The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

Ari Herstand’s The New Music Business podcast is hands-down one of the best resources out there for anyone serious about navigating today’s music industry. He’s got this perfect mix of real-world experience, sharp insight, and a genuine desire to help artists succeed on their own terms. The guests are top-tier — managers, songwriters, label heads, and innovators — all sharing practical advice that actually applies to real life, not just theory. What I love most is that Ari breaks down complex topics like touring, streaming, royalties, and fan building in a way that’s clear and actionable. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, every episode leaves you with something you can immediately put into practice. If you’re an independent artist trying to build a career in the new landscape of music, this podcast is essential listening.

I was happily listening to this podcast a couple years ago and one comment from Ari during one episode had had me completely stop listening (until I recently decided to give it another try) Over reaction? Perhaps. But also a testament to how incredibly powerful words can be to sensitive artist types like me working so hard at creating and believing in their Quixotic vision… the comment was something along the lines of telling artist that the one thing they should not do if they want to become successful is have kids. I had recently gotten news that my partner and I were unexpectedly expecting, and this felt like a real punch in the gut. Even though I know of a lot of artists who had kids while working on the beginning stages of their music careers. I myself am not a successful singer songwriter in that I don’t make a living off of it yet. But today, I can tell you I have never been as productive as well as happy with my music as since the birth of my daughter. Yet I still feel the need to seek out encouragement, an inspiration from others in the music industry. I’m so sick of this industry acting like having kids is worse than getting the plague and a couple artist friends I know who are on labels even felt the need to hide the fact they were becoming parents for fear of being dropped! Ari, I would encourage you to think of this along the same line that what you said in a brilliant recent show you hosted with Ni/Co, regarding people using the phrase “failed release.“ In fact! If you read this, I would love to see you do an episode (or a series!) On parenting in music. check out the website Parents In Jazz, for example. Of course, having kids is challenging at a high level, but that’s exactly why artists who our parents sometimes have incredible productivity hacks that could be an inspiration to all. And would be extremely reassuring and supportive for current parents to hear as they’re trying to make it to the next level of their music carriers. Thank you for reading!

Every episode is a learning experience for anyone in the modern music industry. I like to cherry pick episodes based on what I’m working on at the time, and there’s almost always something that helps me out or at least points me in the right direction. Thank you Ari!

Absolutely love this podcast. been listening for quite a long time and bought his book which is great. Now I really want to find the Ricky Montgomery episode! Ari is just awesome! I really want to go have a beer with him. or if you are ever in Santa Fe New Mexico I would love to show you around. Nial Connolly Singer songwriter on DistroKid because I heard about it from this podcast!