The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

Chayim Newman and Zack Borer, co-founders of Amber Health, share their expertise in enhancing mental health care for artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Beyoncé. They discuss the challenges musicians face while touring, highlighting the importance of on-site mental health support. Their innovative approach embeds professionals directly into tours, fostering a proactive culture around well-being. The conversation underscores a shift in the music industry towards prioritizing mental health for artists and crew, promoting sustainability and wellness amidst the pressures of performance.

Matthew Ramsey, the lead singer and songwriter of Old Dominion, shares insights from the band’s impressive journey in country music. They discuss their upcoming album 'Barbara', including its humorous concept and the emotional backstory behind the poignant song 'Miss You, Man'. Matthew reflects on maintaining artistic integrity while balancing the evolution from cover band to original artists. He offers advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and camaraderie within a band.

Tersha Willis, Co-founder and CEO of terrible*, shares her innovative insights on the merchandise landscape. With experience in private equity and fashion, she emphasizes the artist-first approach to merch. The discussion dives into strategies for turning fan support into sustainable income, the importance of data-driven campaigns, and the contrast between online and live sales. Tersha also highlights the power of pre-orders and direct-to-fan strategies that can transform merch into a key element of an artist's long-term success.

Naethan Apollo is an independent artist known for his unique blend of storytelling and genre-bending music. He discusses his latest project, 'Tales From Cazilor: Wyldflowers,' an innovative mix of concept album and animated series. Naethan opens up about the role of social media in building his fanbase and how he prioritizes mental health amid his growing community. He shares his hopeful perspective on AI in music, the importance of narrative in songwriting, and how he's redefining success and creativity on his own terms.

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.

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.

Jess Furman, an Emmy-nominated composer and the founder of Sound Revolver, dives into the intriguing world of custom music for film and TV. She shares her journey from a New York singer-songwriter to a sync licensing powerhouse. The conversation heats up as Jess previews her AI-generated artist project, sparking a lively debate on the ethical implications of AI in music. Are AI artists the future, or do they threaten the human touch? Tune in for insights on creativity, industry challenges, and the evolving landscape of sync licensing.

Matt Graham, founding partner of Range Media Partners and a Billboard 40 Under 40 honoree, discusses the dynamic landscape of artist management. He shares insights on how Range Music supports its diverse roster, including Jack Harlow and Shaboozey. The conversation highlights evolving deal structures and the growth of country music amid global changes, emphasizing local connections. Graham also critiques traditional commission models, advocating for adaptable, transparent strategies that align manager and artist success, showcasing the future of music management.

Michael Seyer, an indie artist known for his immersive albums, dives into the creation of his latest project, Boylife, blending dream pop and indie-folk. He discusses his passion for staying fully independent, launching Seyerland Records to support local artists. Seyer shares behind-the-scenes tales from filming music videos guerrilla-style in Japan and collaborates with fresh talent to redefine his sound. He also explores the challenges of promoting music authentically in the digital age while mentoring fellow musicians.

Justin Gammella is a hit songwriter and producer with over a billion streams, known for viral hits like Bella Poarch's "Build a Bitch." He discusses the complexities of songwriting credits, the financial structures in the streaming era, and the growing influence of AI in music creation. Gammella shares insights on the importance of fair recognition and the evolving nature of publishing deals. They also explore the delicate balance between human creativity and technology, highlighting the need for industry safeguards amidst rapid changes.