Modern Musician Podcast

Aaron Axelsen is a music industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, from DJing to discovering and supporting groundbreaking artists. As the co-founder of Pop Scene and a longtime radio programmer, Aaron has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless emerging musicians. His expertise lies in combining grassroots marketing with a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences, making him a trusted figure in the ever-evolving music industry.Join us as Aaron shares his journey and invaluable insights for artists and industry enthusiasts alike:Why timing and authenticity are key ingredients for breaking into the music scene.How grassroots marketing and platforms like Pop Scene foster artist growth.Practical advice for building relationships, navigating labels, and creating music that lasts.-----To learn more about Aaron visit: https://www.djaaronaxelsen.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Matt Urmy, founder of Artist Growth, transformed from a performing artist to a tech innovator helping independent musicians thrive. He discusses the evolving music industry and the necessity for artists to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. The impact of AI on creativity is explored, alongside the importance of community and education for artists' empowerment. Urmy emphasizes the need for technology in managing careers while remaining true to artistic integrity, and highlights innovative financial solutions designed specifically for musicians.

Lior Tibon is the CEO and co-founder of Duetti, a revolutionary platform transforming how independent artists monetize their music. With a background in finance and a passion for empowering creators, Lior brings a fresh perspective to the music industry. By bridging the gap between artists and investors, Duetti provides a streamlined way for musicians to access catalog sales, helping them achieve financial freedom and creative independence.In this episode, Michael Walker and Lior Tibon explore the dynamic intersection of music, finance, and technology. Learn how Duetti is redefining music financing, giving independent artists the tools to thrive in a competitive industry.Key Takeaways:Discover how Duetti empowers artists to leverage catalog sales for financial growth.Understand why building a niche audience is critical for independent success.Explore the balance between human artistry and AI in music creation and discovery.-----Learn more about Duetti: https://duetti.co/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Logan Grimé, founder of ViB3 MACHiNE and co-founder of the band Mini Matilda, is a trailblazer in the music industry known for his melodic genius and innovative approach to songwriting. With a career shaped by early musical influences and a passion for creativity, Logan combines artistry with technology to inspire and elevate aspiring songwriters.In this episode, Logan discusses the power of melody in songwriting, how technology—including AI—can amplify creativity, and practical tips for crafting unforgettable music.Key Takeaways:Discover how Logan’s early experiences shaped his approach to songwriting.Learn why melody is central to creating music that connects with audiences.Explore how AI and technology can be used to enhance creative processes.-----To get Logan’s songwriting checklist visit: https://www.vib3machine.com/freechecklistBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Darryl Ballantyne is the founder and CEO of LyricFind, a pioneering platform in lyric licensing and monetization. With over two decades of industry leadership, Darryl has revolutionized how artists and publishers turn lyrics into sustainable revenue streams, blending innovation with a deep understanding of music copyright.In This Episode: Host Michael Walker dives into Darryl's journey building LyricFind, the evolving landscape of lyric monetization, and the disruptive role of AI in music. Gain actionable insights into leveraging lyrics for artistic and financial success.Key Takeaways:The Untapped Value of Lyrics: Discover how lyrics drive music discoverability and revenue.AI and Music: Why AI tools enhance—but don’t replace—the art of songwriting.Overcoming Licensing Hurdles: Insights into navigating the complexities of lyric merchandising.-----Learn more about LyricFind: https://www.lyricfind.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Sarah Beth Perry, founder and CEO of With The Band, has collaborated with top artists like the Jonas Brothers and Kacey Musgraves to redefine fan engagement in the music industry. Starting as a music fan herself, Sarah turned her passion into a thriving business, creating tools that empower artists to build deeper connections with their fans.In this episode, Sarah introduces Fan Crew, her platform designed to help artists engage with fans, build communities, and monetize their audiences in innovative ways.What you'll learn in this episode:Why being a music fan is a secret superpower in the industry.How Fan Crew helps artists build and monetize their fan communities.Innovative strategies to create deeper connections between artists and fans.-----Get With The Band’s FREE Fan Engagement workbook: https://www.withtheband.co/fan-engagement-workbookBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Gregory Hirschhorn is the CEO and co-founder of Too Lost, a forward-thinking music distribution and publishing platform that empowers independent artists with tools to maximize their careers. With a background in compliance technology and a passion for innovation, Gregory has positioned Too Lost as a leader in bridging the gap between traditional record labels and DIY solutions.Discover how Too Lost is revolutionizing music distribution, combining analytics, compliance technology, and artist empowerment to reshape the industry for independent creators.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Too Lost’s hybrid model blends record label features with DIY platforms.Why compliance technology and KYC are essential for safe and transparent music distribution.How analytics and regular music releases can help independent artists maximize revenue and career growth.-----USE CODE: MODERN for 3 months subscription free on Too Lost: https://toolost.com Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Channing Moreland and Mackenzie Stokoe, co-founders of Eva, are reshaping how independent artists connect with gigs and opportunities. From humble beginnings in college to facilitating over $6 million in bookings, their platform is empowering musicians to thrive.How can independent artists secure more gigs, get paid fairly, and embrace the future of live music?In this episode, they discuss:How Eva helps artists secure fair compensation for performances.Why quality video content is a game-changer for booking gigs.Insights into navigating corporate events and understanding planners' needs.-----Register with EVA: https://bookwitheva.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Dawn Jones is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and founder of Pressed Fresh Collective, FreshNoise Distro, and Pressed PR. Originally a musician, Dawn shifted to promoting and publicizing artists through PR. Her work has landed clients in Billboard, Forbes, Huffington Post, and more, earning Pressed PR recognition as one of "The 10 Best Indie Music Promotion Services That Are Worth It." With a vision to empower artists holistically, she has created resources that guide artists from music creation to promotion.In this episode, Dawn shares how indie artists can build authentic connections, overcome industry challenges, and amplify their music with effective PR and branding.Takeaways include:How to define your unique voice as an artist.Leveraging social media and email lists for deeper fan connections.The importance of PR in creating sustainable artist careers.-----Learn more about Dawn Jones and her work at https://www.pressedfreshcollective.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Maïa Heidling is head of GTM Strategy at MusicHub, a platform built by musicians for musicians to simplify their journey in the industry. With a passion for empowering independent artists, Maïa combines a deep understanding of music distribution, promotion, and rights management with innovative strategies. Her work emphasizes authenticity, individuality, and education, making her a key advocate for DIY musicians navigating today’s complex music landscape.In this episode, Michael and Maïa dive into how DIY musicians can thrive in a challenging music industry. Learn how MusicHub is revolutionizing artist support with cutting-edge tools, actionable insights, and a focus on authenticity.Key Takeaways:Discover how AI and technology are reshaping the creative process for musicians.Learn strategies to simplify music distribution, promotion, and rights management.Understand why authenticity and individuality are crucial in a crowded market.-----To learn more about Maïa and MusicHub visit: https://www.music-hub.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast