Business Side of Music

The Business Side of Music Podcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Business Side of Music podcast features interviews with leading industry professionals and working musicians, offering real-world advice to help artists grow their careers and incomes. Founded by Tom Sabella and Traci Snowe in 2008, the show has a rich legacy of empowering musicians. For many years, the podcast was hosted by Bob Bender, a respected industry veteran known for his work with Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and Curb Records. Bob's passing in 2023 left a lasting impact, and we continue to honor his legacy. Today, the podcast is hosted by Sarah Fleshner, a music industry professional with over 12 years of experience in artist management, live sound, touring, and business development. As owner of 362 Entertainment, Sarah brings fresh insights while carrying forward the show's mission: pulling back the curtain on the business side of music and helping artists succeed.

  1. The Touring Playbook for Independent Artists

    FEB 10

    The Touring Playbook for Independent Artists

    In this solo episode of Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner breaks down the step-by-step touring framework every independent artist needs to tour professionally, even without a big team. You’ll learn how to:• Build a professional EPK that booking agents actually open• Write a booking email that gets responses• Use data (Spotify for Artists, Bandsintown, Songkick) to choose the right markets• Route and organize shows using tools like TourSmart and BookingAgent.io• Lock in pay, merch splits, and promo expectations• Advance shows, create day sheets, and run smooth show days• Work the merch table, follow up properly, and get rebooked• Review tour data and refine your strategy for long-term growth This episode is designed for independent artists, DIY musicians, and small teams who want to tour smarter, look professional, and build sustainable momentum in today’s music industry. Resources: Website builds: https://www.362entertainment.com/ Promotion and tour booking: https://www.artist.bandsintown.com/ https://www.toursmart.io/ https://booking-agent.io/ To stay in the loop, follow Business Side of Music on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, resources, and new episodes. Follow us: Facebook: @tbsompodcast Instagram: @bsompodcast TikTok: @bsompodcastThe Touring Playbook for Independent Artists Visit www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2025. All rights reserved.

    19 min
  2. 5 Moves Artists Should Make to Start the Year Strong with Sarah Fleshner

    JAN 27

    5 Moves Artists Should Make to Start the Year Strong with Sarah Fleshner

    In this episode of Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner breaks down 5 moves artists should make to start the year strong from a business-first perspective. This episode kicks off a new monthly series focused on clarity, strategy, and momentum for independent artists and music professionals. Sarah shares practical insights on defining your business identity, owning your data, understanding where your income really comes from, and learning how to think like a CEO. You’ll also walk away with 5 actionable steps you can take right now to clean up your digital presence, strengthen one revenue stream, and set focused goals for the year ahead. To stay in the loop, follow Business Side of Music on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, resources, and new episodes. Follow us:Facebook: @tbsompodcastInstagram: @bsompodcastTikTok: @bsompodcast Visit www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2025. All rights reserved.

    7 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    Breaking Artists in the Algorithm Era with Scott Welch

    In this episode of The Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner sits down with legendary artist manager and music tech investor Scott Welch — the man behind careers for Paula Abdul, Alanis Morissette, Collective Soul, and more. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build artists and careers in today's algorithm-driven music industry. Scott shares brutally honest insights on artist development, music management, and the harsh realities of streaming economics — from why artists are spending more time chasing content than mastering their craft, to how social media should be used as bait to draw fans into a world the artist owns and controls. They also dive into how to convert followers into loyal fans, the importance of live performance, and how new music tech startups like Single and Giggs are reshaping the direct-to-fan business model. For managers, indie artists, and anyone serious about the music business, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, authenticity, and surviving the algorithm.   Facebook: @tbsompodcast Instagram: @bsompodcast Tiktok: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com   © 362 Entertainment 2025. All rights reserved.

    14 min
  4. Healing the Music: Inside the Work of Music Health Alliance

    10/14/2025

    Healing the Music: Inside the Work of Music Health Alliance

    In this episode, we sit down with Shelia Shipley Biddy, CFO and Certified Senior Advisor at Music Health Alliance, to explore how this remarkable organization is helping protect, heal, and support the people behind the music. Shelia shares how Music Health Alliance serves as a vital resource for musicians and industry professionals seeking healthcare — offering free advocacy, access to doctors, insurance guidance, mental health support, and financial assistance when it's needed most. We talk about how anyone can get involved, ways to donate, and the impact of Heal The Music Day on October 17th, a movement that unites artists, managers, and fans to raise funds and awareness for MHA's life-changing work. Whether you're an artist, a music professional, or simply a fan who cares, this conversation is a must-listen. We hope you'll tune in — and share this episode with a friend — as we all do our part to heal the music.   Learn more: https://www.musichealthalliance.com/ © 2025 362 Entertainment. All rights reserved.

