Billboard On The Record

What does it really take to write a Christmas song that lasts forever? Singer, songwriter and producer Charlie Puth sits down with Kristin Robinson on Billboard On The Record to unpack the magic behind holiday hits, from the one chord that seems to appear in nearly every classic to the ’60s influences that continue to shape today’s festive favorites. Puth shares how he once wrote a Christmas song in just an hour, why some tracks become seasonal standards almost by accident and how artists balance tradition with originality when creating holiday music. He also takes listeners inside piano sessions, highlights his favorite Christmas albums and songs, answers rapid-fire holiday questions and reflects on how the craft of songwriting has evolved, all while offering a sneak peek at what’s next for his own music. 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

Christmas music may only dominate a few weeks a year, but its impact on the music business lasts for decades. Guy Moot, CEO and Co-Chair of Warner Chappell Music, and Carianne Marshall, COO and Co-Chair, join host Kristin Robinson on Billboard On The Record to break down why holiday songs are some of the most valuable assets in any music catalog, why writing a timeless Christmas hit is so difficult and how industry traditions around holiday albums have shifted from mandatory releases to strategic singles. They discuss the evolution from cover culture to artist-driven branding, the role of songwriter camps, and why evergreen holiday songs often travel further than the places they were written. From December chart freezes to the renewed push for trusted brands and long-term fan connection, this conversation explores how Christmas music continues to shape careers, catalogs and the modern music economy. 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

In this engaging chat, Michael Huppe, CEO of SoundExchange and a prominent figure in music licensing, dives into the unique landscape of artist royalties in U.S. radio. He unpacks the historical laws preventing artists from earning when their songs play on FM/AM radio and discusses the advocacy behind the American Music Fairness Act. Huppe also explores the evolution of radio, from payola scandals to the rise of AI DJs, shedding light on the future of artist compensation and digital music rights.

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.