Break the Business

This week, we talk about a recent article in Variety about how Taylor Swift's deal with her label Big Machine is set to expire in November. What will she do next? Re-up with Big Machine? Go to a new label? Or...will she go independent? This is her first opportunity to go her own way since she first signed her deal with Big Machine 13 years ago. Ryan makes the case for why she needs to declare her...

This week, Ryan answers a listener question about compulsory mechanical licenses and sits down with Soundfly Founder/CEO Ian Temple. Ryan and Ian talk about Soundfly, music entrepreneurship education, how musicians can get more educated about the industry, and much more. Great tips from a terrific music biz mind this week. Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and G...

This week, we discuss the loss of Aretha Franklin and Ryan tells the amazing story of how the Queen of Soul saved the 1998 Grammys by filling in for a sick Luciano Pavarotti to sing an Italian aria without any notice or rehearsal. She was truly one of the greats. Ryan also sits down with Genius Chief Strategy Officer Ben Gross. We talk about the Genius platform, how artists can use lyrics to build...

This week, Ryan breaks down the bombshell music industry report from Citi, "Putting the Band Back Together: Remastering the World of Music." He talks about the report's conclusion that artists are only capturing 12% of the revenues generated by the music industry and discusses who are the "intermediaries" standing between artists and their fans that are keeping money out of artists' pockets. You c...

This week, Ryan talks about entertainment lawyer Erin M. Jacobson's recent article in Forbes about the Twitch and its effect on musicians. Twitch is a platform that has benefited many indie artists by helping them build their fan base through live streaming. But Jacobson argues that the platform could be harming musicians as well. Ryan discusses the article and also gets an opposing view of sorts...

This week, Ryan answers a listener question about publishing administration: Should you use CD Baby's Pro Publishing service if you are already using them for your album distribution? What are the pros and the cons? Ryan also sits down with musician and former therapist Laini Marenick of Laini and the Wildfire. Laini talks about her band's album "Wandering" and about transitioning from her old job...

This week, Ryan interviews legendary music supervisor Maureen Crowe (Wayne's World, The Bodyguard, Chicago). Maureen gives some great tips for our listeners on how to increase your sync placement opportunities and how to build the right relationships with the industry professionals who can get your music in movies, TV, commercials, and more. This is a not-to-be-missed interview for any independent...

This week, Ryan answers a listener question about growing your social media following, which then led to another question: What should you focus on more as an artist, increasing your following or investing in the following you already have? Ryan discusses this topic by referencing a recent article in TuneCore Blog by Suzanne Paulinski (aka "The Rock Star Advocate") entitled "The One Place Your Foc...

Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast. This week, Ryan talks about a recent article by Greg Puciato of Dillinger Escape Plan. The article talks about the value in maintaining your independence as a musician. The content of the article is interesting, but what is more interesting is the fact that article came out on one of Spotify's blog pages. I...

Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast. This week, Ryan talks about last week's copyright lawsuit involving Ed Sheeran, his song "Thinking Out Loud" and the investment firm that owns the royalty rights to the Marvin Gaye song "Let's Get it On". Ryan discusses what lawsuits like these could mean for songwriters going forward. Ryan also sits down w...

Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast. This week, Ryan talks about the CASE Act, a bill currently going through Congress that would create a special court for small claims copyright disputes. Could this law create a means for indie artists to get justice when their works are stolen, or is it promising more than it can deliver? Ryan also sits dow...

Hi Podcast Listeners! The Podcast now has its own Twitter account! Visit us @thebtbpodcast. This week, Ryan discusses Sony's sale of part of its stake in Spotify and its decision to share some of the proceeds with its artists. Is Sony being magnanimous, or is there an ulterior motive driving their actions? Ryan discusses the issue and reflects on what this story signifies for the balance of power...

Hi Podcast listeners. Ryan is back from his hiatus with new episodes! This week, Ryan discusses the recent article in Vulture about Lily Allen's abuse allegations and how they relate to the dangers of record industry contracts. Ryan also sits down with industry expert Clara Charron to discuss her "Pop of Colour" music blog. Clara gives some great advice on how musicians can start their own video s...

This week, we feature an interview with Bobby Owsinski of the Music 3.0 blog and Guy & Ilan Ferdman of Satori Prime. Great music industry advice this week that will definitely inspire your inner entrepreneur! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we feature an interview with The Krickets where we discuss collaborating effectively with bandmates and an interview with songwriter Shawnee Kilgore to discuss hypercreation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we feature an interview with Cheryl B. Engelhardt to discuss branding and an interview with Holley Maher to discuss The Other Nashville Society and finding sync opportunities for your music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we feature interviews with Suzanne "The Rock Star Advocate" Paulinski and Bruce Wawrzyniak. In the first interview, we discuss self care and time management. In the second interview, we discuss how to get more show bookings as an artist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! This week, music entrepreneurship expert Andrew Hitz stops by to give us lots of fantastic tips to help you move your career forward. We also have a discussion with him about the current state of higher education and music and whether music schools...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! In the first segment, Ryan talks about the recent lawsuit involving Cardi B and her former manager. He uses the story to talk about the common pitfalls in artist management deals and how to avoid them as an indie artist. In the second segment, music...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! This week, Ryan discusses findings from a recent study released by Midia Research which noted that unsigned artists only make up 2.7% of global recorded music revenue. Does this mean that it is a bad idea to go indie? Heck no! Ryan breaks down the s...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! In the first segment, Ryan breaks down the latest version of the Music Modernization Act that is making its way through Congress. The bill just made it through the House Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support. It has a real chance of pas...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! NOTE: Zola has a song on the Lifetime TV show "Mary Kills People" that will air on April 9th. Don't miss it! In the first segment, Ryan provides additional info for artists on the tax laws that will take effect for this year. There are things that a...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! This week, Ryan discusses the RIAA's 2017 Music Industry Revenue Report. The industry continues to grow, but is it growing in a way that will help indie artists? Ryan breaks down the report, discusses some of its more interesting findings (particula...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! This week, Ryan answers a listener e-mail about staying motivated in your music career and maximizing your revenue streams as a musician. Ryan also sits down with Muddy Paw PR CEO Angela Mastrogiacomo and gets some great networking tips from an expe...

Hi Podcast listeners! Thanks for downloading. Be sure to get a copy of the Break the Business audiobook, now available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! This week, Ryan gives you more networking tips so you can build your industry relationships and move your career forward. Ryan is also joined by CD Baby VP Kevin Breuner to discuss the distribution service's last two decades, how the industry has ch...