The Live Music Industry Podcast

Matt Ford
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  • Music Interviews
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The Live Music Industry Podcast takes you inside the business of live entertainment through candid conversations with the people shaping it. Hosted by Matt Ford, Founder & CEO of Prism.fm, the show features promoters, venue operators, talent buyers, agents, artist managers, and industry leaders sharing real-world insights on booking, ticketing, operations, technology, and the evolving live music business. Learn more: prism.fm/podcast Follow @prismfm on Instagram & LinkedIn

  1. 1h ago

    #50 - Reinventing the Festival Experience from Jam Cruises to Beach Fests

    What happens when you stop thinking of a concert as a night out and start treating it like a vacation with the band? In this episode of the Live Music Industry Podcast, Matt Ford sits down with Andy Levine, Founder and CEO of Topeka, to talk about building Moon Crush, a festival with no lines in Miramar Beach, Florida, where every fan has their own reserved "cove." They dig into how the venue works, why artists like Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile, and Tedeschi Trucks sign on, and how Andy runs offers and revenue-share deals in Prism. They also explore Andy's founding of Sixthman, from taking 400 Sister Hazel fans on a cruise in 2001 to 250 full-ship charters, and why he believes he's in the community business, not just the music business. Episode Timestamps: (2:35) — Coves, Pricing, and the Typical Moon Crush Weekend Andy walks through the 6,000-capacity venue at Seascape Resort: the pit, coves, and suites, with 100 runners delivering from 12 food trucks. A Luke Combs weekend runs from beach bonfires to "Luke-aoke," with everyone in bed by 11. (9:15) — Booking Artists Who Value Their Core Fans Why artists accept smaller paydays to "energize their core," how fans become friends after three days of sitting next to each other's coves, and why guests leave feeling "I just went on vacation with the band." (13:55) — "Fansactional," Prism's AI Chat, and Offers in 30 Seconds Andy on Prism's in-app AI chat for pulling past ticket data, building offers from templates, co-pro revenue-share deals with partners like Luke Combs and Brandi Carlile, and internal versus external settlement notes. (19:30) — Founding Sixthman: Napster, Sister Hazel, and the First Rock Boat In 2001, the Napster threat pushed Andy to take 400 Sister Hazel fans on a cruise. A post-9/11 price drop made the full-ship charter possible, and Hurricane Katrina showed him Sixthman was in "the community business." (24:40) — Norwegian, Two Propellers, and the Rise of Music Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line's 2012 acquisition, the Wright brothers analogy for working with Anthony Diaz, and the wider world of music cruises, from Mark Brown's jam cruises to Holy Ship, Groove Cruise, and the Mad Decent Boat Party. (31:40) — Expansion Plans and the 4,000–6,000 "Sweet Spot" What Topeka looks for in new destinations, why a boutique size is "intimate enough to hug," a year-round text line answered in under three minutes, beach bonfires with songwriters, and a My Morning Jacket "reverse amphitheater." (39:15) — Fans Who Mirror Their Artists and Conscious Capitalism How the personalities of Tedeschi Trucks and Brandi Carlile carry over to their fans, Matt's Goose at Red Rocks story, a shout-out to Wayne Forte, and why great service ("better than a Chick-fil-A drive-through") costs money. (48:30) — Matt's Road to Prism, and Why Feedback Saved Sixthman Matt's four years running an Austin festival and 1,000 local shows, Andy's story of seven guests lending money to keep Sixthman independent in 2007, and Prism's plan for quarterly hackathons with customer input. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #50 - Reinventing the Festival Experience from Jam Cruises to Beach Fests

