The Future of What

Ian MacKaye joins us to talk D.C., Dischord, and fellow indie label Teen-Beat Records.

Health insurance, a 401K… employment benefits in general? Not so easy to find working in the music industry. Luckily, in 1989 the Recording Academy created the MusiCares Foundation, providing a safety net of critical services and resources for industry people in need. On this episode, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow gives us some background on the foundation and, while the service is confidential, some of the many musicians, managers and crew who have been helped by MusiCares have volunteered to tell us their stories.

Episode #96: In 1985, Mark Robinson sent a letter to Ian MacKaye asking about how to press vinyl records. The year earlier, he founded Teen-Beat Records in Arlington, Virginia. Initially, only one copy of each release existed. Now, the label has over 200 releases under its belt and has shaped the D.C. independent music scene alongside MacKaye’s punk label Dischord. Both Mark and Ian join us on this episode to talk Teen-Beat, D.C., and more. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Episode #95: We talk a lot on this show about issues that affect musicians and the creative community, so how can people get involved and actually make a difference? For the last three years, the Recording Academy has led a grassroots campaign to mobilize the music community. Through their District Advocate day (formerly GRAMMYs in My District), artists have an opportunity to make an impact on music policy by speaking directly with their legislator. This year, District Advocate day falls on October 18th. Daryl Friedman, the Recording Academy’s Chief Industry, Government & Member Relations Officer joins us to discuss how Recording Academy members and anyone else interested can get involved. Glenn Lorbecki, producer and former Recording Academy Trustee, also shares his take on the District Advocate initiative and we revisit our conversation with musician Kris Orlowski, now President of the Recording Academy’s Pacific Northwest Chapter.

Episode #94: Recently, a bill was introduced by Republican congressman Jim Sensenbrenner which calls for the creation of a comprehensive database of compositions and recordings. The “Transparency in Music Licensing and Ownership Act” claims to make things easier for coffee shops, bars and restaurants who want to license music to play in their establishments. To many in the music industry, the bill seems like a wolf in sheep’s clothing with the potential cause big problems. On this episode we dig deep into the bill with Future of Music Coalition’s Kevin Erickson and attorney Chris Castle. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Public Display PR's Sierra Haager returns to the show to discuss how people listen to music and what success means for independent musicians. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Bandcamp managing editor Jes Skolnik joins us to discuss the myth of good music rising to the "top." Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Episode #93: People often say that if you make good music, the fans will follow. So does good music rise to the top? And what is the top? On this episode, we talk with Jes Skolnik, managing editor at Bandcamp. Through Bandcamp Daily, Jes makes a point to highlight lesser-known artists who might be overlooked by outlets like Pitchfork or Rolling Stone. We also hear from Public Display PR’s Sierra Haager, whose goal through her boutique PR agency is to get high-profile coverage for indie bands. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Thirsty Ear Recordings' Peter Gordon joins us to discuss how net neutrality affects musicians and the creative community. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier joins us to talk about streaming rates, big tech companies, and surviving as an indie artist. Hear more on episode 92. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl