Breaking Down the Biz

Industry veteran Paul Vidich shares how Apple’s iTunes and Steve Jobs defied conventional wisdom to revolutionize music consumption. Discover the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned digital downloads from a pricy gamble into a $1 billion dollar phenomenon within just a year, and learn how this shift laid the groundwork for today’s streaming universe. Seth and Paul unlock the pivotal negotiation...

On today's episode, we discuss the recent developments in the lawsuit with Ticketmaster and Live Nation. We're joined by expert John Shu, a lawyer, former White House advisor and industry insider, to break down the groundbreaking settlement between the DOJ, states, and Live Nation. This settlement isn’t just about a few million dollars, but about opening up the ticketing ecosystem and potentially...

On this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Schachner sits down with Kerry Gordy, son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Berry shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in the iconic Motown studios to navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry. They also speak on the state of the industry as it relates to major labels and the distribution ecosystem, and Netflix's documentary Sun...

In this episode, Seth Schachner is joined by Michelle Bell, a savvy music and brand strategist, to unpack how brands are transforming festivals into immersive marketing zones. Music isn't always the primary act at festivals - luxury glamping, instagrammable moments, and influencer hype are competing for the main stage at event like SXSW, Coachella, and more. Seth and Michelle explore how this shif...

Most countries underestimate how local competitors and digital giants like YouTube, TikTok, and others are shaping the future of the music industry by developing emerging markets. Alfonso Perez Soto, a veteran in the global music industry, unveils the surprising role YouTube plays across India, Africa, and the Middle East. He and host Seth Shachner (Strat Americas) share how local initiatives like...

In our first-ever mini news roundup, Seth breaks down the biggest stories on his radar this week. He kicks things off with the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit, which is heating back up as 33 states continue to pursue claims alleging monopoly practices. Then, he dives into recent trial verdicts in Los Angeles and New Mexico that could set major precedents for social media platforms. These results cou...

Most major music publications were born in the print era, but are now faced with shifting digital landscapes and an uphill battle to compete for eyes and ears. How has the music journalism category adapted as we shift from the paper to platform? How has the democraticization of music coverage changed the way we critique the industry? To answer all these questions and more, we speak with Ira Robbin...

Join us as we explore Ivy's musical journey, from their analog roots to digital evolution. Discover how they navigated the music industry, faced personal loss, and maintained their creative integrity. Featuring insights from band members on resilience, creativity, and the future of music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The digital revolution in music didn't just change how we listen; it upended the entire industry. From the chaos of piracy and industry decline in the early 2000s to Apple's game-changing iTunes, and now to the streaming era, one thing is clear: the business has never been more unpredictable or more exciting. In this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Shachner sits down with industry veteran T...

On this inaugural episode of Breaking Down The Biz, Bruno Del Granado reveals how Latin artists like Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny use streaming and cultural authenticity to achieve global success. Discover how the internet empowers artists to reach audiences worldwide and build independent teams. Learn about innovative strategies and the importance of embracing cultural roots in today's digital musi...

On Breaking Down the Biz, we simplify the big stuff in the business of music , entertainment, and technology. Industry insider Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Microsoft, AOL, Universal Music) brings you a bite-sized, insider’s guide to how the industry really works.  Each week Seth is joined by industry insiders who are making culture happen - the brains behind your favorite artists, movies, and me...