Music Rookie-logo

Music Rookie

Education Podcasts

Interviews with top music industry professionals who share expert/insider knowledge and actionable advice. Regardless of your role, career length, or level of expertise — you'll find value in these conversations. We'll educate you on licensing, publicity, digital distribution, playlisting, podcasts, touring, radio promotion, label deals, social media management, advertising, marketing, booking, live streaming, live sessions, legal advice, and whatever else we can think of — and we'll introduce you to experts in these fields. We’ll give it to you straight and to the point with no filler. Hosted by Rachel Hurley & Frank Keith IV, co-owners of the music publicity / consulting firm Sweetheart Pub. You can learn more about us and subscribe to our newsletter at https://sweetheartpub.com/

Play Button

Location:

United States

Description:

Interviews with top music industry professionals who share expert/insider knowledge and actionable advice. Regardless of your role, career length, or level of expertise — you'll find value in these conversations. We'll educate you on licensing, publicity, digital distribution, playlisting, podcasts, touring, radio promotion, label deals, social media management, advertising, marketing, booking, live streaming, live sessions, legal advice, and whatever else we can think of — and we'll introduce you to experts in these fields. We’ll give it to you straight and to the point with no filler. Hosted by Rachel Hurley & Frank Keith IV, co-owners of the music publicity / consulting firm Sweetheart Pub. You can learn more about us and subscribe to our newsletter at https://sweetheartpub.com/

Language:

English

Contact:

4047133147

Episodes

EP 22: David Macias of Thirty Tigers

2/16/2022
This week we're talking with David Macias, President and Founder of Nashville-based Thirty Tigers. We'll discuss the origins of the label, how their business model has changed over the years, how they approach A&R as well as artist development, and discuss independent release plans (label or not) ... and David will spill the tea on the current uproar over the streaming economy. Skip to ~22 minutes if you're only here for the Spotify/streaming talk. To read more of David's thoughts on...

Duration:00:42:11

EP 21: Daniel Kohn of SPIN Magazine

2/2/2022
This week on Music Rookie is an interview with Daniel Kohn who is the editor at Spin Magazine. In this conversation from 2021, you’ll hear us talk about Daniel’s journey as a music journalist, what he looks for in a story, and his vision for Spin, now that it is under new ownership.

Duration:00:23:19

EP 20: Justin Black of Saw Black, Crystal Pistol Records, Warhen Records

9/15/2021
A conversation with Justin Black, a Richmond, VA-based independent musician who runs his own label, Crystal Pistol Records, and also works regularly with another Virginia-based label, WarHen Records. Justin’s primary vessel for musical output is under the moniker Saw Black, which I recommend you check out wherever you consume music. Our conversation is based around the premise of independent labels — and answering common questions like...should you start your own label? Should you cut a...

Duration:00:25:18

EP 19: J. Edward Keyes of BandCamp

9/9/2021
A conversation with J. Edward Keyes who is the Editorial Director for Bandcamp. We discuss the benefits of using Bandcamp as a direct to consumer platform for musicians. With their editorial arm, BandCamp, Daily, and their plethora of artists tools, the independent platform gives their users unique ways to connect with fans and allows them to actually make money form their art. We highlight allof the special features that users sometimes overlook.

Duration:00:27:37

EP 18: Joe Swank, Radio Promotor for Bloodshot Records

7/28/2021
A conversation with Joe Swank, a freelance radio promoter who previously worked in the radio space at Yep Roc Records and Bloodshot Records. Joe was also a touring musician in the '90s, hosts his own radio show, and co-founded the Alt-country Specialty Radio Chart — so he's got a LOT of wisdom to share not only on the radio side, but on building a music industry career in general. As we've heard on other episodes; be ready to stay in it for the long haul, don't bank on overnight success,...

Duration:00:33:15

EP 17: Joe Lynch of Billboard

5/26/2021
A conversation with Joseph Lynch to get the inside scoop from him about Billboard's pivot during the pandemic to covering more industry news, music technology, and the types of stories he's looking for when covering smaller artists. We also talk about misconceptions about the industry, the myth of the overnight success, and why musicians should just suck it up and get on TikTok.

Duration:00:34:32

EP 16: Emma Swift

5/19/2021
This week we're talking with Emma Swift, a Nashville-by-way-of-Australia singer-songwriter who garnered some serious attention last year with her release of Blonde On The Tracks. We were excited to talk to Emma as a follow-up to our recent newsletter piece highlighting an atypical release strategy -- one that does NOT involve releasing songs to streaming platforms on the official release date. Emma breaks down her impetus for doing a "physical or download-only" release, how the plan was...

Duration:00:20:22

EP 15: Brett Callwood of LA Weekly

5/13/2021
A conversation with the music editor for LA Weekly. Brett Callwood has worked for a slew of alt-weeklies, including Denver’s Westword, Detroit’s The Metro Times, SF Weekly and you’ll soon see his byline in the relaunch of the Village Voice. Brett walks us through his process for determining coverage each week at LA Weekly, plus he gives us his insights on the Los Angeles music scene, if genres even matter anymore, and his thoughts on the future of music journalism in general.

Duration:00:30:11

EP 14: Alyssa DeHayes, Publicist at Riot Act Media, Founder of Arrowhawk Records, and more

5/5/2021
A conversation with Alyssa DeHayes, who is a publicist and media relations specialist for record labels, festivals and independent artists at Riot Act Media. She loves demystifying PR and marketing strategies in one-on-one consulting sessions for artists and labels who aren’t quite ready for a full publicity campaign. She spends her lunch hour twice a week teaching music publicity and promotion at The University of Georgia’s Music Business Program, and volunteers for Girls Rock...

