Business Side of Music

Bob Bender
Business Side of Music

The Business Side of Music is an interview show designed to help independent artists and songwriters better understand and navigate the music industry. 45-year industry veteran, Bob Bender talks to successful guests from every corner of the industry about their careers to discover the things they did right as well as the lessons they learned from any mistakes they made. businesssideofmusic.com

  1. 17 SEPT

    Wisdom We've Earned From Lessons We've Learned

    Nashville-based musician Nick Hickman epitomizes the dedication and artistry required to leave an indelible mark on country music. Originating from Harriman TN, Nick embarked on his journey to Nashville in 2016, driven by his passion for songwriting and performance. Since then, he has graced the stage alongside notable influences such as Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, Jason Aldean, and more, solidifying his reputation for electrifying performances and engaging with audiences. His talent has garnered praise from venue owners and talent bookers, who commend his stage presence and musical prowess. Nick Hickman's energy and heartfelt songwriting have resonated with his audience, earning him recognition in esteemed competitions including Nash Next. He secured a Top 20 placement in a highly competitive field, a testament to his talent and hard work. Radio programmers have praised his work and compared his talent to established headliners. His debut single "Rain" from the 2016 EP Tailgate Dancefloor significantly impacted the Music Row Breakout chart, a notable achievement for a newcomer. His subsequent releases, including the EP “Let Em Speak” and singles like "Tipsy" and "Live For Tonight (featuring singer Amber Hayes)," have further solidified his position in the industry, with “Live For Tonight” earning placement on the Billboard indicator chart—a remarkable feat without major label support. Refusing to settle for mediocrity, Nick invests considerable time honing his craft in the writing room, studio, and on stage. He remains true to himself, embracing authenticity and transparency in his artistry—a quality that resonates deeply with his growing fan base. His EP, Feels Like Home, is a testament to his unwavering dedication and creativity, showcasing his artistic evolution. In 2023 Nick released his first full-length album, Junior Year, which culminates Nick's musical evolution and personal growth, reflecting on his experiences and showcasing Nick's versatility as a songwriter and performer. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nick seized the opportunity to establish his record label, Whiskey Neat Records, and construct a personal studio. With each release, Nick strives to elevate his music, delivering tracks ranging from introspective to upbeat, infused with his signature humor and charm. As he looks toward the future, Nick Hickman's trajectory promises even greater success, fueled by his relentless passion and commitment to his craft. www.thenickhickman.com Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thou

    37 min
  2. 3 SEPT

    Becoming An Influencer

    You see it all the time. Someone out on social media has hundreds of thousands, if not millions of followers on their Tik Tok, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook accounts. But how do they get there, and how difficult can it be? Enter social media influencer Nicole de la Cruz. Nicole de la Cruz is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, filmmaker, actress and TikTok Content Creator with over 460K Followers and 350 Million Views. Nicole spent her childhood in Southern Florida where she discovered her passion for music and the arts. In 2015, she moved to Los Angeles to further her artistic career. Her style of music is pop/rock similar to an early Kelly Clarkson. Nicole is best known for her TikTok account (@nicolemariedlc), in which she posts creative acting skits and her music. She is also known for her music video Moonstruck (2021), produced by Reign Productions in partnership with New Atlantis Media, which has garnered over half a million views to date on Youtube. Nicole is currently working on her debut music album and debut feature film. Her music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and more. www.nicoledelacruz.com Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.

    41 min
  3. 27 AUG

    Perception Versus Perspective

    Back in the 1940's, 50', and into the 1960's, the recording studio was rather a simple affair. Typically one or a few mics would be used to record an artist or a band, with all of the members in the studio at the same time. Then in the 1970's, the recording studio changed, and became a structured environment, where each member could be isolated, with a selection of microphones recorded onto multiple tracks. Things have changed since then, and the viability of the recording studio, and its status has changed dramatically. On the show today is Steve Creech, who is an industry recognized mastering engineer and record producer. He shares his insight with records to the future of the studio, and the up and coming engineer. He shares with us his experience with the difference of perception versus perspective when it comes to the recording studio and its environment. Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.

    1h 4m
  4. 22 AUG

    It's Still The Wild, Wild West

    The music business is probably more so like the Wild, Wild West these days, than it ever has been, even going back to the 1960’s. Joining us on the show today is the legendary music industry veteran Charlie Peacock, who is a multi Grammy winner,  along with being a multiple genre Billboard chart topping music producer, composer, and recording artist. He has been named by Billboard’s encyclopedia of record producers, as one of the 500 most important music producers in popular music history. He has produced music for film, television, including “A Walk To Remember”, music for “12 Years A Slave”, along with music for the AMC drama Series “Turn - Washington Spies”. He has released more than 27 albums going back to 1982, and is releasing his new album “Every Kind of Uh Oh”. He also has a memoir coming out in 2025 titled “Roots & Rhythm - A Life In Music”. Also joining Charlie in the studio is his son Sam Ashworth, who in his own right is a notable producer, singer, songwriter, and composer. If anyone understands the wild, wild west in the music business, it's definitely Charlie and Sam. Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.

