Business Side of Music

Uploading your song to Spotify is not the same as registering it, and that gap is costing artists real money. Every stream actually generates three separate royalties, but most artists only ever collect one. In this episode, Sarah sits down with George Macias, founder of Lumoza and a music industry veteran from EMI Music Publishing and Universal Music Group, to break down what a royalty actually is, why your song has two halves (composition and sound recording) that both need separate registration, and what happens to royalty money that never gets claimed. What you'll learn: The three royalty streams one stream can generate, and why distributors only cover one What "registering" a song actually means How long you have to claim unclaimed royalty money before it's gone for good The exact checklist: a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC), the MLC, and SoundExchange How Lumoza automates the whole process Lumoza is a music rights platform that automatically registers your songs with the right organizations so you get paid everything you're owed. Register your first song for free at lumoza.io/bsom 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

Why do artists get busier than ever and still go broke? Because most musicians treat the paycheck as profit and forget the costs that consume it. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Gary Arbuthnot and Craig Meyer, co-founders of GigLogic, a pricing and negotiation tool built for touring artists. Craig is a lifelong performer with Broadway, film, and Disney voice credits, and creator of the touring show Rocket Man: The Elton John Experience. Gary is a classical flutist turned booking agent who spent 20+ years headlining on cruise lines before moving to the agency side of the business. They break down the one cost almost every artist forgets (it's taxes, and it can catch you owing thousands), how merchandise sales trigger tax filings in every state you sell in, and how to choose between a flat guarantee, a straight door split, or a back-end deal depending on where you are in your career. They also get into what real negotiating leverage looks like for a new artist, why 100 true fans beat 10,000 passive followers, and the red flags in an offer sheet that mean it's time to walk away. What you'll learn: Why artists can be busier than ever and still be losing money on every gig The most common cost musicians forget to factor into an offer How merchandise sales create tax obligations most artists don't see coming How to evaluate a flat guarantee, a door split, and a back-end deal What real negotiating leverage looks like for a new or independent artist Why organic, local fans matter more than a big but passive following The red flags in a contract that signal a gig isn't worth taking "Most artists think that the paycheck is the profit." — Gary Arbuthnot "The sustained artist is the free artist." — Craig A. Meyer Learn more about GigLogic at giglogic.com 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

Most artists sign with a manager and have no idea what they're actually agreeing to. In this episode, Sarah sits down with James Hodgin, an artist manager since 1995 who has worked with Thousand Foot Krutch, Chris August, Zane Williams, Kylie Rae Harris, and has managed Michael Martin Murphy since 2018 — taking his Spotify audience from 75,000 to 850,000 monthly listeners. James breaks down what actually makes an artist-manager relationship work, why he compares it to a marriage, and why trust — not talent alone — is what determines whether that relationship survives. He also introduces the "grief to income ratio," the unspoken math every manager runs on whether an artist is worth the headache, and explains why he doesn't use contracts with his artists at all. Sarah and James also get into what it actually takes to break a new artist in 2026, why viral moments don't always translate to ticket sales, and why relationships — not metrics — are still the thing that moves a career forward. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the artist-manager relationship is the closest thing to a marriage in the music industry The "grief to income ratio" and how it determines whether a manager stays or walks away Why James doesn't use contracts and what he does instead How to know when trust has broken down beyond repair What it actually takes to break a new artist in 2026 without a label Why viral views don't always translate to a paying audience How artists can build the kind of relationships that actually move their career forward The one piece of advice James gives every artist and manager starting out If you're an independent artist, aspiring manager, or anyone trying to understand what a real artist-manager relationship should look like, this episode pulls back the curtain on a side of the business almost no one talks about honestly. 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

