Modern Musician Podcast

Modern Musician
  • 4.9 (355)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income. The host, Michael Walker provides artists with the tools necessary to create a lasting career in the music industry.

  1. #334 - Igor Alpatov: The Rise of Free Music Distribution and the Democratization of the Music Industry

    3D AGO

    #334 - Igor Alpatov: The Rise of Free Music Distribution and the Democratization of the Music Industry

    Igor Alpatov is the Strategic Partnerships Lead at FreshTunes, a fee-free digital music distribution platform helping independent artists release music worldwide while keeping full ownership of their work. With a lifelong passion for music and technology, Igor works at the intersection of distribution, artist growth, and the evolving digital music ecosystem. He collaborates with global partners to expand opportunities for creators and make professional distribution accessible to everyone. Through FreshTunes, he supports the democratization of the music industry by giving indie artists the tools they need to release, market, and scale their music careers independently. In this episode, Igor Alpatov explains how free music distribution is changing the industry, why authentic fan connections matter more than ever in the age of AI music, and how indie artists can grow sustainable careers without giving up ownership. Key Takeaways Learn how free music distribution platforms can help indie artists release music globally while maintaining full ownership and royalties.Discover why authentic fan relationships and community building matter more than ever in a world increasingly filled with AI-generated music.Understand how independent artists can balance music creation, marketing, and distribution to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry.--- → Learn more about Igor and his work at: https://freshtunes.com/. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    33 min
  2. #333 - Luke Justin Roberts: The Real Reason Your Music Content Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It Fast)

    FEB 24

    #333 - Luke Justin Roberts: The Real Reason Your Music Content Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It Fast)

    Luke Justin Roberts (LJR) is a nostalgic alternative rock artist and filmmaker from Laurel, Maryland who blends ’80s pop energy with soaring alt-rock and cinematic storytelling. After pursuing engineering and a PhD track at the University of Maryland, he pivoted into full-time video production—first to elevate his own music videos, then to help other artists create pro content on any budget. Today he runs LJR Creative, teaches artists how to shoot high-quality videos (even on iPhone), and builds sustainable content systems that grow audiences and fund the music long-term. In this episode, LJR talks about how independent artists don’t need “perfect” videos—they need a repeatable content system that connects and converts. Key Takeaways Create scroll-stopping videos fast by mastering simple lighting + positioning that instantly upgrades your look on any camera.Stop wasting money on one-off music videos and build a sustainable content pipeline that fuels bookings, growth, and income.Make your story the strategy so your videos resonate emotionally, drive shares, and turn viewers into real fans.--- → Get a chance to apply to work directly with Luke here: https://ljrcreative.com/ultimate-indie-artist-package-mm → Learn more about Luke and his work at: https://lukejustinroberts.com/. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    57 min
  3. #332 - Chris Swanson: AI in Music — Opportunity or Threat for Indie Artists?

    FEB 13

    #332 - Chris Swanson: AI in Music — Opportunity or Threat for Indie Artists?

    Chris Swanson is the co-founder of Secretly Group, the influential independent music company behind labels including Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, Dead Oceans, and The Numero Group. Since co-founding Secretly Canadian in 1996, Chris has helped shape the modern indie label ecosystem and built Secretly Distribution into a global force for independent artists. He’s worked with groundbreaking acts like Bon Iver and has spent nearly three decades helping artists balance creativity, commerce, and long-term career sustainability in a rapidly evolving music industry. In this episode, Chris breaks down how independent artists can navigate record labels, digital distribution, AI, and self-promotion—without losing their creativity or community. Key Takeaways: Learn why major label advances come with high expectations—and how indie labels can offer stronger long-term career development.Discover how DSPs have democratized music, what that means for independent music growth, and how to approach self-promotion strategically.Understand how to manage expectations, avoid “radical doubt,” and use AI as a tool without losing artistic identity.--- → Learn more about Chris Swanson and his work at: ckswanson.com. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    47 min
  4. #331 – Matt Adell: Can AI Respect Copyright and Still Power the Future of Music?

    JAN 16

    #331 – Matt Adell: Can AI Respect Copyright and Still Power the Future of Music?