    46 min
  5. 13 AUG

    Build, Maintain, and Grow

    When it comes to such simple things as communication, networking, and even relationships, there are three basic skills you need to remember. You need to build upon the relationship. You also need to maintain them, and work towards them growing. Joining us in the studio is music industry veteran Lyn Stevens who is an award winning photographer, who combines her love of photography with her passion for music. From that, she has learned the ability to network among industry peers, and shares her insight with our listeners. While on the subject, we also discuss documenting your career with photography, and how important it is in the bigger picture. Since her days as a producer at WIBA-FM and Morning DJ & Country Music Director WDUX in Wisconsin, Lyn has always had the bug to work in the music industry. Working in radio provided Lyn the opportunity to meet and interview legendary performers such as Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Charlie Daniels, Loretta Lynn, and The Kentucky Headhunters among many others. After moving to Nashville in 2009, her photography "hobby" started catching the eye of local performers. In 2012, the door was opened as Lyn was honored to have 3 of her photos on display as part of the Cameras and Community in Action Project at The Frist Center for The Visual Arts. Her work went on to be featured in Country Weekly, Billboard Magazine and the Nashville Music Guide. In late 2014, she was asked by country legends, Little Texas, to shoot the photos for their album, "Young for A Long Time," which garnered her the award for "Best Visual Art" at the 2015 Nashville Independent Music Awards. She added the title, “International Photographer” to her resume, after documenting a Blues/Rock tour to Australia in 2016 and another tour to Iceland in 2018. Her work has since been seen on television in Australia and in newspapers and magazines throughout Europe. She approaches photography as a documentarian, based off the strong belief that she is documenting future history, in the present-day moment. Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific

    50 min
  6. 6 AUG

    Tonechaser - The Eddie Van Halen Story

    Joining us on today's episode is noted author Steve Rosen, who shares his story of his time spent with guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. This strikingly personal account of Rosen's twenty six-plus year odyssey with Eddie, one of the greatest and most enigmatic musicians of the 20th Century. What was it like to call Ed a friend? Rosen shares with our listeners how he came about writing his book "Tonechaser - Understanding Edward: My 26 Year Journey with Edward Van Halen". Steve, is a professional music journalist with a career spanning 50 years. During this period, he has published well over 1,000 articles in major periodicals originating from around the Globe. Rosen was the West Coast correspondent for Guitar World Magazine for four years during the seminal mid-80's when he wrote eight cover stories - including three lead features on Eddie Van Halen, recognized as pivotal pieces on the legendary guitarist. Rosen has also written books on several high-profile musicians, including Jeff Beck, Prince, Black Sabbath, Free / Bad Company, and Randy Rhoads. www.tonechaserbook.com Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.

    38 min
  7. 30 JUL

    The Journey Home Project

    It is a significant milestone for the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, which will be held on September 11, 2024, at City Winery Nashville. The awards dinner is a program of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, a 501c3 that supports military veterans, first responders and their families. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, co-founded by Country Music legend, Charlie Daniels with his longtime manager, David Corlew. Although Daniels passed in 2020, his musical legacy lives on, and his devotion to veterans causes continues through the dedication of Corlew. Through fundraising events, the organization supports the efforts of other not-for-profit organizations providing services to U.S. veterans and first responders; selected for providing the most meaningful work with the lowest overhead. TCHJHP has raised more than $4 million for these organizations. Corlew shares his story of how he got into the business, first working at a record store, then becoming a roadie for Charlie Daniels, before becoming his manager for the next 30+ years of Charlie’s career. www.thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.

    36 min
  8. 23 JUL

    Is The Big Show A Thing of the Past?

    On this special episode of "Between The Notes" edition here on The Business Side of Music, show contributor Jack Sharkey and host Bob Bender go on a rant, discussing the value of the larger venue concert, and why some acts are having a difficult time selling out these days. Are they (the artist) still viable? Is the cost (and the unpredictable weather when its outdoors) worth going to stand around with hopefully thousands of your closest friends in a partially filled event? Jack and Bob delve into why some acts should no longer find themselves anticipating performing at large venues, when its difficult to put butts in the seats, and the scaling back to smaller venues such as auditoriums or theaters (or clubs) might make more financial sense.... in spite of their egos. Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: bob@businesssideofmusic.com If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at bob@businesssideofmusic.com The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2024 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.

    51 min

About

The Business Side of Music is an interview show designed to help independent artists and songwriters better understand and navigate the music industry. 45-year industry veteran, Bob Bender talks to successful guests from every corner of the industry about their careers to discover the things they did right as well as the lessons they learned from any mistakes they made. businesssideofmusic.com

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