    32 min
  5. The Business Behind NAMM with John Mlynczak

    09/09/2025

    The Business Behind NAMM with John Mlynczak

    In this episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast, NAMM President & CEO John Mlynczak shares what it takes to put on the world's largest music trade show. We cover NAMM's year-round opportunities, music industry innovations, and the impact of AI on the future of music. Perfect for artists, managers, and music business professionals looking to stay ahead. Register for NAMM 2026: www.namm.org   Keywords: NAMM Show 2025, National Association of Music Merchants, music business podcast, John Mlynczak interview, NAMM CEO, music industry insights, music trade show, AI in music, music innovation, music industry networking, forward-thinking leadership in music, NAMM opportunities year-round, music managers and artists, music business strategies © 2025 362 Entertainment. All rights reserved.

    45 min
  6. So You Wanna Be In Show Biz? with Nikki Sanz

    08/26/2025

    So You Wanna Be In Show Biz? with Nikki Sanz

    In this episode of The Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner sits down with Nikki Sanz, founder and CEO of Giggs, the platform revolutionizing how talent gets hired in the live event industry. Nikki shares her journey from an aspiring tour manager to a tech entrepreneur, opening up about the challenges facing today's live music world — from the hidden costs of touring to the constant demand for staffing. They dig into the myths and misconceptions about music industry roles, the importance of networking and community, and how Giggs is streamlining the hiring process for both artists and crews. Nikki also speaks candidly about the mental health challenges of entrepreneurship, why rest is essential, and how support systems make all the difference in a high-pressure business. Whether you're dreaming of a career on the road or already living life behind the stage, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make live music happen.   Keywords: Nikki Sanz, Giggs, live event industry, entrepreneurship, music business, staffing, community, challenges, technology, hiring   Copywrite © 2025 362 Entertainment, All rights reserved.

    44 min
  7. The Business of Booking with Hamilton Byrd

    07/22/2025

    The Business of Booking with Hamilton Byrd

    On this episode of Business Side of Music, we sit down with Hamilton Byrd, Senior Talent Buyer for Venue in Colorado Springs, CO. Hamilton dives into what makes a show successful from the venue's perspective, how artists can catch a talent buyer's attention, and why routing, budgeting, and building real industry relationships are key to getting booked. If you're an artist, manager, or industry pro, this is your backstage pass to the business of booking.   Key words: music business, live music industry, talent buying, concert promotion, tour routing, music venue operations, artist booking strategy, show budgeting, live event production, booking agents, artist development, venue management, live music strategy, music industry insights, getting booked as an artist, independent artist tips. music, career advice, industry networking, music touring, music marketing   Copyright © 2025 362 Entertainment, LLC, All rights reserved.

    27 min
  8. Country Music, Family Ties & Filing Taxes with Pam Tillis

    07/01/2025

    Country Music, Family Ties & Filing Taxes with Pam Tillis

    In this episode of The Business Side of Music, we sit down with country music royalty Pam Tillis. Grammy winner, Grand Ole Opry member, and business-savvy artist who's done it all with grace and grit. Pam pulls back the curtain on what it's really like navigating the music industry as the daughter of a legend, carving out her own path in a family full of star power. We dive into how she built a long-lasting career, set up her business behind the scenes, and kept her sense of humor every step of the way. From tour budgets to publishing deals, legacy-building to LLCs, this is a rare glimpse into the business side of an artist who's both a hitmaker and a boss. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just love a good story with laughs along the way, this episode hits all the right notes. Listen now and get inspired by the wisdom, wit, and work ethic of Pam Tillis.

    24 min
See All (294)

About

The Business Side of Music podcast features interviews with leading industry professionals and working musicians, offering real-world advice to help artists grow their careers and incomes. Founded by Tom Sabella and Traci Snowe in 2008, the show has a rich legacy of empowering musicians. For many years, the podcast was hosted by Bob Bender, a respected industry veteran known for his work with Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and Curb Records. Bob's passing in 2023 left a lasting impact, and we continue to honor his legacy. Today, the podcast is hosted by Sarah Fleshner, a music industry professional with over 12 years of experience in artist management, live sound, touring, and business development. As owner of 362 Entertainment, Sarah brings fresh insights while carrying forward the show's mission: pulling back the curtain on the business side of music and helping artists succeed.

Information

  • Creator
    The Business Side of Music Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    294
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Business Side of Music Podcast
  • Show Website
    Business Side of Music