The Future of What

Episode #148: What is the role of A&R in 2019? We break down the ins and outs of signing new (and established) talent with Katie Garcia, who oversees A&R for Secretly Group (Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar, & Secretly Canadian) as well as her own label, Bayonet. We also look back at our conversation with A&R great Tom Whalley, whose signees have included everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Tupac. Plus, hear from RCA executive Tunji Balogun about how data informs A&R today.

Episode #147: From AI to to the EP, we discuss trends and innovation in the music industry. First, journalist Cherie Hu shares a few music tech developments to look out for in 2019. Then, Jon Chattman explains his recent article "How the EP Killed the LP Star." Finally, Eric "Skippy" Mueller of Pirate's Press updates us on what's happening in vinyl. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Episode #146: One of the least talked about and perhaps most important topics for musicians to understand is copyright. What is it, how do you copyright your music, and what’s the point of doing so? On this episode, we cover the basics of copyright with IP lawyer Peter Vaughan Shaver and musician Simon Tam. We also hear from Jessica Sobhraj, CEO of Cosynd, a platform created for creators to protect their work. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Episode #145: In 1971, Bruce Iglauer founded Chicago-based indie blues label Alligator Records. For the last 48 years, Bruce and his team have released hundreds of albums by some of the world’s most celebrated contemporary blues artists. On this episode, Bruce recounts five decades in the business and gives us a taste of what’s next for Alligator. Cutting edge talent Selwyn Birchwood also joins us to talk about his work with Alligator and more. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

In our latest installment of the Get Paid series (in collaboration with @vrtxmag), artists and business people share their real-life experiences and advice for booking, promoting and touring. Featuring: Eli Howard - Brass Tacks Scott Gilmore + Sarah Vitort - Fox and Bones Dominik Schmidt - Rola Music Jennifer Carrizo - Talent Buyer, Crystal Ballroom Nicholas Harris - Soul'd Out Productions

Episode #143: From streaming to the inner-workings of indie labels, hear our most popular interviews of 2018 as determined by you, our listeners: - Liz Pelly on Spotify and “The Problem with Muzak” - Rob Jones on sustaining Jealous Butcher Records - Jen Cloher’s approach to the music business - Justin Schmidt weighs in on whether artists need a record label Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Episode #142: For our last episode of 2018, we spotlight independent record label Fresh Selects. Started as a blog in 2008, Fresh Selects celebrates its fifth anniversary as a label this year. Driven by the vision of founder Kenny Fresh, Fresh Selects has made a name for itself by releasing music by artists on the cutting edge, many of whom have found mainstream success. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Episode #141: Throughout 2018, we discussed the implications of the Music Modernization Act (MMA). Now that the historic bill has passed with the support of musicians, labels, and politicians, what’s next? On this episode, hear from Kay Hanley and Michelle Lewis of SONA (Songwriters of North America), SoundExchange president Mike Huppe, and Prof. Larry Miller (NYU, Musonomics).

Established in 1983, Portland’s Projekt Records has released hundreds of albums across the realm of electronic, goth, and ambient music, helping to popularize the term “darkwave.” Founder Sam Rosenthal (Black Tape for a Blue Girl) joins us to discuss the label’s 35 years and how they’ve survived the many ups and downs of the music business.We also hear from Grammy nominated artist Steve Roach about his experience working with Projekt. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

We look at a few of the issues concert venues are working through to keep their spaces open and more inclusive. Learn all about HalfAccess, a nonprofit working with venues to make live music more accessible. We also hear about a new mandate that could threaten music venues under the guise of public safety. Plus: We announce a new podcast series from Kill Rock Stars: hyperurl.co/girlgerms Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.