The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

Ari's Take
  • 4.6 (11)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

**WEBBY AWARD FOR BEST MUSIC PODCAST** “#1 music industry podcast to help keep you in the loop” -Spotify “The 10 Best Music Business Podcasts of 2022" – Variety Ari Herstand is the best-selling author of How To Make It in the New Music Business. Forbes calls him “The poster child of DIY music.” In this show, he deconstructs the brightest minds in the music industry, digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and strategies that listeners can use to run successful careers of their own. Ari offers straight talk with no fluff and doesn’t let his guests off easy. If there is a way, Ari will find it. To learn more follow @aristake_ and @ariherstand Visit aristake.com to join the newsletter. -- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. How the China Music Market Works

    4 DAYS AGO

    How the China Music Market Works

    This week Ari sits down with Alex Taggart, an expert on the Chinese music market. Alex spent 10 years in China overseeing local strategy for clients such as Dua Lipa, Diplo, Lauv, John Legend and so many more. He now works independently, managing artists through his own company, Isle of Management. Alex’s main focus is bringing globally-minded talent to local audiences worldwide. This conversation gives a comprehensive introduction to the Chinese music industry. Whether you’re well-versed in this market or know virtually nothing about it, you will learn a ton from this episode. Alex highlights various DSPs used in China (i.e. their versions of Spotify/Apple music) and explains the inner workings of Chinese social platforms. If you’re an artist looking to break into China, Alex offers actionable steps to get your music on their radar. In fact, you might already be big in China and not even realize it! Alex shares important info about how to check your music’s traction in China. If you’re interested in booking shows or touring through the country, this episode is for you, too. Enjoy this breakdown of the multifaceted Chinese music market! https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-taggart-music/  Chapters 00:00 Collaborating for Success in China 01:51 Understanding the Chinese Music Market 07:55 Music Consumption and Streaming Platforms in China 15:59 Checking Your Traction in China 20:38 Revenue Streams for Artists 23:57 Monetization in the Chinese Music Industry 35:41 Navigating Publishing and Rights Management 37:07 Understanding China's Music Publishing Landscape 40:01 Navigating the Challenges of Music Rights in China 44:27 Exploring Touring Opportunities in China 49:50 Strategies for Artists to Break into the Chinese Market 54:12 The Role of Competition Shows in Artist Development 01:01:19 Leveraging Collaborations for Market Entry 01:12:01 Defining Success in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m
  2. He Wrote/Produced 10 #1 Hit Songs: Stargate's Tor Hermansen on How To Do It

    22 JAN

    He Wrote/Produced 10 #1 Hit Songs: Stargate's Tor Hermansen on How To Do It

    This week Ari sits down with Tor Hermansen, half of the production/songwriter duo Stargate. Stargate has written and produced major hit songs for artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, and Coldplay, to name a few. Tor has billions of streams, has written and produced 10 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles in the US and 11 in the UK. He has won 2 Grammy Awards and received the ASCAP songwriter of the year award twice. Stargate’s writer and producer credits include Beyoncé’s global hit “Irreplaceable,” Beyoncé and Shakira’s “Beautiful Liar,” extensive work with Rihanna including “Rude Boy,” “Don’t Stop The Music,” “Only Girl (In the World),” What’s My Name, “S&M, “Diamonds,” Selena Gomez’ “Come & Get It” and “Same Old Love,” Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Most recently, the team produced Coldplay’s album A Head Full of Dreams, co-wrote and produced Julia Michael’s current hit “Issues.” Tor talks about the process of songwriting and producing, working with artists and topliners. He shares great advice on how to write and work in the room with other songwriters, producers, and topliners. Tor also shares valuable insight on demoing, writing, re-writing, scaling up a musical production, and more. Ari and Tor dive deep into the business end of songwriting and producing as well; they discuss the 9-month intensive LAAMP program (Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Producers) Tor and his Stargate partner Mikkel Eriksen created for aspiring artists, songwriters, and producers in LA and how to get involved. If you’re interested in how songwriting and producing works at the hit level, this episode is for you! https://www.instagram.com/stargate/ https://www.laampmusic.com/ Chapters 00:00 No Compromising in Music Creation 00:33 Introduction to Tora Hermanson and Stargate 02:51 Songwriting and Production Process Insights 04:41 The Evolution of Music Production 10:19 The Pitch Game: Is It Dead? 13:14 Identifying a Hit: The Unpredictable Nature 16:03 The Role of Social Media in Music Success 18:52 Adapting to New Mediums: TikTok and Streaming 21:27 The Creation of 'Issues' with Julia Michaels 24:41 Evolving Production Techniques 27:51 Collaboration and Song Development 30:33 Creative Freedom in the Final Product 32:11 The Art of Collaboration in Songwriting 37:01 Navigating the Songwriting Process 46:59 The Business of Songwriting and Representation 49:16 Building a Career as a Songwriter 56:45 Creating a Nurturing Environment for Artists 01:04:50 Defining Success in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m
  3. How YouTube Works for Music

