Music Business Insider Podcast

⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com

The Music Industry Has Changed—Here's How to Win With A&R Executive Jacob Fain [Chainsmokers, Russ, Bailey Zimmerman]

A&R and publishing executive Jacob Fain unpacks the new rules for artist success in the modern music industry! After two decades working with both major and indie labels, executives, and breakout artists like Russ and Bailey Zimmerman, Jacob offers eye-opening insights into how the real criteria for signing and breaking through have changed. Get the inside story on the balance between data vs. gut instinct, why artist authenticity now trumps commercial hits, and the unsung power of persistence. If you're serious about building your music career—or want to understand what top A&R execs are really searching for—this episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and must-read industry recommendations! 🔥🎤 #MusicBusiness #AandR #ArtistSuccess
Here are the ways to work with us here at MUBUTV:
⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com
MUBUTV Free Music Guides:
⚡FREE A&R Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/ARFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Supervisor Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MSFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Manager Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MGRFreeGuide
Our mission here at MUBUTV is to help independent artists and music business professionals of the future to educate, empower and engage their music career.
🎙️ Music Business Insider Podcast: https://www.mubutv.com/podcast
The Music Business Insider Podcast is a deep dive for listeners like you who want to educate, empower & engage their music career. We take you inside behind the scenes through a series of in-depth conversations with today's leading experts in the Music Industry including A&R, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Marketing, Publicity, Touring, and much much more. You can find it by searching "Music Business Insider Podcast" on any podcast app or platform (ie: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.).
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
https://www.mubutv.com/jacob-fain-music-executive
⚡️What you'll learn in this episode⚡️
👉 The shifting criteria for signing artists in today's industry
👉 Why authenticity and artistic vision now matter more than chart hits
👉 The REAL role of research, data, and analytics—and what data can never tell you
👉 Stories of persistence and resilience from Russ and Bailey Zimmerman
👉 The impact of the right (or wrong) artist team on lasting career success
👉 Must-read books and documentaries for every aspiring music professional
👉 The evolving value of record labels—and how artists can break through in 2026
👉 and so much more...
SUGGESTED & RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
📒 All You Need to Know About the Music Business 11th Edition - https://amzn.to/3sdgrja
📒 The Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill Walsh – https://amzn.to/4dN0xBh
📒 Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull – https://amzn.to/3zYz1vc
📒 The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker – https://amzn.to/3VSR1Rw
📺 The Defiant Ones (HBO Doc) - https://www.hbo.com/the-defiant-ones
🎧 Get Audible Free - Your favorite titles anywhere you go. Enjoy a free trial on us!
https://amzn.to/3RB2nu4
Recommended Audio Software
⚡Castmagic - 10x Audio Content & Supercharge Your Media With AI
https://link.mubutv.com/castmagic
Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
Discover exactly what top A&R executives look for in new talent and how to build true longevity as an artist. Hosts Ritch Esra and Eric Knight break down why commercial hits aren't the only measure of artist success—and how the right mindset, authenticity, persistence, and a strong team set you apart in today's crowded music industry. Whether you're chasing your first deal or leveling up your artistry, this episode arms you with the practical strategies and inside perspectives you need to own your path. Subscribe for weekly deep dives into the realities of the music business, direct from the world's leading insiders!
Join the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast for more essential music industry insights and resources—including free artist guides on A&R, finding the right manager, and pitching for sync deals. Our mission is to educate, empower, and engage your music career journey. 🔥🎧 #MusicBusiness #musiccareer
DISCLOSURE: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
Copyright © 2026 MUBUTV™ Media. All Rights Reserved

⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com

Why Your Manager MUST Think Like a CEO or You're Gone in the Water
What does it really take to build a sustainable, standout career in today's music industry? International artist manager and Elevate Studios founder Charlotte Caleb pulls back the curtain on 12 years of music business experience. Discover how the artist/manager partnership has evolved, the crucial non-creative traits artists need, and why world-building is the secret sauce for long-term success. Charlotte delivers honest, actionable advice on branding, passive income streams, and why "music alone" isn't enough. Essential listening for music managers, aspiring artists, and every music industry insider ready to level up! 🌍🎶 #ArtistManagement #MusicCareer #MusicBusiness
 
Here are the ways to work with us here at MUBUTV:
⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com
MUBUTV Free Music Guides:
⚡FREE A&R Guide:  👉 https://link.mubutv.com/ARFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Supervisor Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MSFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Manager Guide:  👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MGRFreeGuide
Our mission here at MUBUTV is to help independent artists and music business professionals of the future to educate, empower and engage their music career.
🎙️ Music Business Insider Podcast: https://www.mubutv.com/podcast
The Music Business Insider Podcast is a deep dive for listeners like you who want to educate, empower & engage their music career. We take you inside behind the scenes through a series of in-depth conversations with today's leading experts in the Music Industry including A&R, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Marketing, Publicity, Touring, and much, much more. You can find it by searching "Music Business Insider Podcast" on any podcast app or platform [ie: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.].
 
