Modern Musician Podcast

Liam James Ward is the General Manager of music-focused social media agency, Something Something. With a deep background in audience development, playlist strategy, A&R coordination, and grassroots promotion, Liam has worked on award-winning campaigns with major labels and independent artists alike. His journey from tastemaker DJ to industry leader makes him a unique voice in helping artists build meaningful careers in the streaming era.In this episode, Liam shares how artists can use social media and audience development to create sustainable, fan-powered careers.Key Takeaways:Why building genuine relationships with fans is more powerful than chasing algorithmsHow to develop a content strategy that balances short-term attention and long-term engagement Simple ways to turn casual followers into super fans who support your music financially and emotionally---→  Learn more about Liam and his work at: somethingsomething.socialBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Matthias Ford, Founder and CEO of Prism.fm, dives into the evolving landscape of the live music industry. He emphasizes why artists must reclaim control of their data and promotion efforts. The conversation explores the impact of the pandemic on our desire for in-person experiences and the future of live events in the digital age. Ford also discusses the role of AI, Neuralink, and the metaverse, pondering their implications for genuine human connection. It's a thought-provoking look at balancing technology with artistry.

Ankit Desai is the Founder and CEO of Snafu Records, a music-tech company using machine learning to provide royalty advances and artist services for independent musicians. Prior to launching Snafu, Ankit led digital strategy at Universal Music Group. He’s been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and one of Nordic Music Export’s 20 Under 30, recognized for his innovative work in reshaping the future of the music industry.In this episode, Ankit reveals how AI is transforming the music industry—and what independent artists can do today to thrive in this new era.Key Takeaways:How to leverage your existing music catalog to generate sustainable income as an independent artist.Why short-form video content is now critical for music discovery and fan engagement.How AI and machine learning are democratizing music creation, monetization, and fan connection. ---→ To learn more about Ankit and Snafu Records at snafurecords.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Justin Giddings is an award-winning filmmaker and musician who found creative freedom through crowdfunding. After transitioning from a successful acting career to becoming a sought-after crowdfunding expert, he launched TheKickstarterGuy.com, where he has coached over 350 campaigns to raise more than $11 million with a 97% success rate. Justin blends his background in storytelling with marketing mastery to help artists and creators fund their dreams through authenticity, strategy, and emotional connection.In this episode, Justin reveals the storytelling and community-building strategies behind his 97% crowdfunding success rate.Key Takeaways:Learn how to use emotional storytelling and authenticity to create compelling crowdfunding campaigns.Discover how artists can build and engage a community to amplify their reach and success.Gain insights on why marketing is more about building relationships than making sales.---→ To learn more or book a free consultation with Justin, visit TheKickstarterGuy.com/freeconsultation.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Taylor Winchester is a powerhouse in the music marketing world with over a decade of experience in the live music scene. From his beginnings as a Talent Buyer and Marketing Director to his current role as Director of Revenue at found.ee—a trailblazing digital marketing platform under Downtown Music—Taylor has been instrumental in helping artists, record labels, and festivals amplify fan engagement and boost revenue. His strategic insights into digital tools and emerging music trends make him a go-to expert in the evolving music industry.In this episode, Taylor dives deep into how artists can authentically connect with fans while leveraging data and advertising to build sustainable careers.Key Takeaways:How to foster authentic fan relationships that drive long-term loyalty and monetizationWhy data ownership and email list building are critical in today’s music landscapeThe power of programmatic advertising and how artists can use it for smarter targeting and wider reach---→ Learn more about Taylor and his work at found.eeBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Inder Phull is the award-winning CEO and Co-Founder of Pixelynx and KOR Protocol. With over $40M raised in investments and revenue, Inder recently sold his company to Animoca Brands. He’s executed groundbreaking collaborations with Black Mirror, Beatport, mau5trap, and Pioneer DJ, and has worked with brands like Disney, HSBC, and Lacoste. Selected as the IMS Visionary Winner in 2016, Inder is on a mission to merge music, gaming, and blockchain to shape the future of the metaverse.In this episode, Inder reveals how artists can thrive by embracing blockchain, gaming, and AI as creative tools.Key Takeaways:Why owning your intellectual property is essential for long-term artist successHow blockchain and AI are unlocking new income streams and fan engagement opportunitiesThe biggest misconceptions about music and technology—and how to overcome them---→ Learn more about Inder’s projects at Pixelynx.io and KORProtocol.