The Future of What

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SONA / Sue Ennis Nov 18, 2016

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Episode #60: The ASCAP and BMI consent decree issue has put songwriters in the news this year, but we don't hear a lot about how the profession has changed as a whole in recent years. To help us get a sense of what modern songwriting looks like, we talked to Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Michelle Lewis, founders of Songwriters of North America (SONA). SONA filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice in September, which, as they say, is pretty punk rock. Michelle and Kay give us an update on the lawsuit and other issues facing songwriters today. We also talk to acclaimed songwriter Sue Ennis, who wrote over 70 songs with Heart.

Kotaku / Fullbright Company / Chris Remo / The Advantage Nov 11, 2016

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Episode #59: When you think of video game music, you might hear Koji Kondo's Super Mario Bros. original score, or maybe FlyLo FM from Grand Theft Auto's licensed soundtrack. Either way, video games have long held promise for composers and musicians. Like movies, video games are naturally a broad medium with room for different musical experiences. Games also provide a lucrative revenue stream for some artists. One composer, Chris Remo, who has worked on recent hits like Gone Home and Firewatch, joins us to talk about how he got into the video game industry. We also hear from Steve Gaynor, co-founder of indie game studio, The Fullbright Company. Kotaku editor-at-large Kirk Hamilton gives us a rundown of current and past trends in game music. To end the show, we get an idea of how video game music has influenced an entire music genre, and hear from Spencer Seim of Nintendocore band The Advantage.

QRATES / 8Stem / Patti Silverman / Kyle Bylin Nov 04, 2016

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Episode #58: Without technological development, the music industry would be in a very different place. From the modulated grooves of analog records to the first iPod, innovation has permanently shaped the music business, but it's not always an easy process. In recent years, technology seems to be advancing faster and faster, with more companies popping up than ever, many of which are focused on music. Are these apps and startups, who aim to be artist-centric, actually helping creators? We ask user researcher and trade journalist Kyle Bylin and music tech launch and growth strategist Patti Silverman. We also talk to startup founders Bruce Pavitt and Adam Farish (8Stem) and Taishi Fukuyama (Qrates).

Corin Tucker / Jenny Conlee / Fabi Reyna / Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls Oct 28, 2016

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Episode #57: Music has the power to inspire people and change lives. On this episode we spotlight one organization using music education to empower and amplify the voices of young women and girls. Portland's Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls was founded in 2001 and provides tools and education for girls interested in music. Along with the camp's director, Kristi Balzer, we talk to some of the women who have been influenced by and serve as role models for the camp, Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney), Jenny Conlee (The Decemberists) and Fabi Reyna (She Shreds Magazine). The Portland camp's mission has spread as other camps have sprung up all over the world. To support GRC and find a camp near you, visit http://www.girlsrockcamp.org/.

Public Display PR / Grandstand Media & Management / Vortex Magazine / Casey Jarman Oct 22, 2016

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Episode #56: A band has recorded some music -- they've even set a date for their album release -- but how do they get people to listen to it? Making press contacts and getting the right information to the right people can be difficult when you're not a public relations expert. We're joined by PR pros Sierra Haager (Public Display PR, bed.) and Chris Hnat (Grandstand Media & Management) who break down media relations do's and don't's for artists. We also get advice from the editorial side with Chris Young (Vortex Music Magazine) and Casey Jarman (Mississippi Studios, fmr. Willamette Week).

Green Noise / Discogs / Redeye Oct 14, 2016

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Episode #55: Record stores have long been an integral part of the music industry -- not only as a place to purchase albums, but as a symbolic gathering space for music fans. While the development of MP3s, streaming and other digital technology has disrupted music retailers, some contend that the vinyl resurgence has all but made up for lost revenue. Yet, with countless popular and iconic record stores closing, it's clear there's more to the issue. Josh Madell, co-owner of New York's recently closed Other Music explains the value of your local record store and what the future might look like for other retailers. Ken Cheppaikode, owner of Green Noise Records in Portland, OR, also gives his take on what it takes to survive in the record business. We're then joined by Chad Dahlstrom, COO of online of online music database and marketplace Discogs. Sales & Label Strategy Director at Redeye Worldwide, Jason Taylor, describes how distribution has had to adjust to trends in music retail.

Blake Babies (Juliana Hatfield / John Strohm / Freda Love) Oct 07, 2016

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Episode #54: In 1986, iconic alt-rock band Blake Babies was born at Berklee School of Music. John Strohm, Freda Love and Juliana Hatfield released a few albums and toured before breaking up in 1991, but their work impacted both the Boston and national alternative music scenes. Despite their short run, Blake Babies helped define what we think of today as an independent band. On the heels of their reunion, we welcome John, Freda and Juliana on the show to talk about their enduring legacy and future plans. Music: "Mind Your Own Business" - Delta 5 "Nothing Ever Happens" - Blake Babies "On" - Blake Babies "Waiting for Heaven" - Blake Babies Produced by Will Watts and Anna McClain. Recorded by Brent Asbury at Beta Petrol.

Kiran Gandhi / A2IM / Resonate Sep 30, 2016

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Episode #53: The idea of large companies collecting information about you for free feels shady, especially when they use that data for profit. Most big tech businesses collect personal information in some fashion, including your favorite streaming services. On one hand, data helps these services tailor your playlists and lets artists know who's listening to them. On the other, data mining can invade listeners' privacy for profit. On this episode we talk to the founder of a new streaming service called Resonate. Peter Harris hopes that his alternative model will benefit artists -- and protect consumers' privacy. We also welcome musician, music business consultant and activist Kiran Gandhi back to the show to demonstrate how artists can benefit from data-driven insights. A2IM CEO Richard Burgess then goes into detail about his recent Op-Ed on Hypebot, "O.P.I.P. Yeah You Know - Free?"

The Thermals / Portugal. The Man / Ultimate Painting / The Slants Sep 23, 2016

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Episode #52: Whether you love it or hate it, if you're in a band, touring is something you've got to do. Touring has long been important for building a fanbase, gaining experience and making money. Now that other income streams have diminished for artists, revenue from live performances is more important than ever. On this episode of The Future of What we talk to bands about their different approaches to touring. We hear from Hutch Harris of The Thermals, Zach Carothers of Portugal. The Man, Jack Cooper and James Hoare (Ultimate Painting), and Simon Tam, founder of The Slants.

Dan Deacon / Merchbar / Merchtable Sep 09, 2016

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Episode #51: As other revenue streams have weakened, merch has become integral to many musicians' incomes. Some artists take things beyond the traditional band tee, selling everything from cologne to snuggies. While merchandising can be a fun way to connect with fans, designing and distributing products can become a whole job in itself. Electronic musician Dan Deacon has released eight albums since 2003, and tells us about his approach to merch, sold through Big Cartel. We also hear from Ed Aten, founder of Merchbar, a new retailer that has just partnered with Spotify. Then we take a look at Merchtable, a company that does manufacturing, warehousing and fulfillment for artists, labels and more. Music: "Ron Jeremy" - Young People "700 Story Building" - Men's Recovery Project "Sunny Krakow" - Metalux "Mind Your Own Business" - The Delta 5

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