Music Biz Podcast

Industry expert Amber Horsburgh offers tips on content strategy, fan engagement, and understanding the stages of growth an artist must undergo on their way to success. Also, check out our interview with Amber in the Upward Spiral Interview Series!

Solveig Whittle joins us again to take a look at iTunes' current status in the market, evaluate its competitors, and peer into the future of Apple's devices.

Part 1 of this episode looks at how iTunes has impacted music consumers, artists, and the overall industry over the past 10 years. In Part 2, we'll discuss iTunes' current challenges and what the future might hold for the #1 music retail platform.

Bloggers and music fanatics David Greenwald of Rawkblog and Nicole Cifani of Moheak Radio talk about the past, present and future of music blogs. We discuss the role of technology in curation and ask if social media makes music blogs obsolete. Plus news on Twitter, Songza, Universal, and recommendations for apps, drinks, and secluded islands off the Pacific coast!

Frank Woodworth of live-music ticketing app Thrillcall joins us to talk about music discovery. We tackle the topic from all angles -- streaming services, blogs, radio, and also the discovery of live music events. Plus a review of the week's news and recommendations for clothes, apps, and tunes.

We drill down into the stats from EMI's consumer interview panel at SXSW and ask what it means for the music industry. Do we live in a bubble? Will casual listeners ever move past radio and physical media? Listen as we tackle these big questions and the data that supports them.

Meet us at SXSW for a chance to hear your voice on an upcoming show! This episode, we're joined by Rob MacArthur of ioumusic.com. We discuss how the tenets of entrepreneurialism and the "lean startup" apply to bands, and we evaluate whether the Direct-To-Fan business model has reached its full potential. Plus news on industry revenues, Amanda Palmer's TED talk, and recommendations for beer, apps, and more!

Music writer Rich Pulvino and special guest-host Alicia Yaffe chat with us about streaming royalty payouts and discuss some notable examples of "special fan experiences". Plus, news on WMG, Billboard charts, and Billy Corgan's adventures in local TV advertising!

Writer, pundit, and college radio GM Emily White joins us to discuss how lyrics are ripe for a richer multimedia experience, and whether streaming services need more music curation (as Jimmy Iovine implies). Plus, recommendations for music, gear, events, and Vietnamese food!

Software engineer and musician Chase Farmer joins the conversation to discuss how music festivals are "ripe for hacking" in ways that can utilize technology to make for a better festival experience. Also, the gang chats about Beats' new music streaming service Daisy and the possible implications it may have on the streaming market and the overall music landscape. All this plus news on iHeartRadio, CNET, and more!

Music/tech consultant (+ former Billboard editor) Cortney Harding joins Jason & Kyle. We discuss the future of streaming live music events, and delve into the pitfalls of music industry events & how they can be improved. Plus recommendations, news, and a special end-of-year shout out to all our amazing listeners. Thanks for a great year of Spiraling Up! We look forward to more enlightening conversations in 2013.

We dive into the news of Metallica's new label Blackened Recordings, and the fact that all their masters reverted back to the band from WMG. What does it mean for the future of the band - and the future of major labels, for that matter? We hash it out in this short, free-wheeling discussion.

Jason Feinberg, VP of Digital Strategy at Epitaph/Anti- Records, joins the conversation. As a veteran of the digital music space and an insightful teacher/speaker/writer, Jason has a lot to say about the state of the "artist hub". Hear his big-picture ideas and practical, useful advice. Plus, get recommendations for books, music, and portable speakers, and find out what kind of beer Kyle DOESN'T recommend.

Joey Flores, founder of streaming service Earbits, joins us for a lively discussion about internet radio royalties and what it takes to be a start-up founder. Plus, Hisham reviews his time on the CNTRL:Beyond EDM tour.

Jack Conte of Pomplamoose lets loose in a passionate, brutally honest interview. He offers blunt insights into his band's success (and its shortcomings), and discusses the value of experimentation and the pitfalls of fan feedback. Plus, we cover the news on Taylor Swift and DJZ, the new EDM website by the founder of Turntable.fm.