Modern Musician Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#244 - Dan Melnick: Sonicbids and the Art of Building Your Live Music Presence Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Dan Melnick is the CEO of Sonicbids, a groundbreaking platform that has transformed how artists connect with live music opportunities. A former musician himself, Dan combines his passion for music and expertise in technology to help independent artists navigate the evolving music landscape. With decades of experience, he’s a champion for leveraging digital tools to build a thriving music career.

In this episode, Michael Walker and Dan dive into how indie artists can find their footing in a competitive industry.

Key Takeaways:

Discover creative ways to secure gigs despite the scarcity of traditional venues.
Learn how to build a personal brand and audience for long-term success.
Explore the role of AI and technology in shaping the future of live music.

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Want to learn more about Dan and Sonic Bids? Visit: https://www.sonicbids.com/

Use code "modern" for 25% off your subscription

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#243 - Derek Ali: How EngineEars is Transforming Collaboration for Audio Professionals and Artists Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Derek Ali is a four-time Grammy Award-winning recording and mixing engineer known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Donald Glover. Self-taught since 2006, Derek’s innovative approach has reshaped audio engineering. As the founder of EngineEars, a platform built for streamlining professional collaborations, Derek is pioneering new ways to empower creatives. In this conversation, Derek delves into creativity, collaboration, and the impact of AI on the music industry, revealing insights from his inspiring journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How creativity and collaboration fuel great music-making.
The role of AI in enhancing—not replacing—human artistry in music.
How Derek’s platform, EngineEars, tackles common challenges for audio professionals.

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Discover more about Derek Ali and his work on EngineEars: https://engineears.com/for-all

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#242 - Omer Matz: Your Very Own AI-Powered Artist Manager – And the Human Skills That Still Matter Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Omer Matz is a musician, entrepreneur, and tech innovator who bridges the gap between music and technology. As the founder of Roadie, an AI-powered music management app designed for independent artists, he helps musicians grow through collaboration, identity cultivation, and mental resilience. With a deep understanding of the music industry's challenges, Omer emphasizes teamwork and a long-term perspective for success.

In this episode, Omer Matz discusses how his journey as a musician and entrepreneur led to the creation of Roadie, an AI artist manager that empowers independent musicians. He shares insights on identity, collaboration, and the mental resilience needed to navigate the music industry.

Key Takeaways:

How defining your identity, fan base, and product is essential for career growth
The role of collaboration in fostering mutual growth and resilience for independent musicians
Practical strategies for building a supportive team and embracing challenges in the music industry

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To learn more about Omer Matz and Roadie, visit: https://www.indieflow.me/

Roadie discount link: https://bit.ly/3YNU0Om

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#241 - John Kohl: How TuneGO is Reinventing Music Monetization Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

John Kohl is the founder and CEO of TuneGO, a groundbreaking platform that bridges the music and technology industries using blockchain, eco-friendly practices, and innovative tools. With a background spanning both tech and music, John’s mission is to transform how artists and fans connect, protect creative rights, and open new monetization opportunities. In this episode, he and Michael Walker discuss TuneGO’s pioneering features and the potential impact on artists worldwide.

Dive deep into how TuneGO empowers artists to connect directly with fans, leverage blockchain for creative security, and unlock new monetization strategies.

Key Takeaways:

The music industry needs authentic artist-fan relationships to thrive.
Blockchain can revolutionize fan engagement and secure artists’ rights.
Eco-friendly, tech-driven approaches are the future of music monetization.

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Learn more about John Kohl and TuneGo's innovative platform by visiting their website: https://www.tunego.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#240 - David Israelite: NMPA’s Fight for Fair Royalties & the AI Revolution Unpacked Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

David Israelite serves as the president and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), advocating for songwriter rights, music publishers, and industry standards. With expertise in copyright, royalties, and government regulations, David is a leading voice for the evolution of music publishing. In this episode, David dives into the challenges songwriters face, the role of the Copyright Royalty Board, and the impact of AI in music creation, offering practical advice to empower independent artists in protecting their creative interests.

Episode Highlights:

The complexities of government-regulated songwriter royalties and the current 15.2% revenue share from streaming services.
How the Mechanical Licensing Collective helps songwriters ensure proper compensation.
Practical strategies for managing ownership rights and splits in collaborations.

