The Live Music Industry Podcast

The independent live music industry can rest soundly at night knowing it has NIVA and incredible leaders behind it like Dayna and Stephen fighting with will, resources, and creativity. My mind was blown to learn about the complexity of the problem in ticketing and that NIVA is back taking the fight to Congress and making progress. This was truly a special conversation that shined a light on important issues, such as the complexity and scale of tech in the secondary, progress on getting bills passed to levy fines on so much fraud that is happening every day, and Steve Balmer’s take on technology playing a role in solving the problem. We rounded the podcast out on a sweet and inspiring note about the Future of NIVA, leadership, and what inspires us all so deeply about keeping live music alive and independent. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe www.prism.fm/podcast/ More on Prism www.prism.fm Follow us on Instagram (@prismfm) www.instagram.com/prismfm Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism https://www.linkedin.com/in/mford3 National Independent Venue Association www.nivassoc.org (00:44): What is Fix The Ticks? (03:30): Ticket scalping high tech and Espionage:) (05:40): Spec tickets & fraud (10:00): Making this mess illegal, rallying congress, 15k fines per ticket (22:29): Steve Balmer, anti scalping tech, and dynamic ticketing (26:17): Progress and wins (34:00): Stephen Parker’s story (38:40): Dayna Frank’s story / sneaking into First Ave shows as a kid (43:20): The Why behind live music & leadership (50:10): NIVA con (53:30): The Future

I had a brilliant conversation with Andrew (Senior Talent Agent Rocky Road Touring) that spanned his perspective on booking shows internationally, macroeconomics, the advantages boutique independent agencies have on larger corporations, and more. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe www.prism.fm/podcast/ More on Prism www.prism.fm Follow us on Instagram (@prismfm) www.instagram.com/prismfm Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism https://www.linkedin.com/in/mford3 Rocky Road Touring www.rockyroadtouring.com (01:48) - Growing and scaling Rocky Road Touring (06:50) - Booking shows internationally  (08:50 ) - Live Music in China, Israel and Russia (13:36) - Roger Waters asking bands to Boycott Israel (17:00) - Russia, Eastern Europe and Ukraine  (29:11 ) - Shows in South America, FIAT Currencies & Bitcoin (34:49) - Booking shows in bitcoin, Macroeconomics of currency exchange  (45:05) - The advantage of boutique and independent agencies (54:13) - Strong-manning the perspective of working with bigger agencies  (58:35) - Can boutique agencies cultivate the same level of relationships  (01:05:00) - Powering an agency with technology (01:13:00) - The beauty and joy of a true Mom and Pop Shop (01:19:07) - Hopes for the future of the music industry

Jessie and Adam Hartke truly embody the tenacity of the broader industry. In this podcast, we ventured through a medley of topics — the live music and entrepreneurial spirit of Wichita, the Hartkes’ involvement in 5+ business ventures, the industry’s response to macroeconomic trends, DIY infrastructure and so much more. Enlightening and engaging, this conversation spotlights the Hartkes’ brilliance and expansive industry knowledge, and gives us hope that the industry has a very bright future. The Live Music Podcast is hosted by Matt Ford, the CEO and Founder of Prism.fm

“NIVA successfully advocated for 16.25B dollars, the single largest arts grant in the history of the country” This is one conversation that you do not want to miss. Our inspiring, yet practical and informative chat with Cody digs into the roots of his love for music through snapshots of the rebellious Austin Punk Rock scene of the 90’s. Cody maps his mind boggling journey from being that punk rock kid, playing in DIY hardcore bands, to running Mohawk (one of the most iconic clubs in the world), graduating to advocating for all Austin venues, and eventually landing as the COO of NIVA–where he will advocate for all independent venues across the country. “This is one of the underlying challenges for the fate of our civilization” (00:10) - Introduction NIVA hangs with Biden at the Whitehouse to discuss ticketing fees (15:05) - Survival of the fittest, venues need to adapt and survive (17:02) - Cody’s story on how he got started in this industry / Historical moment in Austin music scene (23:53) - Tips to make it as a creative (26:17) - Cody’s reflections at fighting the good fight for Mohawk and Red River Cultural District (46:39) - The Founding story of NIVA (Music Industry Shutdown trigger warning) (01:02:39) - Future of NIVA / NIVA Conference preview (01:19:10) - Where will NIVA Con be held in the future?  (01:22:00)- Concluding hopes, ambitions, and an extremely optimistic message for the future 

With over 20 years of experience in the Live Music Industry, Cobb is a true expert who deeply cares about the industry's success. As the former owner and operator of several venues, including Exit/In, and the current booker for The Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Cobb has a wealth of knowledge to share.In this episode, we delve into various topics such as the essential qualities needed to run a successful live music venue, the challenges facing the industry, and innovative solutions to revive the live music market. Cobb also discusses his involvement with D Tour and NIVA, shedding light on the crucial work these organizations are doing to support live music venues.If you're a music lover, a venue owner, or anyone interested in the live music industry, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired by Cobb's passion and wisdom as he shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in this exciting yet challenging field. (00:37) Exit/In lowdown (05:40) Trademark battle (07:10) The capitalist challenge in Nashville (and other music communities) (11:30) Solutions and a message of hope (21:00) Life after Exit/In and what’s next — Niva, Chattanooga, Booking, and more! (24:00) Music inside the Amazon tower downtown (31:15) The future of NIVA (34:55) Incredible advice for opening venues (39:27) Headliners of the Riverbend festival (43:55) What is D tour + the future (56:00) What is Cobb’s why?

