Billboard On The Record

The Grammys are music’s biggest night, but how are the votes really counted, and who decides which artists take home the trophies? Harvey Mason jr., Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and CEO of the Recording Academy, pulls back the curtain on how the Academy works, from membership to voting processes and AI’s role in modern music. He joins host Kristin Robinson to unpack his journey from producing hits for Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Michael Jackson, and Toni Braxton to leading music’s most influential institution, all while getting his Grammys knowledge put to the test. Mason explains the challenges of ensuring fair representation across genres, and how the Academy is evolving to serve music and musicians in a rapidly changing industry. He also reflects on moving from creative work to executive leadership, the collaborative process that has defined his career and what it takes to keep the Grammys credible, inclusive, and impactful. 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

Musical innovator Imogen Heap, a Grammy-winning singer and technologist, discusses the intersection of music and AI. She explores how generative AI is transforming creativity, emphasizing the importance of better metadata to ensure human contributions are recognized. Heap shares her vision for AI Mojin and her groundbreaking Mi.Mu gloves, designed to enhance live performances. With a focus on democratizing music creation, she reflects on the challenges artists face in a flood of content and the need for clearer industry standards as AI becomes the norm.

Rob Light, a longtime touring agent at CAA, and Rick Roskin, co-head of global touring, discuss the thriving live music scene. They share insights on transitioning artists from clubs to stadiums, the impact of post-pandemic excitement on touring, and the crucial balance of ticket pricing and fan demand. The duo also reveals the wildest artist requests and memorable concert moments. They dive into social media's role in marketing tours and the intricacies of festival curation for younger audiences, highlighting evolving strategies in the industry.

Join director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on hits like Crazy Rich Asians, and music editor Jack Dolman, whose credits include blockbuster films like Kingsman. They delve into the musical adaptation of Wicked, sharing insights on collaborating with Stephen Schwartz and incorporating new songs. Discover the challenges of balancing live vocals with acting performance and the philosophy behind natural transitions in song. Plus, hear their favorite musical moments and the excitement of mixing classic elements with fresh interpretations.

In this engaging discussion, Keith Caulfield, the Managing Director of Charts & Data Operations at Billboard, shares his wealth of knowledge on how songs land on the charts. He unpacks the evolution of Billboard’s methodologies from combining radio airplay and sales to incorporating streams and social media. Caulfield explores the impact of physical formats on first-week sales, the rise of catalog albums, and the role of fandom in chart success. He also highlights the challenges and strategies artists use today to make chart history.

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.

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.

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.

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

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