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!
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jesse Cannon welcomes his longtime friend Matthew Molnar—a true veteran of the music world with an impressive, decades-spanning resume that includes being a musician, record producer, manager, and concert booker. The conversation explores Matt’s deep roots in the DIY and punk scenes, his work booking shows at iconic New York venues Market Hotel and Trans-Pecos, and his passion for supporting rising talent and building local music communities. They dive into topics like the evolution of shoegaze, the importance of self-promotion, the challenges new artists face breaking into the scene, and the fine art of helping bands develop their sound without losing their identity. Filled with reflections on New York's music history, witty anecdotes, and critical insights into what makes a band truly stand out, this rich and sprawling discussion offers invaluable wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the modern music industry.
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Jesse Cannon, Matt Bacon, Andrew Southworth, and Dustin Boyer are joined by special guest Matthew Molnar, a longtime music industry insider who currently books for Brooklyn venues Market Hotel and Trans-Pecos. The group dives into a spirited discussion about the ongoing debate surrounding waterfall release strategies in music marketing, questioning a viral social media claim that such methods are now ineffective. They dissect the data behind Spotify’s algorithm and popularity score, with experts like Glenn McDonald and Luke Mansell weighing in to debunk misinformation. The episode also explores techniques for promoting music releases, the pros and cons of pre-saves and countdown pages, and strategies for targeting international markets through advertising. Later, Molnar shares his journey through the industry and explains how independent artists can get booked at top venues by being an active part of the scene and delivering unique, community-oriented performances. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking, transparency, and data-driven decision-making in a rapidly evolving music landscape.
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Brian Zisook, co-founder of AudioMack, shares the origin, mission, and evolution of the music streaming platform. He discusses how AudioMack carved out a niche as a discovery-focused service initially rooted in hip hop and now with a major presence across Africa, Latin America, and multicultural youth markets worldwide. By providing free tools and empowering independent artists through human curation, education, and innovative features like geo-targeted playlists and in-app messaging, AudioMack has democratized music access globally. Brian also tackles broader themes around music marketing, fan engagement, the importance of community and regional identity in music, and the current shortcomings in artist management and industry practices—all while offering thoughtful insight and practical advice for creators navigating today’s music landscape.
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00:00 - Introducing Brian Zisook from Audiomack
00:22 - What Is Audiomack?
01:02 - The Genesis of Audiomack in 2012
02:17 - Early Days and DJBooth Crossover
02:43 - Shaping a Platform for Independent Artists
03:43 - Audiomack’s Focus on Hip-Hop and Global Growth
05:19 - Why Africa Chose Audiomack
07:27 - Building Communities Through Localization
09:39 - Regional Music Curation in the U.S.
10:54 - Global Misconceptions About African Music
13:01 - Where Audiomack Fits in the Artist Marketing Mix
14:53 - Investing in Human Curation
16:49 - The Audiomack Tastemaker Program
20:10 - Solving Artist Discovery and Engagement Problems
22:38 - The Future of Audiomack and Global Expansion
25:32 - Audiomack vs Full-Catalog Streaming Giants
27:39 - Favorite Emerging Music Marketing Tactics
30:12 - The Power of Fan Clubs and Direct Artist Access
36:13 - Marketing Advice for Artists in Emerging Markets
38:42 -
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In this episode of “My Point Four Cents,” the hosts—Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, Andrew Southworth, and Matt Bacon—engage in a detailed conversation on music marketing and platform strategies, featuring special guest Brian Zisuk, co-founder and EVP of AudioMac. The discussion dives into platform trends, contrasting how artists often perform differently across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts due to algorithmic preferences, content suitability, and user behavior. They explore the nuances of platform-native content, engagement impact, the significance of “profile scores,” and tactics like the $1.80 comment strategy for growth. Brian Zisook provides an in-depth overview of AudioMack’s unique position in music streaming, its international growth—particularly across Africa and the diaspora—and the platform’s focus on discovery, curation, and accessibility for independent artists. They also tackle how platforms like Bandsintown help artists promote tours through free and paid tools. The episode blends real-world examples with strategic advice, emphasizing experimentation, audience alignment, and adapting to varied digital environments.
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My .4 Cents host Andrew sits down with Chris Greenwood, also known as the artist "Manafest", to dive deep into his journey as an independent musician and music entrepreneur. Chris shares his evolution from touring artist to Spotify success, discussing his wins in sync licensing, including a six-figure Olympics placement, and the shift from active to passive income through streaming. He opens up about the strategic use of Facebook ads, merch funnels, and catalog sales to sustain a thriving music business. The conversation also explores the pros and cons of the modern music industry, offering insights for up-and-coming artists on building a sustainable career, maximizing revenue streams, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether navigating streaming platforms or leveraging digital marketing, Chris provides a wealth of real-world lessons based on his experience as both a successful artist and a mentor through his Smart Music Business platform.
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This episode of "My Point Four Cents" features a deep dive into the Spotify algorithm with musical artist and educator Chris Greenwood, also known as Manafest. Hosts Dustin Boyer, Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth explore the metrics behind Spotify's Popularity Index and share insights from a data-driven study that analyzed the streaming behavior of hundreds of artists. Andrew explains findings from their research, revealing surprisingly simple correlations between streams and algorithmic playlist placements such as Release Radar and Discover Weekly. The conversation also covers artist development strategies, sync licensing, the economics of digital and physical music sales, and the realities of modern streaming income. Greenwood shares his journey from major label deals to independent success, including stories of high-value sync placements and how he leveraged digital marketing and sales funnels to sustain a thriving music career.
Watch Andrew's video on the Spotify Algorithm here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w3hk2KtKXo&t=603s
Help us crack the algorithm for part 3 here: https://forms.gle/Yiffp3CjMiJf8nvT6
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