The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Bay Area rapper, LaRussell. Known for his backyard shows, revolutionary ticketing and release practices, and motivational freestyling, LaRussell has become a blueprint for modern DIY artistry. His business, Good Compenny, is a multi-media brand that puts on shows, sells merch, and empowers independent artists.In this episode, Ari and LaRussell discuss when and why it’s important to stay independent as an artist. LaRussell tells Ari how he continues to find joy in making music, even after releasing over 700 songs. He also breaks down his offer-based ticketing model—a game-changing approach that could change the entire live concert industry. Tune in to hear LaRussell’s secrets to community-building, his artistic approach to social media, and loads of inspiration heading into 2026.https://www.instagram.com/larussell06:20 – LaRussell explains “out the trunk” direct bookings08:10 – Origin of the backyard concerts12:21 – Full backyard experience (hospitality, free food, bounce house)16:45 – How offer-based ticketing works (“What is this worth to you?”)18:23 – His $1,000 birthday show that made $250K20:12 – Full breakdown of all revenue streams27:02 – Why he stays independent + label philosophy43:48 – What “Good Compenny” really is (a community)54:38 – Spending $120K on ads to make $800K back01:02:01 – Full-circle moment: how the book changed his lifeEdited 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.

Matt B, a Grammy-winning R&B singer known for his global collaborations, and Angela Benson, a dedicated manager and producer, share their inspiring DIY journey to Grammy success. They discuss recording across Africa, collaborating with notable artists like Eddie Kenzo, and the challenges of creating a visual album. The duo emphasizes the importance of networking and strategic bartering in music production, and they offer invaluable tips on navigating the Grammy submission process. Their story reflects both the creative hustle and the emotional highs of their journey.

Matt Jones, CEO and co-founder of Medallion, discusses innovative direct-to-fan models. He dives into why traditional platforms like Patreon aren’t a fit for most musicians. The conversation highlights the outdated streaming economic model and the necessity for greater transparency in artist payments. Listeners hear about the importance of artist-owned data, the difference between single-artist fan clubs and a networked approach, and future industry dynamics centered on ownership and sustainability. Expect insights on how major labels might adapt to these changes.

Chloe Flower, a classically trained pianist and genre-blender dubbed "popsical," details her fascinating career and unique collaborations with icons like Cardi B and Babyface. She shares anecdotes of her early struggles and triumphs in bridging classical music with pop and hip-hop. Chloe discusses her innovative holiday album spotlighting women composers and her advocacy for music education. Delving into the nuances of independent artistry, she highlights the importance of authentic branding and collaboration while navigating the evolving music landscape.

This week’s guest is Daniel Rowland, a versatile mastering engineer with a background that includes work with iconic artists and contributions to major films. He dives into the intricacies of mastering, detailing its importance across formats from vinyl to Dolby Atmos. Daniel discusses the role of AI in music production, emphasizing its potential as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement. He also shares insights on the challenges of loudness in streaming and the modern vinyl experience, all while advocating for creativity and authenticity in an evolving industry.

Ralph Torrefranca, the Executive Director of A&R at Angry Mob Music, is an industry powerhouse with nearly two decades of experience in signing and developing emerging talent. He dives into the intricacies of A&R at publishing companies, contrasting it with label work. Ralph shares insights on the politics of song splits, networking, and the challenges songwriters face today. A strong advocate for diversity, he emphasizes the importance of varied voices in writers' rooms, making this an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of music.

Nicole Zuraitis, a GRAMMY-winning jazz singer and songwriter, shares her journey in the New York music scene. She discusses her live album, capturing the essence of performances at VIX, and the challenges of touring in China with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Nicole highlights the importance of networking, the power of collaboration with Christian McBride, and how the pandemic reshaped the jazz landscape. She also dives into indie artist strategies, the value of physical music formats, and her plans for future projects, emphasizing authenticity and perseverance in the music industry.

Sol Rising, a Vancouver-born producer and DJ, has made waves in the electronic and wellness music scenes with over 225 million streams. In this conversation, he shares his journey from turntablist to prolific creator, highlighting how a niche market can drive streaming success. Sol discusses his weekly release strategy that plays the algorithm game, the looming impact of AI on music quality, and the significance of staying authentic. He also explores future projects, including collaborations, and the balance between independence and industry support.

In this enlightening discussion, Miss Krystle, an entertainment attorney and CEO of Delgado Entertainment Law, takes the spotlight. As the lead counsel in the class-action lawsuits against AI music platforms Suno and Udio, she unveils the legal intricacies of AI in music creation. Listen in as she explains the implications of copyright registration, outlines the lawsuits' allegations of unlawful scraping, and shares strategies for independent artists to safeguard their rights. Krystle emphasizes the importance of DIY monetization and protecting one’s creative work in the ever-evolving music landscape.

Mikel Corrente, founder of Purple Bite PR, revolutionizes music promotion with a transparent, zero-risk PR model. He discusses the shift from blog coverage to TikTok and playlists in artist discovery. Mikel shares insights on artists' dissatisfaction with traditional PR, revealing how his approach pays publications for genuine coverage while guaranteeing results. He also explores the evolving value of press in today's music industry, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and meaningful placements.