The Music Biz Weekly

Can anyone legitimately take your career to another level? Episode 642: I am sure all of us have heard the pitch… “We will take your band to the next level.” What does that even mean? Should you be concerned if someone says that to you? What are the levels in your music career? Can anyone […]

Pophouse invests in and develops brands within entertainment – specializing in music catalogue investments. Episode 641: Johan Lagerlöf, Managing Partner – Investments at Pophouse Entertainment joins us to discuss what Pophouse's vision is for the future of music properties. Most recently, Johan was Global Head of Catalogue at Spotify and in the music leads team. […]

You should recognize and treat your Superfans with respect. Episode 640: Superfans are real, this isn't just another buzzword that will disappear. We discuss the importance of your Superfans, but we also stress that you shouldn't just see your Superfans as just another transaction. Do not treat your Superfans as a deep pocket that you […]

Remember this is the music BUSINESS and people want to work with you to make money. Episode 639: There is an old saying, It's not about the money… it's about the MONEY. Remember this is the music BUSINESS and people want to work with you to make money. Everyone assumes you are releasing the best […]

“Are there other options to get my work out there?” Episode 638: Below is a comment by someone who had their business of 10 years destroyed by Facebook. We use this as an example of why you should never put all your eggs in one basket. Do not give up on social media, but do […]

Create engaging fan experiences and new revenue streams with a personalized mobile app. Episode 637: Dave Cool returns to talk about his new role with My Seat Media. My Seat creates a mobile app fan club for artists. Create a new recurring revenue stream with a subscription fan club. Own your audience. Create engaging fan […]

We discuss a listener question this week. Episode 636: We discuss a listener question this week, @leegerstmann “Hi Michael and Jay. I have a question. I'm wondering your opinions. If, let's say, I'm working for a musician, would you think I ought not tell the musician about my own music? Or, does it depend upon […]

You are not the star. You work for the star. Episode 635: Do you work with a band or musician? Are you on their team in some capacity? Never forget this valuable lesson… you are not the star. You work for the star. Don't let your ego and sense of entitlement make you think you […]

What can you do to make even more money from YouTube. Episode 634: Randall Foster from Symphonic Distribution joins to discuss many topics, including their Ultimate Guide for a Kickass Year 2025. We touch on many points, such as YouTube and TikTok monetization. What can you do to make even more money from YouTube. How […]

We aren't talking about using AI to record music or make videos. Episode 633: How are we using AI and how musicians can start using AI. We aren't talking about using AI to record music or make videos, not even how to use it to make photos. We discuss real tasks, tasks that you probably […]

We share some frustrations when trying to claim an artist profile on Spotify For Artists Episode 632: We share some frustrations when trying to claim an artist profile on Spotify For Artists. It seems to be becoming more difficult for profiles to be claimed. It should be easier for artists. Download Jay Gilbert's Release Planner. […]

How you can prepare if TikTok is banned again Episode 631: We discuss what happened with TikTok during the initial 14 hour US ban of the app. Were there any work arounds to access the app? We then discuss what is currently happening with TikTok over the next 90 days that is available. Finally we […]

LA Fire events, donations and resources for musicians and music professionals Episode 630: This episode we review Hypebot's continuously updated a list of LA Fire events, donations and resources for musicians and music professionals. The stories of loss and devastation in Los Angeles including for tens of thousands working in music are unimaginable. But there […]

Jay, Bruce, and Michael discussed the challenges and opportunities in the music industry, particularly in relation to digital service providers and fan engagement. T Episode 629: Music Industry Challenges and Opportunities Jay, Bruce, and Michael discussed the challenges and opportunities in the music industry, particularly in relation to digital service providers and fan engagement. They […]

We share three predictions for the music business in 2025. Episode 628: We share three predictions for the music business in 2025. 1. Short form video and Spotify Clips. 2. Challenges of touring post pandemic. 3. Artificial Intelligence. Download Jay Gilbert's Release Planner. – https://bit.ly/39EDAyD Download Michael Brandvold Release Checklists. – https://bit.ly/3ue9X0m Our Sponsors: • […]

Social media is a reflection of you. If it isn't working, you can improve everything. Episode 627: This week we finish off the MUSICIANS: 11 HARD TRUTHS list, with items 8 thru 11. 1. Streaming is the best thing that ever happened to the music industry, you have more control than ever before. 2. Short […]

Announce your tour dates on your website and socials and collect presale signups for every show. Episode 626: Fabrice Sergent from Bandsintown joins us this week to discuss their new Presale feature. Launch presales for your tours & events. Announce your tour dates on your website and socials and collect presale signups for every show. […]

