My .4 Cents

In this podcast episode, music marketing experts Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, Matt Bacon, and Andrew Southworth dive into the challenges artists face when attempting to make a profit in the music industry. They analyze the effectiveness of various strategies, such as streaming, direct-to-fan sales, and the use of social media, while emphasizing the importance of consistency and experimentation. The conversation highlights the necessity for artists to understand their audience, adapt to rapidly changing algorithms, and find creative ways to promote their music without relying solely on traditional methods. With input from music marketing platform founder Giovanni Bottan, the discussion underscores the complexities of achieving financial success in music and the importance of evaluating return on investment for marketing efforts.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Matt Bacon discuss artist branding and the influence of Spotify Wrapped's new features. The conversation unfolds around vintage music marketer Rob Gross, who shares insights from his extensive experience working with legendary artists like Black Sabbath and The Rolling Stones. The hosts explore the significance of artist individuality, authenticity, and innovative brand positioning, using examples such as Addison Rae's development from a run-of-the-mill pop star to a unique musical persona. By highlighting the intersection of marketing strategies, audience engagement, and personal growth, the episode dives deep into cultivating a distinct presence in the music industry. Plus, the group discusses Spotify's recent updates and their implications for users, touching upon the platform's annual Wrapped feature and its role in connecting listeners with their musical interests.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jesse Cannon, Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, and guest host Olivia Pierce discuss Patreon and the resurgence of artists cultivating communities through apps, emphasizing how these platforms can offer authentic engagement and sustainable income. Then, Dustin Boyer interviews Nashville-based independent artist Ben Schuller, who has successfully built his career on his own terms. Schuller shares insights into how he capitalizes on unconventional routes such as YouTube covers and Nerdcore to make music his full-time occupation. The conversation then shifts to exploring the tactics some groups use to game the Billboard charts, exemplified by a campaign aimed at rallying people to collaboratively create an album and propel it to the top spot, highlighting flaws in chart metrics. Finally, the episode discusses the advantages of artist independence and the evolving music business landscape, questioning traditional industry methods and advocating for innovative approaches for musicians to connect with their audiences.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Schutte, a booking agent, shares invaluable tips on DIY tour booking, stressing the importance of building local audiences before approaching larger agents. He explains how bands can show readiness through self-promotion. Jeff Betton and Matt Dowling from Hellbender Vinyl dive into the enduring appeal of vinyl records and the economics of production in 2025, emphasizing community impact. The discussion also covers the UK's proposed ticket resale cap, weighing consumer protection against potential pitfalls of black markets.

Join Ryan Slone, a Nashville-based veteran booking agent from Universal Attractions, as he dives into the intricacies of artist representation. He shares his journey in the music industry and the challenges of securing bookings. The discussion touches on why agents are cautious in signing new bands, the importance of persistence, and the contrasting roles of agents and managers in ticket sales. Plus, insights on adapting to digital trends like TikTok and how to navigate the fast-changing landscape of musician promotion!

In this episode, hosts Dustin Boyer, Andrew Southworth, Matt Bacon, and Jesse Cannon discuss innovative strategies for music promotion and the implications of AI in the music industry. They dive into the effectiveness of utilizing multiple social media accounts to maintain a professional image while engaging in aggressive promotion and fan interaction. An interview with IDM-electronic artist RamonPang explores his approach to blending music creation with educational content and the unique experience of performing at a no-phone DJ set. The conversation also touches on an AI artist's controversial rise in the country music charts, sparking debate about the ethics and future of AI-generated content in music. Additionally, the hosts examine the credibility of bot-driven success and its potential degradation of artistry, alongside insights on successful influencer marketing tactics and the importance of community in establishing a musician's reputation.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rod Yancey, founder of Bootleg, shares his journey from philosophy to music innovation. He discusses how Bootleg allows fans to purchase live concert recordings, creating unique collectibles. The conversation highlights how narrative and originality in music can boost artist visibility, especially in a crowded hip-hop market. The hosts emphasize strategies for artists to build an audience in 30 days, including collaborations and social media engagement. They also explore the shifting dynamics of music charts, pointing to the evolution of genre influences in mainstream hits.

In this episode, Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, and Andrew Southworth explore diverse topics on how musicians can optimize their income through unconventional methods. They discuss creative strategies such as niche marketing, limited edition merchandise, and effective use of publishing rights to maximize revenue. The group discusses the merits of incorporating innovative platforms like Shopify and Bandcamp for handling merchandise and music sales. The episode also highlights an interview with C.J. Blessum, founder of A Thousand Arms, who shares insights on supporting indie artists through screen printing and design services, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community building, and embracing new revenue streams in the ever-evolving music industry. Amid their banter, the hosts also touch on recent viral content strategies on platforms like TikTok, underscoring the unpredictable nature of digital media virality and the need for artists to be adaptive and creative in their marketing endeavors.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Andrew Southworth, Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, and Matt Bacon delve into various aspects of the music industry, discussing how musicians earn money through different income streams such as merch, touring, and streaming. The conversation features an insightful interview with Todd White, owner of King Volume Records, who shares the story of managing Castle Rat, a rising metal band, and their success on Kickstarter. The episode also addresses controversies in the industry, including negative fan reviews, and how artists like Sombur respond to criticism. They also explore the economics of touring and discuss alternative income avenues for musicians, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's audience and leveraging platforms like Patreon effectively. Additionally, they talk about the challenges artists face with venue merch cuts and the importance of artists having a grasp on how to navigate their finances and business strategies in the evolving music landscape.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Jesse Cannon, Matt Bacon, and Dustin Boyer engage in a dynamic discussion with Alex Bochel, the owner of the EDM record label Spirations Music, covering the challenges and strategies of music distribution in the digital age. The conversation delves into the complexities and frustrations facing DIY musicians and label owners with distribution services, highlighting issues such as poor customer service, payout delays, and the limitations of promotional add-ons. Alex shares his experiences with different distributors, emphasizing the need for reliable service and fair royalty sharing. The episode further explores the industry insights of creative director Olivia Pierce, who works at Industry Plant, and accentuates the power of branding and consistent social media content in building an artist's career. The hosts also examine how Taylor Swift markets her music, relating her approach to broader industry trends. Throughout, the episode offers listeners a thoughtful exploration of navigating the evolving music business landscape, drawing on both expert interviews and real-world experiences.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.