Music Ally Focus

In this engaging discussion, Simon Scott, founder of Push Entertainment, along with Robyn Elton from Blackstar, Aaron Bogucki of Big Cookie, and Keziah Reed from Believe, share fresh marketing insights for artists. They advocate for building genuine fan communities rather than chasing viral success and emphasize 'random acts of kindness' as effective engagement strategies. The guests highlight the shift from traditional metrics to authentic connections, focusing on nurturing relationships over sheer numbers, thus reinventing music marketing for a new era.

Stuart Dredge, Music Ally's Head of Insight, provides expert analysis on the evolving global music landscape. He discusses the rise of local talent, the impact of streaming on regional genres, and the exciting Amapiano revolution in Europe. Dredge explores the importance of collaboration, questioning if there's a saturation point in partnerships. He also addresses how major labels are shifting towards acquiring established artists and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success in this dynamic market.

Join Jorge Brea, the visionary Founder and CEO of Symphonic Distribution, and Guji Lorenzana, A&R and Business Development Manager based in the Philippines, as they dive into global music expansion. They reveal their successful strategies for entering Latin America and Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships and cultural awareness. Learn about common pitfalls in international growth and discover essential first steps for labels looking to make waves in new markets. Their insights are a must for anyone ready to conquer the global stage!

Ep. 167: We speak to beatBread CEO Peter Sinclair – on getting more options, insight and choices in music funding, and how independent artists, labels and songwriters are getting better deals while retaining ownership of their music using beatBread’s game changing deal comparison tool. Peter chats to Music Ally Editor Joe Sparrow in this episode of MA focus, in collaboration with Beatbread.Website: https://www.beatbread.com/Deal Comparison Tool: https://www.beatbread.com/compareMusic Ally Co-Labs: ⁠⁠musically.com/music-ally-co-labs

Stuart Dredge, Music Ally’s Head of Insight, dives into the future of music streaming and its value on digital platforms. He highlights the growing frustrations around subscription pricing and ad-supported services that undervalue music. Dredge discusses the evolving expectations of superfans, emphasizing their need for enhanced engagement and community features from streaming services. He advocates for innovative solutions to connect artists and dedicated listeners, exploring the revenue potential within this passionate audience.

Artists, songwriters and music rightsholders can now free up capital using their music in so many ways, and the old days of simply seeking advances from labels or publishers are long-gone. Sound Royalties provides a way to access tomorrow's music income today: over a decade ago the company pioneered a funding model they call “creative-friendly music finance”, where the company fronts money to artists and rightsholders based on future earnings from streaming – and other sources. Those artists or rightsholders can then use that money to further develop their careers, and then even return to Sound Royalties for more capital – at a new valuation that reflects their newly-developed success.In this Music Ally Focus episode, made in collaboration with Sound Royalties, Music Ally's Joe Sparrow met with CEO and founder Alex Heiche in London –and spoke about what he’s learned from ten years of offering new funding solutions, the new income streams that the company is offering advances for, and what future developments he sees in a world where capital is routinely raised in this way.Sound Royalties: https://soundroyalties.comMusic Ally Co-Labs: ⁠musically.com/music-ally-co-labs

Liam James Ward, CEO of the social music marketing agency Something Something, shares insightful predictions for music marketing in 2025. He emphasizes the shift towards genuine fan connections over viral trends and the rising influence of niche tastemakers. Ward discusses the importance of cultivating online communities and the need for authenticity in marketing strategies. He also highlights how metrics are evolving from traditional KPIs to more qualitative measures, reshaping the future landscape of music marketing.

Patrick Ross, COO of Music Ally, discusses the fast-evolving music industry and the need for professionals to adapt. He highlights the impact of recent layoffs and the shift towards smaller, agile companies. Upskilling and continuous learning are emphasized as crucial for navigating this transition. Patrick explores the importance of digital marketing skills and innovative strategies, advocating for a decentralized approach that empowers aspiring artists and industry workers. The conversation is filled with insights and encouragement for those looking to reinvent their careers.

Stuart Dredge, Head of Insight at Music Ally, brings his expertise to the discussion on a range of pressing topics. He delves into the evolving role of AI in music, exploring its impact on creativity and the legal challenges it poses. Dredge also discusses the exciting developments in music fintech, ecotech, and healthtech, highlighting how technology is driving sustainability and innovation. He emphasizes the therapeutic potential of music, especially in healthcare, revealing how AI can personalize music experiences to benefit mental health.

Mag Rodriguez, CEO of D2C platform Even, shares insights on how emerging artists can thrive in the direct-to-consumer landscape. He discusses the benefits of selling directly to fans, often yielding more revenue than streaming services. The importance of leveraging fan data and treating superfans fairly is emphasized, ensuring artists maximize income without exploiting loyalty. They also explore how Gen Z's preferences for experiences over products shape artist commerce and the transformative potential of platforms like Even in the music industry.