Jorge Brea has spent 20 years watching songs succeed and fail at scale. As founder and CEO of Symphonic, he's distributed over two million songs, and in this episode he gets refreshingly honest about what actually separates the records that break through from the ones that disappear. Sarah and Jorge dig into the three things breakthrough songs have in common, why release day is the start of your campaign and not the finish line, and the uncomfortable truth about the six-week lead time (spoiler: even the distributors don't love it). Jorge also explains why he tells independent artists to skip the album, how to know when it's time to stop pushing a single and move on, why collaborations are one of the most underrated algorithm plays available, and what major labels buying up distributors really means for independent artists. Plus: the release planning tools Symphonic is building, a new feature that will show artists their skip rates and saves on Spotify, and the one piece of advice Jorge gives every artist about control, contracts, and staying in it for the long haul. Whether you're releasing your first single or your fiftieth, this one will reset your expectations in the best way. Connect with Jorge and Symphonic: symphonic.com 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: @bsompodcastwww.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com© 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

Music videos are no longer just promotional tools. In today's music industry, they are one of the most powerful ways to drive discovery, build fandom, and create new revenue streams. In this episode of The Business Side of Music, Sarah Fleshner sits down with Jordan Glickson, Vice President of Music and Talent at VEVO, to discuss how artists can use visual content to grow their careers in 2026 and beyond. Jordan shares how VEVO approaches artist development, why music videos remain at the center of successful release strategies, and how independent artists can compete without massive budgets. From short form content and YouTube algorithms to connected TV and fan engagement, this conversation is packed with practical advice artists can apply immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why music videos are still essential for artist growth • How visual content turns casual listeners into loyal fans • The ideal content rollout strategy for a new release • How often artists should be releasing video content • Ways to create high impact visuals without spending a fortune • What VEVO looks for when spotlighting emerging artists • How to maximize discovery across YouTube, Shorts, TikTok, and connected TV • The biggest mistake artists make with visual marketing Whether you're an independent artist, manager, marketer, or music entrepreneur, this episode will help you build a smarter visual strategy that drives long term career growth. 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

What does it really take to build power in the music industry? In this episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with renowned entertainment attorney, activist, author, and artist advocate Dina LaPolt for a candid conversation about the evolving music business and what artists need to know to protect their careers. From her unconventional journey as a musician-turned-lawyer to helping shape landmark legislation like the Music Modernization Act, Dina shares the experiences that made her one of the most influential voices in entertainment law. Together, Sarah and Dina discuss artist ownership, negotiating leverage, catalog sales, streaming royalties, the rise of artificial intelligence, and why business education is one of the most valuable investments any artist can make. Whether you're an independent artist, manager, songwriter, or music industry professional, this episode offers practical insights on building a sustainable career and maintaining control of your creative future. You'll also hear Dina's perspective on why artists should focus on creating great art before chasing deals, how to recognize when it's time to partner with a label, and what the next generation of creators needs to know about protecting their rights in an AI-driven world. If you're serious about understanding the business behind the music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Street Smart - Dina LaPlolt: https://linktr.ee/streetsmartlapolt Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/DSB7inGE08A Topics Included: Music industry attorney Dina LaPolt, artist rights, music business education, AI in the music industry, artificial intelligence and copyright law, artist ownership, music publishing, songwriter royalties, streaming royalties, Music Modernization Act (MMA), Music Licensing Collective (MLC), mechanical royalties, music copyright law, intellectual property rights, No Fakes Act, AI voice cloning, artist advocacy, independent artist success, record label deals, music industry contracts, entertainment law, music business strategy, catalog sales, music catalog acquisitions, artist leverage, negotiating record deals, music industry trends, creator rights, songwriter compensation, independent music careers, artist development, music management, women in the music industry, building a sustainable music career, protecting your music rights, music industry leadership, future of the music business, digital streaming, music licensing, entrepreneurship for artists, music industry news and insights.