  2. Oct 22

    #49 - Taking On StubHub: The Fight Behind DC’s RESALE Act

    What happens when independent venues stop just surviving and start changing the rules of the ticket market? In this episode of the Live Music Industry Podcast, Matt Ford sits down with Audrey Fix Schaefer, Director of Communications of I.M.P. and Board President of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), to talk about the venues behind one of the most respected portfolios in live music. They dig into the history of the Lincoln Theatre, the community campaign that saved Merriweather Post Pavilion, and the "show business, not show friends" lessons that shaped the 9:30 Club. They also explore how NIVA grew from a Facebook message during COVID into a lobbying force, and how that same grassroots playbook helped pass DC's RESALE Act unanimously, along with the lawsuit resale companies filed against it the day before recording.Episode Timestamps (2:10) — The Lincoln Theatre's History and the Fight to Save Merriweather Audrey explains how the Lincoln began as a first-run film house for Black audiences in segregated DC. She then tells the "yes in my backyard" campaign story of Ian Kennedy's clipboard and Ken Ulman, which gave Seth Hurwitz his shot in 2004. (5:45) — Artist Pools, Pinball, and Junk-Art Legends at Merriweather How Seth's vision and longtime leaders Brad Canfield and Jean Parker made Merriweather feel like "the Catskills in the sixties." Audrey covers local food, a rock-and-roll pinball arcade, Bernard Pras's sculptures of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, and Frank Gehry's original design. (10:35) — Why Bands Want to Play IMP and the 9:30 Club's Stage on Wheels Matt asks how IMP "reversed the magnetic polarity" so bands come to them. Audrey traces it to Seth and Rich Heinecke's beginnings, the "show business, not show friends" lesson, and Chad's idea to put the stage on wheels. (16:50) — Relationships vs. Margins, and How NIVA Was Born Matt weighs relationships against profit and bands outgrowing indie rooms for big corporate venues. Audrey then tells how Dayna Frank's Facebook message and Rev. Moose's town halls turned into NIVA and the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. (21:05) — "Lightning in a Bottle": Leading NIVA After Andre Matt explains why NIVA's conference has a spark others don't. Audrey describes succeeding Andre as board president and why NIVA feels "like a family reunion" built in a war for survival. She also covers what NIVA does beyond advocacy: education, workforce development, and group purchasing. (25:20) — Inside DC's RESALE Act and Yesterday's Lawsuit Audrey breaks down the law: 10% over face for the fan plus 10% for the platform, licensing and bonds for anyone selling 50+ tickets a year, a ban on speculative tickets, and tickets defined as licenses. She also covers the Ticket Policy Forum's new lawsuit. (31:30) — Enforcement, Coalitions, and Why Start Local Matt asks what gives the law teeth. Audrey points to Attorney General Brian Schwalb's track record, then explains why "all politics is local": a coalition of the Black Cat, DC Improv, DC9, Arena Stage, and Ford's Theatre, with Councilmember Charles Allen leading the cause. (40:20) — The Chicks at $3,500, the Case Against Scalpers, and What's Next Audrey shares $14 million in resale listings for IMP's DC venues in a month, 91% above face value. Matt argues artists should set prices. Audrey sees the lawsuit as "desperation" and hopes DC becomes model legislation, pointing to Vermont and Massachusetts. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #49 - Taking On StubHub: The Fight Behind DC’s RESALE Act

  3. Oct 7

    #48 - From FOMO to Sold-Out: How Smart Marketing Actually Moves Tickets

    What does it actually take to move more tickets, and can AI give live music marketers more time to focus on the work that matters? In this episode of the Live Music Industry Podcast, Matt Ford sits down with Geoff Shames, Co-Founder of Crowd Control Digital, to talk about the realities of marketing live events today. They dig into what separates great marketers from teams simply checking boxes, how data and creativity work together to drive ticket sales, and where AI is already changing the game. They also explore how buying behavior differs across artists, genres, and markets, and why understanding when fans are likely to buy can be just as important as how you market to them. (4:40) — From Tupac’s Estate to Polymarket’s LED TrucksWorking with the Tupac Shakur Foundation, how “anything that’s cool” became their filter, and the Polymarket election trucks story that leads into prediction markets and their impact. (9:30) — Contests, FOMO, and the Repetitive Grind of Show MarketingUsing contests and “hacked” tools for fan engagement, why so much show promo is repetitive, and how automation (Hive, SOPs, workflows) frees you up to think instead of just post. (16:00) — What Actually Sells Tickets: Data, Booking, and FOMOTraits of the best venue marketers, how data and systems separate them, Matt’s “best marketing is booking the right show” idea, and Geoff’s view on how marketing creates demand through FOMO and social proof. (26:45) — Moving the Needle: From 50% Sold to a Packed RoomHow Geoff thinks about shifting a show toward sellout using timing, genre, season, competing events, paydays, tax refunds, and ICPs, plus how social and paid have changed from MySpace to now. (33:10) — Fan Cam Content, ACL Fest, and Brand vs. PerformanceWhy raw fan footage is some of the best creative you can use, how to get it, and why a festival like ACL still buys every billboard in town even though it sells out anyway. (41:00) — How Geoff Uses AI (Hermes) + Hive’s “Emails That Write Themselves”Geoff’s multi-agent AI stack with Hermes (different models for research, writing, code, etc.), and how Hive’s AI layer watches ticket data, suggests sends, and drafts emails/SMS for busy marketers. (46:45) — AI Upsides, Tour Control, and Real-World Pacing StoriesAI’s tradeoffs vs. huge time savings, Tour Control as Geoff’s tool for projecting final ticket sales and flagging weak dates early, and pacing stories from last‑minute markets and hyper‑sensitive genres like K‑pop. (56:10) — Re-shaping the Sales Curve and the Future of Marketing WorkHow to raise mid-cycle sales without fighting fan behavior, why more of your job will shift to creative, experiential ideas, and examples like custom games for single releases. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #48 - From FOMO to Sold-Out: How Smart Marketing Actually Moves Tickets

