Audio | Michael Brandvold Marketing

Carmine shares his experience using AI to create music videos for Cactus’s recent albums, explaining how they collaborate with video director Dom Esposito to create high-quality computer-generated content that would have cost millions to produce traditionally. Episode 693: This was an interview for the Music Biz Weekly Podcast where Michael discussed the music industry changes […]

We are joined by John Torra, the new lead singer of Quiet Riot. Episode 692: We are joined by John Torra, the new lead singer of Quiet Riot. John shared his background growing up in Long Island, his early musical influences like Elvis Presley and Van Halen, and how he taught himself to sing by […]

John’s YouTube covers and online presence led to mainstream media attention and a positive reception, comparing his rise to the “Rockstar” movie narrative. Episode 691: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast featured a discussion between Michael and Blasko about the recent announcement of John Torra as the new lead singer of Quiet Riot. They explored how […]

Paul Gargano, a music manager with a background in journalism and former editor of Metal Edge magazine, discusses trends in the music business Episode 690: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast featured Paul Gargano, a music manager with a background in journalism and former editor of Metal Edge magazine, discussing trends in the music business. The […]

The marketing challenges faced by Stanley Simmons, the singer-songwriter duo consisting of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons, Evan and Nick Episode 689: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast discussed the marketing challenges faced by Stanley Simmons, the singer-songwriter duo consisting of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons, Evan and Nick. Michael and Blasko explored how […]

Strategies for opening acts to maximize their opportunities, including reading the audience, incorporating familiar covers into sets, showcasing band members’ talents, and engaging directly with fans after performances. Episode 688: Michael and Blasko discussed Blasko’s recent successful tour with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, where they observed strong attendance and positive fan eng...

Traditional sales department roles within the music industry have been eliminated, leaving artists to handle sales responsibilities. Episode 687: Michael and Blasko discussed a major frustration shared by both as fans and business professionals – the inability to purchase new music releases when fans are most excited to buy them. They identified that the traditional […]

Michael and Blasko discuss their personal music histories in a fun, profile-focused episode. Episode 686: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast featured Michael and Blasko discussing their personal music histories in a fun, profile-focused episode. They shared stories about their first album purchases, with Blasko recalling buying KISS “Destroyer” in 1977 at age 7, and Michael […]

How authenticity applies to artists at every career stage, from new independent artists to established veterans. Episode 685: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast featured Blasko and Michael discussing two essential practices that every band should implement but often overlooks. Blasko emphasized the critical importance of authentic artistic expression, arguing that independent artists must genuinely conn...

Blasko shares his strategies for staying productive, including using a mobile office backpack with essential tech gear and backups, while on tour Episode 684: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast featured a discussion between Michael and Blasko about managing business while on tour. Blasko, currently on the road with Rob Zombie, shared his strategies for staying […]

How Can Bandcamp Benefit Your Band? Episode 683: Michael and Blasko focus on Bandcamp as their main topic, exploring its features, benefits for independent musicians, and how it compares to other streaming platforms. Michael shared his experience using Bandcamp for BraveWords Records, highlighting its fast payment system, high-quality audio options, and direct artist-to-fan communication capabilit...

How AI allows Rudy to realize his artistic vision without the constraints of a record label or expensive studio time. Episode 682: The Music Biz Weekly Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Rudy Sarzo about his use of AI in music creation. Rudy explained how he uses AI platforms like Suno as a “studio band” […]

Hypebot and Bandsintown work together to help artists build sustainable careers. Episode 681: What happens when one of the music industry’s most influential publications gets a fresh vision? This week on The Music Biz Weekly Podcast, Bruce Houghton, Founder of Hypebot, and Jeremy Young, Editor-in-Chief of Hypebot, join us for an in-depth conversation about the […]

Whether you’re an independent artist or an established band, this episode explains why auditing your online presence is no longer optional—it’s an essential part of building a successful music career in the age of AI. Episode 680: Your fans, promoters, agents, and even AI are forming opinions about your band long before they ever visit […]

If you’ve tried AI and been disappointed, is the technology really to blame? Episode 679: AI seems to be the latest thing that everyone loves to argue about. Some people embrace it, while others seem to hate it on principle. But what is it that people actually hate about AI? Is it really the technology […]

Lots of real practical advice in this episode for anyone touring or playing out live. Episode 678: Bruce Houghton returns and we discuss is Blue Dot Fever real or is it media hype. The conversation then moves on to what musicians and bands can do when touring during tough times. Lots of real practical advice […]

A 10,000-person mailing list sounds impressive until you realize the average click-through rate is often 1–3%. Episode 677: Blasko recently wrote a great piece on LinkedIn that we discuss… You are a collector, not an owner. A 10,000-person mailing list sounds impressive until you realize the average click-through rate is often 1–3%. A 10K mailing […]

What is the difference and why your fan’s community is everything. Episode 676: Michael and Blasko talk about the difference between festivals in Europe and festivals in the US. What is the difference and why your fan’s community is everything. Your community is your power.   The Music Biz Weekly has moved… to a NEW […]

So much great insight from these two veterans. Episode 675: Giles Lavery joins Michael and Blasko. Giles wears many hats… singing lead in the bands Alacatrazz and Warlord. A&R for BraveWords Records. Managing the bands Girlschool, Warlord, Raven, Lillian Axe and others. Blasko and Giles talk all about managers and managing artists. So much great […]

Remember it is always about the song. Episode 674: We are joined by Stephen Parker, Executive Director, National Independent Venue Association/NIVA. Stephen joins us ahead of the upcoming judgment, and potential appeal, in the Live Nation case, and the guilty verdict of monopolization. We really dive into what this means for artists, independent venues, and […]

Remember it is always about the song. Episode 673: When bands tour without all original members why do fans go see them? Are they going to see a tribute band? Of course not! It is about the music, the songs, the memories. Remember it is always about the song. The Music Biz Weekly: https://linktr.ee/musicbizweekly   […]

With confidence in yourself you can connect with your fans without even playing music Episode 672: This episode starts off with Michael asking Blasko a question — “What fan reactions make you smile? Do you know how to get that reaction from your fans?” This quickly lead to a revelation… that to connect with your […]

Linktree has grown to be so much more than a simple list of links you use in Instagram. Episode 671: Sammy Kaufman, Head of Music Partnerships at Linktree, returns to update us everything that is new at Linktree, with special focus on features that are important for musicians. Gated Content Enhanced Analytics Short Links The […]

We look at Maphra and Angine de Poitrine Episode 670: Continuing with last week’s discussion about figuring out your vibe… this week Michael and Blasko discuss two artists who get their vibe and what they are doing now that they have figured it out. We look at Maphra and Angine de Poitrine. Maphra: https://linktr.ee/maphramusic Angine de […]