Modern Musician Podcast

Chris Johnson is the Head of A&R at SoundCloud, where he helps emerging artists grow, connect with fans, and monetize their music. With years of experience in artist development, he understands the challenges of breaking through in today’s competitive industry. Chris is passionate about community engagement, creative freedom, and helping artists take ownership of their careers.In this episode, he shares why fan engagement is essential, how artists can make money from their music, and why spontaneity in releases can be more effective than over-planning.Key Takeaways:Building a loyal fan community is essential for long-term success.Artists need to take control of their monetization to sustain their careers.Releasing music more spontaneously can create stronger fan connections.-----Learn more about SoundCloud: https://artists.soundcloud.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Helen Sartory, Chief Revenue Officer at Beatport, brings a unique blend of financial acumen and music industry expertise to the table. With a background in investment banking and a passion for empowering independent artists, Helen has been instrumental in shaping innovative strategies for revenue generation, music asset management, and artist success on a global scale.Helen Sartory discusses the challenges and opportunities for independent artists in today’s evolving music industry.Key Takeaways:Helen Sartory's journey from investment banking to music tech innovation.Why indie artists don’t need a major label to succeed—but they need the right strategy.New revenue opportunities for artists, including NFTs, music royalties, and digital collectibles.------Learn how to get your music onto Beatport: https://labels.beatport.com/hype/webinarBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Eric Mueller, better known as Skippy, is the driving force behind Pirates Press Records, a label dedicated to keeping the spirit of vinyl alive in an increasingly digital world. With a deep passion for independent music, Eric has helped artists create meaningful physical releases that connect with fans on a deeper level. Through Pirate Press Records, he champions the resurgence of vinyl, making it more accessible while fostering a thriving community of collectors.In this episode, we explore:How vinyl records are making a major comeback and why they matter to independent artists.The role of flexi discs in music promotion and how they serve as a gateway for new collectors.The unique, tangible experience of vinyl that creates an emotional connection between artists and fans.------Learn more about Eric and Pirates Press Records at: https://www.piratespress.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Jesse Lacy is the founder of On the Savvy and a marketing expert dedicated to helping indie artists navigate the complexities of the modern music industry. With years of experience as a touring musician, Jesse has firsthand knowledge of the challenges artists face and the strategies needed to build sustainable careers. Through On the Savvy, he educates artists on effective marketing, fan engagement, and brand positioning to help them stand out and create long-term success.In this episode, Michael Walker sits down with Jesse Lacy to uncover the biggest marketing mistakes indie artists make—and how to fix them.Key Takeaways:How to build genuine connections with fans that drive long-term support.The crucial difference between marketing and promotion—and why artists get it wrong.Why live performances are still one of the most powerful revenue streams for musicians.------Learn more about Jesse Lacey and On the Savvy at: https://onthesavvy.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Jessica Powell is the CEO and co-founder of Audio Shake, a company pioneering AI-driven sound separation technology. Formerly Google’s VP of Communications, she has a deep background in both tech and music, helping artists unlock new creative possibilities.In this episode, Michael Walker and Jessica explore how sound separation, AI, and immersive content are transforming the music industry.Key Takeaways:How Audio Shake’s sound separation technology gives artists new creative freedomWhy immersive content is the future and how musicians can prepareThe ethical and artistic impact of AI in music production-----Learn more about Jessica Powell and Audio Shake at: https://www.audioshake.ai/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Ryan Star is the founder of Stationhead, a platform transforming how artists connect with their fans. As a former recording artist, he saw the need for deeper, more authentic engagement in the music industry. StationHead empowers musicians to build real communities and turn passive listeners into active supporters.In this episode, Ryan shares how Stationhead is reshaping music consumption, why community-driven platforms matter, and how independent artists can create lasting fan relationships.Key Takeaways:Building True Fan Connections – How Stationhead enables artists to engage with their audience in ways that traditional radio and streaming platforms cannot.Community-Driven Music Consumption – Why the platform is shifting music from a passive experience to an interactive one.The Future of Fan Engagement – How artists can leverage digital communities to create lasting relationships with their listeners.-----Learn more about Ryan Starr and Stationhead at: https://www.stationhead.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Trey Xavier is a musician, songwriter, and YouTuber (242K+ subscribers) on a mission to help artists write better songs and build successful music careers. With 28+ years of experience and a decade of teaching on YouTube, he shares hard-earned insights on songwriting, creativity, and authenticity. A Berklee College of Music alumnus with a degree in composition, he’s played in bands like In Virtue and released solo music. His journey proves that success comes from action, iteration, and embracing failure as part of the creative process.Michael Walker and Trey Xavier dive into the realities of creativity—why trial and error is essential, how to stand out in a crowded industry, and why failure is a necessary step toward success.Key TakeawaysAuthenticity wins: Audiences resonate with creators who stay true to their voice and vision.Creativity is an iterative process: Success comes from constant refinement, not overnight perfection.Failure is part of the journey: Every great artist has stumbled—learning from missteps is how you grow.------Learn more about Trey Xavier and his work here: https://bit.ly/RIFFTOSONGMMBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Terry Cole is the founder of Colemine Records, a label and record shop dedicated to soulful, authentic music. Growing up in a music-loving household, Terry’s passion for vinyl and artistry laid the foundation for his career. Today, he’s a champion for independent artists, offering them opportunities to grow and thrive in the music industry. In this episode, Terry dives into the challenges and rewards of building a career in music, sharing invaluable insights for artists and entrepreneurs alike.Key Takeaways:Discover how artists can transition from hobbyists to full-time musicians while maintaining authenticity.Learn why physical retail is still a critical player in music distribution and artist visibility.Gain practical advice on building relationships, taking measured risks, and standing out in a crowded music industry.-----Learn more about Terry Cole and Cole Mine Records by visiting: https://www.coleminerecords.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Giovanni Bottan is a seasoned music professional who began producing bands in his studio and touring with his own band. After launching a successful music marketing agency and collaborating with hundreds of artists, he is now channeling his expertise into building Smart Noise, a groundbreaking tech startup for the music industry.In this episode, Michael Walker and Giovanni dive deep into the hurdles indie artists face and uncover strategies for building lasting careers.What You'll Learn:Why focusing on your existing fanbase beats chasing viral fame.How technology and email marketing can streamline your efforts.The secret to sustainable income through creative campaigns and alternative revenue streams.-----Discover how Smart Noise is redefining music marketing: https://smart-noise.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Alex Branson, SVP of Music Services at Beatport, oversees tools like ampsuite, LabelRadar, and Hype, empowering artists, labels, and suppliers. With over 20 years in the music industry, Alex’s career spans pivotal roles at EMPIRE, Warner Music Group, and advisory work with companies like Rotor Videos, iMusician, and Facebook. He co-founded one of the UK’s first digital distributors and launched innovative platforms like levelmusic.com. Alex continues to shape the future of music discovery and artist success.Alex Branson reveals how independent artists can thrive in a tech-driven music industry, build label connections, and harness AI to stay ahead.Key Takeaways:How access and technology have democratized music careers while intensifying competition.Why LabelRadar is a game-changer for artist-label connections and demo submissions.The impact of generative AI on music creation and what it means for the future of artistry.-----Learn more Alex and his work by visiting: https://www.abcmusic.co/podcastBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast