Welcome to the Music Lounge Podcast

Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

“Welcome To The Music Lounge” delves into the exclusive world of MTV’s Music Department during the height of Total Request Live. Podcast hosts and former MTV Music Department employees Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte chat with MTV and record label executives, music programmers, VJs, and artists about the Music Lounge on the 25th floor of MTV that would make or break an artist such as Britney Spears, Eminem and Destiny’s Child. It’s a nostalgic journey packed with interviews, insights, and a few juicy secrets from the golden age of music television. youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge

  1. JAN 29

    The Evolution of Music Awards: Grammys and Beyond with Justin Tyme Prager

    In this episode of the podcast, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome music expert Justin Tyme Prager to discuss the upcoming Grammy Awards and the evolving landscape of music award shows. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction before diving into the significance of the Grammys and MTV awards, particularly how they have adapted to attract younger audiences. Justin shares insights on his TikTok commentary, touching on recent music trends and notable artists, including the impact of shows like 'Stranger Things' on music popularity. The trio also debates the nominees for major Grammy categories, analyzing the cultural relevance of artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and others, while considering how social media influences award show dynamics today. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge 01:21 The Grammys vs. MTV: A Cultural Shift 05:59 The Impact of Social Media on Award Shows 12:04 Behind-the-Scenes Content: The New Norm 17:06 The Future of the Grammys and Youth Engagement 18:34 The State of Award Shows 20:36 Memorable Performances and Their Impact 22:32 The Role of Social Media in Music Awards 25:53 The Shift in Audience Engagement 29:47 Data-Driven Decisions in Award Shows 34:58 Predictions for Grammy 2026 Categories 37:27 Grammy Predictions: Song and Record of the Year 38:49 Album of the Year: Bad Bunny's Moment? 42:24 Song of the Year: K-Pop vs. Established Artists 43:51 Best New Artist: Olivia Dean's Rise 47:33 The Evolving Role of Award Shows

    52 min

  2. JAN 15

    From Chaos to Creativity: David Cohn's MTV Story

    In this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome David Cohn, former EVP and GM of MTV2, Hits, and Jams at MTV. The conversation delves into David's journey at MTV, starting at the age of 23, and his experiences during the early days of the channel. David shares insights into the culture at MTV, the challenges and successes of launching MTV2, and the evolution of the music industry over the decades. The episode is filled with anecdotes about the vibrant and sometimes chaotic environment at MTV, the creation of iconic shows, and the strategic decisions that shaped the network's growth. Chapters 00:00:01 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:00:25 Introducing David Cohn00:01:58 David's Journey to MTV00:03:25 Early Days at MTV00:10:26 MTV's Cultural Impact00:18:29 MTV2 and Strategic Expansion00:27:44 Global Expansion and London Experience00:33:37 MTV2's Development and Challenges00:44:38 Reflections and Future of Music Television

    49 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    Tom Freston shares his journey from MTV to philanthropy.

    In this engaging conversation, Tom Freston, former CEO of MTV Networks, shares his journey from the early days of MTV to his current philanthropic efforts. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching MTV, the importance of creativity in building a unique culture, and the impact of music on society. Freston reflects on memorable moments from his career, the evolution of MTV's programming, and his relationships with artists. He also emphasizes the significance of giving back and making a difference in the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Music Lounge and Guest Introduction 01:49 The Journey to Writing 'Unplugged' 03:46 Early Life and Experiences in India and Afghanistan 08:35 The Birth of MTV and Its Cultural Impact 13:16 Creative Freedom and Management at MTV 17:54 Memorable Moments and Relationships in the Music Industry 23:28 Evolution of MTV and Strategic Shifts 28:21 Evolution of MTV's Programming 31:03 The Rise of Hip Hop on MTV 32:43 Cultural Impact of MTV 34:56 Reflections on Leadership and Regrets 37:11 The Emotional Exit from MTV 42:49 Judy McGrath's Influence at MTV 46:29 Involvement with the One Campaign 50:54 Spotting Future Superstars

    56 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    From MTV to Modern Media: A Journey with Paul DeBenedittis

    In this engaging conversation, Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte interview Paul Debenedittis, a former executive at MTV, discussing his journey in the media industry, the evolution of MTV's programming, and the importance of mentorship and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Paul shares insights on the shift from music videos to broader content strategies, the significance of creative retreats for team collaboration, and the impact of celebrity culture on programming. He emphasizes the need to understand and adapt to the changing audience, particularly Generation Alpha, and the lessons learned from his experiences at MTV and beyond. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mentorship in the Industry 03:12 The Importance of Kindness and Emotional Intelligence 06:23 Joining MTV: The Initial Reluctance 12:47 The Evolution of MTV's Programming Strategy 28:02 TRL: A Cultural Phenomenon and Its Impact 34:53 Celebrating Success and Teamwork at MTV 36:18 Managing Success and Budgeting for Growth 38:37 Creative Retreats: Building a Collaborative Culture 45:22 The Importance of Offsites in Content Development 51:03 Lessons from MTV: Adapting to Changing Audiences

    1h 8m

  5. 11/13/2025

    The Unbreakable Work Family

    The conversation explores the deep connections formed in a work environment, highlighting how intense collaboration can lead to familial bonds among colleagues. It also touches on the surprising shift in social dynamics when transitioning to different work cultures, where after-work socializing is not the norm.

