The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

This month, for Women's History Month, we are replaying some of our favorite New Music Business episodes featuring incredible women of the industry. This episode highlights award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, Imogen Heap. Imogen Heap has released five solo albums, an album as one half of Frou Frou, and has collaborated with countless other stars including Taylor Swift, Nitin Sawhney, Deadmau5, Eric Whitacre, Jeff Beck and Jon Hopkins. Heap, recognized as an artist’s artist, has won two Grammys and an Ivor Novello award. She holds three honorary doctorates for her work on ‘MI.MU gloves’ and ’The Creative Passport’—two prominent music tech companies that work to empower creatives. In this episode, Ari and Imogen discuss NFTs, metadata and payment transparency and how to properly credit (and pay) creators using the blockchain. Overall, how to make the future of music more equitable for musicians.Chapters00:00 The Fragmented Music Industry02:52 Imogen Heap: A Pioneer in Music and Technology05:55 The Creative Passport: Empowering Artists09:11 Data Transparency and Royalty Distribution12:04 The Role of DSPs and Data Integrity14:52 The Future of Music Royalties17:55 Building a Better Music Ecosystem21:02 Blockchain and the Future of Music23:46 Interoperability and Charitable Contributions29:06 Navigating NFTs and Environmental Concerns34:23 The Future of NFTs in Art37:12 Building a Community Through Technology46:58 AI as a Creative Partner54:36 Defining Success in the New Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic 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.

Bonnie McKee, a hit songwriter and producer known for chart-toppers with Katy Perry and others, joins the conversation. She shares her insights on balancing creativity and familiarity in songwriting. McKee reflects on her unique journey through the music and film industries, highlighting the evolving dynamics of collaboration. The challenges female songwriters face are discussed, along with the contrasting songwriting styles found in Nashville and LA. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity while navigating the complexities of royalties and credit in the music business.

This week Ari sits down with Simon Tikhman, the co-founder of The Core Entertainment and The Core Records. The Core Entertainment first made waves as an artist management company, guiding the careers of major country stars like Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith. After demonstrated success in management, The Core Entertainment partnered with Universal Music Group to launch The Core Records.During this episode, Simon and Ari discuss the careers of The Core Entertainment’s breakout artists, Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith. Simon explains how both artists achieved success in drastically different ways—Nate landed his record deal at age 36 after grinding for many years in Nashville, while Bailey broke out on TikTok in his early 20s. Simon outlines the value in each of these paths and explains how Nashville treats artists differently if they have found success the traditional way versus through social media. This episode also goes into detail about what the Nashville country music scene looks like today, the nuances between Nashville labels and coastal labels, and the ins and outs of artist management. If you’re curious about how to break as a country artist in 2025, this episode is for you.https://www.instagram.com/thecoreent/Chapters00:00 The Importance of Country Radio04:58 Simon Tikhman's Journey to Artist Management16:19 Building The Core Entertainment and Nashville Connections24:12 Nate Smith's Breakthrough in Country Music33:53 Bailey Zimmerman's Rise as a New Artist35:21 The Rise of Bailey Zimmerman41:10 Navigating the Music Industry44:47 The Importance of Labels in Country Music52:08 The New Paradigm for Country Artists56:51 Social Media's Role in Artist Development01:06:42 Defining Success in the Music BusinessEdited and mixed by Ari DavidsMusic 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.

Marc Caruso, CEO of Angry Mob Music, is an Emmy-nominated music editor and passionate advocate for independent artists. He shares insights into the shifting music publishing landscape amidst the rise of streaming. Marc breaks down complex topics like copyrights and royalties, revealing how sync licensing pays out and the financial realities artists face today. He also discusses the implications of key industry events, like Universal's deal with Spotify and the MLC's lawsuit, highlighting their impact on independent publishers and songwriters.

Liz Pelly, a prominent music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," dives deep into Spotify's controversial strategies. She reveals how Spotify's Perfect Fit Content program utilizes ghost artists, undermining real musicians and affecting the integrity of the music industry. Liz discusses the financial implications for artists and the discrepancies in royalty distribution, especially between independent creators and major labels. Their conversation highlights the urgent need for transparency and a revaluation of music's worth in the streaming era.

Luis Navarro and Joel Niño Jr. are the dynamic duo behind Twin Tribes, a darkwave band from Brownsville, TX. They discuss their journey from local garage musicians to global sensation, emphasizing their DIY approach that has led to over 30 million streams. The pair share insights on their unique aesthetic, the evolution of their sound, and the importance of community in building their brand. They also touch on strategic partnerships for physical releases while maintaining independence, creating an inspiring narrative for aspiring musicians.

In this conversation with Alex Taggart, a music market expert with a decade of experience in China, listeners dive deep into the complexities of the Chinese music industry. Alex explains the unique dynamics of local streaming platforms like Tencent Music and shares actionable steps for artists eager to break into this market. He discusses the importance of collaboration with local artists, strategies for touring China, and how to check if your music is already gaining traction there. It's a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to expand their musical reach!

Tor Hermansen, one half of the hit-making duo Stargate, shares his journey from crafting chart-toppers for stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna to founding the Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Producers. He delves into the evolution of the music industry, emphasizing the role of collaboration and social media in songwriting. Tor provides insights on the creative process, from demoing to refining tracks, while also discussing the importance of nurturing artistic talent and adapting to new trends in music production.

George Karalexis and Donna Budica, co-founders of TEN2 Media, share their expertise in maximizing YouTube's impact on the music industry. They discuss YouTube's role as the top music discovery platform and how artists can leverage it for monetization and fan engagement. The duo dives into key strategies for navigating content creation, understanding analytics, and utilizing features like Shorts and live streaming. They also highlight the importance of partnerships and transparent revenue management for emerging artists looking to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Cody Fry, a multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-nominated orchestral arranger, dives into his journey from major label artist to independent creator. He shares insights on navigating the complexities of record deals and the freedom found in independence. The conversation highlights his viral TikTok breakthrough and the artistry of orchestration, revealing how he blends classical elements with pop appeal. Cody also discusses the unique experience of performing with orchestras and the importance of cultivating a proactive mindset in today's evolving music landscape.