If you are having to book yourself and have difficulties finding venues and talent buyers, Booking-Agent.io might just be to solution you need. Episode 625: Benji Stein joins us to talk about Booking-Agent.io… if you are having to book yourself and have difficulties finding venues and talent buyers, this might just be to solution you […]

You are obsessed with numbers, but the wrong ones. Episode 624: This week we start discussing 11 hard truths for musicians. You might not like this list, but it is true and we discuss each item below… MUSICIANS: 11 HARD TRUTHS 1. Streaming is the best thing that ever happened to the music industry, you […]

Far more than just notes on a page, Prestini's works give voice to those whom society has silenced. Episode 623: Composer Paola Prestini has cultivated a uniquely expansive and humanistic musical voice, through pieces that transcend genre and discipline, and projects whose global impact reverberates beyond the walls of the concert hall. Far more than […]

Implement an 80/20 rule in social media posting: 80% engaging content, 20% promotional content. Episode 622: Jay and Michael discussed the importance of artists engaging with their audience on social media, emphasizing the need for a balance between self-promotion and genuine interaction. They also explored strategies for creating engaging content, avoiding sensitive topics, and leveraging […]

The upcoming change in YouTube Shorts' video length from 60 seconds to 3 minutes, set to take effect on October 15th Episode 621: Michael and Jay discuss some recent news… increased length of YouTube Shorts and Spotify year-end Wrapped video Clips. The upcoming change in YouTube Shorts' video length from 60 seconds to 3 minutes, […]

The recurring problem of artists not having access to their own login credentials for various platforms. Episode 620: Michael and Jay discussed the common issues they face in their work with clients in the music industry. They highlighted the recurring problem of clients not having access to their own login credentials for various platforms such […]

You just got offered a record deal, here are some red flags to look out for before you sign the deal.. Episode 619: You just got offered a record deal, here are some red flags to look out for before you sign the deal. Before you sign that record deal… take a look at the […]

If you love what you do don't be so quick to give up. Episode 618: It can be so easy to throw in the towel because you don't see the success you want, the results you hope for didn't materialize. Don't give up, just keep trying. Success could be right around the next corner, could […]

Michael and Jay each were fortunate enough to work with Greg and they share their memories and stories of Greg Kihn Episode 617: Greg Kihn passed away on August 13th. Michael and Jay each were fortunate enough to work with Greg and they share their memories and stories of Greg Kihn. Greg was as nice […]

PlayMPE will distribute your music to radio stations and DISCO will assist with sync licensing. Episode 616: We recently had an episode where we discussed sites that can help you market your music when you have no budget. This week we discuss if you have a small budget what can you do to help with […]

Just because you are the boss doesn't mean you are the expert. Episode 615: It takes a team to succeed, but often the artist themselves or their immediate team, such as a manager, are the ones that do more to sabotage a career. Be careful pointing fingers at everyone else for failure. Just because you […]

32 ideas everyone can use to create vertical video content for posting to social media Episode 614: This week we run down a list of 32 ideas everyone can use to create vertical video content for posting to TikTok, Facebook and Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. 1. Read great pull quotes 2. Read radio results […]

Fan volunteers are great and can be a ton of help. Episode 613: Pianist Chad Lawson explores the intersection between music and wellness; the tracks on his last two chart-topping albums have been streamed over 700M million times. He's also a certified breath-work coach and a yoga teacher, who is working to teach others how […]

Fan volunteers are great and can be a ton of help. Episode 612: You have a street team or are thinking about starting a street team, we discuss a number of things you need to keep in mind when using a street team. We also discuss how street teams have evolved since the days of […]

GigSalad provides a full-service platform for booking gigs. Get leads, send quotes, and collect payments all in one place. Episode 611: Mark Steiner Co-founder and CEO of GigSalad joins us. GigSalad provides a full-service platform for booking gigs. Get leads, send quotes, and collect payments all in one place. GigSalad has all the ingredients you […]

The names have been withheld, but the stories are true! Episode 610: This week Jay and Michael share a couple mistakes musicians they have worked with have made in the past… this is your opportunity to learn from the mistakes of other musicians. Sorry, the names have been withheld, but the stories are true! Download […]

Episode 609: Tired of dealing with the algorithms? Tired of posting something and only 2% of all your followers ever see the post? Here are four places that don't play the algorithm game. Put your time and attention into growing your followers on Spotify, YouTube, Bandsintown and a email list. Everyone who follows you on […]

