Music Ally Focus

Idan Dobrecki, co-founder of Aiode and a dynamic entrepreneur, discusses the innovative world of ethically-trained AI in music creation. He shares how Aiode acts like a virtual collaborator for producers, enabling unique enhancements to songs. Idan reveals the ethical implications of using music training data and a revenue-sharing model that benefits artists. He also highlights how this technology empowers both professional and amateur musicians, transforming workflows while ensuring creativity remains at the forefront.

A quick bonus episode for you all, in case you have missed our new, other podcast, The Price of Music, your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. (You can follow it here on your platform of choice: Spotify / Apple / YouTube / other)In the most recent episode, presenters Steve Lamacq ands Stuart Dredge get stuck into...Listener Richard had a great question about music journalism – and Steve has a lot to say when answering: what’s changed about music journalism, whether music journalism is still important, where the music print media has gone, and what the future of music writing holds.(Plus - does Steve get paid when his 1991 “Nevermind” NME review is re-printed today?)Stu’s Big Number is 75 million – and they are “spam tracks” that Spotify has removed from its service in the last year alone. But what on earth is a spam song anyway?What extra information do artists need to attach to their songs when they upload music? Spotify has new rules around AI music – so what’s banned, and what’s not banned?TikTok is apparently about to be sold in the US (maybe) – but why is TikTok so important to the music industry?Why are old Billie Eilish and Rihanna songs re-emerging to huge popularity?The Great Record Shop Album Filing Debate rumbles on – where would you file Elton John – “E” or “J”? And if you like this podcast you can join Steve and Stu in the special post-show lock-in section just for our Patreon Superfans.

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.