The Music Business Buddy

What does it truly mean to take care of our mental health in the complex, demanding world of music? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Jeordie Shenton, Programmes Lead for Tonic Music, a pioneering UK charity dedicated to mental wellbeing for everyone who creates, works with, or simply loves music. Music creators experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, an...

Imagine transforming your voice into that of legendary vocalists like Robert Owens or Angie Brown with just a few clicks. The future isn't coming—it's already here, and it's raising profound questions about artist rights, compensation, and the very nature of creative identity. In this extraordinary conversation with Declan McGlynn, Chief Creative Officer at VoiceSwap, we explore how...

Ever wonder how your music ends up in that Netflix show or smartphone commercial? The path from creation to placement is paved with gatekeepers, contracts, and strategic pitching—and mastering these elements could transform your music career. Jonny Amos dives deep into the sync licensing ecosystem, revealing the crucial professionals every music creator should connect with. From accessible sync ag...

Ready to break into the world of sync licensing? Before you can land your music in films, TV shows, or advertisements, you need to master the crucial preparation steps that most artists overlook. Jonny Amos dives deep into the foundational elements of sync success, revealing why understanding your song's true essence is more challenging—and more critical—than most creators realize. "A so...

"I just want to make a living as a music creator" is perhaps the most common goal I hear from musicians - and today's podcast explores how the remote marketplace makes that more achievable than ever before. What if those guitar skills you've developed could earn you income beyond your local band? What if those production techniques you've mastered could serve clients world...

What if streaming platforms actually paid artists fairly? This question has driven acclaimed producer Lloyd Perrin (Papa Zeus) to develop Serenada, a revolutionary social streaming platform that could transform how musicians earn from their music. Perrin's impressive career spans from chart success with "About You" (which brilliantly reimagined CeCe Peniston's "Finally&quo...

Fifty episodes! What started as a mission to help music creators better understand the industry has grown into a thriving community, and I couldn't be more grateful for your support along this journey. In this episode, I answer questions sent in from the community of listeners.  This milestone episode tackles the questions you've been asking about the music business - the confusing parts...

Step into the fascinating world of ethical AI music creation with Annemarie Gaillard from DAACI as she reveals how technology can amplify your creative process without replacing the human touch. What makes DAACI fundamentally different from other AI music tools? "We haven't trained an AI, we have taught an AI," Annemarie explains, highlighting their approach based on musicology and...

When we cut the roots, the trees don't grow. This stark reality lies at the heart of the UK's current music crisis, where funding cuts to youth music programs threaten to silence the next generation of creative voices. Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music, joins us for a profound conversation about the organization's 26-year mission to equalize young people's access to music-maki...

The worlds of music PR and marketing have merged into a seamless ecosystem, where storytelling reigns supreme and strategy is non-negotiable. In this enlightening conversation, PR manager Ellie Sorensen shares her decade of experience helping independent artists navigate this complex landscape. Ellie pulls back the curtain on how she transitioned from performing artist to PR specialist, revealing...

Standing at the crossroads of streaming and live performance, today's musicians face a peculiar challenge. You might command millions of streams yet struggle to fill a small venue, or pack rooms with fans while your Spotify numbers remain modest. This disconnect represents one of the most fascinating dynamics in music today. Allow me to take you on a journey through the mechanics of the live...

Songwriters seeking to break into lucrative East Asian music markets face unique challenges and opportunities that differ dramatically from Western practices. This deep dive explores the mechanics behind getting your songs cut with artists in Japan, South Korea, and China – three powerhouse territories that consistently rank among the world's top 10 music markets. The pathway to success requi...

What if I told you billions of dollars in music royalties go unclaimed every year? That's the reality that Antonio Di Puorto discovered during his remarkable journey from frustrated small-town DJ to successful artist manager who sold his agency to Live Nation. After witnessing talented artists missing substantial royalty payments throughout his career, Antonio founded MoneTunes to revolutioni...

What does it take to spot star potential in today's crowded music landscape? Laurence Hobbs, platinum-selling producer and songwriter pulls back the curtain on artist development with refreshing honesty and decades of wisdom. Lawrence's journey from songwriter to CEO of SAFO Music Group reveals the profound shifts reshaping how artists build sustainable careers. "Back in the day, yo...

Cover songs might be the unexpected secret weapon in your artist development strategy. Whether you're an emerging talent trying to build a fanbase or an established artist looking to expand your reach, strategically releasing covers can dramatically accelerate your growth while helping you discover your unique sonic identity. Many musicians mistakenly believe that releasing cover songs requir...

The secretive Spotify algorithm stands as arguably the most advanced digital recommendation system ever created, yet few truly understand how it works or how to leverage it effectively. As a music producer, lecturer, and industry consultant, I've dedicated countless hours to researching and testing how this mysterious system operates behind the scenes. What I've discovered is that Spotif...

Guitar virtuoso Rich Watson takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of session musicianship. From touring with major artists to recording remotely for clients worldwide, Rich offers a masterclass in musical versatility and career adaptability. The conversation explores Rich's work across multiple domains – from the technical demands of theatre pit work (where sight-re...

The music industry is rife with complexities, especially when it comes to rights management, and this episode is designed to unpack everything you need to know to ensure you're not leaving money on the table. Join us as we explore the intricate world of copyrights, neighbouring rights, and the pivotal role of collective management organisations (CMOs) in safeguarding your earnings. We kick of...

In this engaging episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of the music industry with esteemed attorney Mimi Camara, who has dedicated her career to helping independent artists navigate the complex world of contracts and negotiations. From balancing her legal practice with motherhood to understanding the current trends influencing music consumption, Mimi shares invaluable insights that aspiring m...

Explore the intricacies of pitching songs to different types of music industry professionals whilst understanding the nuances that could enhance a music creator's career. Learn why demo recordings often hold the key to capturing early excitement and understand how embellishing your production and tailoring your pitch can make all the difference. Whether you're showcasing your potential a...

Get ready to explore the vibrant world of music with Las Vegas-based DJ KnowleDJ; a maestro who knows how to rock a party while championing social causes. Find out how KnowleDJ has skillfully turned his passion for music into a tool for healing and uniting people, creating unforgettable moments for his audience. He opens up about his journey from being a promoter in the late 90s to becoming a DJ a...

It is time to analyse one of the music industry's best-kept secrets: songwriting camps. Ever wondered how some of your favorite songs come to life? Join me, Jonny Amos, as I take you on an insightful journey into the collaborative realm of songwriting camps, where creativity knows no bounds. From the dynamic team structures typically involving a producer and two top liners, to my personal sto...

Lets dive into today's shifting music landscape and discover the strategic moves propelling solo artists to unprecedented success. What if you could track the rise of an artist from obscurity to the pinnacle of the industry within just a year? Join me, Jonny Amos, on the Music Business Buddy podcast as we explore compelling insights from Chartmetrics, revealing the dominance of solo acts and...

Join me as I sit down with the innovative Gary Charles, whose journey from post-punk indie band member in late apartheid South Africa to electronic music pioneer offers a unique window into the evolution of music creativity. Gary's story is a compelling narrative of transformation—crossing from the analog world of traditional instruments to the digital realm of electronic sound-making tools....

Discover how the CEO of Musosoup, Chris Sharpe, is transforming the music promotion landscape for independent artists and labels by offering affordable PR solutions and fostering meaningful industry connections. Chris shares his journey from gig promoter to innovative publicist, detailing how his dissatisfaction with traditional PR practices led to the creation of Musosoup—a platform designed to d...