The Future of What

Episode #103: Portland, OR has been home to a unique hip hop and rap community for decades, with veteran artists like Vursatyl, Cool Nutz, and Libretto paving the way. Now, up and comers like Amine, Myke Bogan, The Last Artful, Dodgr, Mic Capes, Vinnie DeWayne, Wynne, and more are creating a new era. So what does it take to foster a healthy music scene no matter the genre or locale? We discuss with Portland’s DJ Klyph and Cool Nutz on this episode.

Episode #92: The internet is a vital tool for artists, but without the protections that ensure a level playing field, creators’ ability to earn a living comes under threat. Now, the FCC plans to do away with these protections. On today’s episode, we dive into the murky waters of net neutrality, copyright, and tech giants. We hear from Thirsty Ear Recordings Peter Gordon about why musicians should care about net neutrality. This point is echoed by Evan Greer of Fight for the Future, who goes on to explain the organization’s controversial stance on copyright. Finally, Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier shares his opinion on tech giants like Google and why musicians are so mad at YouTube.

Episode #102: The rise of streaming has bestowed the music industry with a wealth of data, but how can labels and artists leverage that data to sustain themselves in this brave new world? On this episode, recorded live from Indie-Con in Adelaide, Australia, Portia moderates a panel on streaming and data with Amy Dietz (INGrooves), Henry Compton (The Orchard), Maya Janeska (UNFD), Jane Slingo (Young Strangers), Ben Godding (AWAL/Kobalt), and James Limon (ABC). Music: Standing in the Way of Control - The Gossip We Think She’s a Nurse - Kinski The Arrival - Filthy Friends

Episode #101: In the second part of our 100th episode celebration and live taping, we spoke with organizations who strive to help musicians grow and take charge of their businesses. Maggie Vail (CASH Music), Ben Hubbird (CD Baby), Wade Metzler (SoundExchange), and Sierra Haager (Public Display PR) weigh in. We also hear from the new movement documenting and advocating for local musicians, MusicPortland, represented by Meara McLaughlin, Chris Young (Vortex), and Andre Middleton (Friends of Noise). They're joined by City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and DJ Klyph.

Lifelong musicians Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney Filthy Friends), Peter Buck (REM), Laura Veirs and Cool Nutz join us at our 100th episode celebration to discuss being career musicians.

Episode #100: On October 25th, we celebrated our 100th episode with a live taping in Portland, OR. On this episode, you'll hear from the amazing staff at Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, Kristi Balzer and Caley Murray, as well as former camper Katherine Paul (Black Belt Eagle Scout). Then, get insight from legendary musicians Corin Tucker, Peter Buck, Laura Veirs, and Cool Nutz. Special thanks to XRAY FM and Holocene.

Episode #99: Melissa Locker is a culture writer who has contributed to Elle, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. She joins Portia to talk about trends in music writing, what Mick Jagger smells like, and how everyone should try to meet Enya.

Episode #98: Whether you do everything yourself or have some professional help, being resourceful is an important skill as an independent artist. On this episode, we talk with people who've established themselves and built their businesses -- doing everything from album recording to promotion -- outside of the mainstream. We're joined by the band Listener, Krist Krueger of Self Group, and Cool Nutz.

Teen-Beat Records founder Mark Robinson discusses running the label, highlighting local music, and more.

Episode #97: How global are the issues that affect the U.S. music industry? On this episode, Portia sits on a panel moderated by Jay Mogis (QUT/Nightlife) with Lynne Small (PPCA), Richard Burgess (A2IM), Paul Pacifico (AIM), Dylan Pellett (IMNZ) and Matt Rogers (UNFD) to discuss key developments in the copyright environment affecting the indies both here and in international markets. The group explores a diverse range of topics including: safe harbour and why you should care; EU copyright directive – what does that even mean?; recognition of sound recordings in the US – will it ever happen?; Joint collection societies and more. This panel was recorded at AIR’s Indie-Con in Australia.