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Thierry Ascarez is a seasoned music industry executive with nearly two decades of experience across major labels, music-tech startups, and AI innovation. He began his career at EMI Music before launching his own company in San Francisco, where he spent six years driving music and technology initiatives. Now based in Belgium, Thierry leads Business & Corporate Development at Winamp, where he's helping shape the future of digital music.In this episode, Thierry dives into how artists can thrive in the modern music landscape by embracing technology, community, and innovative monetization models.Key Takeaways:Why relying solely on streaming isn’t sustainable—and how to unlock new revenue streams.How Winamp is empowering artists to own their audience and monetize through digital collectibles and NFTs.What the future holds for AI in music and how it can enhance, not replace, creativity.---→ Learn more about Thierry and Winamp at https://www.winamp.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Ronan Mullins is the Co-Founder of Boost Collective, one of the top music marketing platforms supporting over 4,000 artists each month. With deep expertise in organic Spotify playlisting and digital promotion, Ronan has helped independent artists reach real audiences through impactful campaigns. His work doesn’t stop at playlisting—he partners with artists and labels to strategize holistic growth and fan engagement. Through Boost Collective, Ronan empowers creators with the tools, insights, and visibility needed to thrive in today’s competitive music industry.In this episode, Ronan Mullins shares how artists can break through the noise with better music, smarter marketing, and stronger fan relationships.Key Takeaways:Discover the importance of refining your sound and testing your music to build real traction with fans.Learn how Boost Collective scales organic Spotify playlisting campaigns that drive actual engagement.Explore actionable monetization strategies to generate income while building your long-term music career.-----→ Learn more about Ronan and Boost Collective at: https://boostcollective.caBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Guenter Loibl is the CEO of Rebeat and the visionary founder behind HD Vinyl. Hailing from Tulln, Austria, Guenter saw early on how digital technology—particularly streaming data—would reshape the music business. Today, he's helping lead the charge toward a more artist-friendly, tech-enabled music future by combining insights from analog and digital realms. His forward-thinking work bridges innovation with tradition, exploring the roles of AI, collectibles, and audience relationships in music’s next era.In this episode, Guenter breaks down how technology—especially AI and tools like StreetTeam—will reshape music monetization and elevate artists in the coming decade.Key Takeaways:• Why understanding your audience is the new superpower for music success—and how StreetTeam delivers it.• How AI and scarcity will fuel a renaissance for both music creators and collectors.• Why the future of music isn’t about streaming more—it’s about connecting deeper.-----→ Learn more about Guenter and HD Vinyl at: https://www.rebeat.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Mike Fiebach is a veteran entrepreneur in the music and e-commerce industries, having worked with legendary artists. He founded FameHouse, a pioneering e-commerce and digital marketing firm acquired by Universal Music Group, and now leads MainFactor, helping brands and artists drive direct-to-consumer revenue. With decades of experience at the intersection of music, technology, and business, Mike is passionate about helping artists monetize authentically and sustainably.In this episode, Mike Fiebach shares insider strategies for artists to thrive in today's music and e-commerce landscape by focusing on quality music, building a brand beyond their songs, and creating meaningful connections with fans.Key Takeaways:• Why focusing on creating one truly great song can transform your career.• How to approach merchandise as a business within your music business.• Proven ways to directly connect with fans and monetize beyond streaming.----Learn more about Mike and his work by visiting: https://www.mainfactor.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast