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, and Jesse Catted explore a study revealing TikTok's limited impact on music discovery compared to YouTube and streaming platforms. They delve into the intricacies of how people discover music, discussing whether initial exposure or full engagement constitutes true discovery. The team also interviews Jon Strom, a multifaceted music industry professional, who shares insights on artist development, marketing, and the challenges faced in today's evolving music industry. He emphasizes the importance of great music and robust marketing strategies for artist success. Additionally, the episode touches on AI's role in music creation and the need for transparent licensing, while highlighting Spotify's recent efforts to address spam and AI content on their platform. Through lively discourse, the podcast provides a multidimensional view of the contemporary music landscape and the dynamics shaping artist careers.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, and Matt Bacon dive into what makes TikTok content successful for musicians, breaking down examples of viral videos and detail how spectacle, identity, and strong hooks drive engagement. They also discuss how adapting ideas from other genres can elevate a music marketing strategy, and how tools like ChatGPT can be leveraged for industry research, such as identifying the right promoters or venues for a tour. Later in the episode, Matt sits down with Fabrice Sergent, managing partner of Bandsintown, to explore the platform’s mission of connecting artists and fans, its data-driven concert recommendations, and the power of local outreach tools. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering real human connection in an increasingly digital world and maintaining creativity in a tech-enhanced music landscape.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Musician Ryan Shuck explores the remarkable arc of his music career, from founding roles in Orgy and Julien-K to collaborations with the likes of Chester Bennington and Korn. The conversation focuses heavily on Julien-K’s latest innovative crowdfunding campaign surrounding their live-streamed event “Ritual,” revealing how the band successfully transitioned from platforms like Indiegogo to fully integrating campaigns into their own Shopify store. Shuck details the strategic design behind limited-edition bundles and community-building tactics that drive fan engagement, offering practical advice for musicians on building independence, scaling audience relationships, and navigating the creative and operational complexities of running a modern music brand. Throughout the conversation, Shuck brings a blend of passion, entrepreneurial insight, and relentless drive to demystify what it takes to create sustainable success as an artist today.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Emerging country artist Brian Andrews shares his journey as a DIY musician from a small town in Missouri to becoming a rising voice in both music and sociopolitical conversations. He opens up about how his upbringing instilled a strong sense of speaking out for what he believes in, which has become a defining aspect of his brand. Brian discusses the interplay between his music and political content, explaining how the passion behind his messages shapes both his songwriting and online presence. He reflects on the risks and rewards of being outspoken in a genre traditionally associated with conservative values, emphasizing the importance of empathy, nuance, and authenticity in today’s divided cultural landscape. Brian also details his creative and content strategies, the support he's received from his label, and the significance of his upcoming politically charged single, “The Older I Get,” which he hopes will connect with audiences on a human level during a pivotal time in society.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of "My Point Four Cents," the hosts delve into the complexities surrounding music streaming platforms, particularly Spotify, and how they can be exploited through scams such as improper artist tagging and bot-driven attacks. They explore how fraudulent actors can hijack artist profiles, the lack of effective authentication systems, and the failure of distributors to safeguard creators, especially indie artists. The discussion also highlights how established artists enjoy support that many rising musicians lack, and how tools for control and correction are largely inaccessible to those without major backing. The team also discusses broader industry dynamics, platform dominance, the metrics that dictate an artist’s opportunities, and the power dynamics between streaming services, record labels, and independent musicians. Further into the episode, there's a candid interview with rising country artist Brian Andrews, who integrates political and social commentary into his music and online presence. He shares insights into blending activism and authenticity with content strategy in a digital-era music career. The conversation is as much about the broken systems in digital music distribution as it is about individuality, resilience, and the responsibility of artists to speak out.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosts Matt Bacon, Jesse Caden, and Andrew Southworth dive into the challenges modern musicians face with streaming platforms, specifically addressing the controversial removal of artist Karra’s album from Spotify due to alleged artificial streaming. They analyze her claim of spending $100,000 on an album that earned only $1,200 from streaming, highlighting the lack of a marketing budget and broader issues among self-serve distribution platforms. The conversation further explores the broader digital music landscape, the frustrating absence of effective customer service from major distributors, and the importance of building dedicated fan communities. Later in the episode, special guest Ryan Shuck (known for his work with Orgy, Dead by Sunrise, and Julian-K) joins the podcast to discuss his band's innovative crowdfunding strategy, the importance of fan relationships, scarcity marketing, and direct-to-fan engagement through platforms like Shopify and Patreon. The episode wraps with reflections on shifts in the industry, artist sustainability, and critiques of viral reactions to music industry news.
Follow Andrew Southworth
@andrew.southworth
https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworth
Follow Jesse Cannon
@jessecannon
jessecannon.com
Follow Dustin Boyer
@dustintheindustryplant
Follow MattBacon
@bacons.bits
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.