  4. Sep 9

    #47 - Shape-Shifting Stages: Inside the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    What does it take to run a venue that can literally change shape? In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Jeff Thielke, Executive Director of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, a one-of-a-kind Southern California venue with multiple configurations, a million pounds of moving infrastructure, and a history that includes everyone from Frank Sinatra to John Legend. Episode Time Stamps: (04:02) Inside Cerritos’ Shape-Shifting, Multi-Configuration VenueHistory of the building, how long it takes to reconfigure, what it costs in labor, and how that impacts booking patterns and Broadway tours. (09:47) Is the Design a Blessing or a Headache? Proms, Flexibility & EconomicsJeff weighs the operational costs against the flexibility for proms, special events, and different types of shows across the campus. (15:20) From Sinatra to Today: Legacy, Location & Audience ExperienceStories about Frank Sinatra opening the venue, other major artists, the intimate feel, and the perks of free parking and nearby amenities. (23:17) Programming Strategy: Concert-Heavy Mix, Partners & Co-ProsBreakdown of annual show volumes, music vs. Broadway, how co-promotion works, and why Cerritos shifted toward more collaboration with promoters. (32:03) Finding Prism: Fixing Calendars, Financials & a Complex BuildingHow Jeff moved from Google Calendar and spreadsheets to Prism, modeled each configuration as its own “stage,” and tightened up financial tracking. (40:11) What Insights Is & How It Changes Deal MakingMatt explains Prism Insights, and Jeff shares how real-time box office and streaming data help with ticket scaling, demand prediction, and negotiating offers. (46:01) City-Owned Venue Math: Taxpayers, Revenue Pillars & Events Like Mango FestJeff walks through Cerritos’ three main revenue streams, the economic development mission, and examples of events that drive people (and spending) into the city. (52:35) Industry Health, Data Sharing & Closing ReflectionsThey talk about artist fees, venue closures, using Insights to build sustainable deals and develop artists, and close with thoughts on Prism’s evolution and the venue–software relationship. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #47 - Shape-Shifting Stages: Inside the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