    15 JAN

    How YouTube Works for Music

    This week Ari sits down with George Karalexis & Donna Budica, the co-founders and CEO/COO (respectively) of TEN2 Media, a content distribution and marketing company that helps artists and labels maximize revenue and growth on YouTube. TEN2 Media partners with Warner Music Group, UnitedMasters, Travis Barker, Benson Boone, Brent Faiyaz, and more. They specialize in marketing, monetization, and collection on the YouTube platform, all of which you’ll hear about in this episode.  This entire episode is dedicated to YouTube for music—artists and labels in particular. Donna and George share stats about how listeners interact with YouTube, how people discover new music on the platform, and what it means that YouTube is the #1 music discovery platform right now. They break down the components of YouTube monetization and do a deep dive into companies that help artists manage their YouTube channels and revenue. If you’re wondering how to up your YouTube game, the most effective ways to use YouTube these days, and all the various tools that exist on the platform (shorts, music videos, vlog content, lyric videos, playlists, storytelling, UGC [user-generated content], etc.), this is the episode for you. https://www.ten2.media/ Kristin Robinson Billboard Article: How Did Two Unknown Latin Music Operators Make $23 Million From YouTube? The IRS Says They Stole It Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of YouTube in Music 03:13 Understanding YouTube's Unique Role 06:02 Strategies for Artists on YouTube 08:49 The Power of YouTube Analytics 12:07 Monetization Mechanics on YouTube 15:00 Navigating YouTube's Revenue Streams 37:12 Understanding YouTube's Viewer Demographics 40:09 The Evolution of Cover Videos and UGC 42:55 The Long Game: YouTube vs. TikTok 43:51 Strategies for Emerging Artists 48:03 Navigating YouTube's Complex Revenue System 56:13 The Future of Distribution for Indie Artists 01:01:25 Filling the Void for Emerging Artists 01:09:01 When to Start Taking YouTube Seriously 01:12:07 Defining Success in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m
  4. Cody Fry on Leaving a Major Record Label and Finding His Niche Fronting Orchestras

    8 JAN

    Cody Fry on Leaving a Major Record Label and Finding His Niche Fronting Orchestras

    This week Ari sits down with Cody Fry, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and orchestral arranger known for his symphonic arrangements of his own music and other artists’ songs. Cody has been nominated for two grammys for arranging: this year for his adaptation of “The Sound of Silence” and previously for “Eleanor Rigby.” An incredible musician all around, Cody has found his niche fronting orchestras in a way that appeals to pop music lovers around the world. Cody has played Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Kennedy Center, and has hundreds of millions of streams online. In 2021, his song “I Hear a Symphony” (which had already been out for five years) went viral on TikTok and landed Cody a major record deal. In this episode, Cody talks about what it was like working with a major label and the specifics of his record deal. He also tells Ari why he decided to eventually leave the label and go independent once again.  https://www.codyfry.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Artist's Journey: From Aspiration to Independence 02:50 Cody Fry: The Orchestral Innovator 06:02 Crafting Sound: The Art of Orchestration 08:52 Finding Your Unique Sound as an Artist 11:58 The Viral Breakthrough: TikTok and Its Impact 15:08 Navigating Record Deals: Insights and Experiences 18:02 The Transition to Independence: A New Chapter 20:52 Performing with Orchestras: A Unique Experience 23:55 The Future of Music: Independence and Innovation 39:54 Navigating the Music Business Without a Manager 42:44 The Importance of Team Members in Music 43:14 Non-Traditional Team Members and Their Roles 46:07 Managing Sheet Music and Publishing Rights 54:35 Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams for Artists 01:01:09 Creating Engaging Content for a Niche Audience 01:04:02 Future Aspirations and New Music Projects 01:08:13 Understanding the Value of Record Deals 01:19:37 The Evolving Landscape of the Music Business Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 22m
  5. Can The Music Industry Be a Safe Place?

