The Future of What

Latest Episodes:

Creative Accounting Jun 29, 2018

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Episode #126: When should a band become an LLC? What can musicians write off? How can creatives safeguard against an audit? We answer these questions and more with accountants who work with artists. Guests: Emily Kingan / Jordan Michael Iannucci and Hunter Giles (Infinite Aggregate).

Unpacking Music's "Black Box" Jun 15, 2018

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Episode #125: Called "music's monetization mystery" by Forbes, on today's episode we shed light on the "black box" -- a complicated phenomenon in the music industry where small and large sums of money don't make it to an artist. What happens to these unattributed royalties and how can musicians safeguard their income? We ask CD Baby CEO Tracy Maddux and CrossBorderWorks' Vickie Nauman for insight. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Music Cities (LIVE from Seattle) Jun 08, 2018

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Episode #124: How do local music ecosystems affect the economic and cultural health of a city? Portia went to Upstream Music Fest to discuss with leaders from the regional music hubs of Seattle (Kate Becker), Portland (David O.G. ONE Jackson), and Vancouver BC (Alex Grigg). Hear how their groups are changing the game when it comes to protecting and sustaining music culture. Learn how these regional partnerships are impacting our local community, creating opportunities and helping increase the value of music -- and our cities. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol and Will Watts. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cVo9ar

Indie Label Spotlight: Merge Records Jun 01, 2018

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Episode #123: Merge Records has been behind some of the independent world's most popular releases from bands like Spoon, Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel, Waxahatchee, and of course, Superchunk since 1989. We hear about the label's beginnings from co-founder Laura Ballance (Superchunk), and are joined again by MC Taylor of Merge band Hiss Golden Messenger. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cVo9ar

Indie Label Spotlight: Numero Group May 18, 2018

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Episode #122: Since 2003, Chicago-based independent record label Numero Group has been celebrating the obscure, the rare, and the long-forgotten through their meticulously crafted reissues and compilations. On this episode, we highlight the label with co-founder Ken Shipley and discuss the ways they've creatively adapted to major industry changes, always seeming to stay one step ahead of the game. We also hear from Andre Gibson of disco group Universal Togetherness Band. The prolific act was rediscovered over thirty years after their breakup by Numero Group. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cVo9ar

Spotlight on Horse Feathers: Justin Ringle / Skyler Norwood May 04, 2018

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Episode #121: Establishing a reputation and fan base is vital as a musician, but how can a band evolve once they're known for a sound? On this episode, Portia sits down with Justin Ringle, whose band Horse Feathers just released their sixth album, Appreciation. Justin and longtime producer Skyler Norwood discuss developing the band's sound while preserving its identity and how they worked to push their boundaries after 12 years. We also hear about the album's cycle and promotional strategies. Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Engineered by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

LIVE in Portland: The Aesthetics of Album Art Apr 27, 2018

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Episode #120: Album artwork is often a listener's first impression of a record, so how does an artist successfully represent their music visually? We brought together graphic designers and music people for a panel at Design Week Portland to discuss the creative and conceptual collaborations that go into designing a record. Hear insight from designers Adam R. Garcia (Instrument, The Pressure), Tawfiq Mardini, Lead Designer at Fresh Selects Records, and Joe Stewart (Work & Co.), who's behind many of Xiu Xiu's album covers. You'll also get the perspective of label leaders Aaron Meola (Label Manager at Tender Loving Empire) and Jenny Logan (President of XRAY Records). Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Gear Makers: Philip Graham (Ear Trumpet) / Saul Koll (Koll Guitar Co.) / Chris Benson (Benson Amps) Apr 20, 2018

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Episode #119: Portland, OR is one of many cities that have become known as hubs of creativity. The city's "maker culture" includes a large community of creators of music gear. In fact, you could put together an entire stage set up and backline just using instruments and gear made in Portland. On this episode, we hear about how some of these businesses got started and how the city's development has affected their industry. Guests include Philip Graham of microphone company Ear Trumpet Labs, Chris Benson of Benson Amps, and Saul Koll of Koll Guitar Co. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

"The Truth Behind the Supposed Decline of the Guitar": She Shreds Magazine / Bully / Trade Up Music Apr 13, 2018

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Episode #118: Last year, outlets like the Washington Post lamented the decline of the electric guitar and the supposed absence of American guitar heroes. In September of 2017, She Shreds Magazine published an article called "We Are The 50%: The Truth Behind the Supposed Decline of the Guitar," pushing back against this narrative. On this episode, we talk with the author of the piece, Natlie Baker, She Shreds Magazine editor-in-chief Fabi Reyna, Alicia Bognanno (Bully), and Trade Up Music manager Alexa Marmon about what's really going on in the guitar industry. Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

Inclusivity in Recording: Madeleine Campbell (Women in Sound) / Terri Winston (WAM) / Andrew Jones Apr 06, 2018

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Episode #117: "Where Are All the Female Producers?" "Why Aren't There More Women Working in Audio?" Why don't more women "step up" in music? These are just some of the questions that continue to baffle the mainstream music industry. Yet, there are (and have been) many talented women working in recording. On this episode, we talk to people working toward broader inclusion and accessibility in recording. Madeleine Campbell is the editor of the Women in Sound zine, which is "dedicated to women, queer, & trans* people in all areas of live & recorded sound." Madeleine also runs Accessible Recording, a studio in Pittsburgh which offers sliding scale rates in an effort to stay affordable for those with no label support, free learning opportunities, and free childcare. Terri Winston, executive director of Women's Audio Mission, also joins us to share the organization's goals and accomplishments as the only professional recording studio in the world built and run by women. We also hear from Andrew Jones, a recording engineer in Denton, TX, whose studio caters to underrepresented emerging artists. Learn more: www.accessiblerecording.com www.hearandrewjones.com/the-nest www.womensaudiomission.org Subscribe to The Future of What: hyperurl.co/krsfow Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

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