The Live Music Industry Podcast

This was a truly fun podcast with my good friend Aly, who makes me feel deeply confident about the emerging generation carrying the torch for producing psych rock events and booking fantastic live music. We explore the world of psychedelic rock festivals with Aly, one of the creators behind Austin Psych Fest and Levitation. In this episode, we’ll hear how he went from booking small clubs like Hole...

Sean & Kendall lay out the what, why, and vision of the State of Live initiative, which will provide music venues with an essential tool for local, regional, and national advocacy. If you run any kind of performance stage, please take the time to fill out the survey. In addition to discussing why this is the most important initiative since SVOG, we also explored an important philosophical disc...

In today’s episode, we talk with Daniel with someone who’s been at the heart of D.C.’s live music scene for over two decades. From starting out as artists to building and running Union Stage Presents, which now operates six venues and hosts thousands of shows each year, they’ve seen it all. We’ll discuss the challenges of running small venues, how to keep a schedule packed with hundreds of shows,...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of PopGun Presents and the iconic Brooklyn venue Elsewhere, with founder Rami. From his early days as an agent to becoming a cornerstone in NYC’s live music scene, Rami shares insights into building a thriving venue in a competitive market. We explore the hustle behind booking in NYC, the impressive $3.5M raise for Elsewhere’s launch, and the successes and...

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Bruce Finkelman, Managing Partner of 16 on Center, to uncover the secrets behind building an independent music venue empire in Chicago. From the founding story of 16 On Center to expanding multiple venues, we explore the economics of owning your own venue space, the evolution of running a venue from 1995 to 2024, and the challenges of staying indepen...

In this episode we dive into the evolution of Hive, from its roots as a ticketing company to its current role as a key player in marketing automation. We explore the challenges in the industry, and the company’s rapid team growth. Looking ahead, we discuss Hive’s aspirations, the potential of AI, and the intricacies of software design. The convo wrapped with some exciting fastball topics like the...

In this episode, we chat with Fabrice Sergent, co-founder and CEO of Bandsintown which has grown to become one of the largest most impressive platforms in all of Live Music. In the pod, Fabrice reveals the origin story, showcasing the company's impressive growth. Emphasizing the importance of supporting local musicians and venues, Fabrice discusses how this fosters diversity and vibrancy in the mu...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Bradley, founder and CEO of Eventric, to explore the company's journey from inception to industry leader. Discover the origin story behind Eventric and their flagship product, Master Tour, designed to streamline tour management. Paul shares the fundraising challenges they faced, recounts an [almost] acquisition, and dives into their turbulent journey thro...

In this episode, we are joined by JR, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Prekindle and Space Colonel Management. We delve into the recently dropped antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation by the DOJ and explore JR's inspiring journey in co-founding Prekindle. Discover how his company stands out by refusing to lock clients into contracts, their seamless integration with Prism, and JR's remar...

I had a fascinating conversation with Mark Williamson, the co-founder and CEO of ROSTR, Inc - a tech startup building tools for artists and music industry professionals. During our chat I learned about his wild decade-long ride at Spotify, its growth and success, and how it led to the inception of ROSTR. We dove into the origins of ROSTR, the value the product is providing to the music industry, t...

The independent live music industry can rest soundly at night knowing it has NIVA and incredible leaders behind it like Dayna and Stephen fighting with will, resources, and creativity. My mind was blown to learn about the complexity of the problem in ticketing and that NIVA is back taking the fight to Congress and making progress. This was truly a special conversation that shined a light on import...

I had a brilliant conversation with Andrew (Senior Talent Agent Rocky Road Touring) that spanned his perspective on booking shows internationally, macroeconomics, the advantages boutique independent agencies have on larger corporations, and more. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe...

Jessie and Adam Hartke truly embody the tenacity of the broader industry. In this podcast, we ventured through a medley of topics — the live music and entrepreneurial spirit of Wichita, the Hartkes’ involvement in 5+ business ventures, the industry’s response to macroeconomic trends, DIY infrastructure and so much more. Enlightening and engaging, this conversation spotlights the Hartkes’ brillianc...

“NIVA successfully advocated for 16.25B dollars, the single largest arts grant in the history of the country” This is one conversation that you do not want to miss. Our inspiring, yet practical and informative chat with Cody digs into the roots of his love for music through snapshots of the rebellious Austin Punk Rock scene of the 90’s. Cody maps his mind boggling journey from being that punk rock...

With over 20 years of experience in the Live Music Industry, Cobb is a true expert who deeply cares about the industry's success. As the former owner and operator of several venues, including Exit/In, and the current booker for The Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Cobb has a wealth of knowledge to share. In this episode, we delve into various topics such as the essential qualities needed to...

It's conversations like this that inspire me to be a better human and believe in a beautiful future. Join us for a beautiful conversation with Ryan Honey, the executive director of TACAW, the world's first all electric Net Zero Carbon PAC. In this convo we unpacked the nuances of sustainability, explored the cutting edges of energy production technology (including nuclear, fusion, Geo hydro engine...

He’s a President, CEO, and an all around-fascinating human being – Ty Sutton is what’s known in the industry and by Prism’s casting directors as a ‘Triple Threat.’ Get a backstage look at what goes into leading Dayton Live, the primary host and presenter of the Performing Arts in the region, and running 5 incredible venues, including the historic 150 year old Victoria Theater, and the Benjamin &am...

In this podcast we explore Hilary's founding story, and how she's helping bring mental health services to The Live Music Industry. (00:00) - Mission, vision & story of Backline - creating better support networks for the industry (06:11) - FREE mental health services, and how they work (08:09) - Struggles in the live music industry / why service this industry? (11:22) - Who is Backline helping?...

Matt helped start Pabst Theatre Group with Gary Witt over 18 years ago. PTG owns, operates and books incredible venues across Milwaukee, including The Pabst Theatre, The Riverside Theatre, and The Fiserv Forum. In this episode, Matt 1 and Matt 2 shine a spotlight on a wide range of topics: theater life in the 1800's, consolidation across the industry, potential legislation around All-In ticketing,...

Jason was an Agent at Paradigm & Monterey Peninsula Artists before founding Goldengate Talent Agency. Jason represents an intentionally intimate roster of his favorite artists including Big Gigantic, Ripe, The Floozies, Mobley and more. www.goldengateagency.com Timestamps: (00:20) starting Goldman after Paradigm, during the pandemic (04:10) drive in concerts and how we made it through (06:00)...