

Billboard On The Record
SickBird Productions
Take a step inside the music business every week with unfiltered conversations with the executives, artists, and innovators shaping the industry, brought to you by Billboard's very own senior correspondent, Kristin Robinson. From billion-dollar catalog acquisitions to the next wave of music tech to the marketing moves driving headlines, "On the Record" cuts through the noise to uncover how boardroom decisions shape the music fans stream, buy, and experience live.
Clear, sharp, and accessible, this is the podcast that explains not just what’s happening in music — but why it matters. "On the Record" is a Billboard original podcast in partnership with SickBird Productions.
Clear, sharp, and accessible, this is the podcast that explains not just what’s happening in music — but why it matters. "On the Record" is a Billboard original podcast in partnership with SickBird Productions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
How Spotify Sees the Next Era of Music Streaming w/ Sam Duboff
Sam Duboff, Global Head of Marketing and Policy at Spotify, reveals the platform's ambitious transformation into a vibrant hub for artists and fans. He discusses Spotify's commitment to artist-first AI tools developed with industry consent, ensuring fair compensation and meaningful connections. Duboff also tackles spam and impersonation issues exacerbated by AI, and explains new rules to combat these challenges. The conversation dives into exciting features aimed at enhancing artist growth, like improved social listening and premium experiences, solidifying Spotify's role as a music industry leader.

13 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 5min
How A Top Investor Sees the Music Industry Changing w/ Matt Pincus
Matt Pincus, founder of the independent publishing company SONGS, dives deep into the evolution of catalog investing in the music industry. He discusses how internet-driven copyright values are reshaping roles of labels and artists, particularly in the wake of Taylor Swift's influence on catalog sales. Pincus also explores the potential impact of AI on music creation, questioning if it could be a significant disruptor. Lastly, he analyzes whether the music business can withstand economic downturns, revealing intriguing insights into the industry's future.

20 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 57min
How the Music Industry’s Biggest Hits Are Written w/ Amy Allen
Amy Allen, a Grammy-winning pop songwriter, shares her journey from nursing school to crafting hits for artists like Selena Gomez and Harry Styles. She discusses the evolution of songwriting in the TikTok era, the decline of pitch records, and how social media allows artists to express their personality. Amy emphasizes emotional honesty in storytelling, the challenges of songwriting as a livelihood, and the collaborative relationships that shape great music. With insights on what makes a star, she reflects on artistry and creativity in modern pop.

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 3min
How Atlantic Records Cracked the Code on Artist Breakthroughs w/ Elliot Grainge
What really makes a song go viral? And how do labels make them a hit? In this episode, Billboard On The Record sits down with the CEO of Atlantic Records, Elliot Grainge, on the first anniversary of his appointment to the job to talk about the label and the forces that are shaping the modern music industry, from the rise of TikTok and the aftershocks of COVID to the way new audiences are discovering music in real time. Elliot shares how he is building a new team at Atlantic, the genres that inspire him, and why artificial intelligence could dramatically change how artists are found and supported.
Love what you hear? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Billboard On The Record.
Keep up with us on IG @billboardontherecord and @wordsbykristin.
Billboard On The Record is a podcast in partnership with SickBird Productions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25, 2025 • 60min
How Trump's Immigration Policies Impact Latin Music w/ Griselda Flores
What happens when music, culture, and immigration laws collide? In this episode, Billboard On The Record sits down with Billboard’s Senior Editor, Latin Griselda Flores to unpack the stories shaking up Latin music today — from Trump’s immigration laws to Coachella’s lack of regional Mexican artists to Bad Bunny’s absence from U.S. stages. Griselda opens up about writing bold, sometimes polarizing pieces and how sharing uncomfortable conversations is changing the industry.
Love what you hear? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Billboard On The Record.
Keep up with us on IG @billboardontherecord and @wordsbykristin.
Billboard On The Record is a podcast in partnership with SickBird Productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 50min
How To Plan A Sphere Residency w/ Carolyn Blackwood + Josephine Vacarello
Join Josephine Vaccarello, Executive VP at MSG Entertainment, and Carolyn Blackwood, head of Sphere Studios, as they dive into the intricate planning of Sphere residencies. Discover how artist selection and financial forecasting shape these ambitious events. They unveil the unique collaboration with U2, the challenges of immersive visuals, and the technical marvel of 16K rendering. Learn about cutting-edge AI tools for enhancing experiences and the exciting future of virtual acts. This dynamic conversation reveals the magic behind one of music’s most innovative venues.

Sep 12, 2025 • 4min
Coming Soon!
Billboard is launching its latest podcast, On the Record with Kristin Robinson in partnership with SickBird Productions, available September 18th on all podcast platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