  5. Aug 25

    #46 - Building Bleecker Bell: A 200-Cap Bet on Manhattan’s Future

    In this week’s episode, Matt Ford sits down with Hap Pardo, Director of Musical Operations at Wha Entertainment to talk about Bleecker Bell, the new 200-cap venue preparing to open in Greenwich Village, and what it takes to build and sustain independent live music spaces in one of the country’s most competitive markets. Episode Timestamps: (01:18) Bleecker Bell, the Village, and NYC’s Creative Cycle Hap introduces Bleecker Bell (new 200-cap club), explains the location near Washington Square Park, and talks through the Village’s music history and how artists get pushed around the city. (08:10) Post-COVID Rethink: From House Bands to a New Club How COVID forced Cafe Wha? and Groove out of old habits, revealed demand for intimate listening rooms, and led the team to commit to a new room in downtown Manhattan instead of scaling back. (15:24) Building It Right: Economics, Community, and Design Why there are no grants, how a 2021 fire and landmark rules shaped the project, working with the community board, and the perks of designing a venue from (almost) scratch—green room, bars, kitchen, sound. (23:37) Programming the Village: House Bands, Groove, and Multi-Night Runs The evolution of Cafe Wha? and Groove’s calendars since COVID, expanding genres, how Village Presents operates the rooms, and why they like the idea of multi-night runs in 200-cap spaces. (32:11) How These Clubs Survive & The Role of Data (Prism + Insights) What keeps Cafe Wha? and Groove healthy: constant review of shows, balancing art and money, and using Prism and Insights data instead of gut alone to size offers and pick the right room. (40:00) Hap’s Story: From Jazz Guitarist to Village Talent BossHap’s path from studying jazz guitar in New Orleans to realizing full-time performance wasn’t his lane, moving to NYC, finding his role at Cafe Wha?, and keeping a personal connection to playing music. (50:03) Career High Point: Van Halen at Cafe Wha? & The Dylan Era Link The full Van Halen-at-Cafe-Wha? story, David Lee Roth’s family connection to the club, what that night felt like, and a tangent on Inside Llewyn Davis and recreating old McDougal Street. (55:52) Right Now: Opening Timeline, Sales Trends, AI & Marketing Tools Bleecker Bell’s “very soon” opening window, how ticket and bar sales look today, Hap’s honest stance on AI (and using Claude), and a quick rundown of their marketing stack (Symbol, Hive shout-out). Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #46 - Building Bleecker Bell: A 200-Cap Bet on Manhattan’s Future

  6. Aug 13

    #45 - Live Nation Monopoly Case Update and the StubHub Scandal

    There’s been a verdict in the Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust case. So what happens now? Matt Ford sits down again with artist manager and industry operator Randy Nichols to unpack what the jury’s monopoly verdict actually means, why the case is still far from over, and what a potential breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster could really look like. They also dig into another major fight unfolding in ticketing: speculative ticketing and the secondary market. Randy shares his firsthand experience testifying in California in support of legislation targeting speculative ticket sales and breaks down his concerns about StubHub, including speculative listings for major events like FIFA and the conflicts he sees within the secondary ticketing market. Episode Timestamps: (2:20) What Actually Swung the Live Nation JuryHow one explosive phrase became the emotional center of the case and shaped the jury’s perception. (11:20) “Blue Dot Fever” and the Reality of Soft ToursAre arena tours actually struggling, or is the panic around unsold seats missing the bigger picture? (17:20) Ticket Prices Are Becoming a Barrier to FandomWhy increasingly expensive nights out could threaten the industry’s ability to build the next generation of lifelong fans. (32:35) What the Live Nation Verdict Actually MeansWhat happens after a monopoly verdict, from potential remedies to years of legal challenges and appeals. (44:45) Would Breaking Up Live Nation Actually Lower Ticket Prices?Why a breakup may make for a compelling political win without necessarily making concerts cheaper. (55:30) Could Ticketmaster Be More Powerful on Its Own?The surprising argument that separating Ticketmaster from Live Nation could actually expand its reach. (1:08:00) The Fight Over Spec Ticketing and Resale Price CapsRandy shares why he testified in California and what proposed ticketing legislation could change. (1:15:20) StubHub, Spec Tickets, and the FIFA MessA look at speculative ticket listings, platform accountability, and Randy’s own test listing a nonexistent FIFA ticket. (1:27:20) Why Spec Bans Could Matter More Than a Live Nation BreakupRandy makes the case that limiting scalper arbitrage could do more for ticket prices than breaking up Live Nation. (1:33:40) Dynamic Pricing and a Potential Grand BargainIf the industry eliminates industrial scalping, should primary ticketing platforms give up dynamic pricing too? Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #45 - Live Nation Monopoly Case Update and the StubHub Scandal