    42 min

  6. 10/30/2025

    The Legacy of Warped Tour: A Conversation with Kevin Lyman

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Kevin Lyman, the founder of the Warped Tour, shares insights into the evolution of music festivals, the influence of MTV, and the importance of branding in the music industry. He reflects on the diverse lineup of artists that have graced the Warped Tour stage, the significance of audience engagement, and the lasting impact of the festival on music culture. Lyman also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by artists today, the role of mental health in the music industry, and the importance of community engagement. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge 01:14 The Legacy of the Warped Tour 02:42 MTV's Influence on Music and Festivals 05:35 Booking Bands and the Eclectic Lineup 09:02 Collaboration Between Genres 12:03 The Evolution of Warped Tour's Branding 14:50 Music Discovery Before Streaming 15:03 The Impact of TRL on Music Trends 19:01 Audience Demographics and Changes 22:15 Artist-Fan Interactions on Tour 23:49 Nostalgia and Lasting Fandom 24:53 The Future of Music Festivals 28:59 Timing and the Birth of Warped Tour 31:02 The Role of Warped Tour in Artist Development 32:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Warped Tour 34:26 Launching Careers: The Impact of Warped Tour 36:13 The Evolution of Music Genres and Festivals 38:04 Rediscovering the Joy of Music 40:00 Teaching and Learning in the Music Industry 41:50 The Changing Landscape of Music Festivals 43:50 Memorable Moments and Music Memorabilia 45:42 Connecting with Communities Through Music 47:17 The Role of Music in Bridging Divides 49:05 The Authenticity of Live Music Experiences 51:07 Reflections on a Successful Career in Music

    59 min

  7. 10/23/2025

    The Golden Era of MTV: A Conversation with Salli Frattini

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Salli Frattini, former SVP executive producer at MTV, shares her journey through the golden era of the network, reflecting on iconic moments, the evolution of programming, and the challenges of live production. From her early career in Olympic programming to her pivotal role in shaping MTV's identity, Salli discusses the importance of relationships in the industry and her experiences with award shows and live events. She also touches on her life after MTV, her passion for music venues in New York City, and her aspirations for future projects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Music Lounge and Guest Introduction 02:43 Salli Frattini's Journey at MTV 05:32 The Evolution of MTV and Its Impact on Pop Culture 08:03 Behind the Scenes of MTV Events 11:04 The Challenges of Live Production 13:53 Memorable Moments from MTV Award Shows 16:49 The Relationship Between MTV and Major Sports Leagues 19:33 The Launch of MTV Studio and Its Legacy 32:37 MTV's Impact on New York City 33:40 Challenges of Live Productions 37:17 Navigating Live Show Surprises 39:06 Technological Innovations in Event Production 41:53 Personal Stories and Career Reflections 44:53 Life After MTV and New Ventures 48:38 The Evolution of Award Shows 51:25 Future Aspirations and New Ideas

    1 hr

  8. 10/16/2025

    The Evolution of Music Supervision with Ricki Askin

    In this engaging conversation, Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte discuss the evolution of the music industry with guest Ricki Askin, a former music supervisor at MTV. They explore the impact of social media on music discovery, the changing landscape of artist relationships, and the role of labels in artist development. Ricki shares her journey from the temp pool at MTV to her experiences at Vice and TikTok, highlighting the importance of talent and artistry in a rapidly changing industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Events in Music Media 02:47 Ricki Askin's Journey in the Music Industry 05:26 The Role of Music Supervision at MTV 08:34 Experiences with Artists and Live Programming 11:05 The Evolution of Music Exposure in Media 13:56 Challenges and Opportunities in Music Supervision 16:55 The Impact of Music on Brand and Artist Development 19:48 The Changing Landscape of Music Promotion 22:36 Conclusion and Future of Music in Media 26:43 The Power of Consumer-Generated Content 28:41 Evolution of Artist-Audience Relationships 33:53 The Challenge of Sustaining Artist Careers 37:27 Generational Shifts in Music Consumption 40:40 The Role of Labels in Artist Development 48:38 Transitioning from MTV to Vice 56:01 Reflections on a Music Industry Career

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

“Welcome To The Music Lounge” delves into the exclusive world of MTV’s Music Department during the height of Total Request Live. Podcast hosts and former MTV Music Department employees Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte chat with MTV and record label executives, music programmers, VJs, and artists about the Music Lounge on the 25th floor of MTV that would make or break an artist such as Britney Spears, Eminem and Destiny’s Child. It’s a nostalgic journey packed with interviews, insights, and a few juicy secrets from the golden age of music television. youtube.com/@welcometothemusiclounge

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte
  • Show Website
    Welcome to the Music Lounge Podcast