Modern Musician Podcast

Modern Musician
  • 4.9 (354)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    The Artist Economy: Episode 01 — AI, Prediction Markets & The Future of Music

    What happens when AI starts rewriting the rules of the music industry? On the first episode of The Artist Economy, Michael Walker, Chris Saunders, Sol Gold, and Devin Mooers break down the biggest stories shaping the future of independent artists. We dive into prediction markets manipulating Spotify charts, the multi-billion-dollar rise of AI music company Suno, the legal battle over AI training data, the collapse of the traditional touring ladder, and why governments are now treating frontier AI models like strategic technology. Along the way we ask bigger questions: Who really owns music once it becomes culture?Can AI companies profit from music they didn't create?Why are artists still chasing streams instead of owning relationships?What happens when every algorithm becomes a game?Is AI replacing artists... or forcing them to become more human?If you're trying to build a sustainable music career over the next decade, this conversation is about much more than headlines—it's about understanding where the industry is going before everyone else does. In this episode, Michael, Chris, Sol, and Devin unpack the forces reshaping music, technology, and the economics of being an independent artist—and what these changes could mean for the future of creativity, ownership, and artist careers. Key Takeaways How prediction markets created incentives to manipulate Spotify's charts—and what that teaches us about every algorithm.Why Suno's $5.4 billion valuation changes the conversation around AI music forever.The legal battle over AI training data, copyright, and who should benefit from the next generation of music technology.Why millions of songs being used to train AI may become one of the defining copyright questions of our generation."Blue Dot Fever" and what shrinking concert attendance means for the future of touring.Why governments briefly treated frontier AI models like strategic national assets—and why artists should care.--- → Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

    The Artist Economy: Episode 01 — AI, Prediction Markets & The Future of Music

  2. 5d ago

    #340 - Diamond Johnson: How Beyoncé's Tour Drummer Became the Industry's First Call

    Diamond Johnson is a world-class drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and music director whose career has taken him from church stages to the world's biggest arenas. Best known as Beyoncé's drummer on the Renaissance World Tour, Diamond has also worked with artists including Teyana Taylor and Michelle Williams while building a reputation as one of the industry's most trusted first-call musicians. Beyond performing, he's passionate about mentoring the next generation of creatives, teaching the mindset, relationships, and professionalism required to build a lasting career in the music industry. In this episode, Diamond tackles what it really takes to become the musician everyone calls first—and stay there. Key Takeaways Learn how relentless preparation and consistency can create career-changing opportunities long before anyone knows your name.Discover why trust, integrity, and authentic relationships often open more doors than talent alone in the music industry.Understand the mindset that helped Diamond overcome setbacks, embrace uncertainty, and build a career touring the world with some of music's biggest artists.--- → Learn more about Diamond Johnson and follow his journey at: https://www.instagram.com/_diamond_johnson_/?hl=en. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    #340 - Diamond Johnson: How Beyoncé's Tour Drummer Became the Industry's First Call

  3. Jul 31

    #339 - Max Wild: Done Is Better Than Perfect: The Secret to Finishing More Tracks

    Max Wild is the CEO and co-founder of 343 Labs, a leading music production and DJ school with campuses in New York City and Berlin. An electronic musician, producer, educator, and saxophonist, Max combines real-world music industry experience with a passion for helping artists build sustainable careers. Through 343 Labs, he has created a global community offering training in music production, DJing, sound design, mixing, mastering, live performance, and artist development. His work focuses on helping producers develop their skills, finish their music, build confidence, connect with others, and turn their creativity into a professional path. In this episode, Max Wild shares the practical playbook for turning music from a hobby into a career by finishing more music, building accountability, developing your network, and treating your artistry like a business. Key Takeaways Finish more music and break through perfectionism by using deadlines, accountability, and consistent creative habits to turn ideas into completed tracks.Build a stronger music career through community and connections by surrounding yourself with people who can provide feedback, support, opportunities, and collaboration.Treat your music like a business by developing a marketing strategy, consistently promoting your work, and taking ownership of the professional side of your career.--- → Explore free music production and DJ workshops from 343 Labs: https://www.343labs.com/events/. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    #339 - Max Wild: Done Is Better Than Perfect: The Secret to Finishing More Tracks

  4. Jul 24

    #338 - Dr. Chelsey Green: Inside the GRAMMYs with a Billboard #1 Recording Artist