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
LINK
 
⚡️What you'll learn in this episode⚡️
👉 Why the manager-artist partnership is the new cornerstone of success
👉 The must-have non-creative traits every artist needs to build a lasting brand
👉 How "world-building" and cult-like branding can drive true fan engagement
👉 Secrets to building passive and active revenue streams for creative freedom
👉 Real talk on financial risk, artist independence, and strategic investment
👉 Why self-education and business savvy are non-negotiable for modern musicians
👉 The perils of "leaving business to someone else" and how to avoid career setbacks
👉 How to know when you're REALLY ready for a manager
👉 Charlotte's top book and film picks for music industry inspiration
👉 and so much more...
 
SUGGESTED & RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
📒 All You Need To Know About the Music Business 11th Edition – https://amzn.to/3sdgrja
🎧 Get Audible Free – Your favorite titles anywhere you go. Enjoy a free trial on us!
https://amzn.to/3RB2nu4
 
Recommended Audio Software
⚡Castmagic – 10x Audio Content & Supercharge Your Media With AI
https://link.mubutv.com/castmagic
 
Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
 
Stop waiting for a label to define you—this episode gives you the music business advice every modern artist and manager needs to take control. Learn the behind-the-scenes realities of management, revenue, branding, and fan engagement. Charlotte reveals the mindset, business sense, and creative energy required to build not just a career, but a legacy. Whether you're releasing your first single or searching for the right manager, don't miss these music industry strategies that will help you educate, empower, and engage your own journey. Subscribe for weekly music career insights and tell us: What's the next big step you're taking to control your music career?
Join the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast, hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, for exclusive interviews, industry tips, and resources like our free guides on A&R, managers, and sync licensing. MUBUTV's mission is to inspire and empower you at every stage of your music career. 🔥🎧 #MusicBusiness #musiccareer
DISCLOSURE: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
Copyright © 2026 MUBUTV™ Media. All Rights Reserved

⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric. Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com
LIVE Agents, AI, & Why Quick Viral Fame WON'T Build Your Career | Trevor Swenson of Dynamic Talent
Want to know what it REALLY takes to make it as an artist — or as an agent — in today's music business? Dynamic Talent International founder and CEO Trevor Swenson joins us for a riveting deep dive into how the global touring landscape is changing at lightning speed. From breaking K-pop acts at legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Apollo Theater, to the "white noise" of TikTok fame, Trevor shares what separates true artistry from fleeting virality. Discover why live performance, hard work, and long-term artist development are more important than ever, how AI-generated talent is disrupting tradition, and the keys to surviving (and thriving!) as a music industry professional. Absolutely essential listening for indie artists, managers, and industry insiders! 🚀🌏 #MusicBusiness #LiveMusic #Kpop #ArtistDevelopment #AIinMusic
Here are the ways to work with us here at MUBUTV:
⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com
MUBUTV Free Music Guides:
⚡FREE A&R Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/ARFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Supervisor Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MSFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Manager Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MGRFreeGuide
Our mission here at MUBUTV is to help independent artists and music business professionals of the future to educate, empower and engage their music career.
🎙️ Music Business Insider Podcast: https://www.mubutv.com/podcast
The Music Business Insider Podcast is a deep dive for listeners like you who want to educate, empower & engage their music career. We take you inside behind the scenes through a series of in-depth conversations with today's leading experts in the Music Industry including A&R, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Marketing, Publicity, Touring, and much much more. You can find it by searching "Music Business Insider Podcast" on any podcast app or platform [ie: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.]
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
LINK
⚡️What you'll learn in this episode⚡️
👉 How agents are evolving beyond booking — from A&R to artist development
👉 Why TikTok virality rarely equals lasting career success (and what does!)
👉 The power and peril of AI-generated artists in the modern landscape
👉 Essential lessons from breaking K-pop acts in iconic U.S. venues
👉 The #1 thing holding artists (and agents) back from long-term success
👉 Critical work habits and mindsets for building career longevity
👉 How real-world live performance beats social metrics for artist growth
👉 and so much more...
SUGGESTED & RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
📒 Powerhouse: The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists Agency – https://amzn.to/4yTx8hA
📒 All You Need To Know About the Music Business 11th Edition - https://amzn.to/3sdgrja
🎧 Get Audible Free - Your favorite titles anywhere you go. Enjoy a free trial on us!
https://amzn.to/3RB2nu4
Recommended Audio Software
⚡Castmagic - 10x Audio Content & Supercharge Your Media With AI
https://link.mubutv.com/castmagic
Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
Get an insider look at how the live music industry is changing — from the rise of unsigned artists touring globally, to how true artist development is built in a world obsessed with quick, viral hits. Ritch Esra and Eric Knight break down the realities, the challenges, and the often overlooked skills new artists need to survive. Want to understand the music business, get practical music marketing advice, or just hear stories from one of the fastest growing live agencies in the business? This episode is your blueprint for career longevity. Tune in for weekly music career strategy sessions, actionable music industry tips, and inspiration for building your music journey in this new era.
Join the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast for exclusives from our podcast series, hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight. We provide essential music industry tips and resources like guides on A&R, attracting an artist manager, and pitching to music supervisors. Our mission is to educate and empower individuals in their music career journey. 🔥🎧 #MusicBusiness #musiccareer 
DISCLOSURE: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
Copyright © 2026 MUBUTV™ Media. All Rights Reserved

⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com

Funding YOUR Music Career Without Giving Up Control | Full Deep Dive 
Ever wondered how you can fund your next project without losing ownership of your music? This episode features Matthew Tilley, Head of Artist and Industry Development at beatBread, the game-changing music funding platform that lets artists access advances and stay in control. Discover how beatBread's data-driven approach, flexible funding models, and AI-driven streaming prediction are empowering DIY musicians—from bedroom producers to streaming stars—with real-world resources and actionable advice. Whether you're an independent artist, music entrepreneur, or hungry for music tech innovation, this episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss! 💰🎤 #MusicBusiness #ArtistFunding #MusicIndustryTech
Here are the ways to work with us here at MUBUTV:
⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com
MUBUTV Free Music Guides:
⚡FREE A&R Guide:  👉 https://link.mubutv.com/ARFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Supervisor Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MSFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Manager Guide:  👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MGRFreeGuide
Our mission here at MUBUTV is to help independent artists and music business professionals of the future to educate, empower and engage their music career.
🎙️ Music Business Insider Podcast: https://www.mubutv.com/podcast
The Music Business Insider Podcast is a deep dive for listeners like you who want to educate, empower & engage their music career. We take you inside behind the scenes through a series of in-depth conversations with today's leading experts in the Music Industry including A&R, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Marketing, Publicity, Touring, and much much more. You can find it by searching "Music Business Insider Podcast" on any podcast app or platform [ie: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.].
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
https://www.mubutv.com/matthew-tilley-beatbread
 
⚡️What you'll learn in this episode⚡️
👉 Why major record labels often operate more like banks than true partners
👉 How beatBread arms artists with funding while letting them keep full ownership
👉 The breakthrough moment that inspired a music funding revolution
👉 The power and precision behind beatBread's AI-powered streaming revenue forecasting
👉 What habits set apart artists who thrive with advances (plus real-world stories!)
👉 How to plan, budget, and scale your career as an indie musician
👉 Recommended tools and resources for modern DIY artists
👉 and so much more...
SUGGESTED & RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
📒 All You Need To Know About the Music Business 11th Edition – https://amzn.to/3sdgrja
🎧 Get Audible Free - Your favorite titles anywhere you go. Enjoy a free trial on us!
https://amzn.to/3RB2nu4
Recommended Audio Software
⚡Castmagic - 10x Audio Content & Supercharge Your Media With AI
https://link.mubutv.com/castmagic
Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
Join the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast for firsthand music industry lessons from hosts Ritch Esra and Eric Knight. Learn how to get funding without giving up your rights, unlock the potential of AI-driven music finance, and discover essential tips for building a sustainable music career in the modern music industry. Whether you need practical funding solutions, actionable career strategy, or the inspiration to take the next step, this episode uncovers what today's ambitious artists and music entrepreneurs need to know. Subscribe for weekly music business insights, and comment below with your biggest question on how to finance your next artistic leap.
Catch clips and full episodes of the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast, the trusted resource for independent musicians, emerging artists, and music business pros. Explore our free guides on A&R, music management, supervisor pitching, and more. The future of music funding is here—don't get left behind. 🔥🎧 #MusicBusiness #MusicFunding #ArtistEmpowerment
DISCLOSURE: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
Copyright © 2026 MUBUTV™ Media. All Rights Reserved

⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com

Inside the Process That Gets Artists Noticed on Bandcamp

How Bandcamp is Changing Artist Discovery Forever—Editorial Director J. Edward Keyes Pulls Back the Curtain!
What happens when editorial integrity meets true artist-first thinking? Bandcamp Daily's J. Edward Keyes gives us the ultimate insider's look at how real music discovery, direct fan support, and global underground scenes are shaping the future of independent music. From digital crate digging, to genre-defying scene reports, to the realities of sustainability in a streaming-diluted world—this episode is an inspiring masterclass for artists, writers, and anyone serious about the music business. Get actionable advice on pitching, learn how Bandcamp empowers artists, and uncover what makes its passionate community unique in a world dominated by algorithms and gatekeepers. 🎶🌎 #Bandcamp #MusicDiscovery #IndieMusic
Here are the ways to work with us here at MUBUTV:
⚡️Insiders! Secure Your Spot! Get expert music career coaching with Ritch & Eric.
Book your 15-min discovery call now: Grab a spot! 👉 https://book.mubutv.com
MUBUTV Free Music Guides:
⚡FREE A&R Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/ARFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Supervisor Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MSFreeGuide
⚡FREE Music Manager Guide: 👉 https://link.mubutv.com/MGRFreeGuide
Our mission here at MUBUTV is to help independent artists and music business professionals of the future to educate, empower and engage their music career.
🎙️ Music Business Insider Podcast: https://www.mubutv.com/podcast
The Music Business Insider Podcast is a deep dive for listeners like you who want to educate, empower & engage their music career. We take you inside behind the scenes through a series of in-depth conversations with today's leading experts in the Music Industry including A&R, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Marketing, Publicity, Touring, and much much more. You can find it by searching "Music Business Insider Podcast" on any podcast app or platform [ie: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.].
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
https://www.mubutv.com/j-edward-keyes-bandcamp
 
⚡️What you'll learn in this episode⚡️
👉 How Bandcamp Daily's editorial process maintains integrity while curating hundreds of pitches weekly
👉 The secrets behind digital crate-digging, scene reports, and global genre exploration
👉 Why direct fan-to-artist support matters more than ever in the streaming age
👉 The inner workings of Bandcamp's artist subscription model and tips for making it work for you
👉 Editorial gaps Bandcamp Daily is eager to fill—and how artists/writers can break through
👉 The unique community spirit that makes Bandcamp different from transactional streaming platforms
👉 Inspiring advice for both emerging artists and future music journalists
👉 and so much more...
 
SUGGESTED & RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
📒 Lipstick Traces – https://amzn.to/4wb8sPJ
📒 This Is Reggae Music – https://amzn.to/3TIit8F
📒 Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists – https://amzn.to/4pu43oJ
📒 All You Need To Know About the Music Business 11th Edition – https://amzn.to/3sdgrja
🎧 Get Audible Free – Your favorite titles anywhere you go. Enjoy a free trial on us! https://amzn.to/3RB2nu4
 
Recommended Audio Software
⚡Castmagic - 10x Audio Content & Supercharge Your Media With AI
https://link.mubutv.com/castmagic
 
Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
 
Find out what makes Bandcamp's approach to curation and fan community game-changing for artists, journalists, and listeners worldwide. Hosts Ritch Esra and Eric Knight bring you real-world strategies, practical advice for music release and discovery, and exclusive stories direct from the world of Bandcamp. Learn why editorial passion will always outlast the algorithm, how to balance geographic and genre coverage, and why true human connection is irreplaceable in today's music industry. Whether you're looking to get featured, build a following, or grow as a professional in the business, this episode is your inside track. Subscribe weekly for more music industry tips, and drop your biggest indie artist challenge in the comments below!
 
Join the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast for essential music industry wisdom and career-boosting insights, hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight. We deliver actionable resources and deep conversations with change-makers shaping the new music business. Unlock your music industry future with us! 🔥🎧 #MusicBusiness #Bandcamp #MusicCareer
DISCLOSURE: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
Copyright © 2026 MUBUTV™ Media. All Rights Reserved