Modern Musician Podcast

Alex Branson, SVP of Music Services at Beatport, oversees tools like ampsuite, LabelRadar, and Hype, empowering artists, labels, and suppliers. With over 20 years in the music industry, Alex’s career spans pivotal roles at EMPIRE, Warner Music Group, and advisory work with companies like Rotor Videos, iMusician, and Facebook. He co-founded one of the UK’s first digital distributors and launched in...

Will Cuming is a Platinum-certified artist and Product Development Manager for Community Music, where he’s building a revolutionary tech platform to empower independent artists. Known for his work as LANKS, he’s toured with Rüfüs Du Sol and Glass Animals, and brings a rare mix of artistry, tech expertise, and industry insight. Will’s passion for redefining artist independence fuels his mission to...

Meet Eric Copeland, founder of Creative Soul Records and a lifelong music innovator. With decades of experience as a producer and composer, Eric has championed independent artists, harnessing technology and licensing to guide them through the ever-evolving music industry.  In this episode, Eric shares his journey, revealing how sync licensing and technology are transforming opportunities for music...

Mike Butera, the visionary founder of Artiphon, has redefined how we create and experience music. A musician and technologist, Mike combines his expertise in sound design and human-computer interaction to craft adaptive musical instruments that empower creativity for everyone. With a passion for blending art and technology, he is at the forefront of the music-tech revolution, inspiring artists and...

Toni Malyn is the Head of Marketing at EmuBands, a trusted music distribution partner for artists, labels, and managers worldwide. With years of expertise in helping independent musicians thrive, Toni leads the charge in empowering creators to retain full control of their music rights and royalties. EmuBands' platform delivers cost-effective solutions for music distribution, bolstered by perso...

Aaron Axelsen is a music industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, from DJing to discovering and supporting groundbreaking artists. As the co-founder of Pop Scene and a longtime radio programmer, Aaron has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless emerging musicians. His expertise lies in combining grassroots marketing with a deep understanding of what resonates with audie...

Matt Urmy, founder of Artist Growth, transitioned from performing artist to tech innovator, creating a platform that empowers independent musicians to manage their careers effectively. His journey highlights the power of creativity and entrepreneurship in navigating an ever-evolving industry. In this episode, Michael and Matt dive deep into the challenges artists face in managing their careers, th...

Lior Tibon is the CEO and co-founder of Duetti , a revolutionary platform transforming how independent artists monetize their music. With a background in finance and a passion for empowering creators, Lior brings a fresh perspective to the music industry. By bridging the gap between artists and investors, Duetti provides a streamlined way for musicians to access catalog sales, helping them achieve...

Logan Grimé, founder of ViB3 MACHiNE and co-founder of the band Mini Matilda, is a trailblazer in the music industry known for his melodic genius and innovative approach to songwriting. With a career shaped by early musical influences and a passion for creativity, Logan combines artistry with technology to inspire and elevate aspiring songwriters. In this episode, Logan discusses the power of melo...

Darryl Ballantyne is the founder and CEO of LyricFind, a pioneering platform in lyric licensing and monetization. With over two decades of industry leadership, Darryl has revolutionized how artists and publishers turn lyrics into sustainable revenue streams, blending innovation with a deep understanding of music copyright. In This Episode : Host Michael Walker dives into Darryl's journey build...

Sarah Beth Perry, founder and CEO of With The Band , has collaborated with top artists like the Jonas Brothers and Kacey Musgraves to redefine fan engagement in the music industry. Starting as a music fan herself, Sarah turned her passion into a thriving business, creating tools that empower artists to build deeper connections with their fans. In this episode, Sarah introduces Fan Crew , her platf...

Gregory Hirschhorn is the CEO and co-founder of Too Lost, a forward-thinking music distribution and publishing platform that empowers independent artists with tools to maximize their careers. With a background in compliance technology and a passion for innovation, Gregory has positioned Too Lost as a leader in bridging the gap between traditional record labels and DIY solutions. Discover how Too L...

