The Music Biz Podcast

Latest Episodes:

American Authors (Matt Sanchez) Sep 23, 2020

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This is going to be the best pod of our lives. American Authors' drummer Matt Sanchez stops by Inside Music to discuss various topics, including his band's new 'Counting Down' EP. Matt tells James about the evolution of the group and the friction that occurs when musicians try to change their sound. The pair also discuss maintaining your creativity amid a global pandemic, becoming the 'gold standard' in music licensing, and the allure of Nashville. It's a big conversation stuffed into a small amount of time, and we believe you're going to love how it sounds.

Inside Music is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry's leading promotional distribution platform. Haulix is used by artists such as Slipknot, Bruce Springsteen, and Mariah Carey to reach journalists. Sign up today and receive your first month FREE! Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

BONUS EP: Taylor Colson Sep 21, 2020

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In this very special Inside Music Mini-sode, host James Shotwell calls Los Angeles singer/songwriter Taylor Colson to discuss creativity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Taylor drew James' attention when she shot and edited the video for her debut single, "Hurt Me," using an app found on all MacBook computers. Her poetic vision is matched by her angelic voice, which is poised to make a significant impact on fans of pop music in the years ahead.

Pretty Awkward (Austin Held) Sep 16, 2020

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PRETTY AWKWARD exists to defy classification. The Seattle-based band blends elements of their many genre influences into every song they create. Some are more rock-oriented, while others are bombastic pop offerings meant to move hearts and feet in perfect time. The result is a sonic exploration of the possibilities that arise when people choose to express themselves to the fullest extent. If you want to know the members of this band, their music will tell you everything, and that's the kind of transparency people want from musicians today.

On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell speaks with Austin Held over Zoom. Austin tells James about his experiences during COVID, the story behind PRETTY AWKWARD's new single "Misfits," and how the current pandemic is informing his creativity. The pair also lament the lack of live music, which seems to be a recurring theme on our show.

Fit For A King (Ryan Kirby) Sep 09, 2020

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With Fit For A King's new album The Path set for release this month, Ryan Kirby returns to Inside Music to discuss all things music business. He shares how the current pandemic forced the band to rethink their approach to promotion and engagement, as well as the many lessons learned along the way.

Manticora (Kristian Larsen) Sep 02, 2020

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Denmarks' Manticora is nearly a quarter-century into a career built on the premise of constant reinvention. The band has written more songs and toured more cities than most groups can ever imagine. Their tireless work ethic almost broke the group in the early 2010s, but a bold vision for a concept album and accompanying book breathed new life into the band. That project took years to bring together, but as of August 2020, it's finally complete and available for all who wish to lose themselves in Manticore's unique creation.

On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell chats with founding member Kristian Larsen about his time in metal. Kristian recounts the lessons he's learned along the way, as well as the night that led to Manticora's most ambitious project to date. He also speaks to the concept of creativity and what it takes to survive life in the unpredictable world of music.

Manticora's new album, To Live To Kill To Live, is available now.

Pale Blue Dot Aug 26, 2020

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Virginia rock band Pale Blue Dot knew 2020 was going to be a wild year before it even began. Their new album was nearing completion, people were starting to pay attention, and every week brought new press. Then the pandemic happened, and every plan the band had was ruined in a matter of weeks. That kind of abrupt change can derail anyone, but the members of Pale Blue Dot did not miss a beat. The group pushed their album release, explored new marketing practices, and started work on what would become their first live stream performance.

On this episode of Inside Music, Pale Blue Dot shares the lessons they've learned throughout this tumultuous year. They also look toward the future and consider the best way to handle the current 'downtime' that COVID-19 made possible.

Be Well (Brian McTernan) Aug 19, 2020

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Brought to you by Haulix, the music industry's leading promotional distribution platform. Join Haulix today and gain immediate access to the same promotional tools used by Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Puscifer, Mr. Bungle, and thousands more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details. Brian McTernan needs no introduction, but we’ll give him one anyway. Brian is a producer and musician whose work in the alternative scene has influenced some of the most notable records of the last twenty years. Everyone from Texas Is The Reason to Darkest Hour, Circa Survive, Sharptooth, and more owe a few thanks to Brian for his work behind the boards. But like all great creatives, Brian has stories he wants to share, and that’s what people get on the new album from his incredible hardcore band, Be Well. The heavier side of alternative music is sometimes written off as being reserved for young people. When teenage angst meets the struggle to survive adulthood, creativity blossoms in a unique way that often expresses itself through heavy music. Many of the greatest hardcore albums are written by people in their late teens and early twenties who are speaking to experiences recognized by their peers. Those same listeners age, just like the musicians, but the embrace of heavy music often fades along the way. Be Well is an exception. While their music can and will inspire young listeners, the band’s work speaks directly to the lives of those deep into adulthood. The group’s latest record, The Weight And The Cost, tackles the frustrations of parenting alongside the constant struggle to understand ourselves. It’s in McTernan’s ability to speak on both topics that magic is found, and the resulting recordings are sure to provide comfort to many during these uncertain times. On this episode of Inside Music, Brian chats with host James Shotwell about his history in production and how the challenges of creative expression change with age. The pair also discuss the influence of Brian's former band, Battery, as well as the way his work will be remembered in the years to co

Zero Theorem - The future of rock? Jul 31, 2020

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Brought to you by Haulix, the music industry's leading digital promotion platform. Join Haulix today and get immediate access to the same promo tools used by Tool, Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, and thousands more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

Spoiler alert: Suffering is inevitable. Philosophers tell us the key to enjoying existence is accepting that suffering is an essential part of the experience. You can't have happiness without sadness, and you cannot hope to grow if you never face a challenge. If we can accept that as truth, then we can become anyone and anything we desire, and Zero Theorem wants to be the next band that changes your life.

Blending science fiction with heavy music in a way that never feels forced, Zero Theorem captures the big picture of being by focusing on the minutia of life. Their songs aim for emotions we all experience and leverage them to make statements about the flaws in our way of thinking. They stop short of claiming to know the way the world should be, but they make it clear that we are meant for more than rough lives of labor and strife. Human Beings are capable of so much more than we realize, and thanks to bands like Zero Theorem, we are becoming more aware of that fact with each passing day.

On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell talks to the band about their music and the lessons they hope to convey.

ToBy Jul 08, 2020

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ToBy is one of the brightest minds in entertainment today. His music speaks to the struggles we all experience and channels those commonalities into songs that soothe the soul. He isn't trying to convince you that your problems don't matter, but instead, ToBy aims to provide comfort as you go through life. His latest EP, The Outside, plays like a late-night road trip spent with the wind in your hair and the radio on as loud as it will go.

You, Me, And Everyone We Know (Ben Liebsch Returns!) Jul 01, 2020

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On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, Ben Liebsch returns to discuss the world and his role in it. Ben tells James about the way COVID-19 has sidetracked his plans for the year, but also the ways it has helped him focus on what matters most. The pair also discuss the latest EP from Ben's band, You, Me, and Everyone We Know.

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