The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Sol Rising, a producer and DJ whose eclectic blend of electronic, downtempo, and lo-fi has inspired millions. Born in Vancouver and raised in Iowa, he went from a childhood rooted in meditation to becoming one of America’s top scratch DJs before evolving into a prolific producer. With over 20 albums, 225M+ streams, and international tours across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Sol Rising shares his journey of artistry and growth.Sol shares his journey from a turntablist to a successful artist with millions of streams, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music world independently. They delve into the impact of streaming platforms, the role of AI in music, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of the music business.05:40 – Introduction and Niche11:10 – Early Journey17:40 – Shift to Yoga Music24:25 – Streaming Platforms30:55 – AI in Music37:40 – Creativity and Motivation45:40 – Future Plans53:10 – Reflections and Advicehttps://www.instagram.com/solrisingEdited 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  Fede Petro to discuss Open Folk, a community driven, international live event series. Fede Petro is an Argentine-born producer, songwriter, and event creator whose work bridges continents and artistic disciplines. He was the tour manager and show producer for two-time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla, leading tours across the Americas and overseeing every detail from stage to logistics. He’s also the founder and artistic director of Open Folk, a grassroots music movement that began over a decade ago and now operates in Argentina, Spain, and the United States, curating intimate showcases and conceptual tribute nights that spotlight independent songwriters and community-driven artistry.In this episode, Ari and Fede dive into the story behind Open Folk—how it grew from living-room gatherings in Buenos Aires to a global community of stages. Fede reflects on the obstacles of sustaining independent events, the philosophy of keeping lineups unannounced, and the balance between financial survival and artistic integrity. The conversation widens into the larger live music ecosystem, examining the evolving role of promoters and the value of cultivating meaningful, immersive experiences for both artists and audiences.https://www.theopenfolk.org/0:00 Introduction and Background5:01 Starting Open Folk in Buenos Aires15:01 Transition to Los Angeles25:01 Philosophy and Impact of Open Folk35:01 Financial Aspects and Challenges45:01 Creating Immersive Experiences55:01 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsEdited 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.

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.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which represents over 1,500 venues nationwide. Together, they discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which alleges deceptive pricing practices that have enabled scalpers to exploit both artists and fans for billions of dollars.Ari and Stephen break down the logistics of the case, its potential impact on the future of ticketed events, and the incriminating evidence pointing to Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s complicity. They also explore the broader issue of monopoly power in the live music industry, the push to separate the two companies, and the policy and legal strategies that could protect venues, artists, and consumers moving forward.https://www.nivassoc.org/https://www.nivassoc.org/fixthetix/model-legislation5:10 Introduction and Overview of Live Nation's Situation10:10 FTC Lawsuit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster15:10 History of Live Nation and Ticketmaster Merger20:10 Role of NIVA and Its Advocacy Efforts25:10 Impact of Ticket Scalping and Resale Practices30:10 Discussion on Ticketing Reform and Legislative Efforts35:10 Challenges Faced by Independent Venues40:10 Artists' Perspectives on Ticketing Issues45:10 Future of Ticketing and Live Events50:10 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionEdited 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.

In this discussion, Seamus Menihane, CEO and co-founder of Downright Merch, shares insights into the merch industry where they've paid artists over $30 million. He elaborates on the recent merger with Overcast to form Armada and how that enhances artist support. The conversation dives into balancing online and touring merch sales, utilizing QR codes to convert show buyers into direct-to-consumer fans, and how real-time sales tracking improves inventory management. Seamus also speculates on the future of direct-to-fan engagement and the integration of merch platforms.

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf of the groundbreaking electronic duo, Krewella. Krewella has earned billions of streams, a devoted global fanbase, and a place among the first women in EDM to reach major milestones. Featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and performing at Coachella, Lollapalooza, EDC, Tomorrowland, and beyond, Krewella has left an undeniable mark on the scene. After time with Columbia Records and a brief hiatus, they’ve returned with a new single, “Crying on the Dancefloor.”Jahan and Yasmine dive deep into the business of music—covering collaborations, royalty splits, AI tools, and the ever-changing industry landscape. They reflect on how much has shifted over the past nine years, offering candid insights on balancing algorithm demands with authentic artistry. Most importantly, they share their perspective on staying true to yourself as an artist—creatively, spiritually, and personally—in an era of constant external pressure.https://www.instagram.com/krewella/04:37 – Intro06:31 – Slower, intentional process11:18 – Indie team setup13:49 – Indie vs. major19:35 – Grow vs. nurture fans, algorithms31:09 – song death/rebirth, reviving old songs 35:11 – Collabs & producer roles; splits45:05 – Remixes/AI/Splice; self-sampling1:01:05 – Live show: safe, sober, caring1:08:13 – Making itEdited 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.

In this engaging conversation, Henry Donahue, the Executive Director of Save the Music Foundation, discusses his mission to ensure equitable access to music education for students nationwide. He highlights innovative initiatives like the J. Dilla Grant, which empowers young musicians through donated instruments. The duo explores the evolution of music education, emphasizing modern technology's role and the importance of advocacy for underfunded schools. Donahue shares personal anecdotes about music's transformative power and the vital community support needed to keep music alive in education.

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.