Channing Moreland and Mackenzie Stokoe, co-founders of Eva, are reshaping how independent artists connect with gigs and opportunities. From humble beginnings in college to facilitating over $6 million in bookings, their platform is empowering musicians to thrive. How can independent artists secure more gigs, get paid fairly, and embrace the future of live music? In this episode, they discuss: How...

Dawn Jones is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and founder of Pressed Fresh Collective, FreshNoise Distro, and Pressed PR. Originally a musician, Dawn shifted to promoting and publicizing artists through PR. Her work has landed clients in Billboard, Forbes, Huffington Post, and more, earning Pressed PR recognition as one of "The 10 Best Indie Music Promotion Services That Are Worth It." Wit...

Maïa Heidling is head of GTM Strategy at MusicHub, a platform built by musicians for musicians to simplify their journey in the industry. With a passion for empowering independent artists, Maïa combines a deep understanding of music distribution, promotion, and rights management with innovative strategies. Her work emphasizes authenticity, individuality, and education, making her a key advocate fo...

Linda O’Connor is a seasoned music manager turned entrepreneur and founder of Micco, a platform dedicated to empowering musicians with affordable tools to promote their music and build meaningful connections with their audiences. With a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of the music industry, Linda champions authenticity, consistency, and community in navigating the challenges of moder...

Luke Mendoza is the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Beatchain, a trailblazing company revolutionizing the music industry with data-driven services tailored to independent musicians. With a background in marketing analytics and a passion for empowering artists, Luke has helped reshape how musicians engage with fans, overcome data silos, and leverage technology for success. In this episode...

Dan Melnick is the CEO of Sonicbids, a groundbreaking platform that has transformed how artists connect with live music opportunities. A former musician himself, Dan combines his passion for music and expertise in technology to help independent artists navigate the evolving music landscape. With decades of experience, he’s a champion for leveraging digital tools to build a thriving music career. I...

Derek Ali is a four-time Grammy Award-winning recording and mixing engineer known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Donald Glover. Self-taught since 2006, Derek’s innovative approach has reshaped audio engineering. As the founder of EngineEars, a platform built for streamlining professional collaborations, Derek is pioneering new ways to empower creatives. In this conversation, Der...

Omer Matz is a musician, entrepreneur, and tech innovator who bridges the gap between music and technology. As the founder of Roadie, an AI-powered music management app designed for independent artists, he helps musicians grow through collaboration, identity cultivation, and mental resilience. With a deep understanding of the music industry's challenges, Omer emphasizes teamwork and a long-ter...

John Kohl is the founder and CEO of TuneGO, a groundbreaking platform that bridges the music and technology industries using blockchain, eco-friendly practices, and innovative tools. With a background spanning both tech and music, John’s mission is to transform how artists and fans connect, protect creative rights, and open new monetization opportunities. In this episode, he and Michael Walker dis...

David Israelite serves as the president and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), advocating for songwriter rights, music publishers, and industry standards. With expertise in copyright, royalties, and government regulations, David is a leading voice for the evolution of music publishing. In this episode, David dives into the challenges songwriters face, the role of the Copyrigh...

Rosa Weiner began her music journey as a solo artist, later fronting multiple bands and performing as a session vocalist for independent artists across the North-West. Her career spans several facets of the industry, including roles as a music journalist for publications like Bido Lito!, Liverpool Noise, and We Plug Good Music. After working in events and as an A&R scout for an indie label, Ro...

Oleg Sevirsky is the visionary behind Endel, an innovative company at the intersection of AI, music, and wellness. With a focus on personalized soundscapes, Oleg is redefining how AI can support creativity, focus, and relaxation for users worldwide. Under his leadership, Endel creates adaptive sound environments that resonate with users' needs for productivity, sleep, and relaxation, positioni...

Louis Marks and Fabian Brown, the powerhouse minds behind Ropa Dope, bring decades of industry expertise and a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of the music business. With their focus on empowering independent artists, they offer practical insights into building a sustainable music career without losing artistic authenticity.  In this episode, they discuss essential strategies for navi...