Modern Musician Podcast

Darren Hemmings is a respected music marketing strategist and the founder of Motive Unknown, a leading agency serving over 60 top-tier music clients including independent labels, global pop acts, and music production brands. Since launching the company in 2011, he’s built a team of 30 and become a trusted voice in the industry through his widely read newsletter, Network Notes. Darren’s mission is to help artists and brands connect authentically with their audiences through emotionally resonant, value-driven marketing.In this episode, Darren shares how artists can thrive by focusing on connection over promotion in a tech-driven music landscape.Key Takeaways:Why authentic, value-first marketing creates deeper and longer-lasting fan relationshipsHow building local music scenes can be a catalyst for broader successWhere AI fits into music marketing—and where human connection still reigns supreme---→ Learn more about Darren and Motive Unknown at https://www.motiveunknown.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Jazmine Valencia is the founder of JV Agency, an artist-first marketing powerhouse behind the success of major artists like The Killers, Fall Out Boy, Avicii, American Authors, Max Frost, and Shawn Mendes. Known for blending cultural storytelling with strategic innovation, Jazmine helps artists bridge the gap between creativity and connection. Her motivational leadership style and forward-thinking use of technology drive real impact across the global music scene. With a mission to unify creators and audiences, Jazmine is redefining what it means to market music in the digital age.In this episode, Jazmine Valencia shares how today’s artists can leverage content, community, and cutting-edge tech to grow their brand and monetize authentically.Key Takeaways:How documenting your daily creative process can make content creation easier and more impactful.Ways to monetize as an indie artist—through exclusivity, connection, and control.Why embracing AI and new technologies can empower artists rather than replace them.---→ Explore more about Jazmine and JV Agency at www.jvagency.co.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Paul Wiltshire is an award-winning music and tech entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across the entertainment industry. After producing more than 15 million record sales—including twelve #1 singles and albums—Paul founded Songtradr, a global music licensing and rights management platform. His mission is to democratize the music industry by giving independent artists the tools, access, and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.In this episode, Paul shares how technology is reshaping music licensing, rights, and opportunities for independent creators.Key Takeaways:How Paul went from producing chart-topping hits to building one of the most impactful music tech companies in the worldThe role of AI and technology in transforming music creation, distribution, and monetization Why understanding music rights and licensing is essential for every independent artist's success---→ Learn more about Paul and Songtradr at https://www.songtradr.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Andrew Apanov, founder of Dotted Music and host of Music Growth Talks, shares his extensive knowledge as a digital marketing strategist with over 20 years in the music scene. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation in music marketing and building a supportive community. Apanov discusses leveraging short-form content for artist visibility and the need for genuine engagement with fans. He also covers vital strategies for collaboration, adaptability in a saturated market, and how artists can utilize new tools for direct audience connection.

Cathy Heller is a renowned spiritual teacher, bestselling author, and host of the Abundant Ever After podcast, which has amassed over 45 million downloads. With a deep foundation in Jewish mysticism, manifestation, and mindfulness, Cathy helps individuals unlock their highest potential by teaching how to quiet the mind, align with divine purpose, and receive abundance with ease. Her teachings focus on spiritual growth, creativity, and cultivating a fulfilled life through inner transformation and connection.In this powerful conversation, Cathy shares how to create abundance without struggle, and why your goals are never about the end result—but about who you're becoming along the way.Key Takeaways:Why true abundance begins when you release struggle and surrender to easeHow meditation and intuition can unlock authentic creativity and flowThe truth about AI’s limits—and why empathy, love, and presence are irreplaceable---→ To learn more about Cathy, visit cathyheller.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/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