The Future of What

Latest Episodes:

NMPA / David Lowery / Chris Castle Aug 26, 2016

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Episode #50: Think the music industry is confusing? Here's where things get really hairy for songwriters. The Department of Justice recently issued a statement upholding consent decrees that regulate performing rights organizations BMI and ASCAP. These decrees were originally intended as an antitrust measure, but many feel they are outdated and come with many costs. David Israelite, CEO of the NMPA, says this decision will devalue songs, implicate the property rights of songwriters and limit their creative process. We asked musician and industry critic David Lowery (Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven) and lawyer Chris Castle to help us further understand the ramifications of the DOJ's stance.

Rough Trade / Look Out Kid / Amelia Artists Aug 19, 2016

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Episode #49: Chances are, at least one of your favorite artists is not from the United States. It's hard enough to break into the music industry as an American artist, so how are these acts from abroad pulling it off? The U.S. is a huge market for musicians, but presents its own unique challenges. We explore some of these obstacles and talk success stories with Anna Bond, U.S. label manager for Rough Trade Records, Nick O'Byrne, a manager for Look Out Kid who works with Courtney Barnett, and Tegan and Sara manager Nick Blasko (Amelia Artists).

Kiran Gandhi on Shock Art Aug 16, 2016

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Activist, musician and industry thinker Kiran Gandhi tells us why shock art is valuable.

Laura Veirs / Valerie Day / Christiane Kinney / David Lowery Aug 12, 2016

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Episode #48: We've brought you expertise from businesspeople, gatekeepers and analysts, and today we're highlighting a few of the many savvy artists we've had on the show. On this episode, musicians give their take on some of the most important music industry issues of the last year. First, artist and lawyer Christiane Kinney examines the recent Spotify lawsuits, then we hear from plaintiff David Lowery, who gives us his take on royalty reporting. Celebrated musician and songwriter Laura Veirs takes us on her career journey, and Valerie Day (Nu Shooz) emphasizes the importance of the Fair Play, Fair Pay Act.

Pearl Jam / PWR BTTM / Tune-Yards / Zac Brown Band Jul 29, 2016

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Episode #47: We talk a lot about how musicians can make a living in today's music industry, but on this episode we look at the selfless ways artists use their influence. Our guests show that musicians at any stage of their careers can affect sustainable, positive change. Mike McCready, lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, tells us how the band's Vitalogy Foundation, funded by ticket sales, benefits everything from the environment to the arts. Then we hear from emerging queer punk duo PWR BTTM about how their tour rider is making venues safer and more accessible. Merrill Garbus, the artist behind tUnE-yArDs, explains how one song led to the creation of the Water Fountain fund. We end the show with Coy Bowles of Zac Brown Band, who uses storytelling to change kids' lives.

Fluff & Gravy / Tender Loving Empire / Good Cheer Jul 22, 2016

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Episode #46: In anticipation of Vortex Magazine's upcoming issue regarding the role of record labels in today's music economy, we sat down with three label heads from Portland to talk about what labels do for artists in 2016. Despite the label's varying ages, reach, and aesthetic, everyone in attendance could agree on the fact that there are too many business related tasks associated with releasing a record for one person, or a band, to handle. GUESTS: John Shepski (Fluff & Gravy) Aaron Meola (Tender Loving Empire) Blake Hickman (Good Cheer) MUSIC: Y La Bamba "Ostrich" Fernando "Save Me" Naked Hour "Crossfade"

Pickathon / Rifflandia / Summerfest Jul 08, 2016

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Episode #45: Despite the music industry's economic downturn, more and more music festivals have popped up and many continue to thrive. Because of the booming demand for tickets, live performances have become a vital revenue stream for many artists. But have we hit "peak festival"? Mainstays like Coachella and Lollapalooza have become increasingly corporate, and independently-run festivals contend that competition for is a huge issue in planning their events. We talk to three indie festival organizers, Nick Blasko (Rifflandia), Bob Babisch (Summerfest) and Zale Schoenborn (Pickathon), about the fate of their business and alternative festival models.

40 Watt Club / Doug Fir Lounge / Monterey International Jul 02, 2016

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Episode #44: Whether it's your first show or your dream venue, one of the most daunting tasks as a musician can be booking a gig. From the outside, it's hard to know just how much planning goes into each concert. On this installment of our Music Industry 101 series, we talk to talent buyers and booking agents about what they do and how they do it. Booking agency Monterey International represents over 100 artists, from Van Morrison to Anais Mitchell. After agent Josh Brinkman offers his perspective as an artist representative, we hear from Velena Vego of legendary Athens venue the 40 Watt Club. She's celebrating 25 years as the 40 Watt's talent buyer. Then local tastemaker, Eric Gerber, talent buyer at Portland's Doug Fir Lounge, gives us the nitty gritty details of what he expects from artists.

Mute / ABKCO / Concord / Omnian Jun 22, 2016

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Episode #43: Each year, independent labels converge in New York to talk trade at A2IM's annual Indie Week conference. On this episode bring you some insight into the event with a panel moderated by Portia. She's joined by some of the indie world's best, including Mute Records' Nicole Blonder, Sara Dempsey of ABKCO Music & Records, Dave Martin (Omnian Music Group), and General Manager of Concord Music Group, Jim Selby. While catalog is at the forefront of the discussion, the group touched on marketing to new audiences, adapting to streaming services, and making an impact on social media.

Loma Vista / Hopeless Records / Matador Records Jun 10, 2016

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Episode #34: The term "A&R guy" is tossed around casually in the music biz — but what does the A&R division of a label do? A&R teams are traditionally charged with finding new talent, guiding artists through the recording process and connecting artists with producers, songwriters and other collaborators. Their insight can have huge influence on an artist and label. Over the years, the role has changed with the music business. This week, respected A&R dude and founder of Loma Vista Recordings Tom Whalley tells us about his journey from the mailroom at Warner Bros. Records to chairman of the company. He also offers his perspective on how the job has changed — and the differences between working A&R at an indie and major label. Then we talk with Louis Posen, founder of established indie label Hopeless Records, about why the term "A&R" isn't used at his company, and why a team approach to talent scouting works for them. Finally, Robby Morris, director of A&R at New York indie Matador Records, walks us through creative development at the label. Car Seat Headrest "Vincent" Milk Teeth "Swear Jar" Delta 5 "Mind Your Own Business"

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