It's conversations like this that inspire me to be a better human and believe in a beautiful future. Join us for a beautiful conversation with Ryan Honey, the executive director of TACAW, the world's first all electric Net Zero Carbon PAC. In this convo we unpacked the nuances of sustainability, explored the cutting edges of energy production technology (including nuclear, fusion, Geo hydro engineering & space-time bending UFOs), and talked about what's it like to run an incredible community venue. Ryan ended by painting a beautiful picture of his vision for Net Zero Tours and a greener healthier world. (00:14) The first All Electric, Net Zero (carbon emission) live music venue (03:44) Net Zero from the ground up (05:44) Shoveling snow off the solar panels (06:59) Using people energy to heat the building (10:29) Cold Colorado nights vs hot summer nights (13:54) Myth-busting sustainability questions: it costs too much to be Net Zero / Carbon Payoff (18:44) Why go Net Zero (22:14) Sustainable communities (25:04) New construction vs existing buildings moving to sustainable (27:14) Artists can make a change — Jack Johnson’s impact (28:36) Geothermal, fusion, windmills, other sustainability technologies (33:34) Nuclear powered music venues (36:34) Gravity bending UFOs and Star Trek (38:54) Lessons learned in creating the venue for sustainability, gardens, compostable cups, single use plastic & locally sourced food (46:14)The secrets of successful programming at TACAW (48:29) Utilizing technology in running a successful, sustainable, efficient operation (54:04) The future & vision of TACAW and a more sustainable industry: Net Zero Tours! (01:00:14) Ryan’s path into this mission (anyone can do it!) (01:04:14) Music Industry Sustainability Conference! (01:05:54) False end… we had to hear the Star Trek story!!

He’s a President, CEO, and an all around-fascinating human being – Ty Sutton is what’s known in the industry and by Prism’s casting directors as a ‘Triple Threat.’ Get a backstage look at what goes into leading Dayton Live, the primary host and presenter of the Performing Arts in the region, and running 5 incredible venues, including the historic 150 year old Victoria Theater, and the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. Ty shares his incredible story and career that have taken him across 5 different states, working for the Olympics, and eventually finding himself in Dayton, Ohio, at the helm of one of the most significant and efficiently run operations in the entire country. Take your seat for this intriguing lesson on PAC economics, the keys to Ty’s success, the breakdown of donor basses, and everything in between. (00:50) What is Dayton Live  (01:20) Ty’s journey into the industry, law school? Singer?  (04:00) University gig (07:00) Working for the olympics  (09:50) Booking an enormous resort  (18:30) The value of seeing great leadership in action  (22:00) Pacs outside of SF / using technology to stay organized  (26:00) Ty’s first gig running the show (31:00) Lessons and failings of a new venue operator   (35:00) PACs in Oil country, Midland Texas (39:00) How to 10x your goals  (46:50) Building Dayton Live  (48:46) The economics of Dayton Live and PACS in-general.   (54:00) Breakdown of donor base (58:20) The value of booking your own shows  (01:01:22) Technology as a key to running a great business  (01:09:30) The big question, what is the future of the Performing Arts Industry

In this podcast we explore Hilary's founding story, and how she's helping bring mental health services to The Live Music Industry. (00:00) - Mission, vision & story of Backline - creating better support networks for the industry (06:11) - FREE mental health services, and how they work (08:09) - Struggles in the live music industry / why service this industry? (11:22) - Who is Backline helping? Artists, industry, agents, family members… (14:00) - Men reaching out for help, event planning is one of the most stressful jobs (15:40) - Demographics of bands receiving help (18:30) - What’s it like to safe lives? (20:00) - REACH OUT when you need help (22:00) - Friday the 13th - when the music industry shut down - collective trauma (29:40) - How to get help, and who help is for (35:00) - Resources for everyone (not just hitting rock bottom) (42:50) - How does Backline keep operating (46:50) - Industry leaders that are a part of Backline (55:30) - Get Backline in your green room!

Matt helped start Pabst Theatre Group with Gary Witt over 18 years ago. PTG owns, operates and books incredible venues across Milwaukee, including The Pabst Theatre, The Riverside Theatre, and The Fiserv Forum. In this episode, Matt 1 and Matt 2 shine a spotlight on a wide range of topics: theater life in the 1800's, consolidation across the industry, potential legislation around All-In ticketing, and so much  more. Matt Beringer shares some incredible advice about how he's modernizing and building an extraordinary operation through the use of technology.

Jason was an Agent at Paradigm & Monterey Peninsula Artists before founding Goldengate Talent Agency. Jason represents an intentionally intimate roster of his favorite artists including Big Gigantic, Ripe, The Floozies, Mobley and more. www.goldengateagency.com Timestamps: (00:20) starting Goldman after Paradigm, during the pandemic (04:10) drive in concerts and how we made it through (06:00) back in the pit without masks (10:30) concerts inside of the digital world post covid (14:53) Inflation (17:00) The post roaring 20’s live music industry (23:00) Economics of the industry with everyone on tour at once, supply chain (27:00) Tick Toc is not a silver bullet for marketing (31:20) Bo Burnham’s strategy to success (38:00) “There’s no better indication of a music fan than a ticket buyer” (40:00) A Key to Bill Strings success and their great team (43:32) Big roster vs small roster agents (47:30) Family/work/life balance (53:00) Kup’s experience with Prism