My .4 Cents

In this episode, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Matt Bacon explore Taylor Swift's latest album rollout and the mixed reactions it has garnered, noting both fan loyalty and criticism, while discussing its significant cultural footprint. Highlighting fascinating marketing strategies, they feature an interview with Lee Martin, a creative marketing expert with a rich background working with artists like David Bowie and Lord Huron. The episode delves into how Lee combines programming and creativity to craft engaging fan experiences, offering insights into his ideation process and how DIY artists can implement these grand ideas without needing high-level expertise. Additionally, they address TikTok's potential changes due to political influences and its implications on social media usage. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize the evolving dynamics in music marketing and social media interactions, offering a blend of industry insights and actionable advice for both artists and marketers.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.

John Strom, an experienced music lawyer and former label head, shares his insights on the shifting landscape of artist development in today’s music industry. He discusses the limitations of TikTok for music discovery compared to YouTube, emphasizing the impact of full-song exposure. Strom explains how modern marketing strategies have evolved and highlights the rise of independent artists taking charge of their own careers. He also addresses the role of AI in music, advocating for transparent licensing while cautioning that poorly crafted deals can stifle artist growth.

Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, and Matt Bacon dive into what makes TikTok content successful for musicians, breaking down examples of viral videos and detail how spectacle, identity, and strong hooks drive engagement. They also discuss how adapting ideas from other genres can elevate a music marketing strategy, and how tools like ChatGPT can be leveraged for industry research, such as identifying the right promoters or venues for a tour. Later in the episode, Matt sits down with Fabrice Sergent, managing partner of Bandsintown, to explore the platform’s mission of connecting artists and fans, its data-driven concert recommendations, and the power of local outreach tools. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering real human connection in an increasingly digital world and maintaining creativity in a tech-enhanced 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.

Musician Ryan Shuck explores the remarkable arc of his music career, from founding roles in Orgy and Julien-K to collaborations with the likes of Chester Bennington and Korn. The conversation focuses heavily on Julien-K’s latest innovative crowdfunding campaign surrounding their live-streamed event “Ritual,” revealing how the band successfully transitioned from platforms like Indiegogo to fully integrating campaigns into their own Shopify store. Shuck details the strategic design behind limited-edition bundles and community-building tactics that drive fan engagement, offering practical advice for musicians on building independence, scaling audience relationships, and navigating the creative and operational complexities of running a modern music brand. Throughout the conversation, Shuck brings a blend of passion, entrepreneurial insight, and relentless drive to demystify what it takes to create sustainable success as an artist today.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.

Emerging country artist Brian Andrews shares his journey as a DIY musician from a small town in Missouri to becoming a rising voice in both music and sociopolitical conversations. He opens up about how his upbringing instilled a strong sense of speaking out for what he believes in, which has become a defining aspect of his brand. Brian discusses the interplay between his music and political content, explaining how the passion behind his messages shapes both his songwriting and online presence. He reflects on the risks and rewards of being outspoken in a genre traditionally associated with conservative values, emphasizing the importance of empathy, nuance, and authenticity in today’s divided cultural landscape. Brian also details his creative and content strategies, the support he's received from his label, and the significance of his upcoming politically charged single, “The Older I Get,” which he hopes will connect with audiences on a human level during a pivotal time in society.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.

Brian Andrews, a rising country artist and political content creator, discusses his journey in blending activism with his music. He shares insights on authenticity in a digital music landscape and the importance of storytelling. The conversation tackles his experiences writing political songs and managing public backlash. Andrews also sheds light on content strategy, suggesting a balance between quantity and quality for social media posts while emphasizing the need for artists to engage with contemporary issues.