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Learn more about David Israelite and his work at the NMPA by visiting: https://www.nmpa.org/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#239 - Rosa Weiner: Building a Sustainable Music Career in the Digital Age Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

Rosa Weiner began her music journey as a solo artist, later fronting multiple bands and performing as a session vocalist for independent artists across the North-West. Her career spans several facets of the industry, including roles as a music journalist for publications like Bido Lito!, Liverpool Noise, and We Plug Good Music. After working in events and as an A&R scout for an indie label, Rosa joined Horus Music in 2020. Now as their Digital Marketing Manager, she leads social media, B2B marketing, and digital PR, helping to promote emerging global artists with impactful campaigns.

In this episode, Michael Walker dives into an engaging conversation with Rosa Weiner, exploring what it takes for independent artists to thrive in a crowded digital market.

Key Takeaways

Community as Currency: Why focusing on building a strong community is more valuable than follower counts
Revenue Unlocked: Tips on maximizing revenue through fan subscriptions, merch, and lesser-known royalties.
AI in Music: How artists can leverage AI while preserving authenticity and creative control.

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Learn more about Rosa and Horus Music at: https://www.horusmusic.global/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#238 - Oleg Stavitsky: Revolutionizing Music and Wellness with AI-Driven Soundscapes Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Oleg Sevirsky is the visionary behind Endel, an innovative company at the intersection of AI, music, and wellness. With a focus on personalized soundscapes, Oleg is redefining how AI can support creativity, focus, and relaxation for users worldwide. Under his leadership, Endel creates adaptive sound environments that resonate with users' needs for productivity, sleep, and relaxation, positioning the company as a leader in merging technology and artistic wellness.

In this episode, Michael Walker and Oleg Sevirsky dive into how AI can elevate creativity in music and support artists navigating the digital age. Together, they explore groundbreaking ways AI enhances productivity, personal wellness, and community for today’s musicians.

Key Takeaways

Discover how personalized AI-driven soundscapes can improve focus and well-being.
Learn strategies for community-building and monetization in the streaming era.
Understand why AI is an enhancement tool for creativity, not a replacement for artistry.

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Tune in to learn more Endel visit: https://endel.io/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#237 - Louis Marks and Fabian Brown: Setting Realistic Goals for Music Industry Success Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

Louis Marks and Fabian Brown, the powerhouse minds behind Ropa Dope, bring decades of industry expertise and a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of the music business. With their focus on empowering independent artists, they offer practical insights into building a sustainable music career without losing artistic authenticity.

In this episode, they discuss essential strategies for navigating the music world and establishing a resilient foundation.

What you’ll learn:

How to set achievable goals and avoid the pitfalls of comparison in the music industry.
Key tactics for building meaningful relationships with fans and industry professionals.
Proven methods for diversifying income, including the potential of patronage as a support model.

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Visit Ropa Dope’s website: https://ropeadope.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#236 - Noland Arbaugh: Creating the World’s First Telepathic Song Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Noland Arbaugh is an American quadriplegic and the first human recipient of Neuralink's brain-computer interface (BCI) implant. After a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2016 left him paralyzed, Noland gained worldwide attention for using the Neuralink device to regain digital autonomy. Originally from Yuma, Arizona, Noland was an athlete and student at Texas A&M University. Today, he shares his groundbreaking journey, blending technology and music, and his vision for the future of brain-computer interfaces.

In this episode, we sit down with Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink patient, to dive into his life-changing experience with Neuralink’s brain-computer interface. We explore how music became a cornerstone in his recovery, and together we make history by co-creating the first-ever song using generative music AI.

Key Takeaways:

Discover how Noland's Neuralink experience transformed his connection to the digital world and sparked his excitement for the possibilities.
Learn about the powerful role of music in healing and how technology can push artistic boundaries.
Witness history as the first-ever AI-generated song is created live on the show.

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To learn more about Noland Arbaugh and his inspiring journey, connect with him on social media or explore his latest projects: https://x.com/ModdedQuad

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Sync Licensing Secrets, Music Monetization, the Impact of AI with Kristen Agee Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

Kristen Agee is the founder of 411 Music Group, a leading provider of music for sync licensing across film, TV, and commercials. With a background as a composer, musician, and entrepreneur, Kristen has built a successful business that supports artists in monetizing their music through sync placements. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and music, and advocates for ethical practices in the evolving landscape of AI in the industry.

In this episode, Kristen dives into the sync licensing world, sharing insights on how artists can turn their music into a lucrative income stream. She explains what it takes to succeed in sync licensing, the impact of AI on the industry, and how to navigate the complexities of this growing field.

Key Takeaways:

Discover how sync licensing can help artists monetize their music and reach new audiences.
Learn the key differences between writing music for sync versus personal artistry and why it matters.
Understand the challenges and opportunities AI brings to the music industry and how to prepare for it.

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To learn more about Kristen Agee and her work, visit: https://www.411musicgroup.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

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