Business Side of Music

Jorge Brea has spent 20 years watching songs succeed and fail at scale. As founder and CEO of Symphonic, he's distributed over two million songs, and in this episode he gets refreshingly honest about what actually separates the records that break through from the ones that disappear. Sarah and Jorge dig into the three things breakthrough songs have in common, why release day is the start of yo...

Music videos are no longer just promotional tools. In today's music industry, they are one of the most powerful ways to drive discovery, build fandom, and create new revenue streams. In this episode of The Business Side of Music, Sarah Fleshner sits down with Jordan Glickson, Vice President of Music and Talent at VEVO, to discuss how artists can use visual content to grow their careers in 2026...

What does it really take to build power in the music industry? In this episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with renowned entertainment attorney, activist, author, and artist advocate Dina LaPolt for a candid conversation about the evolving music business and what artists need to know to protect their careers. From her unconventional journey as a musician-turned-la...

In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association, for an in-depth conversation about the growing controversy surrounding concert industry monopolization, ticketing fees, artist touring control, and the future of independent music venues. From rising ticket prices and restrictive tour rout...

In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with artist manager and branding expert Leigh Holt to break down what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry. From artist management and tour chaos to leadership, team building, and execution over perfection, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for independent artists, manage...

What does it really take to build a long-term career in the music industry? In this special anniversary solo episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner reflects on one year behind the mic and dives into the realities of staying in the music business—beyond the highlights, viral moments, and sold-out shows. From artist development to tour life, this episode breaks down the three cr...

What does it really take to build a sustainable music career? In this episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast , Sarah Fleshner talks with Dillon Carmichael about navigating Nashville, overcoming early setbacks, and turning talent into a long-term career. Dillon shares insider lessons on artist development, building the right team, touring strategies, songwriting, and growing fans organically...

Most independent artists focus on making music and plan to figure out the business side later—but that approach can lead to missed income and unnecessary headaches. In this solo episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner shares key steps independent artists can take to properly set up the foundation of their music business. Drawing from over a decade of experience in the music ind...

What separates a good live performance from a show that builds lifelong fans? In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with live music producer Amy Wolter of Tom Jackson Productions to break down the psychology behind unforgettable concerts. From stage presence and authority to setlist strategy and audience connection, this conversation unpacks how artists can desi...

In this solo episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner breaks down the step-by-step touring framework every independent artist needs to tour professionally, even without a big team. You’ll learn how to: • Build a professional EPK that booking agents actually open • Write a booking email that gets responses • Use data (Spotify for Artists, Bandsintown, Songkick) to choose the right ma...

In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner breaks down 5 moves artists should make to start the year strong from a business-first perspective. This episode kicks off a new monthly series focused on clarity, strategy, and momentum for independent artists and music professionals. Sarah shares practical insights on defining your business identity, owning your data, understanding...

In this episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with legendary artist manager and music tech investor Scott Welch — the man behind careers for Paula Abdul , Alanis Morissette , Collective Soul , and more. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build artists and careers in today's algorithm-driven music industry. Scott shares brutally honest in...

In this episode, we sit down with Shelia Shipley Biddy , CFO and Certified Senior Advisor at Music Health Alliance , to explore how this remarkable organization is helping protect, heal, and support the people behind the music. Shelia shares how Music Health Alliance serves as a vital resource for musicians and industry professionals seeking healthcare — offering free advocacy, access to doctors,...

In this episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast , NAMM President & CEO John Mlynczak shares what it takes to put on the world's largest music trade show. We cover NAMM's year-round opportunities, music industry innovations, and the impact of AI on the future of music. Perfect for artists, managers, and music business professionals looking to stay ahead. Register for NAMM 2026: www.namm.org  ...

In this episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with Nikki Sanz, founder and CEO of Giggs , the platform revolutionizing how talent gets hired in the live event industry. Nikki shares her journey from an aspiring tour manager to a tech entrepreneur, opening up about the challenges facing today's live music world — from the hidden costs of touring to the constant deman...

On this episode of Business Side of Music , we sit down with Hamilton Byrd, Senior Talent Buyer for Venue in Colorado Springs, CO. Hamilton dives into what makes a show successful from the venue's perspective, how artists can catch a talent buyer's attention, and why routing, budgeting, and building real industry relationships are key to getting booked. If you're an artist, manager, or industry pr...

In this episode of The Business Side of Music , we sit down with country music royalty Pam Tillis. Grammy winner, Grand Ole Opry member, and business-savvy artist who's done it all with grace and grit. Pam pulls back the curtain on what it's really like navigating the music industry as the daughter of a legend, carving out her own path in a family full of star power. We dive into how she built a l...

In this special episode of The Business Side of Music , we sit down with Dan Rogers , the Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry , to celebrate the Opry's 100-year anniversary — a century of shaping country music history. Dan takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to put on the Opry's iconic shows night after night, sharing the intricate production work, team dynamics, and legacy-bui...

In this heartfelt farewell episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast , we say goodbye to our host, mentor, and friend, Bob Bender. As we close this chapter, we reflect on the incredible journey, invaluable lessons, and unforgettable moments shared with our listeners. Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting the podcast through the years. Join us as we celebrate Bob's legac...

In this episode of  The Business Side of Music Podcast , host Bob Bender sits down with Jeff Delia to discuss the intricacies of artist management and the evolving music industry. From building artist careers to navigating industry challenges, they share valuable insights and real-world experiences. Don't miss this deep dive into the business side of making music. Creator and Executive Producer Em...

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Join host Bob Bender on  The Business Side of Music Podcast as he dives into the world of rock and roll and the modern music industry with special guest Donovan White. Together, they explore the evolution of the industry, share behind-the-scenes stories, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing artists today. Whether you're a music enthusiast or an industry insider, this episode offers...

In this episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast , host Bob Bender sits down with Nick Allegro and the team from Mastering.com to explore the art and business of music production and mastering. From the intricacies of creating the perfect sound to learning mastering in today's music industry, they share valuable insights and practical advice for artists and producers. Tune in for an engaging...

Nashville-based musician Nick Hickman epitomizes the dedication and artistry required to leave an indelible mark on country music. Originating from Harriman TN, Nick embarked on his journey to Nashville in 2016, driven by his passion for songwriting and performance. Since then, he has graced the stage alongside notable influences such as Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, Jason Aldean, and more, solidifyin...

You see it all the time. Someone out on social media has hundreds of thousands, if not millions of followers on their Tik Tok, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook accounts. But how do they get there, and how difficult can it be? Enter social media influencer Nicole de la Cruz. Nicole de la Cruz is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, filmmaker, actress and TikTok Content Creator with over 460K Followers...