In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association, for an in-depth conversation about the growing controversy surrounding concert industry monopolization, ticketing fees, artist touring control, and the future of independent music venues. From rising ticket prices and restrictive tour routing to venue consolidation and the challenges facing independent artists, this episode breaks down how today’s live music ecosystem impacts musicians, managers, promoters, venues, and fans alike. Stephen explains the ongoing antitrust lawsuit making headlines across the music industry, why independent venues are struggling to survive, and what changes could reshape the future of concert touring. Sarah and Stephen also discuss: How major concert companies control touring, ticketing, and venue access Why independent venues are critical for developing artists The impact of radius clauses and tour restrictions on musicians The future of concert ticket prices and resale markets How independent artists can build touring careers outside the major systems Why artist advocacy and industry transparency matter more than ever If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, venue owner, promoter, music industry professional, or live music fan, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the business of touring and the fight for the future of independent music. 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with artist manager and branding expert Leigh Holt to break down what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry. From artist management and tour chaos to leadership, team building, and execution over perfection, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for independent artists, managers, and music entrepreneurs. Leigh shares hard-earned lessons from working with major artists, navigating live events, and surviving industry challenges like COVID—covering topics like how to grow a loyal team, why your word is your currency, and how indie artists can succeed without waiting on a record label. If you’re building a career in music, scaling your brand, or trying to stand out in the independent music scene, this episode delivers actionable strategies on leadership, communication, and long-term success in the music business. 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

What does it really take to build a long-term career in the music industry? In this special anniversary solo episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner reflects on one year behind the mic and dives into the realities of staying in the music business—beyond the highlights, viral moments, and sold-out shows. From artist development to tour life, this episode breaks down the three critical pillars of longevity : What most people get wrong about success in the music industry The silent career killers (and how to avoid them) What actually keeps artists, managers, and teams in the game long-term Sarah shares real-world insight on: Why it’s always about the fans (not the artist) How execution beats ideas every time The importance of communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence Why your team can make or break your career And how mental health, boundaries, and balance are essential for longevity Whether you’re an artist, manager, songwriter, or industry professional, this episode is your reminder that success isn’t just about getting in—it’s about staying in . If you’re in the middle of the grind, this one’s for you. 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: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com© 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

What does it really take to build a sustainable music career? In this episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast , Sarah Fleshner talks with Dillon Carmichael about navigating Nashville, overcoming early setbacks, and turning talent into a long-term career. Dillon shares insider lessons on artist development, building the right team, touring strategies, songwriting, and growing fans organically. If you’re an aspiring musician, songwriter, or industry professional, this episode gives practical insights into the business side of music you won’t find anywhere else. https://dilloncarmichael.com/

Most independent artists focus on making music and plan to figure out the business side later—but that approach can lead to missed income and unnecessary headaches. In this solo episode of The Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner shares key steps independent artists can take to properly set up the foundation of their music business. Drawing from over a decade of experience in the music industry, Sarah walks through practical things artists should consider early in their careers—from setting up a business structure and separating finances to registering songs and building a direct-to-fan audience. This episode is based on industry experience and perspective, not legal or financial advice, but it offers a clear look at what many successful independent artists do to build sustainable careers. Because while great music gets attention, great business keeps the career alive. Resources: https://www.copyright.gov/registration/performing-arts/ https://www.362entertainment.com/ 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: @bsompodcastThe Touring Playbook for Independent ArtistsVisit www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com© 362 Entertainment 2026. All rights reserved.

What separates a good live performance from a show that builds lifelong fans? In this episode of Business Side of Music , host Sarah Fleshner sits down with live music producer Amy Wolter of Tom Jackson Productions to break down the psychology behind unforgettable concerts. From stage presence and authority to setlist strategy and audience connection, this conversation unpacks how artists can design intentional “moments” that increase ticket sales, boost merch revenue, and turn casual listeners into loyal fans. You’ll learn: • Why the first 30 seconds on stage matter more than you think • How to structure a setlist that takes audiences on a journey • The small changes (like eye contact) that dramatically improve engagement • Why live performance drives 90–95% of artist income • How confidence, preparation, and stage authority impact your brand If you're an independent artist, band, or music industry professional looking to grow through touring and live shows, this episode gives you practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Because in today’s music industry, streams introduce you — but your live show builds the business. Resources: https://onstagesuccess.com/ https://onstagesuccess.com/merch-table/ 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 2026. All rights reserved.

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.

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: @tbsompodcast Instagram: @bsompodcast TikTok: @bsompodcast Visit www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2025. All rights reserved.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.