    18/12/2024

    Can The Music Industry Be a Safe Place?

    This week Ari sits down with Katie Tucker, a double-platinum songwriter, vocal producer, studio owner, and the visionary behind Sharp Edges Records with its accompanying recording studio. As a songwriter, Katie has crafted hit songs for renowned artists like Namie Amuro, BoA, and Jota Quest. She has amassed millions of streams as a recording artist and her music has been featured on major platforms including ABC, USA, VH1, Fox, Disney, Peacock, and Hulu. A defining moment in her career came with "Do It For Love," featured on Namie Amuro's album Finally, cementing her status as a double-platinum songwriter. These days, however, Katie spends most of her time in advocacy and running Sharp Edges Records. One of the main reasons Katie started her record label/studio was to create a safe space for her clients within the industry. Katie started No Creeps!, an event and movement advocating for mental health, safety, and inclusivity in the music industry as a further expression of her advocacy. This conversation goes deep into safety and inclusion in music and recording. In this conversation, Katie offers tangible resources for how we can all participate in making this industry a safer and more supportive place for everyone.  Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesharpedges/ Women In Music Safe(r) Spaces Resource Directory: https://www.womeninmusic.org/saferspaces No Creeps! Digital Resource Zine: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uk87S0hmxSsHaEXCTieSuz3AiwcaKs-x/view?usp=drivesdk Chapters: 00:00 Creating Safe Spaces in the Music Industry 03:08 The Journey to Sharp Edges Records 05:56 The Importance of Vulnerability in Music Creation 09:06 Navigating Safety and Inclusivity in Recording Studios 11:52 Concrete Steps for a Safer Music Environment 15:11 Understanding the Spectrum of Safety Concerns 18:00 Educating for Change: The Role of Communication 20:50 Empowering Artists Through Advocacy 30:20 Addressing Abuse of Power in the Music Industry 32:11 The No Creeps! Initiative: Creating Safe Spaces 36:19 Empowering Voices: Sharing Experiences and Education 41:11 The Importance of Allyship and Advocacy 46:24 Navigating Imperfection: Learning from Experiences 52:35 Resources for Safety and Support in the Industry 56:21 Redefining Success in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  6. Selling out Clubs With Very Few Followers? This DIY Band Is Making It Happen.

    11/12/2024

    Selling out Clubs With Very Few Followers? This DIY Band Is Making It Happen.

    This week, Ari is joined by the band DOUBLECAMP to discuss how they built such a successful independent career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  7. How Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" Made History and Became the Biggest Song in the World

    04/12/2024

    How Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" Made History and Became the Biggest Song in the World

