The Future of What

The music industry is constantly changing, so today we shine a light on a few important topics developing in the business. First we discuss the recent YouTube “adpocalypse” and how it affects artists’ revenues with Gray Gannaway of Quarterlab Consultancy. Then we hear from Mike Huppe, President of SoundExchange about their recent acquisition of CMRRA (Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency). Finally, The Recording Academy’s Daryl Friedman gives us an update on what’s happening with issues and legislation that affects musicians, like the Fair Play, Fair Pay Act. 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 #86: In the early 90’s, Chapel Hill was dubbed “the next Seattle” after producing acts that got noticed beyond its state lines. Twenty-five years later, a lot has changed in the local and national music landscape but the core ingredients that comprise any music scene remain the same: venues, record stores, press, and radio. While in North Carolina, Portia spoke with local mainstays Chaz Martenstein (Bull City Records), Mark Connor (Cave/Slims), Allison Hussey (Indy Week), Sarah Schmader (Burn Sweet Booking), Aaron VanSteinberg (WXDU), and Stephen Mooneyhan (Local 506). Whether you’re just starting to perform or are a seasoned veteran, there are key players in your city’s music scene who can potentially give your career a big boost! 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 #85: A lot of money is spent in the music industry developing new tools and platforms, but today we spotlight a nonprofit committed to providing artists with educational and professional resources -- all for free. In 2008, CASH Music started out of a desire to create a sustainable music industry. Since then, the platform has offered everything from download code generation and redemption to social feeds. We hear more from executive director Maggie Vail and Throwing Muses’ Kristin Hersh. 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 #84: Making great music is only one part of the equation; equally important is making sure you reach an audience and cultivate them as fans. As more and more musicians release their own music, the onus is on the musician to also navigate the marketing process. Almost every musician has access to the same marketing resources….and knowing your options and utilizing them effectively can make the difference between making music your hobby or making music your career. And what does a successful career in music look like by today’s standards and by what metrics is this success measured? On this episode, Portia travels to Durham, NC for a live panel with Molly Neuman (Kickstarter Music), Simon Perry (ReverbNation), Hank Stockard (Redeye Distribution), Rich Dejong (Sound Exchange), Carrie Colliton (Record Store Day), and Brian Burns (WUNC). 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 #83: Most indie label owners didn’t go to business school, and never expected to get interest from venture capitalists. What are the steps they can take to grow their business smartly using investment tools? This live discussion from A2IM’s Indie Week focuses on the fundamentals of investing – the basics, the intricacies, the best partnerships, and the pitfalls. When should you look for investors? What should you be aware of when an investor approaches you? Do you understand the difference between debt, and equity financing? We cover the importance of realistically valuing your catalog, how that impacts the investment itself, and what these deal structures look like. This panel will help your company prepare for growth, as you (prudently) consider partnerships, and allies to find the right fit at the right time. Panelists include Jason Peterson (GoDigital Media Group), Nari Matsuura (Massarsky Consulting), and Mathew Carvajal (JP Morgan). 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 #82: Since talking with Portland’s new record pressing plant, Cascade, in 2015, more and more vinyl pressing plants have opened up. New manufacturers can mean more opportunities for small labels, job creation and better quality products and customer service. We revisit the ups and downs of pressing records with Third Man Records’ Ben Blackwell, Cash Carter and Ryan Lewis of Athens, GA based plant Kindercore Vinyl and New Jersey’s Independent Record Pressing general manager Sean Rutkowski. 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 #81: How many "likes" did you get today, and does it even matter? On this episode, Portia leads an Upstream Summit keynote panel talking with Run The Jewels manager Amaechi Uzoigwe and RCA Records’ Tunji Balogun, two industry insiders who have effectively mined the vast quantities of data and analytics available. Artists, managers and labels have all begun using data to amplify albums, sell out shows, and launch careers; and at May’s Summit in Seattle, Portia and her panel of experts gave perspective on the types of data available and how best to harness it to reach your audience. 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 #80: On this episode we spotlight two people making change in the music industry. You might know Meredith Graves from her band Perfect Pussy, or from her work as a full time MTV News host. She also freelances and runs her own label. Meredith discusses her various jobs, the state journalism, hot takes and PWR BTTM. We also hear from musician Simon Tam about his groundbreaking Supreme Court case dealing with the trademark of his band’s name, The Slants. 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 #20: On the front page of Pandora’s website, there’s a statement that says “It’s a new kind of radio — stations that play only music you like.” How can it be that Pandora knows what you’ll enjoy? Isn’t liking music purely up to personal taste? Pandora, like many other digital music platforms, uses a complex algorithm to predict what their listeners want to hear. Other services employ human beings to curate their music discovery systems. So who’s the more effective tastemaker? Man, or machine? On today’s episode we tackle this question with writer and consultant Jim McDermott, then talk to two people who get paid to listen to music all day: New Music Scout and Artist Relations Manager for Marmoset Brandon Day and Rumblefish’s Senior Music Supervisor William Nix. 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 #79: Music supervisors aren’t just responsible for picking great songs for movies, TV shows, ads and video games, they also have to be savvy negotiators and know the ins and outs of music licensing. So how does someone become a music supervisor? And how can artists better connect with music supervisors when the opportunity arises? We discuss these questions and more with supervisors Jen Malone (Atlanta, Baskets), Sue Jacobs (Big Little Lies, Silver Linings Playbook) and Bryan Turcotte (Beta Petrol). 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