Music Business

This week on Music Business, we explore the growing battle between AI and copyright, the latest Spotify trends, and why artists are winning through community, not algorithms. We also discuss the rise of dance music, the return of legacy artists, and what independent musicians can learn from today's biggest success stories. Plus, we break down the business, branding, and buzz surrounding Taylor Swi...

In this episode of Music Business, we break down how record deals, record labels, and music distribution really work, separating industry myths from the realities every artist should understand. From major labels versus independent paths to advances, recoupment, royalties, and 360 deals, this episode explains how artists get paid—and what they may be giving up in return. You'll also learn why digi...

This week on Music Business, artist Motherfather joins the show to discuss the evolution from opera student and rock frontman to creator of a bold new dance-pop project rooted in queer expression and high-fashion visuals. Fresh off a Pride Festival debut and preparing to release a debut album, Motherfather shares lessons learned from life in bands, building an independent career, and finding an au...

In this episode of Music Business, we break down how AI is reshaping the music industry, shifting the conversation from fear to ownership, licensing, and who gets paid. We explores why independent artists should focus less on going viral and more on building direct fan relationships, communities, and sustainable revenue streams. The episode highlights how super fans, live experiences, and audience...

AI artists are topping the charts, but what does that mean for real musicians? In this episode of Music Business, Morgan Perry breaks down the biggest opportunities, risks, and controversies surrounding AI's growing influence on the music industry. From streaming royalties and licensing battles to authenticity and artist survival, discover what's really happening behind the headlines. Learn how in...

In this episode of Music Business, host Morgan Perry unpacks the latest industry shifts, from AI-powered music licensing and TikTok's influence to the growing focus on artist ownership and superfans. Drawing from Donald Passman's All You Need to Know About the Music Business, Morgan explains why business knowledge—not just talent—determines long-term success. Learn the basics of copyrights, master...

In this episode of Music Business, rising singer-songwriter Morgan Keller joins the show for a candid conversation about the realities of life in the music industry. From her skepticism of award shows to her thoughts on industry-manufactured artists like Benson Boone, Keller doesn't hold back. She opens up about the heartbreak that inspired her latest EP, the emotional toll of infidelity, and how...

In this episode of Music Business, Morgan Perry sits down with DJ Mark Xtreme for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI in the music industry. They unpack the rise of AI-generated artists, cloned celebrity vocals, streaming fraud, and the growing tension between technology and human creativity. The conversation explores how platforms like Spotify and TikTok are reshaping music discover...

This week in Music Business our special guest is Scott Nathan, the LA-based bestselling author, photographer, director, and podcaster behind The Big Book of Bad Decisions and the Bad Decisions podcast, known for turning tragicomic Hollywood moments into unforgettable stories. In this episode, follow along as Scott reflects on his path from promoting nearly 1,000 concerts in Chicago to landing in L...

On this episode of Music Business, we sit down with Kirsten Collins, Princess, and Nathalie Bonin to talk about their new collaboration “FEELZ” under Momo Entertainment. The trio shares the story behind blending pop, EDM, orchestral music, and cinematic sound into one uplifting record while navigating the realities of being independent artists in today’s music industry. We also dive into collabora...

On this episode, three-time Emmy and nine-time Grammy winner Kevin Brandino Brandon joins the show to talk reclaiming music culture through live instrumentation, mentorship, and adapting to tech-driven change. He shares behind-the-scenes session stories with legends like Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake, and OutKast, revealing what it really takes to thrive in the industry. The conversation dive...

This week on Music Business, we break down the biggest shifts happening in the industry right now—from behind-the-scenes power moves to the trends shaping what hits and what doesn’t. If you’re an artist, executive, or building your way into the business, this is the information you need to stay ahead—and stay paid. Intro Music: Sh!tty Princess "Women in Music" Other Music: Sh!tty Princess, "Shatte...

In this episode of Music Business, we sit down with Mary Jurey of Tower 26 Music to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry. From independent artist growth strategies to the business fundamentals most creatives overlook, Mary shares practical insight on navigating an industry that’s constantly evolving. We dive into the intersection of creativity and re...