    Matt Adell is a music tech entrepreneur and the COO & co-founder of Musical AI, a rights-first AI licensing platform designed to protect creators in the era of generative music. With a career spanning influential companies like Beatport and Napster, Matt brings deep experience at the intersection of music, technology, and digital innovation. Today, he’s focused on building ethical AI systems that respect copyright, ensure proper attribution, and create sustainable opportunities for artists as the future of music rapidly evolves. In this episode, Matt breaks down exactly how AI is reshaping music creation, copyright, and compensation—and what independent artists need to know to protect their work and thrive in a generative future. Key Takeaways How generative AI is disrupting the music industry and what it means for artists, songwriters, and producersWhy copyright, attribution, and licensing matter more than ever in an AI-driven music ecosystemHow ethical, rights-first AI can create new opportunities without undermining human creativity or fair pay--- → Learn more about Matt Adell and his work at: wearemusical.ai. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    39 min
  5. #330 - Chris SD: Why Sync Licensing Is the Smartest Move for Indie Artists

    JAN 9

    #330 - Chris SD: Why Sync Licensing Is the Smartest Move for Indie Artists

    Chris SD is an award-winning music producer and sync licensing expert who helps indie songwriters get their music placed in top TV shows, films, and advertisements. After producing acclaimed records and winning multiple music awards, he discovered that a single well-placed song could radically change an artist’s career and income. That realization led him to found Sync Songwriter, a platform dedicated to teaching independent artists how to license their music and connect directly with leading music supervisors, agencies, and studios worldwide. In this episode, Chris breaks down exactly how indie songwriters can turn their music into consistent sync income—without a label or industry gatekeepers. Key Takeaways How sync licensing really works and why it’s one of the most powerful income streams for indie artistsThe exact mindset and strategies music supervisors look for when choosing songsHow to build real industry relationships that lead to repeat placements--- → Learn more about Chris and his work at syncsongwriter.com. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    35 min
  6. #329 – Joe Gallo: Turning Music Into Media Through Brand Partnerships

    12/24/2025

    #329 – Joe Gallo: Turning Music Into Media Through Brand Partnerships

    Joe Gallo is a results-driven brand builder and the founder of CatchBuzz, a media and lifestyle agency operating at the intersection of music, branding, and culture. With over a decade of experience across partnerships, public relations, marketing, and artist management, Joe has helped emerging artists, major festival acts, startups, and established lifestyle brands amplify their stories. Through CatchBuzz, he has secured more than 1,000 media placements in top outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, Billboard, and The Wall Street Journal. In this episode, Joe Gallo breaks down how indie artists can leverage brand partnerships to unlock new revenue, visibility, and long-term growth—without needing a massive following. Key Takeaways How indie artists can land brand partnerships by clearly defining their value and audienceWhy warm introductions, clear asks, and deliverable menus win deals with brandsHow to build long-term brand relationships that go beyond one-off sponsorships--- → Learn more about Joe Gallo and his work at: catchbuzz.co. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    39 min
  7. #328 – Libby Kallins: How Authenticity Cuts Through the Noise Online

    12/10/2025

    #328 – Libby Kallins: How Authenticity Cuts Through the Noise Online

    Libby Kallins is a seasoned music marketing strategist and artist development expert now shaping careers at 444 Sounds. With more than eight years of experience across major labels, she has built campaigns for both rising and established talent. Today, Libby empowers independent artists by merging creative storytelling with data-driven strategy, helping them strengthen their branding, deepen fan engagement, and scale community-driven growth. Her work bridges digital innovation with authentic connection, giving indie artists the tools they need to thrive in an ever-shifting music landscape. In this episode, Libby reveals how independent artists can leverage storytelling, community building, and strategic platform choice to accelerate their careers in today’s digital-first music ecosystem. Key Takeaways How to identify the right digital platforms and use trial-and-error to discover what actually grows your fanbase.How to build a loyal community through authentic content, collaborative creation, and meaningful fan engagement.How to strengthen your brand by clarifying your story—and why email and text lists are crucial for long-term sustainability.--- → Learn more about Libby and her work at: 444sounds.com. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    41 min
  8. #327 – Ian Roberts: The Fan Data Playbook for Modern Artists

    12/01/2025

    #327 – Ian Roberts: The Fan Data Playbook for Modern Artists

    Ian Roberts is the co-founder & CEO of Hive.co, a leading fan-engagement and marketing automation platform built for event promoters and musicians. Since launching Hive in 2014, Ian has helped transform the way artists and promoters use data—powering over $500M in ticket sales through smarter email, SMS, and presale campaigns. With a background in product, growth, and digital strategy, he’s dedicated to helping creators build sustainable careers by turning ticket buyers into long-term fans through data-driven insights and marketing tools. In this episode, Ian reveals how artists can turn fan data into revenue, loyalty, and repeat ticket sales in a rapidly evolving music landscape. Key Takeaways How artists can use email, SMS, and fan data to drive engagement and build dependable revenue streams.Practical contest, merch, and presale strategies that deepen loyalty and turn casual listeners into superfans.How AI and automation will reshape the future of music marketing, making it easier to grow and monetize a fan base.--- → Learn more about Ian and Hive at Hive.co. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
355 Ratings

About

An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income. The host, Michael Walker provides artists with the tools necessary to create a lasting career in the music industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Modern Musician
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    333
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Modern Musician Podcast

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