The Future of What

Episode #43: Each year, independent labels converge in New York to talk trade at A2IM’s annual Indie Week conference. On this episode bring you some insight into the event with a panel moderated by Portia. She’s joined by some of the indie world’s best, including Mute Records’ Nicole Blonder, Sara Dempsey of ABKCO Music & Records, Dave Martin (Omnian Music Group), and General Manager of Concord Music Group, Jim Selby. While catalog is at the forefront of the discussion, the group touched on marketing to new audiences, adapting to streaming services, and making an impact on social media.

Episode #34: The term “A&R guy” is tossed around casually in the music biz — but what does the A&R division of a label do? A&R teams are traditionally charged with finding new talent, guiding artists through the recording process and connecting artists with producers, songwriters and other collaborators. Their insight can have huge influence on an artist and label. Over the years, the role has changed with the music business. This week, respected A&R dude and founder of Loma Vista Recordings Tom Whalley tells us about his journey from the mailroom at Warner Bros. Records to chairman of the company. He also offers his perspective on how the job has changed — and the differences between working A&R at an indie and major label. Then we talk with Louis Posen, founder of established indie label Hopeless Records, about why the term “A&R” isn’t used at his company, and why a team approach to talent scouting works for them. Finally, Robby Morris, director of A&R at New York indie Matador Records, walks us through creative development at the label. Car Seat Headrest “Vincent” Milk Teeth “Swear Jar” Delta 5 “Mind Your Own Business”

Episode #42: Touring, playing festivals, meeting loyal fans. Sounds like life as a successful musician, right? On this episode we look at a different audio and performance-driven art form: stand-up comedy. There are many parallels between the comedy and music industries, especially when it comes to releasing albums and booking festivals. We talk to comedy festival pioneer Andy Wood about the ninth year of Portland s Bridgetown Comedy Festival and how it s affected the nation s comedy landscape. We also have comedian and writer Shane Torres in studio to help shed light on the similarities among those working hard to make it in the creative world.

Episode #41: We know that producers are integral to the recording process, but even some in the industry are still confused as to exactly what producers do. While the scope of their role can vary, every music producer has their own approach. Renowned engineer, artist and educator Sylvia Massy prides herself on her unconventional production techniques. Massy has worked with artists from Prince to Tool, always bringing her unique perspective and creativity to producing. On this episode, we put the spotlight on Massy and her new book, Recording Unhinged: Creative and Unconventional Music Recording. We also talk to Grammy-nominated producer Tucker Martine about his methods. And stay tuned for our special interview with Libera Awards nominee Hugues Payen of Caravan Palace! GUESTS: Sylvia Massy (Producer / Author / Illustrator) Tucker Martine (Producer / Engineer) Hugues Payen (Caravan Palace) MUSIC: Panther “Latitudes for Centuries” Thao & the Get Down Stay Down “When We Swam” Shy Child “Drop the Phone” Delta 5 "Mind Your Own Business"

Episode #40: In 2016, the way people are consuming music is changing, but it might not be how you’d expect. Between ad-based and on-demand streaming, digital downloads, vinyl, and yes, CDs and cassettes, there’s huge diversity in the way consumers are accessing music. We talk with three experts, Russ Crupnick (MusicWatch Inc.), Jim Lidestri (BuzzAngle) and Tom Silverman (Tommy Boy Entertainment), to make sense of recent statistics, and to better understand how they affect the music industry’s future. Music: Nothing is Easy - Marnie Stern Great Skulls - Boats Eyes Hands Mouth - Explode Into Colors

Episode #39: A band is ready to release new music, but how can they grab people’s attention in such a crowded market? Promoting a song or album effectively is a multi-step process that can be daunting for artists, especially as acts and labels turn to more inventive concepts. In this 101 episode, we talk through what goes into a marketing strategy with Graham Rothenberg, Senior Director of Marketing at leading agency The Syndicate. Then we hear from Sub Pop’s Carly Starr about how publicity and marketing have begun to merge as promotional platforms have changed. Warp’s Steven Hill tells us about what made innovative campaigns he’s worked on successful, like Aphex Twin and Oneohtrix Point Never. Finally, Amit Nerurkar, General Manager of Mass Appeal Records talks us through the award-winning marketing campaign for Run The Jewels. GUESTS: Graham Rothenberg (The Syndicate) Carly Starr (Sub Pop) Steven Hill (Warp) Amit Nerukar (Mass Appeal) MUSIC: Wimps "Vampire" New Dog "Classic Ballroom Dances" Kinski "Detroit Trickle Down" Delta 5 "Mind Your Own Business"

Episode #38: What do artists like Katy Perry, Debbie Harry, Lionel Richie and hundreds of others have against one piece of legislation? Along with many in the creative community, they’re calling for reform of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The DMCA was drafted in 1998 — before platforms like Napster and YouTube existed — with the intent of bringing copyright up to date with the digital age. Unfortunately, according to those calling for reform, the outdated act has allowed tech giants to profit from copyright infringement while artists’ own earnings plummet. On this episode, we dissect the issue and discuss solutions with Richard Burgess, CEO of A2IM, RIAA’s Senior Executive Vice President Mitch Glazier, Perry Resnick of Music Managers Forum, and musician and lawyer John Strohm.

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, Tyler Stone, and Dave Gross. Featuring music recorded at Jackpot! by: The Corin Tucker Band The Thermals Witchypoo

Episode #36: Felice Ecker started music marketing agency Girlie Action Media in 1994. Since then, their clients have included everyone from Bikini Kill to Morrissey. Today on The Future of What, we talk to Felice about her success as an independent entrepreneur in our new Spotlight feature, where we hear advice from influential figures in the business. While Felice brought the wisdom of a successful decades-long career, her longtime client and our guest John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants brought laughs and anecdotes from TMBG’s long and thriving existence. Music: “The Black Table” - Milagres “Brave Motion” - Hands “Belly of June” - Horse Feathers

Episode #35: Every kid dreams of being a rock star, but what does the job actually take? While touring can be fun, the realities of life on the road can be difficult to sustain. How do working artists balance their careers with day to day life? We talk with Rafael Cohen of !!! about creating stability as a “middle-class” musician. Then, Taraka Larson of Prince Rama walks us through the duo’s touring schedule and unconventional recording process. Portugal. The Man’s Zach Carothers shares what he’s learned over the last fifteen years of working in the band, including a few tour bus cooking tips. Music: “Ooo” - !!! “Bahia” - Prince Rama “Evil Friends” - Portugal. The Man