The New Music Business with Ari Herstand
Ari's Take
**WEBBY AWARD FOR BEST MUSIC PODCAST**“#1 music industry podcast to help keep you in the loop” -Spotify“The 10 Best Music Business Podcasts of 2022" – VarietyAri Herstand is the best-selling author of How To Make It in the New Music Business. Forbes calls him “The poster child of DIY music.” In this show, he deconstructs the brightest minds in the music industry, digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and strategies that listeners can use to run successful careers of their own. Ari offers straight talk with no fluff and doesn’t let his guests off easy. If there is a way, Ari will find it.To learn more follow @aristake_ and @ariherstandVisit aristake.com to join the newsletter.-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 33min
Should AI Artists Have Fans, Custom Music For Sync
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.
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 8min
Jack Harlow and Shaboozey's Management Company has Range
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.
Jul 2, 2025 • 60min
Michael Seyer is All Vibes Running a DIY Music Career
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.
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
Hit Songwriter/Producer on Publishing Deals and Artists Taking Credit for Songs They Didn't Write
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.
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 25min
Epidemic Sound Removes Rights and Royalties From the Equation
Oscar Höglund, the co-founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, discusses the revolutionary changes in music licensing and artist compensation. He describes how their subscription model disrupts traditional royalty structures while supporting independent artists. The conversation touches on the challenges of playlist-driven consumption and the creative tension artists experience between commercial success and authenticity. Höglund also highlights Epidemic Sound's innovative approach to revenue sharing, addressing the future of music distribution and empowering creators in the digital age.
May 28, 2025 • 1h 14min
How This Artist Manager Deepens the Fan Relationship and Prioritizes Mental Health
Jaclyn O’Connell, a digital marketer and artist manager, shares her expertise on fan relationships and mental health in the music industry. She discusses innovative tools to connect with fans directly, emphasizing the impact of community engagement. Jaclyn also addresses the strains of social media metrics on artists' creativity and wellbeing. The conversation delves into maximizing tour success for emerging artists while ensuring fair compensation. Ultimately, she highlights building sustainable fan bases over chasing fleeting viral moments.
May 21, 2025 • 60min
How The World's Largest Songwriting Camp Works
Danny Ross, a producer/songwriter and founder of Anti Social Camp, discusses the extraordinary world of songwriting camps. He reveals how these camps bring together over 250 artists in a collaborative frenzy of creativity, producing diverse music over just five days. Ross shares insights on the evolution of these camps, focusing on their shifts during the pandemic and the importance of community. He also dives into the financial landscape of music production, addressing the challenges songwriters face in securing fair compensation and navigating publishing inequities.
May 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
How Bandcamp is Thinking About Superfans
Dan Melnick, General Manager of Bandcamp, shares insights on the platform's success in empowering artists to connect directly with fans. He discusses Bandcamp's growth despite the decline of traditional downloads and highlights innovative features that help artists monetize their relationships. The conversation dives into the concept of 'superfans' and strategies for building sustainable careers in music. Listeners also learn about the community-building aspects of Bandcamp, from exclusive content to engaging merchandise sales.
Apr 30, 2025 • 27min
Don't Cut Your Drummer Into Publishing...
In this insightful discussion, the complexities of music royalties and publishing are unravelled. The host emphasizes the distinction between master and publishing royalties, shedding light on what session musicians are entitled to. There's a focus on the significance of one-stop agreements and the historical inequities in compensation models. Additionally, it advocates for fair treatment of drummers and other session players, challenging common misconceptions about their rights in the music creation process.
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
How Publishing Works and Songwriters Get Paid
Jacob Paul, VP of Platform Growth & Brand Strategy at Kobalt and the mind behind KOSIGN, dives deep into the evolution of music publishing. He explains how Kobalt is changing the game for songwriters, emphasizing the importance of understanding payment systems. Jacob highlights the crucial differences between artists and songwriters, and why having an admin publisher can enhance a songwriter's revenue. He also outlines how creators can avoid leaving money on the table as they navigate the complex landscape of royalties and publishing rights.