    This week Ari sits down with Heather Vassar, the Senior Vice President at EMPIRE—a fully independent record label, publishing company, and distributor. Heather’s career began at Universal Music Group Nashville, where she developed digital strategy for renowned artists such as George Strait, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Keith Urban. In 2019, Heather joined EMPIRE where she now plays a pivotal role in operations, marketing, and strategy for a diverse roster of artists including Shaboozey, Wyatt Flores, Niko Moon, Sophia Scott, Don Louis, Reyna Roberts, Tenille Arts, and Randy Houser. Heather and Ari discuss the incredible success of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” which has been number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for 19 weeks straight—the longest any song has held that position. Heather reveals how this hit (released on an indie label) became the biggest song in the world and how they have sustained its momentum. She shares the entire journey from signing Shaboozey, to putting out his initial singles, releasing his album, collaborating with Beyonce, all the way to his massive global success today. Thanks to her extensive experience at both major and independent labels, Heather has sharp insights to share about deal structures, ownership models, artist development, and how the industry has shifted (in the majors and the indies) over the last five years, all of which you’ll hear about in this episode. https://www.instagram.com/hvassar/ 00:00 The Hustle Behind Success 02:49 Empire Records: A New Era in Music 06:07 Shaboozey’s Journey to Stardom 09:12 Navigating the Independent Label Landscape 12:01 The Creative Process: From Songwriting to Release 14:50 Breaking Through: The Success of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” 18:07 The Role of Radio in Today's Music Industry 20:49 Building a Fanbase: The Digital Approach 24:02 The Importance of Flexibility in Music Releases 33:56 Navigating Legalities in Music Production 39:08 Strategic Album Rollout and Market Timing 45:51 Building a Global Music Infrastructure 50:02 Maintaining Momentum After a Hit Release 55:04 Balancing Art and Market Trends 01:00:10 Educating Artists in the Digital Age Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m
  8. An Iranian Refugee Became a Hit Producer and Now Finds Humanity with Global Collabs

    27/11/2024

    An Iranian Refugee Became a Hit Producer and Now Finds Humanity with Global Collabs

    This week Ari sits down with AFSHEEN, an electronic artist, producer, songwriter, and DJ. Initially, AFSHEEN became well-known for producing music by Madonna, Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, Sia and other big-name artists. AFSHEEN was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his work on Natalia Jiménez's album Creo en Mi. He wrote "All We Have Is Love" with Sabrina Carpenter, wrote and produced "Sunny Days" with Armin van Buuren and Toby Gad, and has worked with other notable artists like Rebecca Ferguson and Lindsay Stirling. A song AFSHEEN wrote for Korean artist Taeyeon reached number one on the K-Pop Billboard charts for two consecutive weeks.  AFSHEEN has had an incredibly successful career as a songwriter/producer, but he also recently released a new album, SMALL WORLD, under his namesake solo project. An Iranian refugee himself, AFSHEEN worked with artists from all over the world to bring this record to life. SMALL WORLD features prominent artists from Indian, Romania, Jamaica, Japan, Amsterdam, and beyond.  AFSHEEN talks with Ari about transitioning from being the go-to producer/songwriter for superstars into being a self-released artist who releases his own music through DistroKid. AFSHEEN is also starting his own label, SOUNDISH. He shares insights about the process of building a label and his vision for the label’s future. https://www.instagram.com/afsheenmusic/ 00:00 Exploring Global Sounds: AFSHEEN’s Journey 09:55 The Power of Collaboration: Building a Diverse Album 20:07 Cultural Roots and Personal Stories: Music as a Reflection 30:03 The Indie Artist Journey: From Producer to Self-Released 32:00 Vision for the SOUNDISH label: A New Era in Music Production 38:24 Transitioning from Behind the Scenes to Artist 42:46 Expanding Global Reach through Collaboration 51:22 Breaking into the Music Industry 01:02:08 Defining Success in the New Music Business Edited and mixed by Ari Davids Music by Brassroots District Produced by the team at Ari’s Take Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m
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4.6
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About

**WEBBY AWARD FOR BEST MUSIC PODCAST** “#1 music industry podcast to help keep you in the loop” -Spotify “The 10 Best Music Business Podcasts of 2022" – Variety Ari Herstand is the best-selling author of How To Make It in the New Music Business. Forbes calls him “The poster child of DIY music.” In this show, he deconstructs the brightest minds in the music industry, digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and strategies that listeners can use to run successful careers of their own. Ari offers straight talk with no fluff and doesn’t let his guests off easy. If there is a way, Ari will find it. To learn more follow @aristake_ and @ariherstand Visit aristake.com to join the newsletter. -- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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