The Future of What

A unique feature of many independent labels is that they’re closely intertwined with one person’s taste and vision. Instead of emphasizing a genre, these ventures often reflect a specific scene or time. Like Jealous Butcher Records, these labels exemplify the true labor of love that can go into an album release. In 1991, Rob Jones started Jealous Butcher in Eugene, Oregon. Since then, he’s released countless records from some of the state’s most exciting artists -- many on the verge of their big break. On this episode, Jones describes the history of Jealous Butcher, the philosophy behind the label, and how his business has (and intentionally has not) adjusted to today’s music industry. We also hear from Tim Rutili (Califone, Red Red Meat), who released a new album with Craig Ross earlier this year through Jealous Butcher. Jealous Butcher is offering a discount to our listeners! Get the code in the episode. https://www.jealousbutcher.com/

Seeing your band's name on a t-shirt for the first time is an exciting milestone, but how do you actually turn those tees into a viable revenue stream? For this episode, we partnered with Vortex Music Magazine to discuss tangible ways of selling merch (and even share a few of our favorite merch ideas). Hear from Kelley Roy (founder of ADX and Portland Made), Cheryl Bland (J-Fell Presents, Harefest), and Blake Hickman (founder of Good Cheer Records).

Episode #136: How can artists, venues, and other music institutions use their platforms for social change? On this episode we hear from organizations who are connecting the music industry to voter registration campaigns and more. Emily White and Pat Sansone (Wilco) join us to discuss #IVoted, a project that works with venues to allow voters into shows for free on election day. Ivy Bryan, artist liaison for HeadCount, explains how they’ve registered over 500,000 voters with the help of musicians. Jessica George, executive director of RPM, shares strategies artists can use for positive change ahead of and after the midterm elections. Learn more about: Headcount: www.headcount.org RPM: www.revolutionsperminute.net #IVoted: www.ivotedconcerts.com Register to vote: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote

Episode #135: One common question we hear all the time from musicians is “do I need a record label?” On this episode, we talk to people who offer services traditionally taken care of by a label, but outside of the traditional artist/label relationship. Hear from Shanna Jade, who works with Stem, a platform that aims to simplify artist payments. We also talk with Justin Schmidt of Missing Piece Group, a full-service marketing, PR and management agency and Gabe Herring, who runs Woods Ent. Group and works with CD Baby. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Australian artist Jen Cloher joins us in studio to talk about her musical career, running Milk! Records (the indie label Cloher and Courtney Barnett started in 2012), and her approach to the music business. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Molly Neuman is the Global Head of Business Development at Songtrust and you may know her from her time ar Kickstarter, A2IM, Rhapsody, or eMusic. Molly is best known as a creator of the riot grrrl movement as Bratmobile’s drummer and founding editor of the Girl Germs zine. On this episode, Portia and Molly discuss her career and more. Live from Indie-Con Australia 2018.

Artistic communities are integral to the livability and desirability of many cities, but are often left without defense against these cities’ rapid growth. Uniting the artists, venues, labels, and manufacturers that make up a city’s music industry on their own terms is vital to its survival. MusicPortland is a new advocacy group for those who make up Portland's vast music ecosystem. Members of the group's board join us to discuss their philosophy, goals, and progress. If you want to ensure the health of your industry, check out their work and look for advocacy groups in your city. If you're a Portlander, help MusicPortland gather the data they need to work on our behalf by visiting musicportland.org.

Episode #131: The Music Modernization Act may have unanimously passed the House and garnered support from songwriters, publishers, and DSPs, but the bill has faced a few obstacles ahead of November. On this episode, we check in with key players and look ahead at how the MMA could change our business. Featured guests include Blake Morgan (IRespectMusic), David Israelite (NMPA), Richard Burgess (A2IM), and Daryl Friedman (NARAS). Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

#130: Compass Records was founded in 1994 by artists Garry West and Alison Brown. Called “one of the greatest independent labels of the last decade” by Billboard, Compass specializes in roots, bluegrass, and Americana -- and boasts the largest Celtic catalog in the world. On this episode, we hear about the label’s philosophy and history from co-founder Garry West. Compass artist Laura Cortese also shares her perspective. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Episode #129: Despite being over a decade old, podcasting is still a new frontier for music licensing. As podcasts gain millions of listeners and big budgets, it's more important than ever for artists to understand their rights when approached about music use. Entertainment and podcast lawyer Lindsay Bowen gives us a rundown of how podcasts *should* go about using music and how artists can protect themselves. Jacob Webb, licensing and podcast coordinator at KEXP explains how they handle music use and navigate the intersection between streaming songs and radio play. We also hear advice from Jonathan Menjivar, senior producer at Pineapple Street Media (former producer at This American Life). Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cVo9ar