The Future of What

Episode #71: Podcasts have surged in popularity over the last few years, and have proved to be a great way to connect with your audience — so why don’t more musicians take advantage of the format? Today we talk with three musicians making their mark on the podcast charts, Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of Song Exploder, Joe Pug, host of The Working Songwriter, and Silverstein’s Shane Told, host of Lead Singer Syndrome. PLUS: We've joined Jabberjaw Media! 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

Like many creative cities, Portland is growing rapidly, but is the vibrant music scene that bolstered its reputation benefiting? The city is known as one of the nation’s hottest music spots, so how can we make sure that its beloved music industry thrives as Portland changes? On this episode we delve into these questions and more with local industry leaders, Pat Rice (Old Town Music), Larry Crane (Tape Op Magazine, Jackpot Recording Studio), Terry Currier (Music Millennium), Sierra Haager (Public Display PR, bed.) and Andre Middleton (Friends of Noise). PLUS hear Jack Black talk Elliott Smith from 'Say Yes.' 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

When people talk about “making it” in the music industry, it’s usually in reference to making a living writing or playing original songs in a popular band or as a solo artist. Today we explore alternative career paths playing music. We’re joined by Phil Hernandez and Chris Maxwell, who make up production duo The Elegant Too. They’re also the composers of some of your favorite musical moments on Bob’s Burgers. We also talk with successful children’s (or “kindie” rock) band, The Not-Its. Finally, we hear about an underrated route to success from cover artist Chris Huff. 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 #37: When recording engineer Larry Crane started Tape Op Magazine in 1996, he printed the first issue on legal paper and Xeroxed 500 copies to send to his friends. Branded as “the creative music recording magazine,” that first issue set Tape Op up to be one of the best resources for new and established engineers, gaining a readership of over 60,000. On this episode of The Future of What, we celebrate Tape Op’s 20th anniversary with an extended interview with Crane. We talk about what it takes to sustain an independent (free!) publication, adapting to new technology in recording, and why he has continued to distribute print issues. We also talk to longtime Tape Op admirers and notable producers Tucker Martine and Tyler Stone. 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

Larry Crane runs Jackpot! Recording Studio and Tape Op Magazine. He's also the archivist of Elliott Smith's catalog. Larry talks with Portia about his time working with Elliott and putting together the upcoming 'Either/Or: Expanded Edition.' 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 #68: From Prince to Sharon Jones, too many musicians have passed away in the last year. What will happen to their music, and who will control their legacies? These losses remind us that, while difficult, planning for the inevitable is vital as a musician of any level. On this episode, we look at recent cases of musicians’ estate planning gone awry with attorney Andy Mayoras. We also hear from Conrad Rippy, who represents the estate of Jeff Buckley. Larry Crane, archivist for Elliott Smith, discusses protecting Smith’s legacy and working on his posthumous releases. PLUS: Hear Kevin Devine’s interview with Sean Cannon from Say Yes: An Elliott Smith Podcast. 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 #67: Over the last decade, the music industry has become increasingly difficult to navigate -- especially for emerging artists. As the Internet has developed, it’s introduced a slew of new issues for creators, but has also provided valuable tools. Some artists are taking things into their own hands by using crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter to launch albums and more. We discuss the trend with Kickstarter's new head of music, Molly Neuman, and hear from Jack Stratton of Vulfpeck, a group that creatively employs crowdfunding platforms and more. PLUS: We introduce the new podcast from Kill Rock Stars and The Guestlist, 'Say Yes.' You can hear pieces from the show on The Future of What over the next weeks, and subscribe at sayyes.link 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

What does it take to progress as a performer? Chanticleer Tru (Chanti Darling), Travis Labbe (True West) and Peter Clark (What The Festival) discuss. 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 #66: You probably remember the best concert you’ve ever been to -- and the worst. Live shows have always been a core component of a musician’s job, and as the music industry’s economy has changed over the last decade, touring has become essential. Performing live isn’t for everyone though, so we’re joined by an experienced group who walk us through turning a concert into an engaging experience. In this roundtable discussion, we hear from musician Chanticleer Trü (Chanti Darling), Travis Labbe (True West) and Peter Clark (What The Festival). 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

Jana Hunter (Lower Dens) talks candidly about what the Trump presidency could mean for musicians and America. 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 Find out more about Lower Dens: lowerdens.com