    Dr. Chelsey Green is a No. 1 Billboard-charting recording artist, internationally acclaimed violinist, educator, and cultural leader. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy®, making history as the first Black woman and youngest person ever elected to lead the organization's governing body. An Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, she also serves on the boards of the Latin Recording Academy®, the GRAMMY Museum®, and MusiCares®. Through her artistry, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Green is helping shape the future of music, creator rights, and the global music industry. In this episode, Dr. Chelsey Green shares her journey to leading the Recording Academy and discusses AI, artist advocacy, and how independent musicians can build sustainable careers. Key Takeaways Learn how AI is changing the music industry and discover practical ways to protect your music, ownership, and artistic integrity.Get an inside look at the Recording Academy and MusiCares to understand how these organizations support creators and advocate for artists worldwide.Discover why mentorship, community, and live performance remain the biggest competitive advantages for independent artists building sustainable careers.--- → Learn more about Dr. Chelsey Green and her work at: https://www.chelseygreen.com/. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    #338 - Dr. Chelsey Green: Inside the GRAMMYs with a Billboard #1 Recording Artist

  5. Jul 17

    #337 - Oskar Eichler: Build a Bigger Fanbase with Better Data, Not Bigger Budgets

    Oskar Eichler is the Founder & CEO of Songstats, the leading music analytics platform trusted by more than 10,000 artists, labels, and industry professionals to track real-time performance across 14 major streaming and social platforms. A serial entrepreneur and music producer, Oskar previously founded and sold Arcane, served as COO of 1001Tracklists, and built a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers. Today, he's helping creators leverage data, AI, and social insights to make smarter marketing decisions while building sustainable careers in music. In this episode, Oskar joins Michael Walker to explore how independent artists can use music data, social media analytics, and AI to make smarter marketing decisions, build stronger brands, and create authentic connections with fans. Key Takeaways Learn how to use streaming and social media analytics to make smarter release, marketing, and audience growth decisions.Discover why authenticity, storytelling, and branding are becoming the biggest competitive advantages in an AI-driven music industry.Gain practical strategies for building a recognizable artist brand, growing your community, and turning data into long-term career growth.--- → Learn more about Oskar and Socialstats at: https://socialstats.com/ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    #337 - Oskar Eichler: Build a Bigger Fanbase with Better Data, Not Bigger Budgets

  6. Jul 8

    #336 - Chris Boshuizen: What Seeing Earth From Space Taught Me About Music and Life

    Chris Boshuizen, better known as Dr. Chrispy, is a physicist, entrepreneur, musician, and former astronaut whose career bridges the worlds of science and creativity. As the co-founder of Planet Labs, he helped revolutionize Earth observation through satellite technology before flying to space aboard Blue Origin's NS-18 mission, becoming Australia's third astronaut. Alongside his work in aerospace, Chris creates music inspired by exploration, innovation, and the human experience, producing under the name Dr. Chrispy while encouraging others to pursue bold dreams with persistence, curiosity, and purpose. In this episode, discover how an astronaut, physicist, and musician found a way to merge science, creativity, and purpose—and why pursuing your biggest dreams is always worth the journey. Key Takeaways Why perseverance matters more than perfect timing when chasing ambitious goals.How the "overview effect" changes the way astronauts see Earth—and what creatives can learn from that perspective.What the future of space travel could mean for music, creativity, and live experiences like concerts in space.--- → Learn more about Chris and his work at: https://drchrispy.com/. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    #336 - Chris Boshuizen: What Seeing Earth From Space Taught Me About Music and Life

  7. Jul 1

    #335 - David Andrew Wiebe: Rich Dad, Poor Dad Lessons Every Music Artist Can Apply

    David Andrew Wiebe is an award-winning composer, bestselling author, and music marketing strategist dedicated to helping independent artists build sustainable careers. As the founder of Content Marketing Musician, he teaches musicians how to combine creativity with proven business systems that generate consistent growth. David has authored more than 13 books on music, creativity, and entrepreneurship, composed the acclaimed work The Nobody Prayer, and hosts a popular podcast where he shares practical insights on marketing, monetization, and personal development for today's independent artists navigating an ever-changing music industry. In this episode, you’ll learn what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable music career without relying on luck or chasing every trend. Key Takeaways How to build multiple income streams that create long-term financial stability instead of depending solely on streaming revenue or gigs.The mindset shifts and decision-making frameworks that help successful independent artists grow faster and avoid common career mistakes.How to systemize your music business so you can spend less time feeling overwhelmed and more time creating meaningful work.--- → Learn more about David Andrew Wiebe and his work at: https://davidandrewwiebe.com/. Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:  https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

    #335 - David Andrew Wiebe: Rich Dad, Poor Dad Lessons Every Music Artist Can Apply

  8. Mar 6

    #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

    #334 - Igor Alpatov: The Rise of Free Music Distribution and the Democratization of the Music Industry
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4.9
out of 5
354 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
    340
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Modern Musician Podcast

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