Returning guest, DJ Mark Xtreme, joins the show to unpack the explosive ruling against Live Nation and Ticketmaster—and what it means for artists, venues, and fans worldwide. From hidden fees and alleged monopolistic control to real-life stories of industry gatekeeping, this episode dives deep into the power dynamics shaping live entertainment. The conversation bridges global perspectives, compari...

This week Music Business has a special guest: Mara Kuge, president and founder of Superior Music Publishing, takes us inside the making of 40 Watts from Nowhere, a documentary tracing the rise and fall of a rebellious pirate radio station—and the massive effort behind clearing 70 songs for a 90-minute film. Additionally, she breaks down what music publishing really is, how sync licensing has evolv...

This week on Music Business, Nyx That Bitch joins us to recap a wild weekend performing at Truman State University alongside Shitty Princess and RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Jessica Wild. The trip kicked off in St. Louis with chaotic pre-show antics through exploring the gay bars in The Grove. Once in Kirksville, the queens found an unexpectedly hype crowd and what Nyx swears are the best chicken f...

This week on Music Business, Nyx That Bitch joins us to recap a wild weekend performing at Truman State University alongside Shitty Princess and RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Jessica Wild. The trip kicked off in St. Louis with chaotic pre-show antics through exploring the gay bars in The Grove. Once in Kirksville, the queens found an unexpectedly hype crowd and what Nyx swears are the best chicken f...

Rerelease of our most streamed episode:  From late-night studios in Uganda to a top-streamed independent station across Africa, Mark Xtreme’s journey is a masterclass in building culture from the ground up. In this episode, the veteran DJ unpacks how a childhood obsession with music magazines, a homemade mixtape, and a single radio break sparked a global platform for indie artists. We dive into di...

This episode of Music Business dives into the growing tension between AI innovation and copyright law, exploring how artists and companies are battling over ownership and creative rights. Additionally, we also highlight the lasting success of Bruno Mars, breaking down the strategy behind his longevity in an ever-changing industry. Also, the conversation then shifts to Labrinth’s latest annoucement...

On this episode of Music Business, we break down the conversation around Taylor Swift “blocking” other artists on the charts and what chart strategy really looks like in today’s industry. We also discuss the Grammys’ potential move to a new network and what it could mean for the Recording Academy’s already controversial reputation for inconsistency. Then we dive into the gap between fan theories a...

In this episode of Music Business, we break down the mindset behind great live performances and why giving yourself grace on stage matters. The audience doesn’t know what was supposed to happen—so energy and presence often matter more than perfection. We talk about how stage confidence is a skill you build over time and how that confidence becomes contagious. Plus, we highlight the importance of s...

This week Music Business explores how technology, data, and new platforms are reshaping the music industry, shifting power from traditional label systems to a more algorithm-driven landscape. The conversation examines tensions between artists and corporations, creativity and control, and talent versus ownership in an era of streaming, AI, and direct-to-fan models. Additionally, we dive into the ri...

In this episode, Music Business breaks down what it really takes to navigate today’s music industry, from mastering professionalism and preparation to balancing creativity with smart business strategy. The show explores how artists can use tools like streaming, social platforms, and AI without losing authenticity or wasting money on ineffective tactics. The conversation dives into building loyal f...

On this episode, three-time Emmy and nine-time Grammy winner Kevin Brandino Brandon joins the show to talk reclaiming music culture through live instrumentation, mentorship, and adapting to tech-driven change. He shares behind-the-scenes session stories with legends like Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake, and OutKast, revealing what it really takes to thrive in the industry. The conversation dive...

On this week’s episode of Music Business, we recap The 2026 Grammy Awards which was filled with both chaos and clarity—from Morgan’s Spirit Airlines betrayal that almost kept her from the awards (don’t worry, she still made the afterparty) to breaking down the new artist montage and why the night delivered few real surprises, with most predictions landing right on target. We wrap it up with Morgan...