Duration:00:28:53

EP 13: Lauren Kasper of The Orchard

4/28/2021
A conversation with Lauren Casper who is the director of label management at The Orchard in Nashville. If you aren't familiar with The Orchard, it is the leading music distribution company for independent labels operating in over 40 markets worldwide. On today’s show we’ll talk how to authentically connect with your fans, how important metadata is, and why having a plan for how you are going to release your music can help you get those coveted playlists and other marketing opportunities.

Duration:00:35:45

EP 12: Justin Osborne of SUSTO

4/21/2021
A conversation with Justin Osborne, who is the lead singer and principal songwriter of Charleston, SC band SUSTO. Justin is going to discuss what worked -- and what DIDN’T work -- as the band progressed from “total DIY” regional success all the way to present day touring Europe regularly and a legitimate record deal with Rounder Records. SUSTO Official Website

Duration:00:29:47

EP 11: Jimi Palacios of Gimme Country

4/14/2021
A conversation with Jimi Palacios from Gimme Country, a digital radio channel that's grown extensively over the last few years. And as it turns out, they don't only play country music. Jimi is a multi-year Ameripolitan Award nominee for DJ of the Year. We spoke to Jimmy about Gimme Country, his process in selecting music for his daily radio show and we also chatted about what makes a good on air interview. Plus a lot more.

Duration:00:26:32

EP 10: David Barbe, producer/musician/Director of Music Business Program at UGA

4/7/2021
This week on the podcast I’m talking with David Barbe, Director of the Music Business program at the University of Georgia. David's career in the music business spans over 40 years, ranging from time as a touring bassist in Bob Mould's band Sugar, running a studio in Athens, GA (where he's worked with Drive-by Truckers, Deerhunter, and more), and ultimately landing in his current role as a professor. He knows the ins and outs of the music business as well as anyone, and, well, it’s...

Duration:00:39:24

EP 9: Brandon Kinder, of The Rocketboys and The Wealthy West

3/31/2021
A conversation with Brandon Kinder, a musician who’s been putting out records for over a decade with his band The Rocketboys and his solo project The Wealthy West. His music has been compared to the likes of Bon Iver and Band of Horses, and written about in Rolling Stone, Paste, and American Songwriter, and many more. He’s landed placements in dozens of commercials, films, and television shows. Since we’ve spoken to a sync agent and a music supervisor, we thought we would round out the...

Duration:00:39:33

EP 8: Reed Watson, Partner at Single Lock Records

3/24/2021
This week I’m talking with Reed Watson, a founding partner at Single Lock Records. Launched in 2013 in Muscle Shoals, AL (and recently expanding with an office in New Orleans, LA) Single Lock has released a litany of successful projects from the likes of Lera Lynn, Nicole Atkins, Erin Rae, Penny & Sparrow, Cedric Burnside, and many more. Reed walks us through what a label release plan looks like, answers that ever-pressing question of “how do I get signed?”, and offers his advice to artists...

Duration:00:20:12

EP 7: Dan Koplowitz, Sync Agent and Owner of Friendly Fire Licensing

3/17/2021
A conversation with Dan Koplowitz who owns music sync firm Friendly Fire Licensing. He is a former label owner that now does sync licensing exclusively. Whether it is for commercials, blockbuster movies, arthouse films, or an array of online content — music supervisors reach out to him to find the perfect music for their projects. In our talk, we discuss why this is a fantastic time to be looking for syncs as there are more opportunities than ever before with all of the content being made....

Duration:00:48:53

EP 6: Phil Egenthal, Partner & Booking Agent, MINT Talent Group

3/10/2021
a conversation with Phil Egenthal, a booking agent at MINT Talent Group, which is a brand new boutique agency formed in 2020. Mint currently represents a broad swath of artists across all genres, and their roster features multiple grammy winners and rock and roll hall of fame inductees. You can check out their full roster here. Phil has also previously worked as an agent at both Paradigm and Madison House. During our talk, Phil breaks down how the role of booking agent has evolved over the...

Duration:00:17:39

EP 5: Music Supervisor Joe Rudge

3/3/2021
A conversation with Music Supervisor Joe Rudge who is known for his edgy projects such as Room, Blue Valentine, The Big Sick, Eighth Grade, and Midsommar. But he works on bigger projects too, most recently working with Netflix and Ron Howard on Hillbiily Elegy. We talk about where he finds music, the best way to connect with a music supervisor, and why this is such a great time to get sync licenses.

Duration:00:22:29

EP 4: John Seay, Entertainment Lawyer

2/24/2021
A conversation with Entertainment Lawyer John Seay, who recently became a founding partner at the new Atlanta-based legal firm Carter + Woodard (so new, they don't have a website!). John previously owned and operated his own practice, the Seay Firm, where he’s represented acts across a wide span of genres and with labels the likes of Atlantic Records, Interscope Records, Secretly Canadian, Merge, and many more. As we’ll touch on in our conversation - there are a TON of different questions...

Duration:00:13:14

EP 3: Dallas Jackson, EIC of American Songwriter

2/17/2021
A conversation with Dallas Jackson who is the Editor-in-Chief of quintessential music magazine American Songwriter. The magazine was purchased in 2019 and has gone through quite a few editorial changes over the last year. In our conversation, we discuss some of those changes, the magazine’s new podcast network, how analytics have moved front and center, and Dallas gives us the lowdown on what he is looking for in a pitch, which we were surprised by...!

Duration:00:25:00

See More