  7. Jul 23

    #44 - Inside One of America's Most Innovative Performing Arts Centers

    Matt sits down with Randy Vogel of Mesa Arts Center to explore what it takes to lead one of the country's most dynamic multidisciplinary performing arts campuses. Randy shares how Mesa Arts Center became a catalyst for downtown revitalization, why performing arts centers must balance community impact with financial sustainability, and how strong relationships with promoters can open the door to better programming opportunities. He also breaks down the realities of building a Broadway series, evaluating risk, and using technology to streamline everything from offers to settlements. In this episode: How Mesa Arts Center became a catalyst for downtown revitalization What it takes to build and grow a successful Broadway program Why performing arts centers must balance mission, community impact, and financial sustainability How strong partnerships with promoters lead to better programming opportunities How venue leaders can use data to reduce booking risk and make smarter decisions Why Prism has transformed offers, settlements, and day-to-day operations at Mesa Arts Center Episode Time Stamps: (1:05) How Mesa Arts Center Was Funded Randy explains how Mesa voters approved a Quality of Life sales tax that funded the approximately $95 million Mesa Arts Center—and why that community investment has been key to its long-term success. (8:23) How the Arts Revitalized Downtown Mesa How a world-class arts center became the catalyst for downtown redevelopment and long-term community growth. (13:02) From Musician to Arts Center Executive Randy reflects on his career journey, from studying music to leading one of the nation's premier performing arts centers. (31:01) Building a Successful Broadway Program A look at how Mesa Arts Center built its Broadway series and what it takes to present national touring productions. (38:31) Balancing Mission, Community & Profitability Randy explains how he approaches programming as both a cultural mission and a sustainable business. (47:07) Why Strong Promoter Partnerships Matter Why collaboration—not competition—with promoters leads to better outcomes for venues, artists, and audiences. (57:21) How Data Helps Mesa Arts Center Make Smarter Booking Decisions Randy shares how Insights helps validate offers, assess risk, and make more confident booking decisions. (1:05:25) Why Prism Changed Mesa Arts Center's Workflow From faster offers to simplified settlements, Randy explains how Prism transformed his team's day-to-day operations. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #44 - Inside One of America's Most Innovative Performing Arts Centers

  8. Jul 6

    #43 - The AI Playbook for Booking & Marketing Shows

    After a popular fireside chat at NIVA a few weeks ago, Matt Ford and Pat Hannigan, Co-Founder & CTO of Hive, sat down to continue the conversation around one of the biggest topics shaping live events today: AI. In this episode, Matt and Pat talk about how AI is moving beyond the hype and into the day-to-day workflows that help live event teams save time, make smarter decisions, and sell more tickets. They cover everything from Hive's new AI-powered Marketing Assistants to Prism's MCP server and Insights, plus where AI fits (and doesn't) in the future of live events. In this episode, you'll learn: How Hive's AI Marketing Assistants help teams automate campaigns without losing the human touch Why "default good marketing" is becoming the new standard for venues and promoters How AI is improving booking decisions with better data—not replacing instinct How Prism's MCP server connects AI directly to your event data and workflows Why verified ticketing data is changing the way promoters evaluate shows Where AI still falls short and why humans remain essential to great live events Whether you're booking shows, building marketing campaigns, or simply trying to understand where AI is headed, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply today. Episode Time Stamps: (6:45) From AI Firehose to Hive's Marketing Assistants How Hive evolved from simple AI chat tools to marketing assistants built into real workflows. (17:30) What the Assistants Actually Do Real campaign examples, how assistants draft marketing, and why human review still matters. (24:40) Default Good Marketing Why personalized marketing wins, and how AI makes it practical for lean teams. (36:40) How Hive Uses AI Behind the Scenes Why AI is a tool—not a replacement—and how Hive balances speed with reliability. (45:20) Daily AI Workflows & Prism's MCP Using AI for everyday work, Prism's MCP server, and faster contract reviews. (56:00) Prism Insights & Smarter Booking Decisions How verified ticketing data helps promoters make better booking decisions. (1:03:05) The Future of AI in Live Events AI's limits, smarter booking tools, and why the future is human + AI. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)

    #43 - The AI Playbook for Booking & Marketing Shows
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Live Music Industry Podcast takes you inside the business of live entertainment through candid conversations with the people shaping it. Hosted by Matt Ford, Founder & CEO of Prism.fm, the show features promoters, venue operators, talent buyers, agents, artist managers, and industry leaders sharing real-world insights on booking, ticketing, operations, technology, and the evolving live music business. Learn more: prism.fm/podcast Follow @prismfm on Instagram & LinkedIn

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