The Music Industry Blueprint Podcast

Rick is back on the road with Trent Harmon on the Rascal Flatts tour. On this episode you will hear some of the exciting things that are happening behind the scenes.  On today’s episode Rick breaks down the differences between major label artists and independent artists. You can get a lot of chances if you’re independent but you do have to work for it. “You don’t get a lot of chances when you’re s...

On this episode of the Music Industry Podcast, Rick interviews Chris Greenwood aka Manafest, music marketing genius and indie artist. Chris shares his successes as an artist and how his business - Smart Music Business - has helped other artists achieve the same level of success. Tune in to get the practical advice that will help you in the long run.   “A band got 10 million streams and the label g...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick shares an old interview he had with Steve Palfreyman, founder of the Music Launch Hub. Tune in to find out Rick’s expert advice on fan engagement and how to nurture your fans, not just increase your numbers. “These fans will do everything for you if they feel like you know them.”-Rick Barker   What do you want to hear from the Music Industry...

In today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick talks with Kyle “Circa” Lemaire, his good friend and founder of Indepreneur. They discuss the music industry, how it operates, and give advice on how to succeed in this world. They share the ins and outs of the business and the secrets that are often overlooked. You don't want to miss the nuggets of knowledge they drop in this episode. Tune...

It has been about 10 years since Rick worked with Taylor Swift. Recently he took his family to see her live in action. Listen in as Rick takes a walk down memory lane and revisits some special moments he and Taylor shared. Also, if you are a female artist, stay tuned to hear Rick’s advice on how to get some more exposure.   “If you always err on the side of being humble and gracious, you will alwa...

Have you ever thought to yourself, “If I could just meet the right person with the right connections, I could go a long way.” Rick explains why that is not the right mindset to have in today’s music industry. Plus, tune in to find out how YOU can be a guest on the Music Industry Blueprint podcast!   “Connections can get you in the door, but what you have done leading up to that is going to keep in...

Looking for more ways to monetize your music? Then you don’t want to miss this episode! Rick sits down with Tony Van Veen, CEO of CD Baby and Disc Makers. Together they discuss the fundamentals of what makes indie artists successful. They also share great ideas for bundling and pricing, and how to get creative with the merch you offer.   “You are never too small to start connecting with fans.”-Ton...

Goal setting, we all know we should do it but how many of us actually write them down and follow through? On this episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick shares questions you should be asking yourself when figuring out your music business goals. Grab a pen and paper and hit that play button now! “Make sure you have got your goals written down and don’t be afraid to start over.”-Rick Barker  ...

Today on the Music Industry Blueprint Rick explains the one mental mindset shift that will allow you to make massive progress in your personal development. For many, the one thing that is stopping them from taking the leap is the cost. However, changing how you view the cost of a coach, or a training course from an expense to a solution will allow you to take the leap you may be scared to make rig...

“I don't have the time!” is an excuse so many of us make. When in reality we all have time, we just don’t know what to do with it. On this episode Rick joins us live from the backstage of a Trent Harmon concert in Chicago. He shares practical tips on how to maximize your time to get the things that matter most to your career done. “We all have time, the problem is you just don’t know what to do wi...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick is happy to talk about the changes in The Four - the TV talent show. He will speak about the changes that have happened and his opinion on the show’s contestants. Tune in to find out more and see if you share Rick’s view. “That’s not how the music business is today.”-Rick Barker   What do you want to hear from the Music Industry Blueprint Po...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick interviews Michael Warner, the founder, and curator of Work Hard Playlist Hard. Michael has been in the music industry for more than 15 years and he has made his site in order to help new artists get more exposure through many popular playlists. Tune in to learn about his business, the submission process on the site, the best ways to improve...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick dives deep into the feeling of entitlement many artists have in today’s age. He will explain how no one has the right to feel entitled, in the music industry and life in general, and how to do it right. Tune in to hear Rick’s opinion on the matter and find out how to act in this current music era if you really want to be successful.   With t...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick will answer some of your questions about the music industry. Do you need to be wealthy to start a music career? How to build your audience and get them to connect with you? How to avoid management scams? Rick will attempt to answer these questions in full detail, so if you want to hear the answers and learn something new, tune in. Don't forg...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick is joined by Colin Maher, an entertainment attorney in Nashville. Colin and Rick will talk about a lot of important things that you should know about when it comes to copyright issues. Tune in if you want to know more about these legal problems in the music industry, and learn about them directly from an entertainment attorney.   “The earlie...

Let’s face it, the music industry has drastically changed. But is it for better or worse? Some new artists argue that streaming has made it very difficult for up and coming artists. Rick shares his thoughts on this topic. Tune in to find out why this might be the best time to be in the music industry. “We need to spend more time adjusting to the way things are [in the music industry] instead of co...

If you were a brand new artist and someone offered you $5000 to invest in your music business what would you spend it on? This is the question Rick is addressing today. A lot of new artists would assume the best thing to do is to record a song and hire a PR firm to push it to radio. WRONG! Rick shares what he would strategically do so that there is an opportunity for more investments in the future...

Today on the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick discuss the 360 deal. This episode breaks down how the 360 deal came about and who benefits from the deal. Rick shares insider tips on negotiating deals, and what investors should look for with potential artists.   “Make sure that if anyone is participating in any form of the revenue stream that they are helping contribute a little bit.” -Rick Barker   W...

Today on the Music Industry Blueprint, we are continuing the conversation about publishing. This episode is geared toward the self publishing writers. Tune in as Rick breaks this part of the industry down for you.   “Before you sign a publishing deal, make sure you get an entertainment attorney to look over it.”-Rick Barker   What do you want to hear from the Music Industry Blueprint Podcast? Tell...

On this episode, Rick continues answering questions from his email subscribers. Today he discusses the 2 types of publishing deals. Rick gives us some insider information on the hiring process, what staffed songwriters make and an inside look of the publishing process. If you are a songwriter, this episode is for you. “Hold on to your publishing as long as you can. The person that holds the copyri...

Recently, Rick asked his followers what they want to hear on the podcast. So, on today’s show, Rick is sorting through his mail and answering your questions. He gives tips on posting to your socials, as well as tips on what your website should look like.   “You may be listening to the podcast, but are you doing what I teach on the podcast?.”-Rick Barker   What do you want to hear from the Music In...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick discusses a new product from one of his favorite podcasts, Creative Juice. Aimed at the indie artist, you don’t want to miss the great content this program has to offer. Tune in to hear why Rick stands behind this product and its creators.   “You never, know it all. Things are always changing.” -Rick Barker   What do you want to hear from th...

On this episode of the Music Industry Blueprint, Rick passionately shares his thoughts on artists looking for validation. Artists must realize that they are the only ones that can make their goals and dreams happen.  Rick also discusses the work ethic and mindset that you need to make the right connections and be successful in the music industry.   “If you are waiting for someone else to give you...

On today’s episode of the Music Industry Blueprint we are discussing TV talent shows once again! This time Rick gives us 10 valuable tips to follow when creating a submitting video for auditions. Currently, The Launch, American Idol and The Voice are all accepting audition videos, so make sure you take notes and apply these tips to your submissions. “Because you’re doing a video submission [to TV...

On today’s episode, Rick gives us a behind the scenes look at meet and greets. He shares some of strange requests and his experiences he has had with Taylor Swift and Trent Harmon fans. Rick also teaches us how to properly deal with these sometimes awkward situations. “A lot of times fans take things very personal when they have a request, but we have to take a look at the long term repercussions....