Hosts Matt Bacon, Jesse Caden, and Andrew Southworth dive into the challenges modern musicians face with streaming platforms, specifically addressing the controversial removal of artist Karra’s album from Spotify due to alleged artificial streaming. They analyze her claim of spending $100,000 on an album that earned only $1,200 from streaming, highlighting the lack of a marketing budget and broader issues among self-serve distribution platforms. The conversation further explores the broader digital music landscape, the frustrating absence of effective customer service from major distributors, and the importance of building dedicated fan communities. Later in the episode, special guest Ryan Shuck (known for his work with Orgy, Dead by Sunrise, and Julian-K) joins the podcast to discuss his band's innovative crowdfunding strategy, the importance of fan relationships, scarcity marketing, and direct-to-fan engagement through platforms like Shopify and Patreon. The episode wraps with reflections on shifts in the industry, artist sustainability, and critiques of viral reactions to music industry news.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.

Jesse Cannon welcomes his longtime friend Matthew Molnar—a true veteran of the music world with an impressive, decades-spanning resume that includes being a musician, record producer, manager, and concert booker. The conversation explores Matt’s deep roots in the DIY and punk scenes, his work booking shows at iconic New York venues Market Hotel and Trans-Pecos, and his passion for supporting rising talent and building local music communities. They dive into topics like the evolution of shoegaze, the importance of self-promotion, the challenges new artists face breaking into the scene, and the fine art of helping bands develop their sound without losing their identity. Filled with reflections on New York's music history, witty anecdotes, and critical insights into what makes a band truly stand out, this rich and sprawling discussion offers invaluable wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the modern music industry.Find My .4 Cents On Your Favorite Podcast App And Subscribe Here https://beacons.ai/mypoint4centsFollow 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.

Jesse Cannon, Matt Bacon, Andrew Southworth, and Dustin Boyer are joined by special guest Matthew Molnar, a longtime music industry insider who currently books for Brooklyn venues Market Hotel and Trans-Pecos. The group dives into a spirited discussion about the ongoing debate surrounding waterfall release strategies in music marketing, questioning a viral social media claim that such methods are now ineffective. They dissect the data behind Spotify’s algorithm and popularity score, with experts like Glenn McDonald and Luke Mansell weighing in to debunk misinformation. The episode also explores techniques for promoting music releases, the pros and cons of pre-saves and countdown pages, and strategies for targeting international markets through advertising. Later, Molnar shares his journey through the industry and explains how independent artists can get booked at top venues by being an active part of the scene and delivering unique, community-oriented performances. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking, transparency, and data-driven decision-making in a rapidly 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.

Brian Zisook, co-founder of AudioMack, shares the origin, mission, and evolution of the music streaming platform. He discusses how AudioMack carved out a niche as a discovery-focused service initially rooted in hip hop and now with a major presence across Africa, Latin America, and multicultural youth markets worldwide. By providing free tools and empowering independent artists through human curation, education, and innovative features like geo-targeted playlists and in-app messaging, AudioMack has democratized music access globally. Brian also tackles broader themes around music marketing, fan engagement, the importance of community and regional identity in music, and the current shortcomings in artist management and industry practices—all while offering thoughtful insight and practical advice for creators navigating today’s music landscape.Find My .4 Cents On Your Favorite Podcast App And Subscribe Here https://beacons.ai/mypoint4cents00:00 - Introducing Brian Zisook from Audiomack00:22 - What Is Audiomack?01:02 - The Genesis of Audiomack in 201202:17 - Early Days and DJBooth Crossover02:43 - Shaping a Platform for Independent Artists03:43 - Audiomack’s Focus on Hip-Hop and Global Growth05:19 - Why Africa Chose Audiomack07:27 - Building Communities Through Localization09:39 - Regional Music Curation in the U.S.10:54 - Global Misconceptions About African Music13:01 - Where Audiomack Fits in the Artist Marketing Mix14:53 - Investing in Human Curation16:49 - The Audiomack Tastemaker Program20:10 - Solving Artist Discovery and Engagement Problems22:38 - The Future of Audiomack and Global Expansion25:32 - Audiomack vs Full-Catalog Streaming Giants27:39 - Favorite Emerging Music Marketing Tactics30:12 - The Power of Fan Clubs and Direct Artist Access36:13 - Marketing Advice for Artists in Emerging Markets38:42 -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.