Andreas Ahlenius from Tracklib joins to discuss samples. Episode 608: Andreas Ahlenius from Tracklib joins to discuss samples. Tracklib are a pioneering music sampling service and have just launched Sounds a brand-new offering that enables producers to access a range of authentically recorded, royalty-free loops This new addition makes Tracklib the most complete platform for […]

Spotify Clips is a new 30 second vertical video feature that will remind everyone very much of TikTok, Reels or Shorts Episode 607: Spotify Clips is a new video feature that Spotify is rolling out. Not all artists been given access yet, but Michael has a couple clients with access so he started testing it […]

When you first sit down with the artist and / or manager, what questions do you typically ask? Episode 606: Jay Gilbert recently hosted a panel discussion at the Music Biz conference. One of the questions he asked is panelist was: When you first sit down with the artist and / or manager, what questions […]

SongFly is an easy-to-use solution that empowers artists to launch ad campaigns for their tracks in just one click. Episode 605: Danny Garcia from Songtools.io joins us to talk about their new ad platform Songfly. SongFly is an easy-to-use solution that empowers artists to launch ad campaigns complete with beautiful visuals for their tracks in […]

Don't Panic! What should you do to be prepared for possible changes to TikTok. Episode 604: Bruce Houghton from Hypebot and Bandsintown joins us to discuss current events impacting musicians. We start with the new that the clock is now officially ticking on TikTok has 9 months to find a new owner or be banned […]

The Guess Who are being prevented from playing their biggest hits by original band member Burton Cummings. Episode 603: We are joined by Leni Demancari owner of Ten13 Entertainment who books The Guess Who among other acts. We chat with Leni about the recent news where The Guess Who are being prevented from playing their […]

Pophouse acquires the music catalogue, brand name and IP of legendary rock band KISS Episode 602: Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, announces the acquisition of the music catalogue, brand name and likeness – including the world- famous face paint designs – as well as trademarks of the iconic American rock band […]

QR codes can be very useful, but you need to think about how your are using them. Episode 601: QR codes can be very useful, but you need to think about how your are using them. There is a right way and a wrong way to use them. We discuss how to use a QR […]

We look back at what the internet, social media and music marketing was like 13 years ago. Episode 600: Couple big milestones for the Music Biz Weekly podcast this week… episode #600 and 13 years since the very first episode was released. We look back at what the internet, social media and music marketing was […]

Bandsintown co-founder/managing partner Fabrice Sergent joins us this week Episode 599: Bandsintown co-founder/managing partner Fabrice Sergent joins us this week to fill us in on the new Bandsintown integration with Spotify which allows you to display your tour dates on your Spotify profile. Fabrice also discusses the value of having your fans RSVP to your […]

As a musician you are always providing customer service to your fans Episode 598: Having been dealing with customer service for a couple weeks with regards to YouTube Video Promotions and Google Ads we discuss the importance of great customer service. Don't forget that as a musician you are always providing customer service to your […]

Do you have access to all of Spotify's ad options yet? Episode 597: Today is a Spotify discussion. We start with the new Bandsintown integration with Spotify. Then we talk about Spotify's Campaign Kit… your advertising options on Spotify. Do you have access to all of Spotify's ad options yet? Spotify Marquee and Spotify Showcase. […]

Definitive Authentic works directly with artists to expand their legacies and create powerful connections with their fans. Episode 596: Brad Mindich from Definitive Authentic joins us to talk about how they preserve, document and archive the past and turn into potential new revenue streams and traveling and online museums for your fans to enjoy. Definitive […]

Books smarts vs. Street smarts… you NEED both! Episode 595: It is very important to get a education, but it is equally important to learn from experience. You can learn so much at school, from a book, but books and courses can't teach you how to deal with the unexpected. Never be afraid to sit […]

We revisit YouTube Promotion this week as we have more test results to review. Episode 594: We revisit YouTube Promotion this week as we have more test results to review. The new test didn't restrict countries or language and the results show greatly reduced cost per play and subscriber, but… there are some possible concerns […]

Don't rely on algorithms to decide whether you can reach your fanbase! Episode 593: Gabi Arnona from Set.Live joins us this week to update us on some new features they are rolling out that will allow you to connect directly with your fans and not have to worry about a algorithm limiting who sees your […]

What things can indie musicians do to help their career succeed? Episode 592: In an earlier episode we talked about our wish for simple to use ad platform on YouTube. Well YouTube has launched Promotions in beta and it is a really good first step. Michael is testing the Promotions platform and shares his early […]